Johnny C!

Hey gang!
Since I haven't been able to sell my Top Flite
Giant P-51, I'm just going to fly it & I have some
questions.

Do I need to do anything to the Robart retracts?
Oil them, maybe? This is my first retract warbird,
so I don't know a whole lot about them & I have
forgotten most of what I learned while building
the plane..

Also, what mixture oil do you recommend for the
G-45? I was using Suzuki 2 cycle mix. I flew it
4 flights with some ground time, as well. Once we
adjusted on the carb, it ran great every time with
whatever ratio I used, I just can't remember what
that was. So please make suggestions.

I'm also going to replace the battery, clean out the
carb & check all of the linkages at least a dozen
times. Am I forgetting anything else?

Thanks in advance!

Johnny C!

pahtreek

My Feedback: (1)

Double check the balance and control throws. Double check linkages that there are no set screws loose or servo screws loose. Check that the engine bolts are tight and put some new locktite on them. Cycle the gear and if they are ok, I wouldnt worry about oil. Also double check the wheels that they are secure (If there are any set screws holding them on, take them out, put new locktight and replace them. Nothing is worse than a wheel coming off on takeoff (but if it happens, raise the gear and belly it in).

Most people run 40:1 oil, unless you go to a more expensive oil, but I would just stick with your oil and use 40:1 (many people also use Yamalube -available at any motorcycle shop).

I would also recommend getting someone who is currently proficient flying giant scale warbirds to fly it, trim it out, and help you with your first few flights. Oh yea, one last thing I would do....weigh it and make sure it is not too heavy, if it is, just know you have to fly it faster to take off and land.

-Good luck,
Patrick

JPate147

All good advice from the previous answer; I would add to check your fuel tank lines and insure they are still pliable and well connected.
If your retracts leak, you may want to shoot an ounce or so of air tool oil into the fill valve and operate you retracts several times. The air tool oil will lubricate your o-rings and they will swell slightly to make a good seal. Replace your prop, I don't think I would use one that is 5 years old. If you should lose a blade, you will lose your plane or injure someone. Replace the batteries regardless of how they cycle-use the old one for a shop battery. The Zenoah owners manual recommends regular (87 octane) mixed at a 32:1 ratio. I don't think that 40:1 would either help or hurt your engine. Cycle all your control surfaces, make sure the servo's return to the same place each time.

Good luck with your P-51.

Jerry

willey

My Feedback: (32)

With all that good advice your "good to go" Oh! drink "caffeine free" coffee that morning!

Johnny C!

Thanks for all the advice gang!

I was wondering about the retracts.

I will begin to go through everything listed
here very methodically. I have a battery
on order & I think I will replace the radio
battery, just for good measure.

A local guy who flies a big warbirds &
pattern ships very well, said he would
help me with the first few flights.

I have told many people that I was a 100
times more nervous flying the P-51 than I
was when I soloed for my pilots license.
That doesn't seem logical, but I felt like
I had been flying all my life...

What a life!

Thanks again!

Johnny C!