DaleD

Been in the hobby since 2007 and since then have had a burning desire to own a warbird. Fell in love with the P51 Mustang first but later developed just about same interest in P40 Warhawk. I would like the community's help in deciding on which model to get as I would not consider myself a diehard warbird modeler.

I would like to know which of the two models would posess better fliying characteristics for someone who really is more into precision flying but at the same time would love to fulfill a desire. I would also appreciate recommendations as to which ARF brand in the 30cc to 50/60cc size come out the box with highest build quality and manners in flight.

Thanks

DaleD

Hot Rod Todd

My Feedback: (1)

Without consideration to the brand, the P-51 will typically fly a bit better and have better ground handling. P40's (unless it's the later models like the P40N) are a bit short compared to the P-51. The ground handling for the Mustang will also be quite a bit better since the P-40 has quite a bit narrower stance making it more prone to ground loops. The rotating retracts are always more problematic than the standard type as well. As an example, the Top Flite P-51 will be quite a bit easier to handle than the Top Flite P-40 (Giant scale). I can't comment on the build quality of the Top Flite P-40. The P-51 ARF is a bit older than some of the others such as the Spitfire or FW-190, but that also means there is a ton of information out there to help you get it right the first time.

Lots of people like Mustangs, but often build something else to be a bit different. There are lots of Mustangs at every event you go to for a good reason, they look good, fly good, and ground handle as good as about anything except a P47.

DaleD

Appreciate your help Todd. Based on what you have shared, the decision between P51 and P40 is pretty straight forward. While I feel pretty sure the P51 will be in my hanger in the future, I am curious as to why you mentioned the P47 as an exception.

Thanks

DaleD

Hot Rod Todd

My Feedback: (1)

The Wide and low stance of the P-47 makes it about the easiest ground handling WW2 Warbird. They also seem to fly well and the wing shape typically provides a good amount of wing area. One of the most popular kits (and ARF's) is the P-47. It's not as pretty as the P-51, but it's pretty much common knowlege that the P-47 makes for a good handling warbird. If I had to rank the popular WW2 fighters for how easy they are to fly/ground handle, here would be my list (some may move them around a bit, but it shouldn't be too far off).

Easiest to hardest, and why: 1. P47: Wide and low stance makes it a good ground handler. 2. P-51: Wide stance, good flying characteristics, easy to balance. 3. Zero: Good stance, good flyer (if you don't add too much weight to balance). 4. Spitfire: A bit narrow stance, but great flying characteristics 5. F4U Corsair: Rotating retracts, Rudder a bit small, but the low stance makes it handle OK on the ground. 6. T-6 Texan: I know, it's a trainer. But the flying characteristics are not good. Handles OK on the ground though. 7. FW-190: Wide stance, good flyer, but if you have the mains the scale height it can be tall and prone to have gear issues. 8. P40: Narrow stance rotating gear, short tail moment, If you built the longer N model, it would not be so bad, but most are the shorter E version. 9. BF-109. Tall narrow gear, small rudder. Flys good, but not easy to handle on the ground.

That's the popular models. Didn't include the twins like the P38 (nasty with one engine) or the Mosquito (nasty on the ground, and nasty with one engine).

DaleD

Todd, you have provided more then enough information to aid in my decision. I will be giving the P47 a second and third look. Right now that big round cowl isn't making my skin itch; will try and find a few videos to watch and see if interest will grow.

As I am right now looking seriously at the P51, I just need help from experienced flyers and builders as to which ARF kit would be most highly recommended. I have read about the Aeroworks, TopFlight, ESM and I know Hanger 9 just released a new 60cc size kit. Any other ARF kits not mentioned worthy of consideration?

DaleD

Hot Rod Todd

My Feedback: (1)

That sounds like the main choices. The top flite is innexpesive and has been around a long time. The new Hanger 9 is pricey, we'll have to see how good it is once they get them flying. Good luck.

aghost

My Feedback: (13)

+1 on Hot Rod Todd's comments. In addition the P-47 with the big round cowl generally takes less cowl cutting for the engine installation. As compared to the relatively narrow cowl on the P-51 (and P-40). Probably not something to hang your decision on at this point though.

Brian

LA7flier

My Feedback: (1)

Agree with the summary regarding the P 47 as the easiest in flight and on the ground....also easier to hide a gasser in....P 51 is nice but can bite if slowed down too much...also, the in-line lends itself to e-power....my experience with the ARFs I have purchased is they are all under built with cheaper materials. I prefer to build kits and scratch build my own but I understand that the vast majority of sales is going to ARF's...Top Flight is a recognized name and one I would consider

Peter_OZ

My Feedback: (1)

Have flown both.

P40
- poor ground handing, requires experienced pilot in use of co-ordinated rudder, elevator and throttle.
- tendency to snap from high speed stalls
- will tip stall
- CG issues, due to 90 degree rotating retracts
- lands quite well but do not get slow or it will tip stall, must be wheeled on
- large opening and exit area for engine cooling. Easy to fit a good sized engine within the cowl

P51
- very forgiving, even with CG incorrect - found that out the hard way!
- wide track undercarriage makes for easy ground handling and easier take off.
- narrow nose, makes engine choice and fitting tough
- cooling of engine is difficult, similar to a Spitfire in this regard
- lands nicely and can be slowed but still likes to be wheeled on.



just a few thoughts.

Cavet Venditor!!

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Add my recommendations for the P-47 as your first effort. Best flying/ground handling qualities of the three.

willig10

Go get yourself a Top Flight Giant scale or 60 size P-47. You will not be disappointed.


Glenn

charlie1960

The OP stated a desire for a P-51 or a P-40.
And seems most everyone is trying to persuade him into a P-47.
All the facts being equal, a P-47 would handle somewhat better on the ground, does fly well,
but his interest is in one of the other two planes.

My 2 cents, is build the plane that will make you happy. That being said. Look at The World Models GS P-51s.
No one has mentioned them. I owned a 60 sized Mustang and it was solidly built and flew very well. This being your first foray into
warbirddom, there will be charaterists of warbirds you may or may not be aware of. How ever you go with this, i would hope you
seek the wisdom and advise of a local warbirder. Personaly i love warbirds.
There are Warbirds, and then there are Targets.
There are Mustangs, and then there are Targets......

raptureboy

My first was the jug and she was a sweatheart. I agree with all the above comments and I have both the 51 and the 40 and for me the biggest drawback on the 40 is the rotating gear. If you go for that then get the Sierra Giant gear, well worth the money.

Scar

My Feedback: (3)

Guys, guys,

You know he wants one of each! Dale, just do it!

Oh, and my favorite so far is my Meister Corsair. I don't fly it for speed, but it will do all the loops, rolls, four point rolls, etc. that I want, with a big grin on my face.

Dave Olson

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

True. Buy all three. Start with the Jug, then the "Stang, and finish with the Warhawk. Life is wayyy too short to deny yourself at this point!

Above all, have fun.

charlie1960

Right on Dave. I like flying in a "less powerful manner" myself. And i agree with Rapture, good retracts are a must on a big warbird. (any plane for that matter)
Nothing will make a lousy day flying, faster than junk retracts.

Just wait......you'll never get finished.....theres the retracting tailwheel mod.
the sliding canopy mod
the fuctioning radiator door mod (mustang)
the navigation lights mod
the landing lights mod
the scale main landing gear and wheels mod
the scale cockpit with pilot mod
the scale fuctioning exhaust mod
the functioning cowl flap mod (p-47 and f4u)
the drop tank mod
the fighter group specific paint and scheme mod
IT GOES ON AND ON...

charlie1960

currently building an ESM 72 inch D model mustang

DaleD

WOW!!!!!

I can feel the passion for warbirds from all your feedback. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and insights. As of now, I am set on the P51 Mustang and now must decide on which kit to buy. Somehow I have a funny feeling that shortly after the P51 a P40 will become an object of serious desire and contemplation. I have a serious weakness for model planes and tend to hang on to every model purchased. Seriously growing out of storage space right now. Last time I counted there are 10 models, two of which are yet to be assembled.

I will most likely delay the purchase until after I read feedback on the new H9 60cc P51. The Topflight seems to be the pick of the litter; it is very its popularity for many reasons and good build quality and flight characteristics seems to be among them. If the Hanger9 fails to impress this is definitely what I will be getting.

Please keep the information coming.

DaleD

prop wash

Dale my fav is the TFGS Mustang,very well built and performs great.My next one is the H9 P47 razorback.My new addition is the TFGS F4U.Very nice and well built.I have not flown it yet so I'll let you know.Both my mustangs and thjug have Moki 210's and a Moki180[jug].The Moki's in the51's don't have the cowls all chopped up with carbs and all sticking out.The F4U has my first gasser in it[DLA 58cc].
As you can tell I too love war birds.Go with Top Flite.

wnewbury

Top Flite P39 flew pretty well and the ground handling was no problem. I liked flying the Top Flite P47 a lot. (Both .60 size)

jeffk464

190D-9's multiply everything he said about the mustang times 2 plus when you go to the field you wont be 1 of 10 mustangs.

karolh

Some advise from your pardie, just say enie, menie, minie, moe, but make sure that moe falls on the P51

cloudancer03

My Feedback: (22)

I built and flew a p 51 and it flew well but the the p47 is much easier.and the p40 I have had that much interest in. A mustang is like a cub .everyone wants it at some point.as the guy said life is to dang short.go buy the p51 and p47.and have a ball.go with top flite or horizon.you wont be disappointed!

charlie1960

I've always loved a P-51. Used to watch them fly over when i was a little tike.
Back when Ellington AFB was still Ellington AFB.
Back in the day...when you could sit at the end of the runway at Hobby Airport, on the hood of a 1964 Ford Falcon
station wagon, sucking on a pepsi cola (in a BOTTLE by golly) with peanuts in it,and not get ran off by the cops.

steph69

no you want the topflite fw-190 GS, awesome flying plane.