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View Full Version : Custom built Depron jets. F-4, F4D, F-5, F14, F-15, F-18, F-22, and more, prop or EDF


ram3500-rcu
Jan 09, 2009, 02:30 AM
Have you seen these Depron jets and wanted to try one out but just don't have time, space, tools, or the experience with this material, to produce what you want? I'm Gary, and I would like to help. I have been building 6MM kits for myself and others since they started selling them on eBay. Only so many used ones to go around, and many don't want to ship them. I build and ship, now via Greyhound, without a single casualty.

I have testimonials upon request. Many are pictured in the gallery section of the 6MM Flyrc site. I take the time to shape these planes to as realistic an appearance as is practical. I like them to be as scale looking as possible, as can be seen from my builds, and a lot can be done with a little patience.

All builds include extra reinforcement where I have found it beneficial (1/64 ply laminated to the depron) and the servos installed where they need to be 'built in'.

The scope of a build can vary for cost or owner involvement considerations:

1.- RTP (ready to paint) with no cockpit, no radio other than the servos built in, no power system (basic wiring is still installed), and of course no paint or other detail.

2.- ARF (almost ready to fly) complete with all servos, wiring, ESC of your choice, power system of your choice, and just a basic cockpit (no pilot and no interior but paint and the canopy glued in place)

3.- basic RTF (ready to fly with paint) all of the above plus a two color military paint job

4.-custom RTF option A (all of the above plus-ready to fly with a custom paint scheme of your choice, decals from the 6MM site, panel detail, cockpit detail with pilot/pilots)

5.-custom RTF option B (all the above plus-conversion to EDF)

6.-custom RTF option C (all through option A plus-retract gear) To date, I have added retracts to (3) F-14s and (2) F-18s

Almost any combination of these options can be made with the exception of the EDF conversions. Some of these will prohibit retracts due to limited space for inlets and airflow (I don't like cheater holes)

I can also install your equipment or build a kit you already have, or both. A test flight with adjustments and a 'maiden' video is another option if the complete radio is available.

My builds are always done with a variety of adhesives and added balsa and carbon reinforcement as I have deemed prudent from experience, yet always with the total AUW a consideration. They are as durable yet light as I can make them. For the paint process, I sand, fill with light weight filler, sand again, first coat of paint, sand, fill again, sand, 2nd coat of paint, very lightly sand, add detail panel lines and graphics, clear coat with either flat or gloss clear, depending on the scheme.

I put together this pricing as a place to start. This pricing is based on my cost as of today, and is subject to change as prices go up. I always am open to trades and negotiation, so if you really want one of these, I can usually find a way to get you in one. They are a ball. I will certainly honor any prices I have out there, in emails and such.

The RTF pricing for all these jets includes:

-airframe with my added reinforcement where appropriate
-all servos (22oz or better)
-all wiring
-pusher propulsion (GH2212-06 V2 and a 30 amp ESC) with prop installed
-paint (two colors)
-Velcro battery mount
-Magnetic hatch (s)
-my profile pilot
-clear tinted canopy installed
All you need is your RX and battery to go fly.

F-15.................................$295
F-18.................................$295
F-22.................................$295
F4D..................................$295
F-4..................................$305
F-5 / T-38........................$305
F-14................................$320
SU-37..............................$360 (2 motors, 2 ESCs)

Options for the above (exceptions or limitations noted). Also, I can discount multiple options on the same plane:

-Full cockpit .................................................. .........$30
-Exterior detail (schemes, panel lines, decals, top coat)...$55
-Plug-in wings (for F-18, F-15, F-5) easy storage...........$35
-Motor ESC upgrade to the SMJ and 40 amp ESC............$10
-Retracts (F-14, F-15)............................................... $100
-EDF conversion (F4D, F-22, F-4, Bandit).......................$35
-Any jet test flown with a video record of the maiden.......$25
-Any jet RTP (ready to paint) ..........................subtract $30
-Any jet less equipment (except SU-37).............subtract $90
-SU-37 with no equipment...............................subtract $130
-I also can build you parts for you build. (profile pilots, ejection seats, engine nozzles, intake scoops, and more). Just PM me with what you would like for availability and pricing.
-if you already have a kit and want it built, I can do that also. PM me.

All custom builds can be built to your specs and each has many possibilities. Please consider this pricing as a place to start. The final price for your project could vary depending on trades, specs, any equipment you already have or may want to trade out, etc. I'm flexible on my work, but have the same costs for supplies and equipment as you would. Please keep this in mind. Please PM or email me for a detailed explanation of my build process, materials used, or any other question you may have. Thanks for looking.

ram3500-rcu
Jan 09, 2009, 02:42 AM
Some of my work.

Alien_Tech
Jan 09, 2009, 09:35 AM
Gary is building an F-4 for me at the moment. He is outstanding to work with and the best part is he will do custom schemes. You get a unique aircraft that no one will believe is foam. I get a cool picture update almost daily. His work is outstanding and I can't wait to show it off!

termite
Jan 09, 2009, 01:42 PM
Can you reduce size of kits to use smaller fan setups?
Say something for a microfan reduced to use a 30mm?????

Randy

1stplaceaviator
Jan 09, 2009, 03:51 PM
Wow! It's hard to believe those are foamies! Your work appears to be flawless. I may just have to come take a look sometime!
Doug

ram3500-rcu
Jan 09, 2009, 05:11 PM
Wow! It's hard to believe those are foamies! Your work appears to be flawless. I may just have to come take a look sometime!
Doug
Stop over Doug. I am about 6 blocks from Aerotech. Everyone around here knows where THEY are. I'll MP my phone number.

Gary

ram3500-rcu
Jan 09, 2009, 05:25 PM
Can you reduce size of kits to use smaller fan setups?
Say something for a microfan reduced to use a 30mm?????

Randy
Yes. Any of them can be reduced. Some make better EDF conversions than others though. Some that would work are the F-4, F-22, F4D, Mirage, and Super bandit. I have a Bandit Bantam kit on hand. It is 75% and sized for mini fans. Lots and lots of plans out there. Just let me know what you like and I'll see what I can find.

1stplaceaviator
Jan 09, 2009, 05:30 PM
I am about 6 blocks from Aerotech

:D Sweet! I need to get down there and buy another TP 900 2S. Probably next weekend. :cool:

ram3500-rcu
Jan 09, 2009, 07:24 PM
:D Sweet! I need to get down there and buy another TP 900 2S. Probably next weekend. :cool:
I'll be building all week end. Snow all night and all day tomorrow. Good time to stay in and work on planes. :D I went and got supplies yesterday, so let it snow. :cool:

dawnron1
Jan 09, 2009, 08:01 PM
Beautiful work, Gary!! I wish I had your talent and hope you have great success with these great looking models! My buddy Doug is a scratch builder too(mostly with Blucor foam) and a master painter. I sent him a link to this thread so he can see your work as well. He just finished painting a B-24 and I can't wait to see the results. Here's a link to some video I shot of the maiden (before he painted it):

http://www.vimeo.com/2592071

Ronnie

ram3500-rcu
Jan 10, 2009, 01:17 AM
Beautiful work, Gary!! I wish I had your talent and hope you have great success with these great looking models! My buddy Doug is a scratch builder too(mostly with Blucor foam) and a master painter. I sent him a link to this thread so he can see your work as well. He just finished painting a B-24 and I can't wait to see the results. Here's a link to some video I shot of the maiden (before he painted it):

http://www.vimeo.com/2592071

Ronnie
thank you so much for the compliment and the post. That B-24 is amazing. I still paint by hand but I bet your friend is good with an airbrush, a skill I plan to acquire in the future. He builds pretty good too. :D Enjoys the maiden. Thanks for sharing.

BARNESJONR
Jan 10, 2009, 01:32 AM
Aerotech?! In North Canton?! Oh the memories.Man, my dollars helped make that place what it is. :D

Good Luck with the thread, very nice work on the foamy jets.

ram3500-rcu
Jan 10, 2009, 01:46 AM
Aerotech?! In North Canton?! Oh the memories.Man, my dollars helped make that place what it is. :D

Good Luck with the thread, very nice work on the foamy jets.
Thank you. Did you know Dick is gone now? He was a driving force for RC in this area for decades. Aerotech lives on through his daughter and grandson. Just not the same without Dick though. I miss the visits in the back room of the hobby shop, talking about RC.

earaoz
Jan 10, 2009, 09:46 AM
Great looking planes! Could you please tell me what is the RTF weight of the F14?
Thanks!
E

AC5FF
Jan 10, 2009, 10:53 AM
What kind of lead time do you need for orders?

ram3500-rcu
Jan 10, 2009, 11:54 AM
Great looking planes! Could you please tell me what is the RTF weight of the F14?
Thanks!
E
The AUW, with a Lite Storm 2100 and a JR UL610 RX on board (for example), will range from 24oz (no retracts, profile pilots but no other cockpit detail, but still all the exterior detail and paint), to about 30oz (cockpit with pilots and detail as in the pictures, retracts, and all the above). With the cockpit and no gear, it is about 27oz.

The Thunder Power 2200 V2 battery,for example, can add a couple more ozs.

As you can see, even with all the bling, the SMJ system will give great performance.

ram3500-rcu
Jan 10, 2009, 12:17 PM
What kind of lead time do you need for orders?
Sure. About any one of these will take me a solid week to build (if I can start with a 6MM kit, longer if I have to cut my own parts), and another week to finish and detail, make decals, and topcoat. I have kicker for glue, but light weight filler and paint take their time. :D

I have my shop set up to be able to work on as many as three at a time. I'm building one and painting another right now, for example. My goal is always to have one ready to ship in three weeks or less, after a guy orders one with a 50% down payment, and the balance when ready to ship. It will take sometimes a week or a little more to get the parts if I don't have them on hand.

I have taken longer at times and more so early on, when I was a traveling construction supervisor and took my building on the road in motel rooms. (I was horrified one evening when I returned to my room. The maid had throw one out!!!! She thought the wings were broken because I had the ailerons installed and they drooped!!! It cost the motel $350)

Also, I build custom shipping boxes and that usually take a whole evening till it is all packed up. I ask guys to be patient, with the promise that they will not be appointed, if they understand what these are.

Another nice part of this is that the owner can customize his order. These are hand built to your liking. This takes time. :D Thanks for asking.

ram3500-rcu
Jan 10, 2009, 01:20 PM
Here is why I get more done these days here in Ohio. The hobby shop is about 5 blocks away and I have 4-wheel drive on my Dodge dully (ram3500).:D Get those orders in. ;)

driftcrawlslop
Jan 10, 2009, 04:13 PM
:eek: WOW,..NICE BUILD!...Come on over-time $$$ Will definatly be getting in touch with you very soon!

Thnx.

ram3500-rcu
Jan 11, 2009, 05:36 PM
What kind of lead time do you need for orders?
Sent you a PM, but I will answer this here as well.

Most any of these jets takes me a solid week to construct, the way I build. That is, with added reinforcement, aesthetic modifications and more painstaking shaping for a more scale like appearance. Another week or so is spent on painting and surface detailing, including the cockpit if called for. Lightweight filler and paint dry at their own pace. I also build custom boxes for these to ship in. So I would ask for three weeks or so to ship. Now this may vary depending on my work schedule, but I feel this is realistic. I have taken longer and sometimes less time. This also assumes I can start with a laser cut kit, and am not having to work from plans, or draw plans, obviously situations that would add time. The 'clock' would begin when I had all the parts and supplies on the bench and this would be fore the most complete scenario. I would ask anyone using my service to please be patient. You will not be disappointed.

Here is a comment from one of my recent builds.

"You Sir, are a master at your craft. The Tomcat came exactly as you packed it! Outstanding packing ability I might add. Absolutely beautiful."

I get them done as quickly as possible and can work on about three at a time. With building, filling, and painting all taking waiting times along the way, builds overlap.

AC5FF
Jan 11, 2009, 05:55 PM
I must of missed the PM... No biggie though :)

What's the small 'stout' plane you have pictured? 5th row, 2nd and 4th photo. It isn't the same as the 6th row 4th pic is it?

ram3500-rcu
Jan 11, 2009, 06:11 PM
I must of missed the PM... No biggie though :)

What's the small 'stout' plane you have pictured? 5th row, 2nd and 4th photo. It isn't the same as the 6th row 4th pic is it?
If you mean the one that is covered in Ultracote and white with red and blue stripes, it is the 6MM Fly RC designed BD5 micro jet (first flown with a pusher prop) in the James Bond paint scheme from the movie it was featured in.

bighead93
Jan 11, 2009, 11:56 PM
Do the wings on the F-14 swing? Also what size lipo's would you use on the F-14? Man you just got my attention!! :D I have been looking for a good F-14 kit for years...one that I didn't have to build!

ram3500-rcu
Jan 12, 2009, 12:24 AM
Do the wings on the F-14 swing? Also what size lipo's would you use on the F-14? Man you just got my attention!! :D I have been looking for a good F-14 kit for years...one that I didn't have to build!
Yes, the wings swing in flight. I use the flap knob or the three position landing switch. Very cool. A 2200mah 3c battery works great.

Moonbeam
Jan 13, 2009, 02:10 AM
I'm hoping some more depron flyers show up to SEFF this year. Last year there was only 4 of us with 6mm Shumate designed planes. At least only 4 of us flew them anyway. I'll have my F-15 there for sure & hopefully an F-22 if I get it finished in time.

ram3500-rcu
Jan 13, 2009, 10:07 AM
I'm hoping some more depron flyers show up to SEFF this year. Last year there was only 4 of us with 6mm Shumate designed planes. At least only 4 of us flew them anyway. I'll have my F-15 there for sure & hopefully an F-22 if I get it finished in time.

I would love to bring a squadron. :D we'll see.

ram3500-rcu
Jan 17, 2009, 08:35 PM
Couple more pictures for size reference.

sgtdirt
Jan 17, 2009, 09:52 PM
wow!
those are sweet lookin' jets!

have you given any thought about putting one in the Toledo show?

ram3500-rcu
Jan 18, 2009, 01:21 AM
wow!
those are sweet lookin' jets!

have you given any thought about putting one in the Toledo show?
I enjoy building these. And others enjoy flying them that don't have the time or place to build them (no ARFs of these beauties). When you figure the time invested, it isn't even minimum wage, but at least I can do it at home with my grand kids at my feet, sorta. :D

Didn't really think of that sgtdirt, but If 6MM flyrc was going to have a booth, I would be inclined to lone them a couple to show folks what can be done with these Depron jets, with a little ambition. I don't compete in there show. Way too political an affair. I've seen it first hand. I do enjoy the event, when I am able to get to it. Lots of nice folks to meet and it is nice to see the latest and greatest upcoming stuff.

ram3500-rcu
Jan 18, 2009, 11:48 AM
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ram3500-rcu
Jan 18, 2009, 11:49 AM
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ram3500-rcu
Jan 18, 2009, 04:18 PM
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ram3500-rcu
Jan 20, 2009, 08:59 PM
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ram3500-rcu
Jan 21, 2009, 12:08 AM
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ram3500-rcu
Jan 21, 2009, 12:14 PM
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ram3500-rcu
Jan 21, 2009, 02:55 PM
50% down and balance when ready to ship.

AC5FF
Jan 21, 2009, 03:22 PM
Hey Gary -

I have been giving serious consideration to your BD-5 - always liked that little thing ever since "Octopussy" came out! :D

Question though; I didn't see it on your list of pricing on post #1. And I'm curious if this could be a canidate for an EDF upgrade as well... Just looking to see if I can somehow budget this into the near future :D

Feel free to PM or just post here and I'll catch it. Still working on the Mrs to part with a few extra $$$ :rolleyes:

ram3500-rcu
Jan 22, 2009, 02:36 PM
I'd agree. I would remove all the posts not dealing with this thread and in your original post probably link to your reputation post in the feedback forum. I'll probably use your services in the near future, if a small deposit to get the plane started and a build log with pictures was posted, it might help your reputation get refreshed.
I appreciate the suggestions and will take to heart your observations. I will be deleting all posts here that don't relate to the thread. In regards to the builds, a deposit to cover my out of pocket is all I require, but I don't think I said that anywhere. The balance isn't necessary till I have it ready to ship. Some guys have elected to just send me the whole amount but I don't ask for that. Only in the case of a full trade, do I want to see what I'm getting. Thanks again for the constructive criticism.

Gary