9Gs

I want to build a 1/3 P-51 Mustang just like this one:





Bob Campbell from N. Canton, Ohio is dwarfed by his 12 foot wingspan P-51. Bob's incredible 1/3 scale mustang is scratch built from balsa sheeted foam. Aluminum tape gives it the metal finish. This plane is huge and performs with power to spare with a 240cc inline twin up front. A great looking and flying Mustang.

But I can't find plans anywhere, so I believe it's the Ziroli Plans enlarged, can anyone help me? I'll just need some training for flying so I'll also build a smaller one (P-51) at the same time, or propably the smaller first, the the bigger one.

In other words, How did this guy build this plane? Is it a 1/3 plan or did he use another plan and enlarged/modified it? Where did he get those metal and fiberglass parts? (retracts, cowl, windshield, etc...)
I just need help on getting all need (info on where to get parts and info on the plans) to build this 1/3 P-51, as for the smaller version I'll probably just build a normal (not modified) Ziroly P-51.

Thanks.

9Gs

Sorry for double posting, but I just want to say that this is a project for next year or maybe even later than that, I first have to finish my WH 26% Cessna 182, then I'll build a Ziroli P-51...
I have a lot of experience with wood work, reading plans, and building things from scratch, The Cessna 182 is just my first giant scale plane.

JayGull

My Feedback: (3)

9Gs,

This P-51 is a Bob Campbell design. I dont know much about his designs or when and where they were available. I built a 118" F7F Tigercat from a set of his plans about 10 years ago. The plans were given to me so I dont know where they came from.

Enlarging a set of Ziroli plans is probably the way to go as long as you have the scratchbuilding experience needed to take on that type of project. When you enlarge plans, just about everything changes. Finding a canopy and spinner in 1/3 scale will be a challenge for you.

Jay

P-40 DRIVER

Looks like $20,000, 150 pounds, about 5 years of work, some structural design work and an AMA waiver to me. Hope you are a machinest or know somebody who is. Everything will need to be hand made for that bird.

9Gs

well, thanks for the info guys! I'll let it go for now, but I want to build it someday, I'll probably just stick to the original Ziroli, then in the future who knows...
but thanks for the answers.

edp

My Feedback: (5)

I flew w/ Bob before he past away a last year. The P-51 was his own design and plans. He owed R/C Kits in the 70's and 80's and made his own molds. I have seen it fly many times. Bob was a pioneer in GIANT scale aircraft. We had his just finished B-26 at our club warbird event last weekend.

rc34074

My Feedback: (5)

I was at the Balsa Bees fly-in where this mustang and a LARGE B-26 flew. both did well - the B-26 flew VERY well.

there are some very large warbirds built in Europe- maybe if you want a large scale Mustang you should look into those planes. Nothing against Bob's designs but unless I miss my guess they were all one-offs and there are no plans available.

Ed

RAMFlyer

My Feedback: (65)

If I'm not mistaken, a lot of Mr. Campbell's airplanes were cut/carved from foam, reinforced appropriately with spars and ply, covered with balsa sheeting, and then finished. Seemed like he would show up at Toledo every year with a new giant subject.

TFF

The B29 in the movie "The Right Stuff" was his plane. He use to come around here with his F7F, B29,C130. He was one of the first to build really big planes. That P51 had been around a while; I would call it his "retirement" airplane. His Chipmunk was a staple big plane.

F4u5

My Feedback: (81)

I've got the engine out of that bird.

Jeff

Edwin

My Feedback: (2)

You should contact Jeff Quesenberry at www.rcwarbirds.com . He builds really big warbirds. He would have contact info on making the special parts. Look under the advisor section.
Edwin

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

Hey Edwin, I think Jeff knows about this thread already!

Sorry, couldn't resist. That's his post right above yours by the way.

ozzie454

I have his old A-26 and It flew great !

Edwin

My Feedback: (2)

DOH!!

edp

My Feedback: (5)

Here are a few shots of Matt Miller (a long time friend of Bob's) with Bob's finished B-26

wej65

Hello,
Im new to the forum i was just wondering Bob Campbells P-51...1/3 scale mustang what ever happened to the plane after he passed.I think Jeff at RC Warbirds got the engine..I think jeff builds great models! Bobs p-51 is awesome..GAINT SCALE all the way.if someone had the molds to a plane like that it would be a big demand for it....BOB will be missed...any info would be nice....ed!

KP.

My Feedback: (77)

The mustang is no longer as it was crashed by Bob. The gear and engine were sold off after Bob's passing.

ozzie454

As far as I know the P-51 is hanging in a museum minus the engine and custom sierra retracts. Jeff Q has the engine and I have the retracts. I will be starting a build thread shortly on a 1/3 scale P-51C that will be using both the engine and gear.
I never met Mr Campbell but a lot of the guys here in Mn knew him and from what I've been told he built most of his big birds out of foam so there wouldn't be any molds.


Roy

wej65

Thanks for the info guys i will be looking foward to the 1/3 p-51c thread....GAINT SCALE....that is were the hobby is going.To be honest i like the late p-51d better,but the C my second choice...Bobs p-51 build encouraged me to do a 1/3 scale p-51...im half way there..it will be accurate panel lines,etc. ive visited different museums to look at the full scale p-51.The protype should be done by May,2010 and then i will do the complete molds of everything this plane will be all composite the entire plane....NO!...wood or balsa in any way it should be very light for the 1/3 scale.There have been some people ive talked to that want a complete model for show rooms and museums.Im working details out on the retracts...the engine i will be able to offer ...i will share details with you guys in near future!ed

EXTRA 330L

My Feedback: (4)

Hi Roy
How are you , well I hope . I just received a email from CMSMITH PLANES regarding the P-51 Mustang ten minutes ago . Could you please give me the link to the thread and would you have any idea of the finished weight on this plane .

Kind regards
Steven Lee . ( Australia )

EXTRA 330L

My Feedback: (4)

CMSMITH PLANES HAVE THE 1/3 MUSTANG PLANES .

Thunderbolt47

My Feedback: (8)

You could always go this route.


http://www.vogelsang-aeroscale.com/fischermustang.html

STUKA BARRY

I've got Bob's P-40 Warhawk. Its w/s is 112". All foam sheeted with balsa. The retracts are Likes Line (Hank Likes) electric retracts. The spinner is 6 3/4" diameter just to give you an idea how big this thing is. Its older than dirt, but is in pretty good shape. the side canopy glass is warped and looks like *****, but it'll fly, gives it charactor. I think it weighs about 40lbs.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Check out the website for "giant scale twins."

geardaddy

My Feedback: (27)

The guy who took over Don Smith plans will enlarge to any size. His Mustang would enlarge perfectly nicely. Love the Invader, saw it in Bobs house 1993 after a drive out to Ohio to pick up some planes.