TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I proceed to work on a Top-Flite Mustang ARC that was in my "to build" corner for the past 6 years. Sierra precision main and tail wheel retractable gears, 3W70 for power, Aerotech sliding canopy kit and the full cockpit which I still need to order from IFlyTailies.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I started to work on the Aerotech sliding canopy deck, cut, fit, and glue! some micro balloon/epoxy mix to blend on to the fuselage. The assembly will be fiberglassed with the fuselage.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I opted to make nicer hatches for the ailerons and flaps. The frame is made of two 1/32 ply while the hatch is a combination of G10 and 1/64 ply. Some micro balloon/epoxy mix to clean the gaps. The whole assembly is inserted in the factory openings.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Few years back I reinforced the landing gear mounts by removing the factory rails then replaced by a 1/4" plywood plate glued against the leading edge and running between 4 ribs section. some extra spruce was glued under the plate at the gear mounting bolts location.
The well openings were redesigned to accommodate the Aerotech gear doors. I trimmed The fiberglass bottom leading edge piece then filled with some micro balloon/epoxy mix to blend-in.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Looking GOOD!

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Thank you.
I plan to finish the plane with the following scheme. The wing will be painted with silver, as for the fuselage I probably will use some aluminum tape.
Aluminum finish require a very smooth area without any imperfections, to do so I will apply about 6 coats of primer with a variation of fine sanding between.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

With the usual treatment the wing, ailerons and flaps are covered with 1oz fiberglass cloth sealed with West System epoxy. A coat of filler primer was applied before touching spots with red finishing ( glazing) putty, after sanding most the primer with 120 grid I reapplied a second coat of primer, filled few more spots then sanded most the primer again. At this stage the wing look nice with minimal work on few spots. One more coat of primer then fit the wing on the fuselage. Once the wing fitted the fuselage will receive the same treatment then the last three primer coats will be sprayed on the whole airplane so the sanding gives a nice transition from the wing to fuselage.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Forgot to add that I used some .10 G10 strips to finish nicely the top flaps hinge cover as well for both side of the ailerons.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I had some left over canon blister from a Byron Mustang, after some trimming those fitted pretty well especially after some micro-ballon/epoxy mix was added and sanded. In the line of each gun I inserted little abs pieces to simulate the gun shells exit. I make most of my airplane detail pieces using a home-made vacuum box and oven, a shop vacuum provide enough suction to form the pieces.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

primed wing.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

The kit comes with composites wing fillets which is nice also the match to the fuselage can use more work. First I gave a nice sanding to each area of the fillets especially the side that contact the fuselage, some epoxy was used glue them then again micro-balloon/epoxy mix to blend. Wax paper was used to protect the wing from becoming permanently attached to the fuse.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Could anyone tell me how well this bird fly's with a moki 210?

Regards

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

It flies really well with a Moki 2.1. I've seen a couple with that combo and they can rip up the sky pretty well with it from what I have seen.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I have one with a 210 that I have flown in primer after glassing. The 210 handled it fine for routine flying. It was a test flight so I did not do any aerobatics with it but in take off and cruise I was very pleased.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I built the TF 1/5th gold kit, it is powered with a DLE55 which is used by many, engine with a 22-8 prop will move this plane well over 100 MPH, mine weighs 26lbs. I havent flown mine yet, engine is'nt even broke in. I still have a few things to do to finish it up. Leroy

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

This is one I just finished for a friend. Made it electric. Big Axi with 4-5000mah lipos, came in at 30lbs. Flies good.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

<span style="font-size: larger">Nice Leroy, are we going to see videos of the maiden?</span>

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I don't have the camera to do a video but it can probably be arranged, I would like to have one. I expect the plane will be fast as the polished surface is very slick. Speed is not every thing, scale speed is around 87 MPH, I expect to top 115 MPH on a flat run.
There is still things to do to finish her up so it may not happen till spring.:) Leroy

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Nice looking plane. however an 8 pitch prop will be far from 115 MPH. It will be lucky to hit 100. A 22x10 might get you near 100, a 20x12 will get you around 115 a 18x14 will get you too 125mph. This is of course if your engine can turn these props at around 7300rpms on the ground.

I saw a T/F today with a 22x8 fly. It was very "scale like" around 85 mph.

My mustang flys at a very "unscale like" speed of 135mph. G-62 with T-6 racing prop on RCexel ignition. turns 7600 on the ground.


Agian nice plane.

Here is mine. 26lbs also

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

With a dle 55 and 22x8 prop, how well does it do loops? How is the vertical?

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Not sure. didn't see it pull a loop. I do know that the mustang today was very noisey. Probubly from over reving the prop.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Scale top speed for a 1/5 scale would be 185 to 200 mph per this chart done by Kent Walters a few years ago. Certainly proportioning to get the "scale" speed is wrong.

Ed

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I may be off on the prop size, That just came off the top of my head, matter a fact that is the break in prop for the DLE55. If I recal, the G-62 and the DLE55 power ratings are about the same, I'll check that out and say the Dle55 has pulled a number of these planes to 115MPH and my plane will create less drag than most of them. Leroy

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Wrong is'nt the word for it . take 437MPH devided by 1/5 or 5 is 87.4 MPH and to date a G62 doing 135 is'nt going to happen.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Leroy, do you plan to maiden soon? I'd like to here how it loops and how the DLE 55 pulls it around. I assume that the DLE 55 is easier to fit in the cowl compared to a G62?

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I have many radar readings on my mustang over the last 7 years, I know what she does.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Which AXI was that? AXI 5345? 12S? 15S? What speed controller are you using?


Hey Kahloq - are you reading this? I assume you would use a Rimfire electric motor. Maybe you can weigh in on the top speed.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Thunderbolt47-

My comment about proportioning was not intended to put doubt on the 135 mph speed you list for your plane. But "scale" top speed for a top flite mustang with an 84.5 inch wing is not 80 some mph, it is much higher than that (100 mph higher than that) as clearly shown in the chart I posted previously.

Some people still say that if a plane is 1/5 scale then the plane should fly at a top speed 1/5 of the full scale, but from aerodynamics we know that
proportioning like that is not correct. So those of us that want to fly anywhere near "scale" speeds need to use the chart I posted as the goal.

I have been to several full scale shows where the P51 was flown at full speed and the pilots said later that they were at an indicated speed over 400 - close to 450 in several cases - so It is certainly feasible for the mustang to achieve those speeds at relatively low altitudes.

Ed

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Good Luck getting your 1/5 scale TFGS P51 to scale speed then.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

drube your are right about the fit between the two engines and the DLE55 will do beautiful large loops from a flat run, something a US41 can't. Today the DLE55 is the engine of choice for the TF 1/5 mustang be it kit, arf or rtc. I "did not" say other engines are not used.
Go back and read page 18. My cowl is not cut up, the only thing sticking out of it is engine head, exhaust discharge is out cooling discharge opening.

See right and left sides, Leroy

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Looks great Leroy and thanks for the info. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...sn/biggrin.gif

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

True- it's going to take an engine with some serious horsepower to achieve those speeds, and a big flying area. Plus the Top Flite probably does not have the room in the present design for an engine strong/powerful enough for this engine - I think it will take 100cc or bigger - maybe an inline twin like the 100cc twin I think DA is coming out with.

Anyway the reason I posted is to support the idea that the speeds that Thunderbolt47 flies at is beginning to approach true "scale" speed for a full throttle mustang.

But I like the look of the cowled DLE55 in the Top Flite, so I will use that for the one I will be assembling this winter.

Ed

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Hello Ed hope you are well.  I just wanted to show a comparison which I feel better illustrates the Scale speed column that was posted and why I feel it is very inaccurate.  I have flown many TFGS P51 and seen many more fly and 200 mph would look ridiulously too fast and any thing but Scale.  It would also in my opinion be dangerous as I doubt the Frame would hold up.  The first Video of course is full scales and the second is my Ziroli 100" P51 with a Quadra 75.  Not sure what speed the real ones are doing but mine is doing about 80 to 85 mph.  They look pretty close in my personal opinion much closer than they would if mine was doing 200 mph.  The DLE 55 will make your TFGS P51 look closer to the real one than going 200 mph will no matter what someone's chart states take care.   Kevin.        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ypf2MLgV-I         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EIa8-DiAeY

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

The AXI 5345 is only rated to 12s, I use the Castle Creations 120 HV v2 with mine, your speed will depend on the prop and airframe. (I run a xoar 22-10)The 5345 is rated for 3d up to 17lbs and scale to 33lbs.

Casey


This is from their site


AXI 5345/xx HD GOLD LINE motors are suitable for 3D models up to 17-1/2 pounds (8000g) and aerobatic models up to 26-1/2 pounds (12000g) and large realistic flying scale models up to 33 pounds (15000g) in weight. The lack of gearbox noise makes these motors particularly suitable for scale models. Motor is more robust for unlimited 3D and has new 10mm shaft inside the motor turned down to a standard 8mm shaft on the outside. Prop shaft adapter is 12mm diameter. Three larger ball bearings, including a huge rear bearing allow unlimited load while 3D flying. AXI 5345 HD GOLD LINE replaces previous AXI 5345 GOLD LINE.

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

If you want to see and hearan RCP-51 Mustang fly 155mph/258kph with a 4 cycle gas 3 cylinder Kolm engine; check this video out,turn up the volume and enjoy.

Roger

http://www.rcmovie.de/video/a48e9b4b...alloping-Ghost

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Here's my personal favorite vid for the Mustang....

How about 140mph


Tell me that this elecrtic doesn't sound amazing...

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G8okUqomjy0

Casey

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Crashproof - thanks for your well wish - I hope you are well too.

I tend to agree with you that it seems risky to try to get a typical RC mustang up to the "scale" speeds per his chart. On the other hand if you did you certainly would want to fly a MUCH bigger pattern than you were flying your Ziroli to try to keep the G loads to a reasonable level.

However his chart is based on a fairly thorough analysis that seems clearly more correct than trying to compare anyones memory or comparison to videos, especially since videos are often taken with various lenses/zooms which can throw off your perceptions. I can post my imperfect copy of his complete article but we are getting kind of far away from the theme of this thread. I think your opinion is based on the speeds you have seen rc mustangs fly using engines that have been available not based on scientific analysis of the subject.

Anyway to me there is no way that proportioning the speed based on the scale proportion is correct. To me the typical 40 size 57 inch span which are about 1/8 scale mustangs then would be expected to fly maybe 55-60 mph, which would be slower than nearly all other rc planes and would be ludicrous. So maybe we should agree to disagree?

As to the full scale mustangs flying in formation - do you think they are a full speed (400 +)? I seriously doubt that - unless they have flown together a LOT, which would cost a ton of money, I can't imagine thatt hey would risk those multimillion dollar mustangs flying that close together at 400+. The mustangs that I saw doing that speed were solo and were a pretty fair distance away from the crowd - definitely visible but not too close.

Ed

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

I sorry to say, for some reason the ytube links are not working.

I don't understand the argument about scale speed. My TF P51 with DLE 55 -22x8 xoar does 89mph. 89x5=400mph

With a 19x8 4 blade 79mph.

P51's crusing speed was 362, max was 437 maybe in a drive 490? As far as I am concerned 89mph is pretty close to scale.

Chris923

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

Guy's

I have a scale question. With is the dihedile of a FS P-51, and what is the dihedile of the TF 1/5 P51?

Anyone know?

Chris923

RE: TOP FLITE GIANT SCALE P51 ARC
 

quote:

ORIGINAL: oliveDrab


quote:

ORIGINAL: JSZ

This is one I just finished for a friend. Made it electric. Big Axi with 4-5000mah lipos, came in at 30lbs. Flies good.

Which AXI was that? AXI 5345? 12S? 15S? What speed controller are you using?


Hey Kahloq - are you reading this? I assume you would use a Rimfire electric motor. Maybe you can weigh in on the top speed.






The AXI 5345 is only rated to 12s, I use the Castle Creations 120 HV v2 with mine, your speed will depend on the prop and airframe. (I run a xoar 22-10)The 5345 is rated for 3d up to 17lbs and scale to 33lbs.

Casey


This is from their site


AXI 5345/xx HD GOLD LINE motors are suitable for 3D models up to 17-1/2 pounds (8000g) and aerobatic models up to 26-1/2 pounds (12000g) and large realistic flying scale models up to 33 pounds (15000g) in weight. The lack of gearbox noise makes these motors particularly suitable for scale models. Motor is more robust for unlimited 3D and has new 10mm shaft inside the motor turned down to a standard 8mm shaft on the outside. Prop shaft adapter is 12mm diameter. Three larger ball bearings, including a huge rear bearing allow unlimited load while 3D flying. AXI 5345 HD GOLD LINE replaces previous AXI 5345 GOLD LINE.


< Message edited by glazier808 10/1/2012 6:11 PM >

_____________________________

This was my first build with electric. The customer sent me all the equipment and yes it is a Axi 5345 with a CC controller. If I remember correctly it was an 180amp Ice something that was recently updated or revised. I installed 4 5000mah 12s batteries. Flew very nice and sounded really cool going by. I myself am strictly into gassers, but was fun to learn about large electrics.