Tomhawk 50 GP / EP Prop Jet Balsa 1370mm (ARF)

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Great Looking Plane - CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION

Nov 08, 2016

I am on my 2nd Tomhawk from HK. The first one was built to the exact plans as instructed in the manual and did not last the maiden flight. The fiberglass hinges that calm pre-installed on the rudder fin and the elevator fins are worthless. During the maiden flight the rudder fin came off and the airframe came down towards the earth like a rocket and became a pile of rubble. The only thing left was the landing gear and RX and servos. Everything else was destroyed (Motor included). The original setup included a Magnum / ASP .61 2 stroke engine and a 12oz Nitro tank. This in itself was not sufficient power in my opinion. This bird looks real nice but is on the heavier side. Since the airfoil is on the longer side the larger motor creates a balancing nightmare. 13 oz of weight were required on the tail to balance properly (YES 13oz's!!). Needless to say that after taking off I didn't have the warm and fuzzies on the sluggish power. After I crashed this one I decided to do a "PART 2" and try again since the model was relatively cheap (Got #2 on sale for $89 bucks). I was determined to get this thing right since it is such a nice looking plane.

I built the 2nd one up making my own modifications way outside what the manual calls for to be certain that I avoided any major issues with the construction, etc. I changed the servo setup to include two servos on either side of the tail for the elevator, two servos for the wings instead of the 1 recommended in the middle, changed the spar from wood to aluminum and placed the battery in the tail as well to minimize the added lead weight requirement for balancing. I also ripped out all of the hinges that come from the factory and put in my own hinges from Dubro. I added extra hinges on the both elevator fins for added safety. I also changed the motor to a .91 ASP with a 13x8 APC prop with fixed landing gear. This thing is now a rocket.

As a side note that is very important - on the maiden of the 2nd model the complete rudder was fluttering when i landed which after inspection I realized that even with epoxy in the slot of the rudder it's not enough to hold it in place since the rudder is on the larger side. I avoided another catastrophe by shear luck when i landed cause the rudder fin was about to come off in flight. After benching it I opened up the underside / tail section with my dremel and reinforced the rudder fin with square stock and epoxy and triangle stock on the outside of the rudder fin to ensure that never happens again.

I am waiting to re-maiden it now but this model is well worth the money. JUST BE PREPARED FOR SOME SERIOUS MOD'S AND TIME TO GET THIS THING RIGHT!

(After getting through #2 it's my opinion that now i know why the original makers of this model retired / stopped manufacturing it. It's too heavy for the power setup it calls for in the manual ( .46 is probably not going to get you off the ground in my opinon). Electric may be a better option but if you are like me and like the smell of nitro and gas then get ready for some mods. :-) HAPPY FLYING!

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Customer Rated

Jun 06, 2016

Purchased from Hobby King East Coast warehouse
I got it in 2 days.
It goes together quick. It's a nice size plane. Very sleek good looking model.
Instructions are not the best though but for experienced modeler it is simple to assemble.
Two things I didn't use , the landing gear hold down strap screws. I used smaller sized instead of the black course sheet rock screws. I didn't bother too install the wing aileron and retract servo trays due to joining the wing issues with trying to align the trays while joining the wing halves. Easier to put in after. The retract wheel wells are already in place.
Awesome thick covering that shrinks very well. The block for the nose retract gear has no cut out for a servo, though to get to the top 2 engine mount screws you either get someone with small hands to put the blind nuts behind the block or cut out for the servo if putting retracts. One servo mounted in the rear for elevator via rear hatch. Also there is also a front bottom hatch to install the fuel tank due to the long nose for retracts.
I also put extra medium CA on bulk heads and joints for extra strength.
As for assembly, I give it 4 stars. Quality of complete kit 5. As for as test flight!
To be continued for flight characteristics and performance

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Customer Rated

Feb 26, 2016

My Tomhawk came well packed&protected. Weight of all parts in the box totals 2.500g. The hardware pack, push roads and the cowl alone put 700g on the scale. It might be possible to save some weight here later while putting the model together.

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Certified Buyer Rated

Dec 19, 2015

Kit arrived in very good condition and well packed. Quality seems good a lot of accessories are included. So far the only minus are the hinges. The ca-hinges are preglued. That awfull, because it is hard to get them out and put in new ones. So you have to to do new slices for new hinges and just cut the ca-hinges out. I think they are sufficient for a jet. To high speed and vibration will destroy them I think.

Next thing is, that the place for the elevator servo is not deep enough. It does not fit. But this is easy to manage.

But on the other side the kit is very good. Thats the first review after unboxing. Will write more when continuing to build and of course how it flies.

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Customer Rated

Sep 25, 2015

Highly recommended. all parts made of balsa , laser cutting, very accurate parts.
Controls rudders are reinforced by a double strong wood.
the Fuselage ( body ) and wings are Coating with thick and strong
quality film. this plan is Equipped with all accsesories we need .

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Customer Rated

Aug 11, 2015

I received a tomhawk kit last week and it is missing the horizontal stabliser / elevator and I have had no luck with getting one sent to me I am PISSED OFF with having to take photos and submit a warranty form and all that crap .Considering I have paid in full for my item and all I want is what I paid for , and that is a complete kit.