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Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

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Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

Old 03-15-2013, 07:06 PM
  #26  
sparky4lawndart
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

Continue to make progress... I've just put 1oz fiberglass cloth on the bottom of the wing (West Systems 105 with a touch of Acetone to thin it)...

pics tomorrow
Old 03-16-2013, 07:36 AM
  #27  
fw190
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

That 55cc is going to be too much for that airframe anyways. Get DLE35RA its a nice motor. This plane will fly fine on a 1.20 2 stroke.
Old 03-30-2013, 03:14 PM
  #28  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

weekend update!!!

I've asked a club master builder, Wayne Spani, for help and he's been very gracious... He's given me all the build pointers, add web stringers, sheeting, what glue to use (Aircraft Spruce T88 structural adhesive), West Systems 105 w/ Micro filler for the fillets...


He's done most of the work on re-shaping the leading edge and the air foil... he's taken the leading edge from as sharp as the top of your thumb (I'm not kidding) to warbird sharp. He's added a trailing edge reflex and shown me how to glass it...

I had a bunch of 5oz glass from home depot but he had me use 1.5oz with West Systems 105 mixed with a little acetone to brush on... The fiberglass looks amazing... I don't know why someone hasn't put the time in to create a wood finished warbird... it looks cool except for all the bad joints patch with filler.

I'm working on the wings now and I'm putting on Dupli-Color high fill primer and waiting 10 minutes between coats... once that's done I'm going to sand it with 400 until its almost gone... that should be enough for today...

I've come to the conclusion that this plane was never going to be a scale warbird. I've grown a set of balls and will just believe in Wayne's addage "it is what it is...". In this case, it will be a P51 shaped 80inch 55cc screamer!!!

more to follow once i get some pics...
Old 03-30-2013, 04:29 PM
  #29  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

This is what Dupli-Color high fill primer looks like... 3 coats (10 minute intermitions)... 30 minutes and sand with 220 dry... then 400 wet...

gonna start on the wings next...

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Old 06-17-2013, 01:24 PM
  #30  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

Sorry for the delay... slow progress. Gave up on Dupli-color (too expensive and needed too much paint to get a good coat on).

I've switched to Rustoleum X2... great colors... easy to spray on... easy to manage. The even have an automotive clear coat that's supposed to be fuel proof... woot.
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Old 06-18-2013, 06:05 AM
  #31  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

Here's what I've been using for a high build primer. Roll it on with a small foam roller. Gallon will last you for a long time.

Dave
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Old 06-21-2013, 09:24 PM
  #32  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

Not bad buddy...There are a number of us rooting for you, and a project like this is a great way to learn... b4 you know it you'll be teaching all the foamie arfers out there how to do a plane up properly.
Iven though the plane has has problems and so on, its still a pretty good deal for under $200. I've dpne that much work to a $500.oo plane- So you're still in good shape.
Keep up the good work.
Old 06-29-2013, 10:47 AM
  #33  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

I was told this plane comes with mechanical retracts, is that true? If so, do they look usable or should one plan on buying better retracts from the start?

There isn't a lot of talk out there on this plane, a couple threads on RCU and one on RC Groups. Is anyone actually flying this yet?
Old 06-29-2013, 11:14 AM
  #34  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

Hi. The retracts that come with the model are junk. I'm sure you engineering types with a shop mill could make them more stable but they folded into the wing sitting in my garage.

I've put the final coats of paint on this morning. I had to switch to Rust o Leum X2 for easy painting. I tried a clear gloss coat from rustoleum that bubble and weecked the paint underneath.

Ill be putting in electronics this week and hope to fly her by the end of July. Pics and possible video soon.
Old 06-29-2013, 11:33 AM
  #35  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

Thanks, I had a feeling that may be the case with the retracts. What did you end up using on yours?
Old 06-29-2013, 01:36 PM
  #36  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

I original bought the Turnigy All Metal P-51 retracts for this plane to keep the "value" or "not too expensive" build concept alive. Interestingly I'm debating whether or not to use a pair of mains from my ESM warbird. They're the right length so I may go with those.

The Turnigy retracts have really small wheels.
Old 07-22-2013, 01:27 PM
  #37  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

I've hinged the surfaces and instead of gluing them in I used button head screws for RTL Fasteners to hold them in... I've epoxied the servo mount blocks onto the wing plates. I've decided to go with a Dubro Large Scale Pull Pull setup on the rudder (installed).

I'm stuck on how to effectively bind the two elevator rods together and connect to a servo. I could mount another servo adjacent to the servo mount that's there but Hitec 5645's are $40/per. Seems like I should be smarter than that. I've never been able to successfully silver solder two pieces of metal together (not enough wattage).
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Old 07-30-2013, 01:12 PM
  #38  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

So... I've completed the elevator servo setup... I decided to add a additional ply plate on top of the one that came in the ARF plus some blocks above and below the plate... the stock mount twisted with the hi-torque servo (Hitec 5645). I was going to use two elevator servos as I've never had success with silver soldering to metals together... but I tried it.. I roughed up the control rod ends with 80 grit... flowed silver solder on them and used a wheel collar on top of that (it looks pretty sturdy).

I've just ordered a pair of $20 karbonite Hitec servos for throttle and choke.

The wings have the Turnigy all metal P51 landing gear in... I've glued up the wing servo mounts and installed Hitec 5634's (seems like overkill, I know).

next up... fuel cell, engine servos, and starter electronics. I'm going to use a pair of 2s Life batteries for ignition and rcvr and a 3s Lipo for the on board starter.

pics when I get home tonight
Old 07-31-2013, 07:12 PM
  #39  
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Default RE: Value Hobby Chinese ARF 80.5 inch P 51 Build

I ended up impulsively buying a P-47 so this Mustang will be out of the question for me at least for this year, but still watching your thread with interest. There doesn't seem to be much out there on the this plane and I'm curious how it will fly.
Old 09-11-2013, 11:10 AM
  #40  
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sorry the pic is sideways... Silver with invasion stripes... terrible paint job, believe me!!!

She flown 4 times now... the electric starter works like a champ!!! Everyone is green with envy on the flightline...

She's very docile on take off and landing... tracks well on take off with an little right rudder with no tendency to jump off the deck... I like watching the oleo struts work! She's fast when I open her up but flies great at 1/2 throttle. If I open her up she'll climb like a rocket. Big loops look good (pilot issues keeping the wings even, but I'm learning).

Landings are tame for a heavy warbird... the landing gear is doing much better than I expected! HK all metal Turnigy P51 electrics.

so far, nothing weird. She's very forgiving and with a 55cc in front, I can pull her out of issues quickly.

I was dared to cut the engine and restart it. climbed to 100feet, closed the choke until the motor cut... waited a second for the flightline to yell out "deadstick" and opened the choke, opened the throttle to one click over idle, hit the switch and, tadaa! she's running again...

I'll try to post video this weekend... I'm definitely flying this bird a lot!
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Old 09-11-2013, 12:19 PM
  #41  
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how do you like flying the BHM Macci behind it ?
Old 09-11-2013, 12:31 PM
  #42  
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HAHA!!!! If only I could fly both at the same time... I love flying both planes! the Macchi takes a beating and keep on flyin'. The P51 is a bigger bird (okay.. by 10 inches) but they both really give a thrill. I find that I'm always chasing the high end needle on the DLE30 though. Sometimes too lean... now too rich... soon I'm going to get frustrated enough to rig a micro server under the cowl to change the mix pre-flight (it's a lot of work to pull the cowl).

I'll post pictures and video this weekend!
Old 09-11-2013, 03:12 PM
  #43  
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Glad to hear she flies well and looking forward to the video.

It sounds like you're happy overall with the Turnigy gear? I'm considering putting a set in a CMP P-40. They're half the weight and less than half the price of pneumatics.
Old 09-15-2013, 09:26 PM
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http://youtu.be/UbpNfCqUwR8
Old 09-16-2013, 11:42 AM
  #45  
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Could you post a close up pic to show how much engine is sticking out of the cowling?
Old 09-16-2013, 12:00 PM
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here's one from 2 Sundays ago...
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Old 09-16-2013, 01:08 PM
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Thanks, looks like it needs a radial cowl to hide everything
Old 09-16-2013, 04:16 PM
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Hey Frank, that electric starter is pretty cool! Good use of added weight for a tail heavy Warbird.
Old 09-22-2013, 06:17 PM
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hey guys.. if you opt for the Turnigy all metal P51 retracts, be warned... I bounced a landing today and the offset oleo folded on both gear. The offset dohickey sheared the head off the retaining screw at the bottom of the oleo strut and the other one bent like crazy! These are definitely not rated for this nearly 18lbs model.

I'm sorta glad as the model actaul flies exceedingly well and I'm going to look for a more robust set of electric gear. I've used Wingspan retracts in other lighter models and had an issue where the drive screw would break the case under lateral load (typical with warbirds).... I was thinking of Robart or Sierra but I'm concerned about having to plumb for an airtank.

As always any help is appreciated!
Old 09-27-2013, 11:13 AM
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UPDATE>>>

I bought the Robart 631 85degree air up and down retracts with a standard deluxe air kit and it went right in.. The problem i'm having is that the 1/2 inch RoboStruts are an inch short... I have a set of ESM oleo struts from an ill fated BF110 that fit but I hate the axle setup. The axle just screws into the end of the strut...

The smaller Robart airtank fit snug like a bug in a rug behind the exhaust in a little compartment on the front bottom of the fuse... I'll have flightline updates following this weekends test!

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