I broke my FMS PA 18-1300 mm Bush Cub! It's great, but there's a rudder/tail wheel servo weakness!

[@jrunsvold7150]

His voice is the best, I could listen to this guy talk for hours on end about literally anything lol

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. Right on. Your are very kind. Thanks so much!

[@fishdog0999]

Thank you for your service. Just getting started with an aero scout 2.1

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks. Have fun with it.

[@NightFlyyer]

This FMS Super Cub 1300 is great and a lot of fun to fly, but after only 3 flights, it is now broke from something so simple! I am not sponsored by anybody, don't promote my videos on Social media, and buy everything I review, so hate wasting money! So now, before I can fly it again, I have to take the tail and fuselage apart and fix it and what a pain that was, as you will see. That's a bummer, but when working, it is fun and a nice flier. So although the air frame may be indestructible, this could easily happen to anybody and why I am pointing it out. That way, you will know what to do if this happens to you. Hopefully FMS will address this, because this can happen on warm days as well as cold. Stay well and Happy New Year.

[@Bikes_N_Adventure]

Interesting take sir, @tailheavyproductions reviewed one and beat on it like it owed them money, perhaps your model was a dud?

[@NightFlyyer]

@@Bikes_N_Adventure Yes, Zack made a comment below, and I saw his video on this. Tail servos are weak, and are known to break gears when connected to landing gear, either nose wheel or tail wheel. The plane is fine, but cold makes things brittle as well. All it needs is a Metal Gear Servo at the factory to make this really a strong plane, 'cause this 1 weak servo is the weak link.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@Bikes_N_Adventure Zack told me they finally broke theirs as well.

[@wayner-model5880]

Thank you very much for this video. My wife just gave me one of these for Christmas and I’m learning all I can about it. Thank you very much.

[@NightFlyyer]

Your welcome. You will love it. Thanks and happy flying.

[@dylanforney780]

Thanks for an honest review, tough to find. Everyone wants to please the manufactures so they get free stuff.

[@NightFlyyer]

I don't get any NEW free stuff, and don't try. I appreciate your comments. Thanks so kindly.

[@jonowillmer]

Great flying, you have some amazing skills! Thanks for the heads up on this issue.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly. I appreciate you.

[@davidcarroll2035]

My friend I’ve just subscribed to your channel purely on the introduction to this video. I’m 10 years younger than you, disabled but just getting into this hobby to enjoy with my grandson x God Bless you and your family xx

[@NightFlyyer]

Hi David and thanks so much for stopping by. I will be making more vids on this plane, and hope you get to see them. I know you will enjoy this hobby and this is one of the best planes to learn on, other than a simulator like my favorite, Aerofly on Steam. Again, enjoy and be well.

[@rcnovice1066]

Just bought one of these so will look out for this issue. Thanks for the video, very helpful.

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. Enjoy and thanks much!

[@TailHeavyProductions]

Nice review, Dave! Glad you enjoyed her despite the servo giving out on you. So far, we've had some nasty landings with bad side loading with ours and haven't stripped our servo. This includes on a 15-degree day flying it off of ice. We did have a rudder servo fail from some bad side loading on our FMS Beaver V2, and FMS is definitely aware of the almost identical issue. Hopefully soon they'll add some dampening between the tailwheel and the rudder itself on their models, so the servo doesn't have to take all that abuse. Happy New Year!

[@NightFlyyer]

Hi Zack. I have seen your landings, and they have been tough all right! I have the 2000 mm FMS Beaver as well, and had no trouble with the tail wheel on it, but they are bigger servos and the tail wheel is more vertical, so less side stress. I have dampening springs on my Pitts and Aeromaster, and they work well. FMS could easily fix this with a metal gear servo versus redesigning it all over in my opinion, and that would be cheap for them to do. I do like the plane though, and it is ready to fly, but when you see my next video, you will see even worse weather, that I cant even get out of my driveway! Thanks much for the comments, Happy New Year, and fly safe.

[@jmiskinis]

I was surprised at how fragile some newer bicycle parts became in the cold weather, compared to a Peugot Crazy Horse 18-speed mountain bike that I purchased used in the 1980s. During a ride at -6F the brake and gear cable housings were cracking, and there were no such problems with the older bikes. - I was also surprised that the Cinetank company offered 3 different grommet sets, for different temperatures. I put that build on hold in 2015, as some of you may know. Maybe next winter I will built it. Actually I now have 2 frames, one with the longer carbon fiber prop arms. :) _John_

[@RameyOwen]

Thank you for your service, Sir! 🇺🇸

[@michal.abramowicz]

❤ daamn! I need one 1300mm!

[@budparriott8054]

Oorah Der Dave. General Yeager loved to fly his Cub. He overflew his hometown airport when he was 62-years-old. Yeager flew a Piper Cheyenne 400 LS from California to New York with World War II triple ace C.E. “Bud” Anderson in five hours and 23 minutes. Keep up the good work, because you're not dead yet..! Semper Fi, Bud

[@NightFlyyer]

Close but still kicking. Thanks much Bud for the History lesson. Semper Fi.

[@BuggysTowJam]

Happy New Year Mr and Mrs Herbert!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly and Happy New year to you as well.

[@shankill178]

Happy new year Dave. Hope it’s a great one for you and your family.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly, Sam. Happy New Year to you as well.

[@TheScottsawesomeart]

Glad to see you and your wife are still around been to long!

[@NightFlyyer]

Ah, I haven't seen your name in a long time. Yep 75, and still kicking. Thanks so much and Happy New Year.

[@robertstannard.]

Hi Dave Many thanks for making this video and sharing your experience's. we are all learning in this world but with people like you learning is so much easier.

[@aubreyalford2029]

Thanks Mr.Dave for sharing your videos and thoughts and your repairs. As always throughly enjoyed it.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly. I appreciate you. Happy New Year.

[@SuperMagnum2011]

Thank you. 🇬🇧 Ps a spot of treadmill oil on the tail wheel shaft.(silenced) 👍 Excellent video. Subscribed.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks much. I just flew this again recently, you may have seen in my Graveyard video. Happy flying. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2S5mGd-q8-jn6c

[@petercomber196]

Great bit of flying and it was interesting and informative re the broken tail wheel servo, thanks.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly, Peter.

[@dmartinnj]

Nice video as always Dave... Keep up the good work...

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly, David. Happy New year.

[@Coops777]

Such a great video thankyou. So glad you were finally able to repair it. I have a friend who bought one. While it's beautifully built and looks amazing, it's a little heavy when compared with a balsa equivalent. The wings are solid foam core as is the tail section. It is great for windy days due to its weight, but on calm days, I look for a lot more float than it can give. It needs to fly reasonably fast. I found that if you want a smooth landing, you have to fly it on with some power to avoid a sudden stall drop and subsequent bouncing. In comparison with flying a full scale, it is more of a handful.

[@robertcovell2787]

I have never owned an electric foamy, all of my planes are balsa/glow.. But I really want one of these FMS Cubs. If I end up getting one I'll put it on floats. Thanks for the heads up.

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on, Robert. You will love the plane for sure. I was hoping those big air filled tires would act as floats. LOL. I have already a 2 meter FMS Beaver with floats, so that is my go to on snow, land, and the lake. I have many videos of that one. It is quite reliable, but never broke any servos. Of course they are bigger. Happy flying and Happy new year.

[@tbiowa9977]

Nice looking plane Dave. Once again, fix it and make it better then new. I know it has those big tires but it would look great on snow skis??? Maybe a different motor or prop and you could hover it??? Thanks again for the video and your time.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks. Yes they make floats for it, and that would work, like on my 2 meter FMS Beaver, but I guess I liked the look of the big wheels. I already have $1000 in this, so am not really interested in changing motor, just to hover something that isn't supposed to hover anyway. It flies just fine and I will look forward to flying again when it is warmer. Thanks much, Tom.

[@fuzzy_bear]

Great video. I hope I'm still able to see my planes by the time I reach your level of experience.

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. You will. Thanks so kindly.

[@BillKisel]

Hi Dave. Semper Fi! (USMC 1962-1966; VMFA-542 April-December 1965 Da Nang, Vietnam) My record cold weather flight was at -11 F. I'll step out for a quick flight if there is no or very little wind. Not a big deal, out and back in maybe 8-10 minutes.

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. I was in Nam in 69-70. I appreciate your service (which meant something to us then, but means nothing to these people today who have no idea). Thanks much and Semper Fi.

[@BillKisel]

@@NightFlyyer And of course you for your service... I have a younger brother, by 3 years, that was in country around the same time as you. My brother Rich, also a Marine, was an Armorer and did just shy of two tours. Unlike me he was a combat Marine flying many missions as a side door gunner in addition to his armorer duties for the squadron. Both tours were with squadrons flying off Marble Mountain.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@BillKisel Right on, All in the family! Thanks to all. Flew a couple of times in CH 46 out of Marble. Here is a link to my Boot Camp and Marine tour video, that may spur good memories to you. Semper Fi! kzbin.info/www/bejne/opStqJ6IeseMd5Y

[@GerrituitDenHaag]

What a nice review, thank you!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly. I love flying this plane, and will have a new video on it coming soon.

[@rcfanaticdublin]

Hello and Happy New year to you and your's from Dublin,Ireland, Sorry but it been a long while since I watched any of your Content...it look's Extreamly cold where you live...would not last a Month there Myself...I am not a fixed wing flier myself so I cannot comment on whether it's good or Bad. The one thing I can say is that you make fling so Effortless and Smooth what ever way you fly and it's alway's enjoyable to watch. Keep up the Good work and Stay safe.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly, Roy. It is cold, and snow, but makes the spring always look better. I truly appreciate you and your comments. Happy New Year.

[@reginalp1997]

Happy New Year to you and your Family great repair looks like a lot of work just for one servo, but that's what the Hobby is all about GOD Bless take

[@NightFlyyer]

It sure was. Thanks much Reginal. God bless and Happy New Year to you as well.

[@stevesweb]

Thanks for the Video Dave. Been wanting to get a good, some what durable plane to fly. I'll have to take a look at FMS. I have purchased from them before.

[@NightFlyyer]

This is really a strong plane and good flyer, despite the servo. I am sure you will like it as well. Thanks much and Happy New Year.

[@keveshannaidoo5670]

Yip the RC saylors also had an elevator servo fail on the maiden flight . definitely a quality control issue

[@NightFlyyer]

Well, in that case I am glad this was the rudder servo and not the Elevator. Thanks.

[@WORRO]

Excellent video Excellent fix too! You are truly a wealth of knowledge Dave. Thank you for sharing. Thumbs up video!~John

[@NightFlyyer]

Your very kind. Thanks so much and Happy New year, John.

[@john7fire]

Do you think a thread and use a shop vac to suck it through the existing hole would have worked? Use the thread to pull the wire through.

[@NightFlyyer]

The hole is not straight, and has an angle, plus the second wire for the other servo. That's why I couldnt get it. Good thought, but wont work. Thanks.

[@MAThumb]

My rudder servo died too but i did accidentally hit throttle kill instead of flaps and the dead stick toasted the servo. Actually a great little plane if you fly scale and with power and elevator to flaps mix. Very chill slow flights with flaps. Suggest landing flaps with power dont chop and drop. That undercarriage is mega engineered love it.

[@jgme627]

Happy New Year Dave and Ilea, I enjoyed your first video of this year👍😁 I haven't flown my planes yet this year due to the rain in southern California these days. I believe and hope we are gonna have a great flying year again. Thanks

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes, I lived in Southern California for over 50 years, and it never rained much, and I think you guys are gonna get more today. But for sure, when it is time to fly, weather will be great. Take care and thanks so much.

[@bookerol]

Hi Dave, Great flying... really enjoyed it! Made me cringe a few times, bringing back memories of my close calls flying control-line. Hoping to do some R/C flying, when it warms up a little. Thanks, Oscar

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. I will also look forward to some warm weather flying. Thanks so kindly. I appreciate you.

[@jacksampson7711]

Thank you for the insight. I really enjoyed the video. The plane is on my radar. Maybe some day. What is that white stuff? You are crazy flying in those conditions....

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks much. I've been flying this plane a lot this year and it is such a good flyer. Thanks again.

[@jacksampson7711]

I got the bigger 1700 mm version. Can't wait to fly it. Wish the big one had the squishy tires.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@jacksampson7711 Right on. Good luck with it.

[@davidlewis620]

Hey Dave, I always enjoy your fix and repair videos because I have learned a lot since watching them! Please continue when you can! Thank you , Happy New Year and Semper Fi !!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. Thanks so kindly. I appreciate you. Semper Fi and Happy New year to you as well.

[@juliandevr1]

Same thing happend to me with the rudder servo. Used a ziptie to pull the new servo wire through

[@NightFlyyer]

Glad that worked for you. Thanks.

[@jonowillmer]

Do you know if the reflex gyro can be switched off? When you are talking about a gyro do you mean full stability mode or the more subtle corrections for wind that the AS3X does with Spektrum receivers? Thanks.

[@NightFlyyer]

I have it removed. I do not like anything it does, as I learned to fly without gyros. I don't like fighting them. I can handle any wind, and this thing is weird to me. Dont like the As3x either. All of this gyro control leaves most wondering if the gyro is making them look good or if it's their own skills. I say learn how to fly without crutches (just get a qualified pilot for the first flights). Good luck and happy flying.

[@jonowillmer]

@@NightFlyyer I am new to this, but I'm flying planes with and without gyros at this stage. I guess I'll find out what this fms one is like soon. It seems that at least with the fms flight controller you have the option to switch the gyro off via a switch. I don't think as3x can be set up that way, I believe it's on or off, but must be set at binding? Thanks for the feedback b

[@xfilesseasonteneponeandsix8346]

What was the white tape you used near the end of the video? Thanks God Bless

[@NightFlyyer]

It is white Duct tape. Thanks and God bless you back. Thanks.

[@CD480]

mine did a nose dive on the maiden flight take off and totaled itself, maybe 4-6 feet up. broke both wing mounts, bent one side of the landing gear, broke the carbon fiber rod, and bent the motor shaft. Upon watching the video, you can hear the motor cut out causing a stall then kicks back on driving it into the ground.

[@NightFlyyer]

Well, that is a bummer. This has reverse. Maybe something haywire in the speed control reversed it for a second then back on.

[@CD480]

@@NightFlyyer Hard telling, but it was about the same price to buy a PnP kit as it was to buy the parts i needed. think I'll get a better receiver before trying again.

[@travis-geis]

I like to put v-bends in the wire push rods to reduce the stress when the control surfaces deflect like that! A metal gear servo should also be a big improvement.

[@NightFlyyer]

No room for a z bend on this one, and I used to use that on throttle servos, but this servo wire is only a couple inches long. I replaced the servo with metal and have not had anymore problem. Thanks.

[@davidshearer567]

There's indestructible and there's Marine-proof -- I get them confused regularly also. Semper Fi Sir!

[@NightFlyyer]

LOL. Thanks and Semper Fi to you as well.

[@SoCal780]

So….are ya ready for Spring??😂 I was last October! I’ve never seen a plane with reverse before, that is so cool! Great fix and great flying as always. You make it look so easy. Semper Fi sir and Happy New Year to both of you.

[@NightFlyyer]

I sure am waiting for spring. Yes, well, you know, with all the switches I have to find to fly helis inverted, throttle cuts, and rates, and this switch is on my landing gear switch, I was intimidated to throw it in the air, as you have to basically take your hand off the throttle stick to reach it and what if you right away then need forward power? So fumbling around trying to find that switch again is intimidating especially with gloves on. Fair weather pilots will say, of it's easy. I will play with it more, when I get out from under the snow. LOL. Thanks kindly Scott and stay Semper Fi as well.

[@3DMOFO2020]

Great job on the flights Dave also especially a awesome job on Ilea's camera work too. That's bad about the servo failing like that thankfully it wasn't the alierons or the elevator servos that failed.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so much. Yeah, surface controls don't get banged around much as nose wheels or tail wheels, so plastic gears are okay for them, but for sure the tail needs a meta gear servo. Thanks so kindly for commenting about Ilea. She tolerates me as well. Happy New Year.

[@3DMOFO2020]

@@NightFlyyer Anytime Dave 😁

[@old-rcplane-phart]

On another note, I use a loooong servo extension. Cut the ends off & wire/solder the wires together. Add 2 m3 nuts (weight) on 1 wire end. The nuts will go thru any holes the servo extension does. Poof! OR, I'll use 3' of solder n pull the leads thru. If the solder doesn't work, the wire & nuts DO!😁👍

[@NightFlyyer]

Not on this one. The servo wire is 30 inches long. The slot is in a plastic servo mounting box and it is rectangular, just big enough to get the stock plug thru. There was no way to see the hole, or I would have tried other ways. I easily had my extension in, but when I plugged it in to the servo, that plug was too big for the rectangular hole in the box. I didn't think I had to solder the wires, because I used and extension and it unplugged when I tried to get it thru the tiny slot, and you cannot not see anyway. But as I showed, I soldered the wires and got it done. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@pdel7007]

I have the FMS Typhoon flying off grass and the rudder servo has become faulty after a few flights. It doesn't move all the way , just clicks. I think it will be easy to change but ....

[@NightFlyyer]

Clicking means a stripped gear. Good luck with the change.

[@BossRCflight]

Had the same thing happen on the 1700 on my third trip out, since I swapped it out for a different one been perfect also got rid of the gyro was more of a faff with it

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. Otherwise good. I never use the dang gyro either. They fight what I learned the hard way. LOL Thanks.

[@lawipac]

May I know what was the receiver you use for your TX?

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes. It's a Spektrum AR620.

[@carlhausler9666]

Hey Devil Dog, great video. I just purchased this platform. As a beginner, i have high hopes. Best. SemperFi

[@Viper81BB]

Great Video. FMS PA-18 is great. Wingspan 1,7 meter, great landing gear - good for STOL landings in small spaces. I didn't knew about issues with tail servo gears. But in this type of connections this is often. I'm still having multiplex FunCub 1,4 meter with some mods. Also great plane. But stock landing gear is poor. Also tail wheel mount need modifications. FunCub wings doesn't have struts. Best regards. Happy New Year!

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes that one is a bit smaller than my FMS 2 meter Beaver, but I have to take the wings off to put in the car. I dislike trying to put wings on, etc when it is cold. I just like to plug the battery in and fly before I get too cold. LOL. No struts, well, they must have a good spar then. Thanks so much and Happy new year.

[@Viper81BB]

@@NightFlyyer I'm well knew this theme. Cold is my enemy :) There were a times when here in Poland temperatures falling down to -30 Celsius. But now are much warmer winters. -15 to -20 sometimes. Now about +6 to +8 but 1 January +17!!! This is not normal. Used to I was flying in winter. Now I really don't like it and waiting for spring :)

[@noahpaez4266]

Mine came with a stripped tail servo and then stripped a second lmao. On my third tail servo now and I’m sure to be careful with side loading landings

[@NightFlyyer]

Darn! Well I broke mine easily as you saw as well, but the Metal gear Servo did the trick. Good luck.

[@jmiskinis]

Wow, that's a large model Dave. Thanks for another video. I do not know when I will be "first flying" my U.S. Navy airplane, and it is a very, very small EDF-powered model, still in the box, but admired a few times. It appears to be very fragile, styro-foam construction, with clear adhesive tape hold on the removal handling gear. I use the Phoenix simulator off and on, on a very infrequent basis these days, and yesterday I was checking out the F15 user-created model, within the 3D "highlands with lakes" infinity flying site. I am far from being an expert, and I refuse to try the "real" model for several reasons, not just the fact that I need more training. As you are aware, that tpe of RC model requires quite a bit of space, and I feel best when it is out of range from causing any damage or injury. It is so great that you are out there flying and posting videos of your enjoyable experiences, even when crashing, or otherwise having less than an ideal flight. :) _John_

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so much, and just try to go fly that first time with someone that flies already, like a local club. Everybody will happily help you. Happy New year.

[@tboystoys5682]

Hey that was a maiden flight did FMS replace the servo for you.

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. Of course not! It is considered Crash damage. I replaced it with a metal gear servo. It should be metal gear in the first place. Thanks.

[@tboystoys5682]

@@NightFlyyer there terrible for taking any responsibility that’s why I think Horizon is the best to deal with I never had issues with anything with them. My EC-1500 had a bad wire going back to the rudder in the fuselage they sent me the whole fuselage with the wires installed. 👍👍👍👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@looneytunes47]

How i repair a bad servo instead of butchering the plane and having to route the wire thru the fuse again i just snip the existing bad servo wire right at the base of the bad servo and then just splice in the 3 small wire,s to the new replacement servo using shrink wrap after i solder all the wire then just glue the new servo back in the pocket....This Saves me a ton of time and headache trying to route a whole new wire in place.

[@NightFlyyer]

If I could have pulled the wire out at the servo end, I would have done that, but It would not budge. Not only is the servo screwed in, it has glue back there too and the wire would not come out where I could reach it. Then putting a splice right at the servo, would not allow the wire to go back in on this plane. The way they have the elevator AND rudder wires in the tail of this is really dicey. Of course I would have done that first, but I had no choice. Thanks.

[@Friskee62]

I just 'subbed'. Looks like this plane will be my first at the age of 77...

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly. This is really a fun plane for sure. I'm also 77 and will be flying this again, this weekend, actually. I love this one, especially the reverse. LOL Check this video out too of me drifting it on ice! Thanks so kindly and happy flying. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5ite3uigJhogNU

[@phononut]

That's a nice looking plane and it seems to fly very well. For the price though they should have put a metal gear servo for the tail rudder. Great fix and I really like that soldering gun you're using, I've never seen one like that. Happy New Year!🍾

[@NightFlyyer]

I totally agree. It would cost them only a few cents extra to put in a metal gear servo for sure. Id rather see that done, in place of that gyro system. The Saker soldering Iron is self feeding and is great for sure. Maybe I should make a video of it. LOL. Thanks kindly and Happy New Year to you as well.

[@raymondblanchard2213]

Well, it should be indestructible now!😜

[@NightFlyyer]

Yep, that was a year ago and it is still going strong. Did some Ice Brodies with is last month you might enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5ite3uigJhogNU

[@margushaidak7197]

Happened to my cub also and during warm weather.

[@hktcss]

What is flight time with this plane?

[@NightFlyyer]

Average flying about 5 minutes.

[@hktcss]

@@NightFlyyer thanks for quick response, I suppose can be increased to 15+ mins with a larger MaH battery?

[@NightFlyyer]

@@hktcss Thats true, but not 15 minutes. There is only so much room. I fly with a 14.4 v 2200 battery, not the recommended 11.1, so mine flies longer by a couple of minutes, but 15 minutes would be flying around really slow.

[@hktcss]

@@NightFlyyer okay thanks for you insight mate really appreciated, one last thing, could you recommend a similar or any other plane similar size that’s good for larger battery or have those longer flight times ? I understand it will be a compromise on performance, however just keen to see what my options are with a plane with all the features with flaps etc.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@hktcss There is really no compromise on performance, it's the lack of room to put in a bigger battery. If this is all for learning to fly, I recommend learning to fly on a good Simulator like Aerofly first. Then when you stop crashing it, then get something like this. And you can fly for hours. LOL

[@gisall8205]

Great video. Absolutely Horrible how these companies Penny Pinch the customers every was they can. LOOK. Build it Strong. Build it Correct, the first time. Charge us for it. WE'LL Pay for it. Don't sell us a Fixer-upper. We don't have time for that. E Flite is just as bad. A lot of times I'll make Mods Prior to the Maiden, because I can see that it's just a matter of time before their Cheap, Week designs will break.

[@NightFlyyer]

Well said. Thanks and Happy flying.

[@hassanhammoud2243]

Well my friend I'm a new subscriber to your channel. First off I wanna let you know after just one video which is this one in particular I'm hooked lol. Iv had my eye on this model for awhile now and yet even after watching this I'm still considering in all honesty I will still carry out in doing so. With that said one cannot just ignore this quite annoying situation you've encountered. Things these days are far from cheap to say the least, However one would hope that if spending a fair bit on this specific setup and how it's advertised you would think that you should get far more out of it then just 2 flights. FMS is a great company which makes this render more annoying to say the least. After finishing watching your 2 flights I tried to analyze what may have been some of the contributing factors of such a demise and this is strictly a build quality issue enough said. There's absolutely not one thing that you did yourself that would have in any shape or form assisted or contributed to the outcome. As you stated the rudder servo should have been metal not plastic. That's clearly obvious since most stress during flight and landing will be affected. And lastly the price of the plane and it's advertising prowess should have made that an engineering decision must. For the price of the difference heck they all should have been metal if you're charging that much. A sad part about this whole situation is the time and energy that you needed in order to fix this at such the early stages makes the whole experience a tough pill to swallow. Regardless of how it performed in the air clearly this isn't your first rodeo and you have a ton of experience on your side. I'm glad you posted the Mickey mouse ordeal you had to go through before you even considered taking it to flight again. And as you said the likelihood of this continuing to happen for other people is at a high percent rate so I'm hoping FMS in general moving forward not just for this specific model but in general moving forward need to make sure that the quality assurance aspects parts on the plane should be fitted with more appropriate product moving forward. As I said earlier you've definitely paid for it in more than one way that's for sure. Money comes and goes unfortunately but so does time and energy. Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information and going over everything in your video. A+++++++++. I thoroughly enjoyed watching and taking in such good advice. 👍👌👊

[@NightFlyyer]

Well said for sure. Well I have still been flying it, recently on ice as you may have seen, as it is a favorite. My FMS Beaver and Pitts all have the same plastic Rudder servos but are also favorites. I Agree with you...a metal gear servo won't break the FMS bank. Thanks so kindly for commenting and Subscribing. ~Dave

[@hassanhammoud2243]

@@NightFlyyer once again I agree it will not break the bank and doing something like that very small will go a far way especially when these guys are competing for business and the playing field is growing substantially. We as consumers are very easily persuaded over the smallest things sometimes that make or break our decisions on purchasing things. Sure we all like saving money but we also know full well sometimes spending a little more money on something this simple makes the difference on whether or not this brand will be etched in your mind moving forward when the ultimate decision time is around the corner. And not only that the outcome may lead to one actually being a legitimate lifetime customer to that brand and manufacturer.

[@damoncrowfeather4655]

If a man made it.. It can and will break at some point. My dad used to tell me that I could destroy a steel ball with a rubber hammer. I just liked tearing things apart to see what made 'em tick.

[@MammothPaige]

They taped it in there

[@weseehowcommiegoogleis3770]

Way Late, But Use a vacuum hose or such to suck a string though the blind tunnel and the pull the wire with the string. Old trick from Low voltage wire installer.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't think that would work, since their are 2 servo wires going around that bend and wires were really tight, especially with the connector on the end. Thanks.

[@looneytunes47]

ive seen a hell of alot more Eflite Planes with stripped out servo,s than FMS ones and especially more recent eflite releases, That being said Yes i Agree all tail wheel rudder servo,s Should be Metal Gear Only on all Foam Rc Airplanes

[@NightFlyyer]

For sure.

[@glenwhatley7366]

Rc saylors had a problem with an elevator servo that caused a crash. The company has really good customer support and sent him a new plane. Try reaching out to them, they might give you a better servo.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks for that. Maybe so but I already put in a better metal gear servo and don’t feel like doing that all over again. Happy flying.

[@GiovanniBausC]

Is it possible that this plane has an inherent problem with tipping over to one side after touching down? I‘m seeing this behavior in about each second recorded landing of this FMS PA-18.

[@NightFlyyer]

Well, I did not drop the flaps and fly in cold and tight landing spots, so my landings aren't perfect. More like Carrier landings LOL. This cub flies very well, in my opinion, but if you want to see more on how this plane flies, check out Zack doing all he can to destroy it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/naDbgayMbbqNr80

[@looneytunes47]

For just 100 more dollars you can get the 1700 beast and have alot more fun with it.

[@KennethSheets-w4y]

A better way to do the fix that doesn't require an access cut. Remove the screws holding the bad servo. Tie a string to the connector so you can pull it in and back out. Cut the wires from the old servo and solder the new servo wires to the old wires in place. The old wires are long enough to solder the new servo to them without being over the foam.

[@NightFlyyer]

Since I had an extension, that would always be my first choice, with no soldering, but in this case, the plugs would not go thru the hole and separated. Of course I could cut and splice, but 34 years in USMC Avionics, I learned the less slices, the better. Thanks.

[@MammothPaige]

I did the same thing.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks. Nice to see I'm not alone.

[@tughillrc6327]

Very good review, I agree a metal servo should be standard there given the stress of landings. The fix you did was informative. Perhaps the external wore would had been easier however if you plan to fly it on floats off water would be ill advised. I own more than a few FMS models and have yet to have any servo issues. I did upgrade to all metal servos on my bush planes as standard practice for my style of flying.

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. I have the FMS 2000 Beaver and never had any problem with that on the rudder tail wheel, but trike planes with nose gear servos usually get more abuse, than tail wheels, so this was disappointing as well as surprising. If I knew ahead of time, I would have run an external wire for sure. Thanks much.

[@gscott5778]

Ok so the tip is If either the elevator or rudder servo fails DON'T just pull out the old servo leads. Cut the old servo loose and solder ther servo to those old servo lead wires. NOT fun but better than the effort he had to go through. Now if FMS would switch to metal geared servos...

[@NightFlyyer]

True.

[@fireftr270]

Need a Kraft servo. Lol

[@NightFlyyer]

So true. Our KPS 60 mini servos were stronger than these, and they were not even metal geared. Thanks much, Rick.

[@wernermoser3406]

It seems they have to spray their chemtrail crap everywhere. 🥵Apart from that, a nice video.👍

[@NightFlyyer]

Not chemtrails, Scientific time of year with heat and creating clouds.

[@Bill14886]

For a $200 plane . Upgrade. All the servos with full metal gear servos and then swap out that rear wheel with a Dubro low bounce .

[@NightFlyyer]

Actually it was a $300 just for the plane. Battery and Receiver were additional. There is no need to change out any other servos, as they are fine. I did change the rudder servo to a metal gear one at the end of the video. Have had no problems since.

[@looneytunes47]

Cold Air and Plastic Servo Gears dont go together well

[@adrianmilanesi9143]

I have to have a laugh, first nothing is indestructible you should know that at your age LOL, and for the price of this fantastic plane I wouldn't be one bit worried at all, in the other hand you could have damaged on your previous flight. I truly love this plane and it is the cheapest best flying Stol plane on the market for sure. Have a nice day

[@NightFlyyer]

With over 60 years of flying, I'm 75 now, I fo know that. I do love this plane too. I only bought this plane because Tail Heavy Productions made a video and said it was indestructible. Maybe go over there and tell them that! And the only thing that broke was the weak tail wheel servo. Many have also told me they changed theirs too. I even changed my Pitts Tail servo before ever flying it. Gee! kzbin.info/www/bejne/naDbgayMbbqNr80

[@adrianmilanesi9143]

@@NightFlyyer Well I have only on thing to say, if you believe that something like an Rc plane is indestructible then you obviously believe that pigs can fly too. Have a nice day

[@NightFlyyer]

@@adrianmilanesi9143 My video shows it is Not indestructible. Tail heavy productions said that in their title. Should watch theirs and get some experience. Gee!

[@adrianmilanesi9143]

@@NightFlyyer I have watched their videos and they do a better job than you. coming from someone who believes that PIGS fly is an overstatement , i have all the experience I need . just get over it old man end of the story. Later Gee!! 🤣🤣😂😂

[@NightFlyyer]

Shame on you. You missed the whole point of this video. You have no vids so let’s see you fly.

[@old-rcplane-phart]

US flyers the flew nitro/gas decades ago don't need (nor want) a gyro. I got back n2 flying Nov 2019. Jan 2020, I was done with gyros. Too much restrictions. Fms make 95% of all foam planes distributed in the world. Re-branders put their electronics in & name it whatever. Fms stated (video I seen last month) that effective Jan 1 2023 'ALL fms branded planes WILL INCLUDE metal gear servos effective 01/01/23'. Hope so

[@NightFlyyer]

A little late for me, as I have several FMS Planes, including the 2 meter Beaver, which I have flown extensively on water, snow and land over the years with videos to show it, and it is still going strong. That has bigger servos though. Thanks.

[@bobbarksofficial4335]

Eesh

[@nickjones6065]

I’m with you on the subject of gyros, a retrograde step for our hobby. I’m not saying they don’t have their uses, but when a sweet high wing trainer comes gyro fitted as standard it’s a sorry state of affairs.

[@NightFlyyer]

I agree. Trainers that fly themselves with crutches don't really train anyone and the meaning of learning to fly is mute. I am blessed to be able to fly without them dampening what my fingers and mind learned the hard way. Thanks so much, Nick. I appreciate you.

[@joshuas2716]

I completely disagree. This is a hobby--something done for fun. Not everyone enjoys the same things. If you dislike using a gyro on a plane like this, that is fine. You aren't being forced to use it and you don't have to change your way of flying. But including a cheap gyro does open doors for others and allow them to have fun in situations they might not otherwise enjoy. There is no harm in someone flying with a gyro. It doesn't hurt you and the other person gets to have fun. That person's skills may not grow in certain areas while they use it, but what does that really matter? They are likely to turn the gyro off at some point, and learn those skills. But even if they don't turn it off, they are flying to have fun, not to complete of checklist of skills that other RC pilots say they should have.