TOPRC/GatorRC P-51 Mustang 89"
02-17-2017, 05:23 AM
#227
My Feedback: (23)
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Bedford, TX
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I didn't like the looks of the fuse wing tube retainers in my stang so I too added triangle stock and Hysol to shore-up the flimsy looking wing supports on both sides. Can't do anything about the wing tubes without performing some fairly major surgery through the bottom of the wings, which I'm not going to do until I find it necessary to do so.
02-17-2017, 05:31 AM
#228
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Join Date: Feb 2017
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02-17-2017, 08:47 AM
#229
My Feedback: (45)
I had already added additional epoxy to the fuse mounts, the FG sleeves in the fuse are a joke. Paper thin. I actually think my tubes are moving in the wings. I'll have to check tonight. I was so pissed I had to walk away from it. The wing bolts are as tight as they'll go.
02-17-2017, 08:49 AM
#230
My Feedback: (45)
I didn't like the looks of the fuse wing tube retainers in my stang so I too added triangle stock and Hysol to shore-up the flimsy looking wing supports on both sides. Can't do anything about the wing tubes without performing some fairly major surgery through the bottom of the wings, which I'm not going to do until I find it necessary to do so.
02-17-2017, 11:32 AM
#233
02-17-2017, 12:03 PM
#234
I had a TopRC Zero and now a Mustang, and the wing tube's seem tight. I'll check my Mustang over closely.
I would think it shouldn't be that hard to determine if the play is in the wing or the fuse, just try to move the wing tube in each location with it out of the wing. If it's in the fuse we've seen ways to strengthen that, if your wing tube mount is loose in the wing that would be much harder.
I would think it shouldn't be that hard to determine if the play is in the wing or the fuse, just try to move the wing tube in each location with it out of the wing. If it's in the fuse we've seen ways to strengthen that, if your wing tube mount is loose in the wing that would be much harder.
02-18-2017, 01:40 PM
#238
My Feedback: (45)
The tubes are loose in the fuse. The sleeves are paper thin and allow too much movement. 1/16" gap at the rear tubes, about 1/32" at the mains. Wrapped the tubes in aluminum tape and it helped a bit. Top Rc definitely has to come up with a solution for this though.
Also so swapped out the 4.5" wheels for 5.5" Wheels.
Also so swapped out the 4.5" wheels for 5.5" Wheels.
02-18-2017, 01:57 PM
#239
My Feedback: (66)
"1/16" gap at the rear tubes, about 1/32" at the mains."
Is the gap between the end of the tube and the inside of the fuselage?
Since the tubes were loose, could they be possible changed to more substantial ones?
How is wrapping the tubes with aluminum tape going to make them stronger?
Is the gap between the end of the tube and the inside of the fuselage?
Since the tubes were loose, could they be possible changed to more substantial ones?
How is wrapping the tubes with aluminum tape going to make them stronger?
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Giant Flyer (12-05-2020)
02-18-2017, 02:14 PM
#241
My Feedback: (45)
"1/16" gap at the rear tubes, about 1/32" at the mains."
Is the gap between the end of the tube and the inside of the fuselage?
Since the tubes were loose, could they be possible changed to more substantial ones?
How is wrapping the tubes with aluminum tape going to make them stronger?
Is the gap between the end of the tube and the inside of the fuselage?
Since the tubes were loose, could they be possible changed to more substantial ones?
How is wrapping the tubes with aluminum tape going to make them stronger?
No, the gap is in the diameter of the tube/sleeve fit. I can put the tubes in the fuse and move them up and down. There should be zero movement.
Tubes are not the problem. The fuse mounting system is.
Nothing to do with strength. The wing tubes are loose in the fuse mounts/sleeves. Wrapping the tubes makes for a tighter fit and lessens the slop.
I even tried using a metal retaining bolt so I could crank it down. Made no difference.
I thought of making my own heavier duty FG sleeves, but then the problem would be the aluminum mounts in the fuse. Thicker sleeves would not fit inside the mounts.
In my opinion, the fix is the factory has to mill new aluminum tube mounts that would allow a thicker, better fitting FG sleeve.
Last edited by Mpizpilot; 02-18-2017 at 02:19 PM.
02-18-2017, 02:19 PM
#242
My Feedback: (66)
Wing "Flexing"
Mpizpilot
I went to my shop and looked at my kit to better understand what you say. I think that you misunderstand the purpose of the tubes in the fuselage - they are NOT load carrying structural components. They are simply a guide for the aluminum wing tubes which are inserted into the wings. The load is carried by the machined aluminum rings that are bolted to a plywood former and the plywood wing profile plates.
If the fuselage flexes, it is because it is made of thin fiberglass layer - this can be easily addressed by adding a couple of 1/4", cross grained balsa formers to stiffen the area behind the pilot's seat.
Joshua
I went to my shop and looked at my kit to better understand what you say. I think that you misunderstand the purpose of the tubes in the fuselage - they are NOT load carrying structural components. They are simply a guide for the aluminum wing tubes which are inserted into the wings. The load is carried by the machined aluminum rings that are bolted to a plywood former and the plywood wing profile plates.
If the fuselage flexes, it is because it is made of thin fiberglass layer - this can be easily addressed by adding a couple of 1/4", cross grained balsa formers to stiffen the area behind the pilot's seat.
Joshua
02-18-2017, 02:25 PM
#244
My Feedback: (45)
Mpizpilot
I went to my shop and looked at my kit to better understand what you say. I think that you misunderstand the purpose of the tubes in the fuselage - they are NOT load carrying structural components. They are simply a guide for the aluminum wing tubes which are inserted into the wings. The load is carried by the machined aluminum rings that are bolted to a plywood former and the plywood wing profile plates.
If the fuselage flexes, it is because it is made of thin fiberglass layer - this can be easily addressed by adding a couple of 1/4", cross grained balsa formers to stiffen the area behind the pilot's seat.
Joshua
I went to my shop and looked at my kit to better understand what you say. I think that you misunderstand the purpose of the tubes in the fuselage - they are NOT load carrying structural components. They are simply a guide for the aluminum wing tubes which are inserted into the wings. The load is carried by the machined aluminum rings that are bolted to a plywood former and the plywood wing profile plates.
If the fuselage flexes, it is because it is made of thin fiberglass layer - this can be easily addressed by adding a couple of 1/4", cross grained balsa formers to stiffen the area behind the pilot's seat.
Joshua
If you are able to insert your tubes into the fuse without your wings on, and the tubes have no movement within the sleeves, then your are not expierencing the same problem I am.
02-18-2017, 07:42 PM
#247
My Feedback: (66)
"In my opinion, the fix is the factory has to mill new aluminum tube mounts that would allow a thicker, better fitting FG sleeve."
Seems to me that fabricating a new, robust, mounting system is a fairly simple matter. Replace the flimsy tubes inside the fuselage with brass or steel, thin wall tubes that telescope over the wing tubes - brazed to a flat plate that will be bolted to the plywood former.
Alternately, machining a tight fitting, wider metal bracket to replace the factory one is also a rather simple solution.
True, the factory should have thought about that but right now it is what it is.
Seems to me that fabricating a new, robust, mounting system is a fairly simple matter. Replace the flimsy tubes inside the fuselage with brass or steel, thin wall tubes that telescope over the wing tubes - brazed to a flat plate that will be bolted to the plywood former.
Alternately, machining a tight fitting, wider metal bracket to replace the factory one is also a rather simple solution.
True, the factory should have thought about that but right now it is what it is.
02-19-2017, 04:57 PM
#248
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Litchfield Park,
AZ
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I have been able to get back to my P51, after working on my Spitfire, looks like my wing tubes are ok, sorry to hear others are having trouble. I have most of the electrics in and installed, same with the gas tank, engine along with throttle and choke servo's. With the majority of the internal bits installed I have started putting the rivets on the fuselage. Once the vinyl rivets are on I hit them with a coat of rattle can aluminum paint. Rivets and screws are from Chad Veich.
Here are a couple of shots of the tail.
Cheers
Here are a couple of shots of the tail.
Cheers
