Dago Bob

Well,

Just got back into the hobby and am starting from scratch with limited funds. My goal is to have a giant scale P-51 made into a reno racer in a take off from the Dago. I can't blow 500.00 on a kit at the moment so I was going to do a scratch build from ziroli plans or something.

I since decided to build a couple of smaller kits first. I acutally found a set of Cloud Dancer 40 and Page Gee Bee 40 plans on RCM's site and will start with those. I have built a few kits but still am a little nervous.

If I do a decent job on the smaller plans, will this prep me for a big project?

Anyone ever seen a giant scale dago red or something like it?

Is one set of plans better for that pipe dream than others? I know that there are a bunch out there.

Is there a plan that would allow me to stay under 300 bucks for the engine?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks guys, it's good to be back.
Robert

r1morris

My Feedback: (1)

How big do you want the P-51 what model ? the basic airframe if its Balsa and ply can be done within reason the costs add up when you add some things that are a little hard to make . If your doing a P-51 D the canopy will cost you a bit . If your not good with fiberglass the cowl is another cost. Then the retracts , Almost the price of a good used engine. Then servos and radio gear.
Before I start a big project I sit down and do a complete cost breakdown. This way there are few surprises when I commit my time and hobby dollars.
The more you do yourself including hunting for deals on what is need can save you money . This takes time Its still going to cost you. Spread out over a reasonable building period you may spend a bit more then expected but its doable.

Dago Bob

I guess I need to look at engines first. Is there a good gas engine under 300 bucks?

I see a Fuji 34cc, a US Engines 41, Zenoah 45 and I know there are others but, I don't know which performs better and then if the 40ish cc engine is what I decide on what size plane will it pull with authority?

Another thought is a Moki 2.1. I DO know the cost of fuel will be high. But this is down around 30ish cc's isn't it?

I am admittedly lost in engines this size. Can anyone help?

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

You can get lots of info on gas engines in the engines forum, or the giant scale forum.

Dago Bob

True... sorry, I wasn't trying to go there...

I really wanted any comments or advice on building the CD40 or the GB from plans. I was giving a little background... maybe a little much.


Any thoughts on building those?
Thanks

daven

My Feedback: (1)

If you haven't done a lot of building, I would probably avoid the Gee Bee, and start with the cloud Dancer.

Every plane you build will give you experience down the road.

iflircaircraft

Like this?

Dago Bob

Thanks, I DO plan to build the CD40 first. I wanted to get the kit last time I was flying but it is only in an arf now. I just got lucky on the plans, I guess.

Dago Bob

Pretty much, I might try to go full-on Dago but I don't know how much is changed from the original WW2 bird to the Racer.

Dago Red

My Feedback: (11)

Like your avitar Dago Bob, lol.
I saw a pic of a huge Dago Red some where on a website, awsome size plane, ill see if i can find it for ya.

CAPtain232

My Feedback: (40)

When you are ready for the P-51, take a look at this......
http://www.randdaero.com/projects/3wp51/index.html


This one was built by Ron Eisner. He does an EXCELLENT job.....IN FACT if I remember correctly, he has done many different styles of giant scale racers. He would be full of good info for your project.

Dago Red

My Feedback: (11)

I have in my files 3 way views of Dago Red that are awsome, Let me know if would like for me to post them and I will.