TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
#51
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Well, thinks are moving along; but have come to a complete stop until my retracts are here. Yep, I have done just about everything I can until I get the retracts installed. The enclosed photos are of the business end with my break-in prop installed. I got a Mejlik 3-blade coming for serious flying.
CAUTION: If you are using the supplied spinner with an engine that has multi-bolt prop mounting - make sure you get everything lined up before drilling the spinner backplate. or you will have to end up grinding out the edges of the spinner. The holes in the engine, spinner back plate and prop must all line up. So check twice before drilling.
I installed the Robart retractable tailwheel. It was a complete drop-in basically. Drill 4 holes and a couple of other things - thats it.
Has anyone installed that absolutely crappy, fake exhaust manifold? It looks horrible and fits the cowl even worse.
CAUTION: If you are using the supplied spinner with an engine that has multi-bolt prop mounting - make sure you get everything lined up before drilling the spinner backplate. or you will have to end up grinding out the edges of the spinner. The holes in the engine, spinner back plate and prop must all line up. So check twice before drilling.
I installed the Robart retractable tailwheel. It was a complete drop-in basically. Drill 4 holes and a couple of other things - thats it.
Has anyone installed that absolutely crappy, fake exhaust manifold? It looks horrible and fits the cowl even worse.
#53
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
I know what you mean about the retracts. You would think Top Flight would have alerted Robart about gearing up for their aircraft. I am told Top Flight might be gearing up to ARF all thier giant scale war birds. I will get in line for both the Corsair and the P-47.
I thought that the first mfg. to arf a quality WWII aircraft in the 85-90 inch wingspan would have a winner. Am I right? Also, throw away those skimpy mechanical retracts and let us decide what undercarriage we want. I know if I were to strip the covering off one of these and glass it, I would choose Darrel's retracts. They really look good on this bird!
I thought that the first mfg. to arf a quality WWII aircraft in the 85-90 inch wingspan would have a winner. Am I right? Also, throw away those skimpy mechanical retracts and let us decide what undercarriage we want. I know if I were to strip the covering off one of these and glass it, I would choose Darrel's retracts. They really look good on this bird!
#56
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Gary,
You CAN put a set Darrell's retracts in your plane. They make a set
that will fit just like the 622's. Of course they have a much more
scale strut. Give him a call.
They also make the replacement part for the plastic cam block.
Later
You CAN put a set Darrell's retracts in your plane. They make a set
that will fit just like the 622's. Of course they have a much more
scale strut. Give him a call.
They also make the replacement part for the plastic cam block.
Later
#57
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Darrell is shipping my Sierra retracts Monday (6th). They are a drop-in. It's the only set he has, right at the moment; but he is preparing a run for the TF. And if you can/do get your hands on a set of the Robarts, he will gladly sell you the aluminum replacment block that tends to go bad on the Robarts I've heard. $22 I think. He does not have a drop-in retractable tail wheel yet, but the Robart unit is fine and can't been seen any way.
#58
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Has anyone flown one of these yet? I got one for a practice model but have to wait for retracts like everyone else. I also want to put the Brison Revolution 52 in it but that has been delayed also. I am impressed with the quality of the kit for the price. BTW I got mine from Chief for $429.95 shipped. They are a great outfit to deal with and include shipping with most of the ARFs they sell. Don
#59
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Steve, I bought the stacks and some drop tanks and a dress up kit. Contact them and see what all he will sell. I was just talking to him at the Scale Masters a little more than a week ago about his accessories. He sells lots for the TF and Yellow kits plus others. Here are some pics of his stacks on my TF Kit build
.
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#62
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Bob, I have no doubt it will fly well. Now we all just have to wait for retracts and in my case an engine. Top Flite did do one thing right and that was to make enough of these on the first run. I guess they knew they had a winner. I might spring for a set of Darryl's retracts as they will also fit a Platt Mustang kit I have on the shelf. Don
#63
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Don, I agree with ya, they have a winner there. You have a Platt Stang? I'm jealous!! lol. I watched Charlile Chambers fly his 33 lb at the 89 nats. He said the plane flew very well as long as the engine was still running. If it stopped the plane was a brick lol. BobH.
#64
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Manfred, I too looked at the Revolution. but a couple of issues. They are "developing" a special muffler that will fit in the P-51. Second, when a new product is not actually on the shelf; only god knows when it will actually be available. Could be months before the Revolution is actually buyable.
The Muffler on my DA50 is a Slimline. They are right up the road from Desert Aircraft. You can get the muffler from Desert aircraft or Slimline, direct. Not cheap, about $99. Slimline makes good, but expensive stuff. I would also check with Bisson Custom Mufflers, they may have one too, and cheaper. Nothing wrong with the Slimline. It fits great.
It's depressing to have a half built plane just sitting waiting for parts. Somebody really dropped the ball on this retract situation.
The Muffler on my DA50 is a Slimline. They are right up the road from Desert Aircraft. You can get the muffler from Desert aircraft or Slimline, direct. Not cheap, about $99. Slimline makes good, but expensive stuff. I would also check with Bisson Custom Mufflers, they may have one too, and cheaper. Nothing wrong with the Slimline. It fits great.
It's depressing to have a half built plane just sitting waiting for parts. Somebody really dropped the ball on this retract situation.
#67
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
I can tell you that I didn't use the Robart tail wheel on my TF Stang. Instead I used a B&D nose wheel unit. It works well and is cheaper and it can be made to retract in the proper direction which is foward.
Manfred, I'm sure the Moki 2.1 will fly the plane. Gas is just sometimes less bother but uglier lol.. BobH.
Manfred, I'm sure the Moki 2.1 will fly the plane. Gas is just sometimes less bother but uglier lol.. BobH.
#68
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
I forget which one I got (not at home right now); but Robart only recommends one gear for the TF ARF P-51. Same one the manual recommends. It was an easy ten minute install: mount tire, hook up lines, drop in, drill a few holes, that was it.
#69
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Final Assembly Has Begun
I have received part of my missing retract gear. final assembly has begun. Pictures soon.
The tank is mounting about 2" back from stock position and the forward servo tray is mounted one former rearward. It will contain the servos for the throttle, choke and retract valve. It all goes in rather nicely. The ignition battery is mounted on top (actually bottom when plane is right side up) front of the gas tank plate with velcro. All switches and valves will be located on one side of the plane. the ignition switch is mounted in one of the black checkers on the nose. I may try to semi-hide the receiver switch in one of the decals on fuselage side.
I have discovered that I do not have to chop up the choke lever on the DA50 carb. I can run a nyrod parallel to the throttle cable and mount another mini servo next to the throttle servo. Actually, I'm using two Hitec 225MG servos here, and another for the air valve.
The tank is mounting about 2" back from stock position and the forward servo tray is mounted one former rearward. It will contain the servos for the throttle, choke and retract valve. It all goes in rather nicely. The ignition battery is mounted on top (actually bottom when plane is right side up) front of the gas tank plate with velcro. All switches and valves will be located on one side of the plane. the ignition switch is mounted in one of the black checkers on the nose. I may try to semi-hide the receiver switch in one of the decals on fuselage side.
I have discovered that I do not have to chop up the choke lever on the DA50 carb. I can run a nyrod parallel to the throttle cable and mount another mini servo next to the throttle servo. Actually, I'm using two Hitec 225MG servos here, and another for the air valve.
#70
RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
when joining the wing on my TF p51 arf. should i cut the covering away that overlaps onto the side of the wing where it joins togeather? i figure it would be the best idea even though the book doesnt seem to mention it, i know epoxying covering doesnt work very well, letalone the mini gap it well create.
And what do you think would be a adaquite servo selection for the plane ? it says 50 OZ minium, but that is a very weak servo.
im going all hightech, what servos would you guys recemend ? im not interested in digitals, maby on a 1/3rd scale cap, not on this stang.
And what do you think would be a adaquite servo selection for the plane ? it says 50 OZ minium, but that is a very weak servo.
im going all hightech, what servos would you guys recemend ? im not interested in digitals, maby on a 1/3rd scale cap, not on this stang.
#72
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
mfranke, I think a little of the 2.1 cylinder will stick out the bottom. I can't say for sure but the 1.8 in my yellow Spit just protrudes the bottom and the 2.1 is a little longer. Other than that, the rest should fit. But..I have a G-45 in my Stang and its a sport scale plane not a scale plane (atleast mine is) and a little engine sticking out was something I was willing to tolerate. The Brison Revolution 52 is a good choice when they become available. Even the zdz, da, and 3w's are ok with their rear intakes..
Steve, what do you think of the Aerotech exhaust on my Stang?..
Bobh.
Steve, what do you think of the Aerotech exhaust on my Stang?..
Bobh.
#73
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Bob, it looks better than the TF one; although, honestly, not that much better. I have been trying to get a hold of them for two days now to get their wheels and exhaust, with no luck.
My DBalsa scale K14 Gunsight came today and I am really disappointed with it. I think the instructions are sub par and the parts don't match the instructions. The molding is not all that good either. Waiting to call them tomarrow.
I am also having a horrible time getting the tailwheel doors to close when the gear is down. Actually it's not working at all. I think I need much stronger rubber bands. I haven't read the instructions yet; but it also looks like I am going to have to program in some slight left tailwheel when they are raised or they will not go into the wheelwell
My DBalsa scale K14 Gunsight came today and I am really disappointed with it. I think the instructions are sub par and the parts don't match the instructions. The molding is not all that good either. Waiting to call them tomarrow.
I am also having a horrible time getting the tailwheel doors to close when the gear is down. Actually it's not working at all. I think I need much stronger rubber bands. I haven't read the instructions yet; but it also looks like I am going to have to program in some slight left tailwheel when they are raised or they will not go into the wheelwell
#74
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RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly Thread
Steve, I didn't put on the tail wheel doors. Didn't seem that important at the time. Since my wheel retracts foward like it should I think it would work ok. Aerotech was at the scale masters weekend before last. Not sure if they were going someplace else or not?... if you were to look at the stacks side by side with the TF. they are Lots different.. BobH.