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Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

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Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Old 01-13-2012, 03:21 AM
  #2751  
dionysusbacchus
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build


ORIGINAL: nrad2000

How are you guys mounting the retracts to the retract rail? blind nuts?
No, do not use blind nuts, just use sheet metal screws.
Old 01-15-2012, 12:07 AM
  #2752  
nrad2000
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Waiting for the epoxy glue to cure until I can start skinning the wing. I also finished the crutch and waiting for the radiator scoop keel to dry. then shape and sand. I also finished installing the 1" triagle for the chin but didn't do the chin block. I figure I wouldn't be able to install the blind nut for the motor mount if I did. I figure I'll be done with most of the build by next weekend. As soon as I'm done I'll post pictures.
Old 01-15-2012, 02:14 PM
  #2753  
skyriter
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

How are you putting the skin on the wings? Using CA or some other glue? I am at that point, and wondering how to hold it all in place.

Bruce
Old 01-15-2012, 04:31 PM
  #2754  
JonnyEm
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build



I wish I found this thread last year when I started mine! I have spent all weekend reading through the hundred plus pages of this thread and have suffered all ups and downs along the way. This was my first kit and I definetly jumped into building with both feet. The retractable/steerable tail wheel whooped me hard, butthe pull/pullseems to work well. I am worried about the set screw holding the rear wheel mount. I'm thinking of switching it to a longer one just to be safe.
My Mustang, AKA: Live Bait, is just about finished. I modeled it after last years Reserve Champion at Oshkosh. The owner of my old company bought the airplane several years ago and I was sent to pic it up in San Antonio. This fella had starting restoring it back in the 70's and never finished it. A buddy and I loaded the plane in pieces in two box vans and drove to Danville, IL where after another6 years it was finished. My old boss ended up selling it a year or two before it was finished. He's kicking himself now because she turned out beautiful.
Anyway, I need to the exhaust stacks, guns and gear doors.I have Century Jet Retracts and I am trying to figure the best way to attach the door to the strut.After reading throuh the thread I'm going to give it a shot, but we'll see. I have plenty to use. She'sready tofly, but I have to say I'm a bit nervous. It's not as nice as some of the others I have seen in this thread, the chrome monokote was hard on me. My next plane will be fiberglassed. They just look so much better.
Also, I noticed no one is using an OS 65 AX. Is it too small?
This is my first post, so if I figure out how to post pics I will.

Jonny

Old 01-15-2012, 04:45 PM
  #2755  
JonnyEm
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Here wego.
Thanks in advance!


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Old 01-22-2012, 10:44 AM
  #2756  
nrad2000
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

I'm ready to skin the other half of the wing (top). I'm building the plane just as the manual said. Very straight forward build. Setting up the retract eflite unit was brainless. Everything aligned well on the first try. I just need to add servo extensions in the wing - then I can sheet the top wing. The body is half complete. I'm going to build a hatch in front of the canopy for easy access to battery, switch, and fuel filling line. I'm hoping the plane comes under 8lbs.
Old 01-23-2012, 03:11 AM
  #2757  
bez88
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Hey guys and girls, I've enjoyed greatly reading all the info, as I'm about to start this kit. I made the mistake of not noting the pages I need.... I want to set up two servos for ailerons and two for flaps.... Does anyone have the diagram or know the page it can be found on, some say to use hitec and some say futuba...nmmmmmmm what to use
Old 01-23-2012, 09:21 AM
  #2758  
capriman
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Bez88, I too am about to start the build of this kit, and what I did over the course of a few days was to read the entire 100 plus pages and I made a notebook of the areas of the build, and tips, that would help me. This note book is with the kit now for reference, and included the item noted, the page of the thread, and the post number, and saved the relevant pictures to a file on the computer. I did not note anything about servos in the wing, so I can't help you there. I have noted that weight is your enemy on this bird, as is not paying attention to wing tip washout and balance. If you get your build over 10 pounds, I don't think it will be the sweet bird you are hoping for. I will be replacing ALL of the wood in the kit, making my own formers, and trying to build at under 8 pounds. A gram scale with 200 gram capacity will be your friend during the build.
Old 01-23-2012, 01:00 PM
  #2759  
crick1983
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Hey guys, I am also going to begin building this kit as well. I to have read through the entire forum probably twice now and have decided the following. 

- Dual aeleron servos
-Flaps
-Robart Retracts (Although I am very interested in the E-Flight retracts if they are working with the Robart Struts)
- 90% sure that I will glass and paint.  I have not done it before but love the outcome that others are getting.
-Engine is unknown. I was originally leaning towards the DLE20, but am now considering an OS 4 stroke that can fit within the cowl. Guidance would be helpful.

I look foward to sharing my progress with everyone as well as following others build. My build time will be slower than I would like due to a new addition to my family that I hope to one day introduce into the hobby.
Old 01-23-2012, 01:14 PM
  #2760  
crick1983
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build



deleted - accidental double post!

Old 01-23-2012, 03:47 PM
  #2761  
bez88
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Crick1983..... I decided to go with the dle20, more to do with price.   What servo and rods you using for ailerons and flaps??? And classing it does seem like a good way to go....
Old 01-24-2012, 05:28 PM
  #2762  
nrad2000
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

I thought long and hard and ended up with the single servo setup for the ailerons. I did upgrade the ball link to the heavy duty dubro ball link. Very robust. I was worried about the resistance but no resistance. I'm at the stage now of installing the stab. So far so good. Yesterday I watched "Red Tail" at the theater and it motivated me to continue with the P-51. My goal with this build is to get it close to 8lbs. So far its light.
Old 01-24-2012, 08:35 PM
  #2763  
bez88
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Nrad2000.... What servo did u go with for the single aileron set up?? what are u using on your flaps?? I'm thinking hi tec 625 high torque for rud, back wing..
Old 01-25-2012, 06:10 PM
  #2764  
nrad2000
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

ive got the hitec 645mg on the single aileron, 325 on both flaps, 625 for the elevator and rudder, and a mini 85. still debating on the 85. maybe I'll just go with a 325. don't know - since I already have the 85.
Old 01-26-2012, 07:39 AM
  #2765  
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Just an FYI, the DLE20 with muffler fits nicely inside the cowl. Just make sure you have enough ventilation to keep it cool.  For the first few gallons until broken in, fly with the cowl off.
Old 01-26-2012, 10:57 AM
  #2766  
crick1983
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Thanks for the info on th DLE20.  I hope to get started building this weekend however I still have to finish my new building surface before I can get started. Time has been a little tight lately and starting a new build with a new baby at home was also not well thought out on my part.  Oh well...

I'm not exactly sure what servos I will use for the aelerons and flaps.  I do know that I am going to use 4-40 pushrods. 
Old 01-26-2012, 12:32 PM
  #2767  
bez88
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Cheers for the info on the DLE20, I just order it from tower last night. I went with the same servos as crick1983, except went s3151 for rudder and elevator. And order durbo 4-40 push rods. I think I'll end up classing it and painting instead of covering. I actually start the build this weekend to
Old 01-26-2012, 12:55 PM
  #2768  
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Crick1983, I can relate to your situation with the new baby. I started this build two and a half years ago. I got off to a good start. Got the wing built and sheeted on one side. Horizontal and vertical stabs completed, and also got a good start on the fuse. Now the bad news. It's been two years since I last worked on it, which coincidentally is the exact age of my son. I have had some free time in the evenings recently, but now I am having a hard time finding the motivation to get back at it. Hope you have better luck staying on task. 
Old 01-26-2012, 01:02 PM
  #2769  
bez88
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

I mean nrad2000 servo set-up
Old 01-26-2012, 01:13 PM
  #2770  
acdii
 
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Bravo, hope you stored the wing well, would suck if it warped before you could get the sheeting done.  Give it  a good sight down the tabs and spars just to make sure.
Old 01-26-2012, 05:47 PM
  #2771  
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

No wing warpage problem here. The wing has been sitting on my work surface, with blocks of balsa supporting it. I have checked it a few times over the past two years and it still looks perfect.
Old 01-28-2012, 09:26 AM
  #2772  
nrad2000
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Will the 1/6 pilot figure "william brothers" from towers be too big? I can't find a 1/7 scale bust size.
Old 01-28-2012, 10:10 AM
  #2773  
Turnale
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

That is about the state of my build when I paused 2 years ago... the only difference here is that I have no good reason to have stopped for that long. Side tracked by two many projects maybe?
The wing is sheeted only on one side, and was left for year glued on the table to avoid all wrapage. But, then it got unglued, put on the side for sometimes, and when I moved oversees, it spends over a month in a container. Well, today, the wing is severly wrap, the fuselage is half-built and not better. I did some poor design decision as well, i have to admit. The way I control the rectractable tail wing is nothing to be proud of...

I am seriously considering starting from scratch again. Well, I mean buying a new kit, and build it properly.

You are experienced builder, and you know the kit well - Is it worth trying to fix it? I am not to concern about the money lost here (if you think about it, the kit is not the expensive part, the motor, retracts, etc..., are!), but more by loosing the time invested in the build. Now, if it is to spend more time on this plane, fixing it all, and finishing it, just to end up with a poorly flying thing, that is not worth it either...

What would be your recommendation/action? I guess it is difficult to judge without actually seeing the wing...
Old 01-29-2012, 05:03 AM
  #2774  
Mike_Jones
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Hey nrad2000,
I'm using the cockpit kit that comes with the ARF topflight model. I'm not at the point yet of installing it but I'm pretty sure it will be a good fit. They are both 1/7th scale.
Mike
Old 01-29-2012, 05:21 PM
  #2775  
nrad2000
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Default RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build

Mike,

I didn't think about that - I'll look at it now.

Tonight I'll be finishing up the Elevator - hopefully, start on the top of the plane - I can probably get that done tonight also, except for the removable magnetic hatch I'm planning to put in (in front of the canopy).

After that I'll need to order the 4" spinner to form the front nose.

I kinda see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Jimmy

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