danpos

No the Top Flite was a kit build.
I have never used air retracts yet, Can you provide the links to the exact set you are referring to?

stevegauth30

403 Two Gear System 1/5th Scale
$180.95

Try these.

stevegauth30

Oh rats, the link didn't post.
http://www.retracts.com/index.htm
Look at the 403's

danpos

Wouldn't I need the #306 ? My Mustang is a 1/7 scale 65" Topflite kit.
Aren't the #403's for 1/5 giant scale TopFlite planes?

If I order a set of the 306 retracts what else do I need?
A pump? Fittings?

Thanks,
Dan

stevegauth30

Yep, I think your right. I just checked mine and there's no model number on them, but I think those are the ones I have. As for the accessories, robart sells a kit that includes everything. All you would need is that kit, a pump, and a servo. Electrics are much easier though, in my opinion.

lfd47

My Feedback: (13)

I use the Wingspan electric retracts. I have the 90 deg. Very well made and they have a delay function built in. So far they are great on my mustang. They were on sale for 150.00 but it looks like they are back up to 194.00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEys4RSYOlU http://www.wingspanretracts.com/Mains

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

Oh those are nice! Do you have a dedicated battery for the retracts?

lfd47

My Feedback: (13)

No, I use a 6 volt 2500mAh spektrum receiver battery and have had no issues with 4 flights.

.

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

Cool!

acdii

I have the same, got them at the Toledo show. Depending on completion of the Cub and Corsair, they should be going in this building season. What struts did you use and what adapters?

lfd47

My Feedback: (13)

I have the Robart 653's left and right struts with the 3/8" adapter that came with the retracts. You have to pick what size you want when you order, and they are $5.00
If I remember correctly, I think I had to take 1/4" off of the top of the strut with my dremel tool. I also have the 3 1/4" robart wheels.
My retracts are the "normal" speed ones that are available. They also have a "fast" speed.
There is a selector switch on the retracts that you can set and adjust the delay feature.

acdii

Thse are the ones I have. The struts are currently hooked up to Robarts AIR in the P-51 wing, but will get pulled and installed with the Wingspan ones. I got the adapters, but dont remember what size they are, and since I wasnt sure what size the wire is for the strut I got the smaller one since I can always drill them out on my lathe if needed.

lfd47

My Feedback: (13)

Here's a few pics. I did have to dremel out a small portion of a wing rib. The strut fit with no problem.

N1EDM

My Feedback: (2)

I've got my P-51 kit out and am scoping it out for a build. I also have the B-conversion kit for it.

One little 'touch' that I'd like to add is the scale prop that Top Flite used to offer, strictly for static display. Does anyone know what the part No. for this is, or if one is around anywhere? I know that they're not on TH any more.

Thanks,

Bob

capriman

They are very hard to find. the Part number is TOPQ7906 the cockpit kit is also very hard to find. The spinner is 4 inch, made of plastic, and there are reports of the spinner exploding in the air, taking the front of the plane with it. Google search for " P-51 on a diet" for your amusement.

acdii

For flight I use the spinner from the ARF, and also the cockpit kit which has the dash, pilot, seat and radio and attach to the floor as built.

N1EDM

My Feedback: (2)

Hi guys, Thanks for the info. The spinner is not a problem and I have a cockpit kit already. I just wanted to know if anyone had a line on the 4-blade display prop because it had the proper shape molded into it, i.e., the paddle blades and cuffs, etc. I finally dug up the part number myself (thanks for those who also did that for me) - it was right on the plans. For my plane, I'd probably use a plastic spinner for display and a DB Products Vortech for the actual flying spinner driving a 2-blade Xoar 16-6 prop.

Did anyone build a P-51 up with the Saito 125??? How did it fly? I'm curious of any pitfalls that I should watch out for (forward CG, etc). Other options will be a conversion to a B-model.

I'm reading some build threads now (including this one) but I'm just getting started.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Bob

acdii

I have the 125 in mine, haven't flown it yet, but did fly it with a 100 and it flew fine, plenty of power, so should expect the same from the 125.

CRJDriver

My Feedback: (57)

http://www.scalespecialties.com/

N1EDM

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks for that, crjdriver, I appreciate the link. The price is a little steep but the prop could make a hit at scale contests. Thanks for that link

Thanks for the insight acdii. I just checked the fit on the plans and the 125 is a perfect fit under the cowl. I'm going to have to start the break-in process.

Next question - I presume that no one is using the abs chin cowl or air scoop. I'm going with Fiberglass Specialties there, and will be using Lado retracts.

Comments???

Bob

acdii

I made a mold off the ABS cowl and made a fiberglass copy of it, half the weight. Will be much easier to fit around the 125 too. I have mine mounted in the ARF. It is a perfect fit, bolted right in place of the 100. There is some talk that the 115 has more power than the 125, and that the 100 and 125 are pretty close in power too, but wont know until next flying season. It was a balmy 2* this morning.

N1EDM

My Feedback: (2)

acdii, I was afraid to pull my own mold, but another friend already talked me into doing exactly what you describe. Your reply was the icing on the cake. Where I'm new with this, my thoughts are to mount the cowl (or scoop) and pour a plaster mold around it. Then wax the mold and use that to make the fiberglass part. I was going to lay in some 1/2 oz glass first, for smoothness, then go in and lay some thicker glass on top (i.e., inside) to build up the strength.

Would you mind giving me a snapshot of how you did yours, say, in 25 words or less?? Or point me to some resource that describes it???

Thanks,

Bob

acdii

I followed this guide. http://www.cstsales.com/tutorials/fiberglass_mold.pdf

For the backer I got foam display boards from Walmart and hot glued the cowl to it. I got the fiberglass from Autozone, both the mesh and mat, the PVA from O'rielly auto parts, the parting wax from SIG, and the rest of the stuff that is listed in that PDF from an online store. 6 coats of wax on the cowl is all you need, just give longer and longer times between each coat before rubbing it to a shine.

N1EDM

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks a lot... I think I'll scout around YouTube too, just to watch. I hadn't thought about pulling a fiberglass mold, but it makes sense. And, I could use the experience.

Where did you get that info about the Saito 125 in post 3046? I'd like to look in on that. I can't believe that the 125 would only have the power of a 100, but I suppose that it's possible.

Thanks,

Bob

Zor

The 100 is rated at 1.8 HP.
The 125 is rated at 2.2 HP

Zor