FT-Viggen - Build

by FliteTest | February 12, 2014 | (59) Posted in How To

FTScratchBuild-Advanced




Here it is folks! We show you how to build the FT-Viggen. Yes, we are just as excited as you!

If you want to pick up a speed-build kit head on over to the store. Otherwise, you can download the free plans at the bottom of this article. 

At this point in the build, if you are building a light version of the FT-Viggen, check the video below for how to add your preferred power system. 

[video='http://youtu.be/VY-vxWeVeYE']

If you are using an EDF unit, we have 70mm and 64mm mounts included in the kit. Either will work. 

Make sure to sight your vertical stabilizer! 

We recommend tracing out the nose piece before you shape it. It will take all the force of an impact and crush in on itself. That way the body of the plane is unharmed. All you have to do is attach a new nose and you're good to go!

If you would simply like to buy more noses they are available in the store!

 For recommended electronics: check here!



The decals are available here for download.
(Print size is 54x50 inches.)


FREE Build Plans:

FT-Viggen [FULL]

FT-Viggen [TILED]


Thank you to the entire community for making projects like this possible.

Let us know how your build went or if you have any tips or comments, chat it up in the forums!


GraysonHobby Viggen Power Package

- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

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COMMENTS

Den on February 12, 2014
Thank you heaps. Your work and generosity are really appreciated. Even here in New Zealand.
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flyman1340 on February 13, 2014
and here in georgia, usa! i'm already started on my first one! :D
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rifted on February 12, 2014
Thanks David, hope a lot of people test all your ideas mention on the test video and some one try the rudder lol for all, enjoy your new weekend project and hope there are happy faces! (sure there will be a lot)
Ed
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rclover2.0 on May 21, 2014
If I were to buy the ultimate power pack from Grayson hobby that comes with the motor with blades and housing the battery, the two servos with extenders ant the wire adapters, accelerometer is there anything else I am missing.
http://www.graysonhobby.com/catalog/ftviggen70mmedfpowerpackage-p-2610.html


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rifted on May 21, 2014
Well! I don't know for sure! But what I can tell you is that their products work very well and good quality! I have purchase from them in the past and still using their battery, servos, esc, motor they are still working!
Good luck and fly safe!
Ed


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rifted on May 21, 2014
Missing an extra recover? Lol
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rifted on May 21, 2014
Recever sorry
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XFlyer on February 12, 2014
Thanks heaps for this, guess what I'm heading out to build now? Thank you from New Zealand
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gr1999 on February 13, 2014
What foamboard do you use. I just use the stuff from warehouse stationary. the only preblem is that it is quite heavy
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XFlyer on February 13, 2014
Yeah I use that too but this EDF has a very wide build weight so it could take the extra weight of the foam.
It's a shame that shipping on their Viggen from the Store costs $46 and the plane itself only costs $40. Turning a $40 plane into an $85 plane and then you have the exchange rates....
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Paulshort on February 13, 2014
I also live in nz and have trouble whith heavy foamboard.There is one shop that I know about in nz that sells dtfb and that is Uncles Bills wholesale club.

the foam board that i use comes from hallenstiens old signage but sadly is quite heavy.

Paul
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gr1999 on February 13, 2014
yeah i wish there was a store that sold the dtfb in hamilton....
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frogs84ss on February 12, 2014
starting this in the a.m. thank you so much for the plans and videos.
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Hookdriver on February 12, 2014
An ice storm has us all home bound for a couple days. After that the dollar tree is getting raided. This build just got moved to the top of the que. Fantastic work guys!
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Jcrankshaw on February 13, 2014
Where is the CG?

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RCExplorer on February 13, 2014
the round blue circle on the bottom of the wing is the CG mark
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Ano Pilot on February 13, 2014
Looking forward to building this very much. BUT the full size plan seems to be in a rather unusable format. Can't we have it in 4 big pages please? I have no idea how to manage the single long strip that comes up on my computer. And the CG?
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Ano Pilot on February 24, 2014
THANKYOU... it looks like you fixed the un-tiled plan. Thanks again, R
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Michael9865 on February 13, 2014
Is the CG the blue mark near the front of the wing in the plans?
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Jebnor on February 13, 2014
I am wondering the same thing.

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RCExplorer on February 13, 2014
the round blue circle on the bottom of the wing is the CG mark
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SoLongSidekick on September 9, 2016
That's definitely not true. I'm still in the process of building mine, but with the standard 3,000mAh 4s battery up front towards the nose (assuming the standard EDF version is what we're discussing) the CG is quite a bit more forward than that. The Swedish Air Force insignia is way far back on the wings, I mean you can just look at the images and tell that's not correct; the trailing edge of the wings is almost inline with the back of the fuselage. It's only placed there because the placement is identical to the real world Viggen Jet.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but you really shouldn't answer questions that you don't have the answer to.
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Pete Rihoy on November 7, 2016
SoLongSidekick,

The blue circle they were talking about IS the C.G. mark. It's a small blue circle divided into quarters by a cross, it's 55mm back from the flat front edge of the wing panel in the centre.

The accepted symbol for C.G. is the same as the BMW badge (though that represents a spinning propeller) it's as close as they could get using lines.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but you really shouldn't answer questions that you don't have the answer to ;-)

Peter.
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Pete Rihoy on November 7, 2016
BTW, The comment you said was "That's definitely not true", from RCExplorer?
That's David, the guy who designed the plane :-((
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sailorJohn on February 13, 2014
3:30am ---Good job David! would it be possible to reduce the size to 30in overall form the nose out of foam and use thrust vectoring and still have enough lift?
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LordVader on February 13, 2014
Absolutely amazing, David you have done a great job. Great explanation on every aspect of the build. I will be starting as soon as I get these plans printed. (can't print fast enough. haha...)
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rcflyer729 on February 13, 2014
awesome plans I am going to build it today. Just wanted to let you know that in the parts list when i click on 3000mah 4s link it takes me to a 130mah 3s.
thanks nice job
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augernaught on February 13, 2014
For anyone building this from the free downloaded plans and knows
how difficult it can be to cut a clean circle in foam board, (for the ducted fan)
I have used this tool on DTF and it works fantastic after you find the exact center:

http://www.hobbico.com/tools/hcar0230.html
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BuckE67 on February 13, 2014
Great video! Awesome job David!!
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rockyfosgate on February 13, 2014
hi, great build.
i am currently trying to print the plans to have a go myself.
can anyone help me... the plans print, but it only print the outline. it doesn't mark the score/cut lines.
anyone got any ideas?
i am printing from a mac to a cannon printer...
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sailorJohn on February 13, 2014
Try adj the printer darker
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Block Head Flying on February 13, 2014
Ok went to Fed ex office today to see if the full prints could print . The size was messing up the software and making the scaling wrong. The manager had to split it into 3 sections to print ,took forever to get the sizing to scale . Sooo Flite Test please split up into 3 sections. Dont know if all print shops would go as far as the nice people did for me . and also when splitting up there is no scale bar so we had to overlay each section .
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Ano Pilot on February 14, 2014
I agree. I posted..."Looking forward to building this very much. BUT the full size plan seems to be in a rather unusable format. Can't we have it in 4 big pages please? I have no idea how to manage the single long strip that comes up on my computer."
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chowell on February 15, 2014
Yes I agree! Can you please make them on 4 20x30 pages? Thank you for the build and great build video!!
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dz1sfb on February 13, 2014
Well thought out and executed. Kudos!!!

Ken :)
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lefort on February 13, 2014
Love the design and how nice the nose piece works out (jet noses out of DTFB usually don't look so nice). Its interesting that there are no decent 70mm EDF units to be had on the internet any longer ;-).

A quick note, the tiled plans do not line up according to the key for them and the vertical stabilizer ends up over lapping the fuselage.

Thanks for all the hard work!
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Bolvon72 on February 13, 2014
Such a great amount of innovation to this one David. The fold outs on the canopy, the break apart nose, I'm dumbfounded by how many man hours must have gone into this plane's development. You can stand proud on this one.
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Bob_Curtains on February 14, 2014
Amazing job David! You are an inspiration to any would be designer. Your technique is flawless and deserves an infinite amount of praise. You will definitely go down in my book as an original Renaissance "RC" man and memory maker. Congrat's on this one bud!
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zjsfmail on February 14, 2014
Amazing job David! You are an inspiration to any would be designer. Your technique is flawless and deserves an infinite amount of praise. You will definitely go down in my book as an original Renaissance "RC" man and memory maker. Congrat's on this one bud! - See more at: http://www.flitetest.com/articles/ft-viggen-build#sthash.iLGPrvsu.dpuf
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iimeme on February 14, 2014
How do you set up the thrust vectoring, and would it be better to do it so it parallels the elevator or the aileron?

Thanks for the great plane!!!
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sleepy1956 on February 15, 2014
will you think about making these in black depron foam sheets. i will get one even that it would cost more, it would be stronger and it would not need to get painted
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chowell on February 15, 2014
So does any one know the best way to print off these plans? I would like to take them to Staples and get them made on 20x30 (the same size as foam board) but the one big plan is too long for Staples. Not to mention the problems I am sure will acquire trying to getting scale to match. Thanks!
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helidog12 on February 16, 2014
The easiest way to print the plans is to use the NON-Tiled version and print them using the poster settings for your printer. Be sure to print the cut and alingment marks. I printed and assembled in one day!!!!

Thanks David

Looking forward to more awesomeness from you and Flite Test
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Block Head Flying on February 16, 2014
They can do it . It just takes a person behind the counter that will work with you . My fed ex store was able to but it took forever and she was very nice.
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Pilot Scott on February 15, 2014
Here's an alternative to this issue and can be used for many more projects. Open the project with Big Print and divide it how ever you like. http://woodgears.ca/bigprint/
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FliteOmega on February 16, 2014

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trobinson1230 on February 18, 2014
Thanks David for an awesome plane. Can someone please tell me how to set up the thrust vectoring with the elevons. I do not have a clue how to wire up the servos. I plan on making a thrust victory unit that will move Side to side as well as up-and-down however I know how to set up the side to side but not the up-and-down
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Yogenh on February 18, 2014
I just got my speed build kit today and now have to get the fan. I am going with the 70. Can't wait to get started.
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Yogenh on February 18, 2014
I would like to know how you did the landing gear on it.
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RICHGCOOP on February 18, 2014
I stopped in it flitetest shop today to get some control horns. Josh and his crew are the best. I have my vagin I'll cut out blue together and all the edges rounded.
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Ben Presten on February 22, 2014
I think you need to check your spelling.
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RICHGCOOP on February 23, 2014
I used my phone, That's the way it spelled it. Should be.
I stopped in at Flitetest today to get some control horns. Josh and his crew are the best.
I have my Vaggin all cut out and all glued together and all the edges rounded.

ARE YOU HAPPY NOW ????
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Block Head Flying on February 23, 2014
If you make a comment like that Ben you are a controlling know it all . We all knew what he meant . I mean you made him re-write his post ,,,,realy ! Unless you are friends busting on each other, let it be have some fun.

B.H.F
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waytooslow on February 19, 2014
I am so torn -- do I toss in the Deltrum 70 mm setup -- or put in a wicked 4000 Plus on a balanced 64mm fan - I have both sitting in front of me on my bench. I find the speed kit awesome - great work!. I also printed out a few sets of plans after busting it up on to 20x30 canvas size Illustrator files. Local Staples was able to print as I waited. I have the planes setup on 5 pieces of dollar tree, with 3 extra noses on last board. I see you could get away with 4. I see multiple builds on this model in my future. Thanks David for a great design.
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Vass on February 20, 2014
What size are the smaller sheets? Presume American foolscap not Euro A4 ?
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Ben Presten on February 22, 2014
please sell spare hatches. I would be the first buyer as I already lost one.
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seberg on February 24, 2014
First post for me. Just want to say thanks for all the guys at FT. Because of you guys I started with the RC hobby. Now my brother is in too. I have downloaded a couple of the plans and they are really great. Currently working on the Viggen. Looks really cool!!!
Thanks again for all you guys do.
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canbuildlearningtofly on February 27, 2014
Great build David. We have a plotter at work and I used the auto select on the scale and just used the get window option on the print page and broke the drawing up myself overlapping key components to check the scale. seemed to work fine. I will post pics as soon as I figure out how.
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Wizguber on March 3, 2014
Help ! Why can't I watch the build video ? Says it's been removed by YouTube ...
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sandman on March 3, 2014
Help! what's wrong with video?
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Titan176 on March 4, 2014
Hey guys, not to be a broken record, but please try and reload the build video. I'm only half way through the build. Thanks in advance.
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Jdmartin on March 4, 2014
I just received my Viggen Speed Build kit, only to find the build video has been removed! Please, please make the video available soon!
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dma09 on March 5, 2014
I am new to building with foam, anyone knows which thickness and what the material is called?
I am gonna build it from scratch just printed the drawings.
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sstokes1971 on March 5, 2014
Adams foam board (sold at Dollar Tree & Dollar General in USA). 3/16" (5mm) thick.
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dma09 on March 6, 2014
ok! Thanks for fast answer.

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llknott on March 7, 2014
You can also get from wal-mart that is a little stronger but a little harder to cut with knife.
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lawtonca on March 7, 2014
Hey guys, did someone dictator somewhere complain to YouTube because your build video didn't show how to build a real Viggen? What gives?
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llknott on March 7, 2014
Why was your build plans for the viggen removed from your site, would be nice to have?
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Revesjö on March 14, 2014
Finished, nice to build something fast fore ones. Bra beskrivning David.
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Revesjö on March 15, 2014
First flite today, you can probably teach a small baby to fly this plane.
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Rasterize on March 17, 2014
Nice plane! Excellent build video! I really like the decals. I think I will use them as a template to do a "Blå Petter" version of the Viggen. Will you guys be bringing some speed build kits of the Viggen to NEF? I'd like one. :)
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Rasterize on March 17, 2014
FYI. Callie Graphics will do the decal sheet for $45 shipped (CONUS).
Again, great job!
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seansgrandad on March 18, 2014
Absolutely brilliant plane on 2000KV!
Now to build another one with 3000KV!

Thanks again Guys!!!
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plasticbaldy on March 21, 2014
Very impressed. I am really keen to find some RC projects that I can use my homebuilt CNC router for. Is there any chance of G codes for the Viggen please ? It's only for my own use.
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cisco on March 23, 2014
Can you guys start selling the kit in different color foam boards??? Dollar tree has black foam boards also. http://www.dollartree.com/household/arts-and-crafts/paper-notebooks/Black-Foam-Boards-20x30-/500c565c567p310686/index.pro?method=search
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Yogenh on April 22, 2014
I have my speed kit almost done. Just haven't had a lot of time to build it. But it is going great.
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Yogenh on April 24, 2014
I now have it all done just have to paint it. Can't wait to fly it.
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rclover2.0 on May 21, 2014
If I were to buy the ultimate power pack from Grayson hobby that comes with the motor with blades and housing the battery, the two servos with extenders ant the wire adapters, accelerometer is there anything else I am missing. http://www.graysonhobby.com/catalog/ftviggen70mmedfpowerpackage-p-2610.html - See more at: http://flitetest.com/articles/ft-viggen-build#sthash.tFtIFWZp.dpuf
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rifted on May 22, 2014
Hey collin, are you new to the hobby? Do you already own a tx system? Charger? if so I think their pack "Grayson hobby" pack I mean looks very good deal. After making a little more research.
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bam.bam.sam on June 20, 2014
I just tried to download the decal via dropbox but the link is no longer available. Can you please enable it to be downloaded? Thanks!
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Jbcolley on July 3, 2014
Hi folks! Just like bam.bam.sam above I tried to download the decal but the link is no longer available. A little help, please?!
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Haralabos on August 10, 2014
Hi! I'm trying to download the decals but the link is not "working" does anyone has the decals file
PLEASE?
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RRacer on September 7, 2014
Hello all,
just making the last adjustments to my Viggen. Excellent job on the plans, David!

I was about to start the tedious work making the control rods, but instead tried rods from the HK Bixler 2, and they are a perfect match.
Currently they sell as a kit with four short ones (enough for two Viggens) and two long ones for $2.59.

https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25538__Hobbyking_Bixler_2_EPO_1500mm_Replacement_Pushrod_Set.html

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Carlos Silva on October 23, 2014
Hello all,
I want to build the Viggen plan with my own material, and I want to know what's the alternative material to Balsa or cut laser foam to do it, and what the right thickness of the material in mm.
I was thinking to do the plan with K-line material. (architecture material to do models.)
Anybody can help me?
Thanks.
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leonairo on November 4, 2014
Like more post above.. was there allready an answer about this ?
"I just tried to download the decal via dropbox but the link is no longer available"

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Butch-85 on November 23, 2014
Hi Guys
Here is a link to a Dynam Motor ESC Combo BM2826D-KV3000+60A ESC for 70MM EDF Jets for $34.95 and the 70mm EDF, 6 blade! for $3.90 Have fun with this one!

http://www.hobbypartz.com/60p-dy-1046-motoresccombo.html
http://www.hobbypartz.com/53p-20002.html
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donald.sayers on December 13, 2014
What happened to the decal file?
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valleypump on February 4, 2015
Where can I find a "how to" on landing gear for this plane?
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Harleydad on April 3, 2015
Love the videos guys, I have printed the drawing on a blotter printer. I tried to download the decal file but I am getting an errror. Anyone who has it here care to want to share it?

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DoubleAce on April 12, 2015
I think you guys should make a mini viggen
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Garreta234 on June 19, 2015
Looks like a cool build. has anyone built the light setup , and if so is there any thing you might suggest to make it fly better?
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RedheadBarron on August 26, 2015
Is it just me...or are the plans for the Viggen only showing small markers on the ends of each score cut instead of printing a full red line or blue line. All black lines are printing no problem. But for score cuts and notes/creases---only a '-' at the start and a '-' at the end of the line
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pdcason on September 27, 2015
I finally got mine done. Definitely take your time and watch the video. I have to give the UPS guy a big thank you for messing up the price for the decal sheets. Only had to pay $29.00. Should have been $54.00 a sheet. Yes.... $108 plus tax. Will hopefully maiden wed!!
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solitaire on October 23, 2015
If I may be so bold but there is an inconsistency (a joke on Davids behalf perhaps) or an error to the decals asto the number code of the forward fuselage. This is the wing number which for whatever reason is identical to the flight number on the fin/ vertical stabiliser - was this intentional? As it happens the highest wing number ever having flown the Viggen was the F21
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RedheadBarron on October 26, 2015
Dang Mr. Scale. lol. just kiddin
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Old Ed on December 15, 2015
Problem: like the Viggen, but only have a 55mm EDF. Don't want to by a new EDF, besides at present everyone seems to be out of affordable 64 and 70mm EDF's.
Solution:
In PDF print, set tile scale to 78%. (55mm is 78% 0f 70mm)
Print plans. Before printing an entire set, I find the page the motor mounts are on and only print THAT page using the scale I want. I then measure the printed plan to assure it is the correct size. If not, I adjust the tile size percentage and try again.
Happy building.
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Liam W on May 27, 2016
Good idea! Going to do this for my 50mm edf I have spare :)

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Kostas on December 8, 2016
Hello Guys!!! i wanna build this also at 50mm edf unit!! do you know what the scale is??? for this dimensions??? thank you
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BobN4RCs on September 15, 2016
Will the full scale Viggen EDF plans work with both/either the 64mm or 70mm setups?
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Steveacer on June 3, 2018
Just built out of depron with rudder and wheels. Took for maiden flight today but was a struggle to gain altitude because the cheap 64 EDF was way underpowered. Turns very well using rudder or elavons and flies well, but wished that I had bought a quality 70mm EDF. Thinking about making wings aero.

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Grav on April 5, 2019

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Bigtex1984 on November 1, 2021
wish there was still a peed build kit for this

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prayer3290 on February 12, 2023
could this work with a power pack c?
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FT-Viggen - Build