Flight of the Flir Cat -- Freewing F-14 Tomcat Twin 80mm EDF First Flights

If you saw on my Facebook page ( thercgeek), I recently finished the paint and markings on my Freewing F-14 Tomcat twin 80mm EDF refinish project and decided I'd get a few flights on it before starting the panel line and weathering process. After getting her dialed in, I was quickly reminded at just how fun this airplane is. I'm using Freewing A-10 fans in it and the performance boost is quite nice, especially in the vertical! I'm thinking I'll probably get a few more flights in and then finish out the rest of the work. That'll give me a little time to catch up on the tutorial series on the project. Hard to beat the looks of a Tomcat and I love this bird in her new refinish colors! :) #Awesome #F14Tomcat #TheRCGeek
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Tomcat Refinish Series
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Ep 2 ► • Refinish A Foam Jet Ep...
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[@enzok6414]

What a sweet landing! Looks like Chris prefers to land from the right side.

[@Thercgeek]

I prefer to land into the prevailing wind 😁. Left or right, works for me. 😉

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Amazing - you have gotta have the best looking F-14 - Great work!!!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man!

[@aerospacematt9147]

As usual, the “Danger Zone Free Zone!” Great Flight, looks REALLY nice!

[@Thercgeek]

Yes, gotta fly them jets responsibly! 🤣

[@adrionbaker3074]

Best there is right here. I've learned tons from watching your vids! Chris you seem to be very down to earth and friendly keep the vids rolling!

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you so much!

[@verdw6587]

Great flying Chris, and super looking Tomcat. Sounds great too 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! It sounds especially authentic in the approach. Has that characteristic tomcat wine. It’s pretty cool.

[@mr.morgan5643]

Great flying Brother!!! Beautiful F-14 Tomcat.., how cool would it have been to fly a real one and take a cat shot!!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! 😁

[@brendendas]

What a flight! I scratch built a 64mm one too and love flying it like a bat out of hell haha cheers!

[@Thercgeek]

Nice!!

[@Cpt_Cobra_Rc]

My favorite jet, nice paint and 😂 for the end of the video

[@Thercgeek]

Haha, thanks!

[@rodgerhecht3623]

Well i was lucky enough to be there to see the craftsmanship in person. It doesn't even look like a foam plane . Chris you got it dialed in perfect now. Cant wait to see it finished.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks Rodger! It was a really fun time in spite of the winds. 😊

[@NICHOLASRGLORIOSO]

Chris is a Very Cool Dude, and an Awesome pilot as well! I have had fun hanging out with the crew at the flying field , And have seen his Craftsmanship first hand as well! He Truly Is THE RC GEEK! Ps- I’m still waiting on a Sandwich Drop Release plane!! Lmao

[@jamesjackdon8826]

For 700 I hope it's not foam

[@PhilBender612]

This looks real. I love the F-14 Tomcat has been my favorite jet since I was a kid, I don't think I'm ready to fly one though. What a beautiful job on this on.

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@itzjoeylo4501]

The Music from Top Gun is in my head while watching you fly that gorgeous aircraft. That’s one of your custom paint jobs. I bought a Freewing BAe Hawk primed version that I’m going to give it a go at my own custom paint job. Love your content

[@jonoedwards4195]

FLRCG! So sick, I would imagine the elevator in full sweep setting would be for Level 3 Freaks? Next level stuff, beauty RCG.

[@greghoff7303]

Awesome model and flight! I've been looking forward to this one on your channel. I’m going to attempt a re-finish on my next F-14 like this.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! Lots of content coming on this once editing is done. I look forward to seeing what you do with your tomcat! 😊

[@JustwingitRC]

AWESOME!!! It was soooo great to be there and see this flight in person! Great job brother...all the best from your friend in the Mojave Desert!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks my friend, looking forward to the next get together! 😊

[@JustwingitRC]

@@Thercgeek For sure brother 🤠👍😎!

[@theborg269x]

To me this is the top dog of all EDF jets I bet it's very hard to fly and set up and build. But what a rewarding experience and a rush it must be to fly it imagine fpv or a flight camera would be epic

[@Thercgeek]

The F-14 is the dream of many! Turns out to be a really good flying model too. 😊

[@field.of.dimensions_music1]

That is a beautiful paint job you got there! Is it only me or did that Tomcat really look like it was happy to be flying with the new paint on that take off!!! Awesome vid Chris! F-14 is one of America’s most precious gem, along with the A-7, no doubt. First time commenting but I’ve been subscribed for a long while. Looking forward to more cool planes. Stay safe and healthy.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks so much and for commenting! 😊

[@field.of.dimensions_music1]

Very welcome!

[@marclaren6193]

LOOKS SOOO BEAUTIFUL IN THE SKY 😊😍🤩

[@rolersonpaule7419]

You the man Chris! My F14 had that severe L roll trim also, so I adjusted my L aileron/flap just like you said and now it’s trued up! Thank you thank you thank you! Your 14 is bad@$$ by the way!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man! Crazy how little it takes to influence the trim change from the wing. Helping bias with rudder a bit helps too. I’m still carrying a touch of left roll trim, but not nothing like that first flight.

[@MustangsCanTurnToo]

I’ve seen other RC F-14s that are actually faster with the wings in the unswept position. The builder cited something dubious about the COG shifting backward as the cause for lower top speeds in the go-fast mode. A GPS speed run in both modes would be interesting 😁

[@Thercgeek]

I can tell you that there’s not much speed difference between the two and for the speeds the model is flying, the swept configuration actually creates more drag than the wings extended configuration. It’s not related to the cg, but rather that the high sweep and reduced wing area is beneficial for transonic and supersonic speeds. For a model like this at the 120mph speeds it’s flying, it doesn’t provide an aerodynamic improvement and in fact, the wings extended config is more aerodynamically efficient. It just looks insanely cool. 😁

[@DrCho-en9cd]

Great job & great flying~! Greeting from South Korea.

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you very much!

[@ransranger]

WOW!! What a difference, that's spectacular!!!! My F14 already set up with your settings, just waiting for lockdown to end in UK😷 Brilliant video Chris!!!!!!!!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@edowadokaizen]

Where can I see the settings? I notice you only use taileron?

[@ransranger]

@@edowadokaizen Good morning, from England, Pickering. My settings are full span flap, no aileron, just taileron, Check out RC Geek's video's for the set up, BOOM!!!! 10x easy to fly but most of all land, Anything else just ask, I don't mind, I just got over the death stage from COVID..... double BOOM!!!!

[@davidsnyder238]

Not that i need to say it but this was excellent in every way. So glad your getting this project locked down. I used the 12 blade inrunners from the A-6 in mine and found it gave a significant increase as you did with the 9s from the A10. Looking forward to your finished series my friend. Ive got some pilots that are demanding they get painting for their Tomcat 😉

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man! I’m working on the series vids, hopefully can get the first one posted soon. So much work, haha!

[@noneewqwe]

this fan has an infinitely better sound than the stock units ... well done!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@MayMay-fe2ki]

You are expert to control the F14 perfectly.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! 😊

[@chuckelleehin1270]

Looking good Chris from wheels up to landing!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks Chuck!

[@scottmurray2239]

Question, with the wings swept back does the plane feel more difficult to control?

[@Thercgeek]

When the model is setup well, it’s good in both configurations. It’s important to reduce roll control with the wings swept as otherwise it becomes extremely roll sensitive.

[@damienwilliams820]

Wow!

[@anthonyjayakody3356]

Hi Chris, I hope you are well. I wanted to know if you could point me in the right direction for those more scale like wheels? The tyres look nice and soft unlike the real plastic hybrid rubber wheels that most edfs come with. Thanks in advance-Ant

[@Thercgeek]

They are robart 2.75” tires. They work great

[@BelgianDneprGuy2003]

a-m-a-z-i-n-g flight man, I see now that you can come in fast, and land very slow with it.. something I like, and am used to from the twin 70mm Su-35 by Freewing

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks so much!

[@dradden1556]

Very cool 👍

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@radioflitercairplanes1715]

Listen to that ! Wheeew !

[@PatBALEX]

Good job Chris.. She looks great.. You even set her up the way I would have.. But I'd have to do something about those main gear hanging out like that.. It takes away the look..

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! Agree, the gear are the only bummer, but I didn’t want to go through the effort to reconfigure all that. I’m hoping the glove pylon will ultimately hide most of that. We will see once it’s all done.

[@RWJetfan]

I was thinking the same thing. Its still a great looking jet.

[@jetjacko]

Looks great, sounds great... stunning plane

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! 😊

[@iriquiosgunship]

Awesome

[@davidgilbert8051]

Thanks for the trim info. Gotta get the AB setup.

[@MWall711]

Just fantastic!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks!

[@Freedom1776usa]

Do the wings sweep on own (part of on board mixing) or did you mix it in radio or are they on manually analog switch that you dial in?

[@Thercgeek]

The wing sweep is tied to a switch so that I have direct control and can sweep them whenever desired.

[@need4speedrc]

Great work as always. 👍

[@Thercgeek]

Thank you!

[@Mrtcoltpilot56]

Very nice Chris. Looks great.

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks man!

[@firemyster4707]

How does it move? I can’t see a propellor anywhere. Does it have a jet turbine?

[@Thercgeek]

This model is powered by two electric ducted fans.

[@kleinbottled79]

Buttery.

[@roachcoachhelis6387]

Is there any videos available on checking the center of gravity on this

[@Thercgeek]

I’ve done a few videos on this one if you check out some of my playlists. The cg in the manual is pretty good and I find the simplest way to check the cg is just by lifting it up at the location with your fingertips. You want wings out gear down and you can check it upright or inverted, it doesn’t matter.

[@roachcoachhelis6387]

@@Thercgeek well I have been looking through your playlist and you have a lot to go through don't have that kind of time it would be nice if you would send me a link to the video you're referring to thank you

[@Thercgeek]

If I recall correctly, it's in my flight review video which is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5bQd4yvhtZpgbs

[@NICHOLASRGLORIOSO]

That’s Sweet Brother!!!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks dude!

[@olefjacob1998]

I have a couple questions for you. Where did you mount your receiver and which one did you use? I lost my f14 last year due to some sort of radio interference so I am curious if your installation works better than mine did.

[@Thercgeek]

I installed the receiver in the forward area of where the ESCs are housed and then installed two satellite receivers in the over wing hatch area with the antennas oriented 90deg to each other between the two. Receiver is a spektrum AR10000

[@olefjacob1998]

@@Thercgeek I placed mine under the hatch area with a single sat antenna in the forward battery bay. I used the 10 channel admiral receiver. I think it may have been either the metal in the wing box or the batteries that interfered with the signal. It just rolled into the ground. I'm glad yours is working and it looks great already. Cheers!

[@victorrcjets7660]

Sounded good Chris, what EDF units did you end up using? I hope we can hook up soon to do some tomcat formation flights this year!

[@Thercgeek]

I’m using the freewing a-10 fans. It’s a great setup in the airplane. Sounds really authentic in the approach.

[@victorrcjets7660]

@@Thercgeek sorry I missed that in your description. They have a nice whistle!

[@stevemartin9498]

Yeah those fans sound absolutely spectacular man… amazing! Makes me want to get me one!

[@adamrupsis3390]

thats my dream plane right there, if only I made more than 8.75 working like 15 hours a week lol

[@adamrupsis3390]

And college didn't cost freaking my entire life savings times three

[@erinphillips7164]

I ordered this aircraft but want to do the gear area upgrade for more durability. Is there a video that you did to complete said process? Thanks

[@Thercgeek]

I cover that in my first tutorial vid, but that’s probably a month away before posting (still editing). I simply embedded carbon tubes above and behind the main gear mounts. There are pics on my Facebook page here: facebook.com/860366194001501/posts/3729059920465433/

[@paulrkytek6587]

If I could get a paint finish like that I would stop at that point and forget about the weathering, but I guess its personal preference

[@JackRobertsUK]

Somebody needs to make a Vark!!

[@Thercgeek]

Agreed!

[@mahesapemuda6750]

👍

[@jcb6713]

very nice ! ...

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! 😁

[@anthonyjayakody3356]

Hi Chris, hope you’re well and Happy New year. I’ve got a DX8 but want the set up you have. Would you opt for an NX10 or Graupner mz24 for all the mixing? Does your spektrum file have your latest mix with the flaps cutting off when wings folded back and ailerons as spoilers etc? Any help would be really appreciated. Your F14 looks bad ass! Thanks-Ant

[@Thercgeek]

Happy new year! Personally, I’d go the nx10 route as I’m not sure how supported the graupner is these days. That said, I did have an mz24 and it was a nice radio. Regarding the file in my site, it has all the features you’re looking for.

[@anthonyjayakody3356]

@@Thercgeek thanks for the Advice Chris. I’ll go with the NX10 as I know Spektrum support is decent. Cheers-Ant

[@bobvincent5311]

Hi Chris, so it has the 9 blade 1900kv inrunner set up?

[@Thercgeek]

It’s the 9blade outrunner setup that was in the A-10. Not sure if that comes with inrunners now?

[@bobvincent5311]

@@Thercgeek ah ok, so the same set up that the Avanti used to come with. Wish I could get a couple of those for mine!

[@thunderchild2237]

Hi Once its made up out the box can you rebox it for transport

[@Thercgeek]

The model requires gluing the nose section in place, so unfortunately that means it won’t fit back in the box after assembled.

[@thunderchild2237]

@Thercgeek Can you suggest best way to transport it

[@amasat71]

👍👍👍

[@burlingtonfilms]

On a skill level how hard was it to fly this jet? Like 10 being the hardest and 1 being the easiest.

[@Thercgeek]

Well, I would say with the wings out, it’s about a 4 or 5 and with the wings swept about a 6 or 7. It’s quite important to set the rates properly for each wing position.

[@burlingtonfilms]

@@Thercgeek Thanks for your reply and the tip about the rates. I'm pretty good with the Habu and currently practicing more with the 70mm Viper. I love how this jet looks and sounds, plus I can use my 6S 4000mah smart packs in it. I'm wondering if this is a good next jet after the viper or maybe still too difficult? Have a great day!

[@Thercgeek]

Well, the tomcat is a pretty complicated jet that flies a notably heavier than the viper. So, to protect the investment of the tomcat, it might be worth considering an intermediate jet before jumping in on the cat truthfully.

[@burlingtonfilms]

@@Thercgeek Thanks again for your reply. What intermediate jets would you recommend?

[@Thercgeek]

The freewing T33 is a good choice I think. Flies well on the wing and has excellent performance.

[@rolandtheheadlessthompsong4346]

Hey Chris…are you running nerf whistles in that bad boy….? Sounds great

[@Thercgeek]

Nope, no nerf whistles there. Just the stock 9blade outrunner systems from the A-10. 😊

[@rolandtheheadlessthompsong4346]

@@Thercgeek 😁😁

[@Freedom1776usa]

Also, are you flying a gyro?

[@Thercgeek]

In this video, I don’t have a gyro in the airplane. I did change out the receiver with an AS3X receiver for the final finished airframe.

[@Thercgeek]

This is video of the fully finished airframe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3u9eHyCepWNosU

[@MiltonicPlague]

Do you happen to have an a10 80mm also?

[@Thercgeek]

I don’t. I just received the fms 70mm A-10 though, so pretty excited to get that one together.

[@MiltonicPlague]

@The RC Geek I would love to see a picture of those two side by side if you have time. I'm trying to decide if I want the 70mm or 80mm a10 to fly with my brothers tomcat

[@Thercgeek]

Well, I only have the 70mm and I don’t have the tomcat anymore. I sold it when we moved. 😕

[@MiltonicPlague]

@@Thercgeek ahh bummer. That's all good tho. Thank you anyways

[@brentheilman8910]

Man i love that grey where did you get that grey paint? that is one sweet looking tomcat!

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! The paint is tamiya as-28 medium Gray which is about the perfect match to the proper fs36320 color of the full scale. The dark gray accents are tamiya as-3.

[@brentheilman8910]

@@Thercgeek Awesome thank you! I will be getting that grey for several of my planes. 😁👍

[@automagni]

Chris any chance this thing can takeoff and land on grass?

[@Thercgeek]

I do think with the upgraded power systems, grass would work fine. I also put some 2.75” diameter robart tires on mine which are a little more scale diameter which would help with the grass as well.

[@automagni]

@@Thercgeek So you think the stock F-14 won't cut it? Who am I kidding, I have a grass runway that isn't the golf course kind. I sometimes have issue taking off with my FMS F-18 and Freewing F-35 when there is no wind. I'm so jealous of you all that have real runways!

[@Thercgeek]

I know folks who did so with the stock outrunner setup, but they reported it was much easier to get off of grass with upgraded systems. I’d also recommend reinforcing the main gear mounts too as they can get soft over time, especially if flying from a bumpy surface.

[@TMB5BER]

@@Thercgeek Hi Chris , I’m a little late to the conversation,, what power system upgrades are out there ? , I have the V2 version?

[@Thercgeek]

What’s the v2 version? I wasn’t aware there was a v2? In terms of power system upgrades, the newer 36mm inrunner setup is pretty awesome. I went with the a10 outrunner fans on this one, but I’d recommend the inrunners personally.

[@chrismitchell5260]

Could you do a video on mixing for full flaps on spektrum

[@Thercgeek]

I will talk through that in the series. I do also have a dx file available for download on my website at thercgeek.com/downloads

[@chrismitchell5260]

@@Thercgeek I have the ailerons disabled when in sweep configuration.. I figured that mixing out.... but to still keep the tailerons and mixing the full flaps has me stumped.... plus I'm using a extra channel for jp brakes on a 9 channel rx so I'm thinking I'm out of channels to use?

[@Thercgeek]

Yeah, you need 9 channels for the full span flaps setup. So, add in the brakes and you need 10cha ns. I’m guessing you have the ailerons yharnessed in. They need to be on separate channels to get the combined aileron and flap movement from them.

[@chrismitchell5260]

@@Thercgeek ok... thank you . I downloaded the file... now I need to upload it and figure out wire placement... I'm sure it's simple...lol

[@Dimi1700]

Great job Chris! Which batteries do you use?

[@Thercgeek]

Thanks! I’m using roaring top 35c 6s 6250s. They’re my go to packs for the 80mm+ sized edfs.

[@Dimi1700]

@@Thercgeek Thanks Chris!

[@DeeneOgden]

I worked on this actual Jet in VF-103

[@Thercgeek]

Whoa, that’s awesome! You wouldn’t happen to have any pics of it would you?

[@DeeneOgden]

@@Thercgeek yes I do have one.

[@Thercgeek]

@@DeeneOgden would you be willing to send a scan of the pic via email? I'm always looking for resources and documentation for projects. you can shoot me an email through my contact form thercgeek.com/contact and when I reply back, you'll be able to attach files. IF you're willing. :)

[@Erelio]

Let’s fly one over the Russians in Ukraine

[@JamesWhite-yj7sd]

find me a real pilot that wants a plane with weathering . It's just silly

[@Thercgeek]

Haha, indeed! But, they don’t stay factory fresh for long, plus I enjoy the process of turning a model into a hardened war fighter. 😁