Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
10-13-2012, 04:46 PM
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Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Hi guys...
This is the new thread to kick some life into an old stalled project. Hopefully many of you will have followed me over from the [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6457176/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm]original thread[/link] and to any new pilots or builders... welcome.
The first few posts will catalog where we are up to and let you know some of the plans as we go.
Time to 'git 'er done'.
Cheers
Goose
This is the new thread to kick some life into an old stalled project. Hopefully many of you will have followed me over from the [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6457176/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm]original thread[/link] and to any new pilots or builders... welcome.
The first few posts will catalog where we are up to and let you know some of the plans as we go.
Time to 'git 'er done'.
Cheers
Goose
10-13-2012, 05:21 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
The Mustang rack:
Contains the build to date including all the custom parts made thus far.
The Soloprop on the bottom shelf will be sold as part of the simplification and the kit built pretty much stock except for those critical areas that I can't leave as is.
Cheers
Goose
Contains the build to date including all the custom parts made thus far.
The Soloprop on the bottom shelf will be sold as part of the simplification and the kit built pretty much stock except for those critical areas that I can't leave as is.
Cheers
Goose
10-13-2012, 05:42 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
The tail feathers are a good place to ease back into the build.
I had a rude reminder of how weight affects performance on our aircraft this past summer and it has reinforced the importance of building light. With that in mind, I'm concerned about the weight of the tail group already, particularly the rudder as it's way too heavy and I might rebuild it with my own selection of wood.
Stab, fin and rudder weigh 358g which doesn't mean much but the tail on this model needs to be as light as possible.
Cheers
Goose
I had a rude reminder of how weight affects performance on our aircraft this past summer and it has reinforced the importance of building light. With that in mind, I'm concerned about the weight of the tail group already, particularly the rudder as it's way too heavy and I might rebuild it with my own selection of wood.
Stab, fin and rudder weigh 358g which doesn't mean much but the tail on this model needs to be as light as possible.
Cheers
Goose
10-13-2012, 09:11 PM
#4
RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Ok goose, your off and running, and I think you may be right about the new start now that I've thought about it.
Your right about rudder weightand I felt the same way as you when I built mine. I did not cut out the trim as you did but I did lighten it up. I skinned it with 1/16" light balsa and what I hole sawed out was almost twice the weight of the skin. Leroy
Your right about rudder weightand I felt the same way as you when I built mine. I did not cut out the trim as you did but I did lighten it up. I skinned it with 1/16" light balsa and what I hole sawed out was almost twice the weight of the skin. Leroy
10-14-2012, 12:00 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
I decided to see how much weight I could take off the rudder. I like how it looks and conforms to true scale so the least amount of work is to lighten it up.
The core sheet is the hardest balsa I have ever used and weighs a ton. The holes alone saved 17g which gives you some idea how dense this wood is.
It's still heavy but the weight is in the LE stock (similar density as core) and the block at the bottom (medium).
I haven't decided whether or not to rebuild it yet, I guess I will see how the weight goes.
On to work in the cockpit while I have reasonable access.
Cheers
Goose
The core sheet is the hardest balsa I have ever used and weighs a ton. The holes alone saved 17g which gives you some idea how dense this wood is.
It's still heavy but the weight is in the LE stock (similar density as core) and the block at the bottom (medium).
I haven't decided whether or not to rebuild it yet, I guess I will see how the weight goes.
On to work in the cockpit while I have reasonable access.
Cheers
Goose
10-14-2012, 03:41 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
I'm very disappointed to learn that Aerotech have sold the business. I had earmarked many items to buy from them for this project.
One in particular was the vacuum formed turtle deck (which very few get right) and the sliding canopy frame. I have spent some time tonight looking at the mess that is the cockpit opening area and wondering just how to make it work.
I guess I'll come up with something in the next few days...
Cheers
Goose
One in particular was the vacuum formed turtle deck (which very few get right) and the sliding canopy frame. I have spent some time tonight looking at the mess that is the cockpit opening area and wondering just how to make it work.
I guess I'll come up with something in the next few days...
Cheers
Goose
10-15-2012, 05:00 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
I have figured out how I'm going to build the sliding canopy and at the same time fix the mess that is the cockpit opening.
As you can see from the picture, it seems the '51 has suffered some damage and given the side panel is question is way too soft, I will remove and replace it making sure to retain the scale sizes and angles.
I will also replace the soft block spine that runs from the rear of the canopy to the fin to ensure the back of the canopy is correct before building the canopy frame and rails.
Not much to see but keeping you in the loop and me working on it.
Cheers
Goose
As you can see from the picture, it seems the '51 has suffered some damage and given the side panel is question is way too soft, I will remove and replace it making sure to retain the scale sizes and angles.
I will also replace the soft block spine that runs from the rear of the canopy to the fin to ensure the back of the canopy is correct before building the canopy frame and rails.
Not much to see but keeping you in the loop and me working on it.
Cheers
Goose
10-20-2012, 06:41 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
I've spent a good chunk of the day trying to resolve the rear of the canopy/turtle deck issues, issues that I have compounded by making the cockpit the correct size and not taking into account the supplied canopy is a little short.
A replacement canopy & canopy frame from Aerotech was about to be ordered so I will now have to build those items along with all the other pieces I had planned.
I'm planning to get stuck into the building of the major components and get the airframe done.
Cheers
Goose
A replacement canopy & canopy frame from Aerotech was about to be ordered so I will now have to build those items along with all the other pieces I had planned.
I'm planning to get stuck into the building of the major components and get the airframe done.
Cheers
Goose
10-21-2012, 12:22 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Finished a rough rear canopy solution and the canopy rail supports.
Lots of hours for seemingly little gain, but that's how it goes.
Cheers
Goose
Lots of hours for seemingly little gain, but that's how it goes.
Cheers
Goose
10-22-2012, 09:50 AM
#12
RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
It's going to be intresting to see how you end up doing your conopy. I spent some time researching this issue and short of giving my money to someone else as well as asking on RCU and RCG how to make slider from kit bubble and getting no response except to buy one I came up with my own design which you have seen. I hope you can make your ideas work out. You probably know the cockpit is also short, are you going to rework that also and build your own interior. Looks like you have plenty to work out. Looking foward to your progress, Leroy
10-22-2012, 10:17 AM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Hi Leroy...
Good to see you here.
It's a complex problem for a host of reasons, most of which are created by my not being able to leave anything alone, including:
* Converting a nice simple canopy into one that opens.
* The cockpit is extremely short (as you mentioned) and the subsequent angles are very difficult to correct.
* The 'glass' is the wrong shape in all three directions.
My solution was to buy the beautiful canopy, canopy frame, sliders, turtle-deck and a raft of other parts from AeroTech. Not cheap, but very high quality and the purchase resolves all of those issues to a high standard.
Now that the company has been sold, I'm proposing to:
* Move the formers to move the dash to the correct location (completed)
* Extend the length of the cockpit to the scale size (completed)
* Build the canopy slide rail support structure (completed)
* Apply and shape the final deck piece (underway)
* Build a canopy frame to fit the kit supplied glass including trucks and rear post (sliding) Making my brain hurt...
* Setup and install a 5" air ram to somehow actuate the canopy from the rear slide point.
* Connect the glass to the frame.
* Detail and assemble.
Lots of time is being spent figuring it out in the simplest, cost effective and reliable way which often results in discarded parts/ideas but I will eventually get it done.
I'm off to revisit your method for ideas/inspiration.
Cheers
Goose
PS: Thanks David.
Good to see you here.
It's a complex problem for a host of reasons, most of which are created by my not being able to leave anything alone, including:
* Converting a nice simple canopy into one that opens.
* The cockpit is extremely short (as you mentioned) and the subsequent angles are very difficult to correct.
* The 'glass' is the wrong shape in all three directions.
My solution was to buy the beautiful canopy, canopy frame, sliders, turtle-deck and a raft of other parts from AeroTech. Not cheap, but very high quality and the purchase resolves all of those issues to a high standard.
Now that the company has been sold, I'm proposing to:
* Move the formers to move the dash to the correct location (completed)
* Extend the length of the cockpit to the scale size (completed)
* Build the canopy slide rail support structure (completed)
* Apply and shape the final deck piece (underway)
* Build a canopy frame to fit the kit supplied glass including trucks and rear post (sliding) Making my brain hurt...
* Setup and install a 5" air ram to somehow actuate the canopy from the rear slide point.
* Connect the glass to the frame.
* Detail and assemble.
Lots of time is being spent figuring it out in the simplest, cost effective and reliable way which often results in discarded parts/ideas but I will eventually get it done.
I'm off to revisit your method for ideas/inspiration.
Cheers
Goose
PS: Thanks David.
10-23-2012, 09:07 AM
#14
RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Gooes have you looked into the prespects of seeing if Aeroworks canopy is available and adaptable to the TF plane. Someone is making them and they are adding another bubble top to their line up, could get a lead with a phone call if you still want that route. Just thinking, Leroy
I did a thread on my canopy on RC Groups and it's in a sub forum, the only way I can find it is find one of my posts and click on the magnafine glass. I can;t get a URL to work to save my butt. If I could run this computer like I build a plane I would'nt have that problem.[>:]
I did a thread on my canopy on RC Groups and it's in a sub forum, the only way I can find it is find one of my posts and click on the magnafine glass. I can;t get a URL to work to save my butt. If I could run this computer like I build a plane I would'nt have that problem.[>:]
10-23-2012, 11:35 AM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Hey Leroy...
The Aeroworks Mustang is a nice ARF albeit quite pricey.
Looking at the canopy and rail system in detail, you can see that they have drastically simplified the construction to suit.
I do think that the supplied TF canopy and plans in my head is still a better starting position than the AW unit.
I'd be keen to see your thread so if you can find the page simply cut and paste the entire address here that would be cool.
Cheers
Goose
The Aeroworks Mustang is a nice ARF albeit quite pricey.
Looking at the canopy and rail system in detail, you can see that they have drastically simplified the construction to suit.
I do think that the supplied TF canopy and plans in my head is still a better starting position than the AW unit.
I'd be keen to see your thread so if you can find the page simply cut and paste the entire address here that would be cool.
Cheers
Goose
10-23-2012, 12:48 PM
#16
RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
This URL business gives me the fits. I have instructions here in front of me but damned if I can make it work and have no idea what I'm doing wrong and no one to help me. " Crap, crap, crap". I'll type the URL for you.
htpp://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1591724
Let me know if you got it, guess I can do that from here, "duh". I thought it would come up blue, shoes what I know
" Oh well ,I'll keep working on it.
htpp://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1591724
Let me know if you got it, guess I can do that from here, "duh". I thought it would come up blue, shoes what I know
" Oh well ,I'll keep working on it.
10-23-2012, 02:51 PM
#18
RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Doug I don't know how it is that everyone it seams like can post a URL but me. I have been fighting this issue for some time. Two sets of instructions and it still wo'nt work for me. " Hey next time your in the aera stop by and show me how to do it ". Wish it were that easy and I have a feeling it is. Goose's thread is'nt the place to do it, he do'nt want any cludder here as he had plenty on the other one and I respect that.
Thanks for showing him the quick way there, Leroy
Thanks for showing him the quick way there, Leroy
10-28-2012, 04:35 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Hey guys...
Slow week this week, I got heavily into figuring out how to afford a CNC mill and spent too long researching possibilities.
I did do a little work this weekend though:
Pic 1: Roughing in the side rails
Pic2: Side rails done except for a layer of styrene to finish them off.
The canopy slide rails sit on top of this structure and out of shot is the internal flashing pieces.
Tomorrow I'm off to find a longer column for my drill press as the cross slide table and vice I bought to do my rails doesn't fit.
Back into it soon.
Cheers
Goose
Slow week this week, I got heavily into figuring out how to afford a CNC mill and spent too long researching possibilities.
I did do a little work this weekend though:
Pic 1: Roughing in the side rails
Pic2: Side rails done except for a layer of styrene to finish them off.
The canopy slide rails sit on top of this structure and out of shot is the internal flashing pieces.
Tomorrow I'm off to find a longer column for my drill press as the cross slide table and vice I bought to do my rails doesn't fit.
Back into it soon.
Cheers
Goose
10-30-2012, 08:41 AM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Does anyone know of a good fibreglass replacement lower scoop for the '51?
Leo (Spychalla) or Tony Howard... anyone else?
Cheers
Goose
Leo (Spychalla) or Tony Howard... anyone else?
Cheers
Goose
10-30-2012, 10:25 AM
#22
RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Goose, I have never ordered any thing from this company but they domanufacture fiberglasscowls, scoops etc., for numerousRC aircraft,includingTop Flite.
Roger
http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm
Roger
http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm
10-30-2012, 07:00 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Leroy: Thanks. The kit comes with the big, thick and heavy ABS scoop so I will put the ARC/ARF one on the list.
Roger: Me either, but I have heard good things, cheers.
Chris: Cheers.
Thanks all...
Roger: Me either, but I have heard good things, cheers.
Chris: Cheers.
Thanks all...
11-03-2012, 04:52 PM
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RE: Goose's Top Flite Giant P-51D Build Thread
Hey guys...
I've had a productive week, but mostly sorting out my drill press to be a poor-mans mill.
Made some progress on the '51 though:
Pic 1: I redid the tailwheel assembly, reducing the weight by 100g (3.53oz) which saved 143g (5oz) of potential nose weight.
Pic 2: Charles K. Neely is well known and respected in the warbird community as a man with a lifetime of knowledge surrounding the P51 and his drawings are revered as being the most accurate around. I tracked him down and persuaded him to sell me a set of his drawings to add to my stack of reference material. I'm very happy I did, the drawings are excellent.
Pic 3: It has taken almost an entire day to build the canopy frame and some work on the support structure. It's a tricky business but one that will pay off with a solid and reliable sliding canopy.
More tomorrow... I'll post pics of anything interesting... have a great weekend.
Goose
I've had a productive week, but mostly sorting out my drill press to be a poor-mans mill.
Made some progress on the '51 though:
Pic 1: I redid the tailwheel assembly, reducing the weight by 100g (3.53oz) which saved 143g (5oz) of potential nose weight.
Pic 2: Charles K. Neely is well known and respected in the warbird community as a man with a lifetime of knowledge surrounding the P51 and his drawings are revered as being the most accurate around. I tracked him down and persuaded him to sell me a set of his drawings to add to my stack of reference material. I'm very happy I did, the drawings are excellent.
Pic 3: It has taken almost an entire day to build the canopy frame and some work on the support structure. It's a tricky business but one that will pay off with a solid and reliable sliding canopy.
More tomorrow... I'll post pics of anything interesting... have a great weekend.
Goose