Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
#1
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Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
The Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF is "a sport warbird for everyone!" This is because it can be built up with either glow or electric power. When powered by a glow engine, it is AMA Event 750, Combat Class 2610 legal. This versatile MonoKote-covered, built-up balsa/ply ARF can be flown for sport-scale fun or compete in combat events.
Specifications:[ul][*] Wingspan Area: 272 in2 (17.5 dm2)[*] Weight: 40-48 oz (1.13-1.36 kg)[*] Wing Loading: 21-25 oz/ft2 (65-78 g/dm2)[*] Length: 35.5 in (895 mm)[*] Radio Required: 4-channel radio w/4-5 micro servos[*] Glow Engine Required: 2-stroke .25 cu in (4 cc)[*] Electric Motor Requirements: 1450kV out-runner brushless motor; 45A brushless ESC; 11.1V 3200 mAh LiPo battery
[/ul]
Features:[ul][*] High quality, built-up balsa/ply construction, covered in MonoKote film[*] Includes mounting components for either glow or electric power[*] AMA Event 750, Combat Class 2610 legal (when used with recommended glow set-up)[*] One-piece wing with plywood wing joiner[*] 2.25" (57.15mm) diameter white spinner included[*] Pre-painted, fiberglass cowling[*] Ready to fly in only 7-10 hours!
[/ul]
Specifications:[ul][*] Wingspan Area: 272 in2 (17.5 dm2)[*] Weight: 40-48 oz (1.13-1.36 kg)[*] Wing Loading: 21-25 oz/ft2 (65-78 g/dm2)[*] Length: 35.5 in (895 mm)[*] Radio Required: 4-channel radio w/4-5 micro servos[*] Glow Engine Required: 2-stroke .25 cu in (4 cc)[*] Electric Motor Requirements: 1450kV out-runner brushless motor; 45A brushless ESC; 11.1V 3200 mAh LiPo battery
[/ul]
Features:[ul][*] High quality, built-up balsa/ply construction, covered in MonoKote film[*] Includes mounting components for either glow or electric power[*] AMA Event 750, Combat Class 2610 legal (when used with recommended glow set-up)[*] One-piece wing with plywood wing joiner[*] 2.25" (57.15mm) diameter white spinner included[*] Pre-painted, fiberglass cowling[*] Ready to fly in only 7-10 hours!
[/ul]
#2
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Great Planes includes a fiberglass cowl and lightweight, balsa/ply main structures covered in MonoKote™ film. The Spitfire comes already covered with five colors of MonoKote film that represent a typical trim scheme of the World War II Allied fighter. Decals shown are included and die-cut for easy application. You can assemble this model for belly landings or with the fixed wire landing gear provided — and mount your aileron servos and linkages on the top or bottom of the wing.
For my review, I'll be using a RimFire brushless electric power system. This is made from a [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXLWU1&P=V]GPMG4600[/link] Great Planes Rimfire 35-30-1450 out-runner brushless motor, [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXKSY6&P=V]GPMM1840[/link] Great Planes Silver Series 45A brushless ESC, and a [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVSEARCH=GPMP0623&FVPROFIL=++&search3=Go]GPMP0623[/link] ElectriFly 3200mAh (20C) 3-cell LiPo battery.
The Spitfire requires four stong servos like the [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVSEARCH=HCAM0111&FVPROFIL=++&search3=Go]HCAM0111[/link] Hobbico CS-12MG Servo with Hi-Speed and Metal Gears.
For my review, I'll be using a RimFire brushless electric power system. This is made from a [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXLWU1&P=V]GPMG4600[/link] Great Planes Rimfire 35-30-1450 out-runner brushless motor, [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXKSY6&P=V]GPMM1840[/link] Great Planes Silver Series 45A brushless ESC, and a [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVSEARCH=GPMP0623&FVPROFIL=++&search3=Go]GPMP0623[/link] ElectriFly 3200mAh (20C) 3-cell LiPo battery.
The Spitfire requires four stong servos like the [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVSEARCH=HCAM0111&FVPROFIL=++&search3=Go]HCAM0111[/link] Hobbico CS-12MG Servo with Hi-Speed and Metal Gears.
#3
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
The assembly begins by attaching the ailerons to the wing halves with thin CA.
It is then time to decide what you plan to do with the Spitfire and how you plan to land it. There are servo bays in both the top and the bottom of the wings. If you plan to use the Spitfire for sport flying, you may want to install the optional landing gear and mount the servos on the bottom of the wing. If you plan to use the Spitfire for combat, you may choose to not install the optional landing gear and mount the servos on the top of the wing for smoother belly landings on grass. The assembly is the same for either mounting choice.
Since I decided that I would be belly landing my Spitfire on grass, I mounted the aileron servos on top of the wing. Simple painting of the servo and control horn can help hide the components in the air. Instead of using the Futaba (FUTM3910) 6" servo extensions, I choose a Hobbico (HCAM2751) Heavy-Duty Y-harness to lengthen the servo leads and join them to a single channel.
It is then time to decide what you plan to do with the Spitfire and how you plan to land it. There are servo bays in both the top and the bottom of the wings. If you plan to use the Spitfire for sport flying, you may want to install the optional landing gear and mount the servos on the bottom of the wing. If you plan to use the Spitfire for combat, you may choose to not install the optional landing gear and mount the servos on the top of the wing for smoother belly landings on grass. The assembly is the same for either mounting choice.
Since I decided that I would be belly landing my Spitfire on grass, I mounted the aileron servos on top of the wing. Simple painting of the servo and control horn can help hide the components in the air. Instead of using the Futaba (FUTM3910) 6" servo extensions, I choose a Hobbico (HCAM2751) Heavy-Duty Y-harness to lengthen the servo leads and join them to a single channel.
#4
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
I love this little plane - it is fast and looks great in the air. I put a steerable tailwheel on this little guy and it is a kick in the pants. The OS .25 makes this a zippy, fun to fly plane.
CG was a little tough. It was very nose heavy with the OS 25 so I had to cut a little access area just in front of the tail feathers to mount the battery.
CG was a little tough. It was very nose heavy with the OS 25 so I had to cut a little access area just in front of the tail feathers to mount the battery.
#5
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Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Thanks for the report, especially on a glow-powered version. It seems that Great Planes has designed the Combat Spitfire from the ground up to use either electric or glow power instead of a last minute conversion.
To install the RimFire Brushless Outrunner motor, you build up the motor mount adapter from laser-cut parts. I used CA to hold it initially together and then reinforced the joints with epoxy. All the parts fit perfectly and the instructions in the manual are very detailed with plenty of photos. Note the built-in cooling system for the electric power version that allows air flow from the firewall out the bottom of the fuselage. The ESC is mounted to a plywood plate that sits right in the air flow.
The only issue I had in this area was that the RimFire 35mm motor wire plugs did not fit the ElectriFly Silver Series 45-amp ESC plugs. This required the mating connectors that come with the RimFire motor to be soldered onto the Silver Series ESC.
To install the RimFire Brushless Outrunner motor, you build up the motor mount adapter from laser-cut parts. I used CA to hold it initially together and then reinforced the joints with epoxy. All the parts fit perfectly and the instructions in the manual are very detailed with plenty of photos. Note the built-in cooling system for the electric power version that allows air flow from the firewall out the bottom of the fuselage. The ESC is mounted to a plywood plate that sits right in the air flow.
The only issue I had in this area was that the RimFire 35mm motor wire plugs did not fit the ElectriFly Silver Series 45-amp ESC plugs. This required the mating connectors that come with the RimFire motor to be soldered onto the Silver Series ESC.
#6
Senior Member
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Greg, if you ever get the chance - ditch the Y harness, run independant channels for the ailerons and program Aileron Differential into the transmitter. The plane will roll like it should.
Only hazard - you can never go back to single channel/servo ailerons
Only hazard - you can never go back to single channel/servo ailerons
#7
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Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Jeff,
Thanks for the tip. If you are not going to fly combat with streamers, you might as well make it fly scale.
The tail assembly was straight forward and the instructions had plenty of detail. If you follow the instructions, the split elevator halves assemble quite easily. Note that I routed the antenna wire through the fuselage and out the aft end. A little grey paint helps hide the control horns.
Thanks for the tip. If you are not going to fly combat with streamers, you might as well make it fly scale.
The tail assembly was straight forward and the instructions had plenty of detail. If you follow the instructions, the split elevator halves assemble quite easily. Note that I routed the antenna wire through the fuselage and out the aft end. A little grey paint helps hide the control horns.
#8
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
The CG balance is an issue with the glow setup. The weight difference and relative distribution of the weight between the electirc and the glow setups just could not be accounted for in the design and have it balance properly after the standard assembly process in the glow setup. Electric setup clearly took priority. I'm not complaining though and I'm happy they even considered the conversion; just an observation.
I have a thundar tiger 25 on it mine and to balance I temporarily added 1.25 oz to the tail. Moving the battery to the tail may be a better option and doesn't add additional weight to the plane. Any suggestions on keeping the engine cool inside the cowl?
I have a thundar tiger 25 on it mine and to balance I temporarily added 1.25 oz to the tail. Moving the battery to the tail may be a better option and doesn't add additional weight to the plane. Any suggestions on keeping the engine cool inside the cowl?
#9
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Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Thanks for the additional information on the glow-powered balance issue. It seems that the Spitfire is consistently nose heavy with a .25-size 2-stroke engine. Is this measured with the fuel tank full or empty?
The inside of the fuselage has a battery tray and a receiver tray glued in place for the electric power version. I used some ty-wraps to secure the receiver instead of the supplied rubber bands. The receiver is also held with servo tape on the bottom.
The servos mounted without issue and my only deviation from the stock setup was to eliminate the supplied quick links and use Z-bends where the control rods attach to the servo arm. As long as you center the servos electronically first, any offset needed to trim the elevator and rudder can be done on the transmitter. The Z-bends cannot slip in flight.
The inside of the fuselage has a battery tray and a receiver tray glued in place for the electric power version. I used some ty-wraps to secure the receiver instead of the supplied rubber bands. The receiver is also held with servo tape on the bottom.
The servos mounted without issue and my only deviation from the stock setup was to eliminate the supplied quick links and use Z-bends where the control rods attach to the servo arm. As long as you center the servos electronically first, any offset needed to trim the elevator and rudder can be done on the transmitter. The Z-bends cannot slip in flight.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
The cowl was mounted using the masking tape alignment scheme in the manual. It provided excellent alignment. Some thin CA was added to the holes in the fuselage to help harden the wood.
The stock white spinner backplate and APC 9x6 [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LX1534&P=V]Sport Propeller[/link] fit perfectly on the RimFire prop adapter without any drilling needed. I decided to try the glow prop as it fit without drilling and also added to the rugged look of the Combat Spitfire. If the glow prop proves not to be efficient on the RimFire electric motor, I'll replace it with an APC 9x6 e-prop.
Note that I added an oval opening in the cowl bottom, per the manual, to help provide cooling air flow. A Dremel tool makes this an easy task.
The stock white spinner backplate and APC 9x6 [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LX1534&P=V]Sport Propeller[/link] fit perfectly on the RimFire prop adapter without any drilling needed. I decided to try the glow prop as it fit without drilling and also added to the rugged look of the Combat Spitfire. If the glow prop proves not to be efficient on the RimFire electric motor, I'll replace it with an APC 9x6 e-prop.
Note that I added an oval opening in the cowl bottom, per the manual, to help provide cooling air flow. A Dremel tool makes this an easy task.
#12
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Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
The pre-painted canopy was glued in place using [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXR529&P=ML]RC 56[/link] canopy glue.
#13
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
The Spitfire balanced perfectly at the 2-3/8" position behind the LE. This was tested by hand and verified by the Great Planes [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK259&P=ML]CG Machine[/link].
#14
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Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
My Great Planes Combat Spitfire was Ready-To-Fly at 39oz (or 2.4lbs) with the 10oz 3-cell ElectriFly 3200mAh (20C) LiPo pack.
The current draw was only 32 amps for 370 watts. That's a powerful 152w/lb and the power system can handle full throttle for the entire flight!
The current draw was only 32 amps for 370 watts. That's a powerful 152w/lb and the power system can handle full throttle for the entire flight!
#15
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Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
The Great Planes Combat Spitfire flew fantastic! It flies very fast, which was expected from the clean airframe. Most of the flights were spent around half throttle and we saw no bad tendencies. The winds were 10-15mph and the Spitfire was solid in flight. We performed loops and rolls at only half throttle. The warbird lands fast so it is important to bleed off much of the speed before belly landing on the grass. None of the power system components were hot after the flights which lasted about 12 to 15 minutes.
Video coming soon!
photos by "Papa Jeff" Ring
Video coming soon!
photos by "Papa Jeff" Ring
#17
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Nice review Greg!
Developed by a RAMS member...and built, flown and photographed by a couple RCCR guys!
small world ...hu?
take care-
George Rodriguez
Developed by a RAMS member...and built, flown and photographed by a couple RCCR guys!
small world ...hu?
take care-
George Rodriguez
#18
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
ORIGINAL: GP G-Rod
Nice review Greg!
Developed by a RAMS member...and built, flown and photographed by a couple RCCR guys!
small world ...hu?
take care-
George Rodriguez
Nice review Greg!
Developed by a RAMS member...and built, flown and photographed by a couple RCCR guys!
small world ...hu?
take care-
George Rodriguez
GP G-Rod,
Hey, how are you??? We all hope to see you in a few weeks at the RAMS event. I like the "G-ROD" moniker.....does that make Dad A-ROD?????? You guys at GP sure did a good job on this Combat Spitfire and today Greg did a special video just for you. In a few days....it should be all edited and ready to go. We also really liked your Tri-wing Faulker.
Stay well and see ya soon!
Regards,
Papa Jeff
"PAPA POWER"
#19
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
I love my combat spitfire ! sooooo fast and flies beautifully, turns are very tight at full throttle, it handles exceptionally well, unlimited verticals, tight loops, rolls, inverted low passes ...
With an APC 10x5 it was clocked at 154 km/hr , then I put an APC 9x6 and it went up to 175 km/hr (110 mph) !!!
Everybody at our field is amazed by it !!!! It is faster than the Magics and Rubins with tuned pipes and High RPM Rossis and MVVS engines ))))
I have an OS 32sx on it , it screams and what a sound !!! I removed the baffle from the muffler !
The only disadvantage of the 32 is its fuel consumption, I fly exactly 6 minutes only, the timer beeps and I have less than a minute left to land. Now I am looking at what bigger tank can be used in it, at least 6oz, the one supplied is 130cc if I remember well.
Other issues I have faced with it:
- It came out very nose heavy, had to add 95 grams of lead to the tail, to do it gracefully, I took 3 shotgun cartridges, cut them up to remove the tiny lead shots, mixed them with epoxy, put the mix in a plastic bag, made a small cut on its corner and squeezed everything inside the tail through the provided opening of the tail skid.
- I used Hobbico CS12 MG servos on ailerons and throttle and Hitec HS 85MG on rudder and elevator.
- Being a 3D pilot, I like to crank up the throws to the max possible limits, after I looked at the manual and saw their recommended throws of 3mm and 6mm ... I just disregarded that, set my controls to maximum deflection and my test flight was a nightmare, the unexpected super high speed, mixed with very high throws and the CG was not 100% correct (still a bit nose heavy).
I then set the throws exactly as recommended in the manual, even used the accuthrow I got for free from tower and never used till now and added another 5 grams of lead to the tail to get the CG at 63 mm from the leading edge.
- I added a micro World Models Tailwheel, mounts easily and works great.
After all that, the plane now flies perfectly and handles exceptionally well, I still have to find a larger tank that fits to enjoy longer flights. The 32 SX is a must if you like the thrill of speed. Just watch the landings, they can be a little tricky and u need to get used to them, there is a way to handle these, u have to keep some speed and approach steeply.
With an APC 10x5 it was clocked at 154 km/hr , then I put an APC 9x6 and it went up to 175 km/hr (110 mph) !!!
Everybody at our field is amazed by it !!!! It is faster than the Magics and Rubins with tuned pipes and High RPM Rossis and MVVS engines ))))
I have an OS 32sx on it , it screams and what a sound !!! I removed the baffle from the muffler !
The only disadvantage of the 32 is its fuel consumption, I fly exactly 6 minutes only, the timer beeps and I have less than a minute left to land. Now I am looking at what bigger tank can be used in it, at least 6oz, the one supplied is 130cc if I remember well.
Other issues I have faced with it:
- It came out very nose heavy, had to add 95 grams of lead to the tail, to do it gracefully, I took 3 shotgun cartridges, cut them up to remove the tiny lead shots, mixed them with epoxy, put the mix in a plastic bag, made a small cut on its corner and squeezed everything inside the tail through the provided opening of the tail skid.
- I used Hobbico CS12 MG servos on ailerons and throttle and Hitec HS 85MG on rudder and elevator.
- Being a 3D pilot, I like to crank up the throws to the max possible limits, after I looked at the manual and saw their recommended throws of 3mm and 6mm ... I just disregarded that, set my controls to maximum deflection and my test flight was a nightmare, the unexpected super high speed, mixed with very high throws and the CG was not 100% correct (still a bit nose heavy).
I then set the throws exactly as recommended in the manual, even used the accuthrow I got for free from tower and never used till now and added another 5 grams of lead to the tail to get the CG at 63 mm from the leading edge.
- I added a micro World Models Tailwheel, mounts easily and works great.
After all that, the plane now flies perfectly and handles exceptionally well, I still have to find a larger tank that fits to enjoy longer flights. The 32 SX is a must if you like the thrill of speed. Just watch the landings, they can be a little tricky and u need to get used to them, there is a way to handle these, u have to keep some speed and approach steeply.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Hi George,
I'm not sure that we've met before but I've known your Dad for many years. Keep up the excellent work at Great Planes, these models fly unbelievable in the stock configuration!
As announced by "Papa Jeff" Ring, we made a second video using a regulation streamer and our local combat expert, Matt Kirsch, puts the Great Planes Spitfire through some typical combat manuevers. Matt is also an RCU Moderator.
[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/reviews/CombatSpitfire2.wmv]Combat Spitfire Video2[/link] (8meg)
P.S. akaram, thanks for the long distance report from Lebanon!
I'm not sure that we've met before but I've known your Dad for many years. Keep up the excellent work at Great Planes, these models fly unbelievable in the stock configuration!
As announced by "Papa Jeff" Ring, we made a second video using a regulation streamer and our local combat expert, Matt Kirsch, puts the Great Planes Spitfire through some typical combat manuevers. Matt is also an RCU Moderator.
[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/reviews/CombatSpitfire2.wmv]Combat Spitfire Video2[/link] (8meg)
P.S. akaram, thanks for the long distance report from Lebanon!
#21
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Have a look at my SpitFire. http://gboustany.7host.com/AmazRC/Vi...p?MediaID=1122
Note the opening in the cowling at the bottom, it is essential to have it this size for engine cooling.
Note the opening in the cowling at the bottom, it is essential to have it this size for engine cooling.
#22
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
ORIGINAL: Greg Covey
Hi George,
I'm not sure that we've met before but I've known your Dad for many years. Keep up the excellent work at Great Planes, these models fly unbelievable in the stock configuration!
As announced by "Papa Jeff" Ring, we made a second video using a regulation streamer and our local combat expert, Matt Kirsch, puts the Great Planes Spitfire through some typical combat manuevers. Matt is also an RCU Moderator.
[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/reviews/CombatSpitfire2.wmv]Combat Spitfire Video2[/link] (8meg)
P.S. akaram, thanks for the long distance report from Lebanon!
Hi George,
I'm not sure that we've met before but I've known your Dad for many years. Keep up the excellent work at Great Planes, these models fly unbelievable in the stock configuration!
As announced by "Papa Jeff" Ring, we made a second video using a regulation streamer and our local combat expert, Matt Kirsch, puts the Great Planes Spitfire through some typical combat manuevers. Matt is also an RCU Moderator.
[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/reviews/CombatSpitfire2.wmv]Combat Spitfire Video2[/link] (8meg)
P.S. akaram, thanks for the long distance report from Lebanon!
Keep your eyes peeled for the next release in this series...due this fall.
Hint: You can hear it "growl" when its sitting still.
GR
#23
Senior Member
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
P-40?
Would be nice. Try for a little bit better attention to detail where the wing and fuselage meet - compared to my GP Corsair and Mustang, the Spit interface at that point is pretty poor.
Would be nice. Try for a little bit better attention to detail where the wing and fuselage meet - compared to my GP Corsair and Mustang, the Spit interface at that point is pretty poor.
#24
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RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
Hello Jeff-
Could you send me a pic of your wing fit problem. That is the first we have been made aware of this potential issue.
I am glad that you enjoy all the offerings in the series!
I can be reached at-
[email protected]
thanks!
George
Could you send me a pic of your wing fit problem. That is the first we have been made aware of this potential issue.
I am glad that you enjoy all the offerings in the series!
I can be reached at-
[email protected]
thanks!
George
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
RE: Great Planes Combat Spitfire GP/EP ARF
I would not agree that the fit of the wing to fuselage is poor on the Spitfire. Proof is in my numerous photos on page 1.