Art Johnson p-38 build
12-24-2006, 04:11 PM
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Art Johnson p-38 build
Okay, I am not a builder, however I have a friend that is. I have a plans, and short kit for the Art Johnson p-38 for a while, and now it is time to get it built. I am planning a full house set up, fowler flaps, drop tanks, gear doors, glassed and painted with panel lines etc.. So far equipment that I would like to use is the century jet retracts, I am thinking 2 OS .91 2 stroke for simlicity, Lithium ion battery, using all hi torque micro servo's. robart hinges, etc.. I am open to suggestions from people that have built this plane before. I will upload pictures as I get them as this will probably be a long build.
We are making some modifications to make transport easier, we are keeping the separating horizontal stab, as well as adding a wing tube so the wing tips can come off as well.
We are making some modifications to make transport easier, we are keeping the separating horizontal stab, as well as adding a wing tube so the wing tips can come off as well.
01-04-2007, 12:56 PM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
Not exactly sure as I am adding all the scale details, fowler flaps, drop tanks (which don't have to be on for flight), glassing, twin sync for motors, cockpit, etc.. I am planning on using a fromeco 2400 li-ion battery and reg so that should save me some weight, I am also planning on using mini servos all around to save weight. I am using os .91's which are 1 oz lighter than the .61's, which I am sure is lighter than the blackheads that AJ used on the original. My hope and goal is to come in at 15-16 lbs.. If I keep everything light I should be able to do it..
01-04-2007, 03:43 PM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
For us relatively new to the hobby, could you give some specs on this plane? Also, where do the plans come from? Unfortunately, the name Art Johnson doesn't mean anything to me.
Thanks
Kerry
Thanks
Kerry
01-04-2007, 07:55 PM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
Colonel Art Johnson is the person that drew these plans up in the 60's. He was a very accomplished scale builder. When he made these plans up the original plane that he made came in at an amazing 13#, It has a very thick airfoil at the root, and flies beautifully. The plane has a 94" wing span and approximately 62" in length, and AJ powered his with 2 os 61 blackheads. I purchaced the plans off of ebay about 2 years ago, and happened to come across a short kit for it recently. I have seen some plans availiable recently on ebay, they do not state the are the AJ plans, but to the best of my knowledge in looking at the pictures online, it seems that this is the same set of plans.
01-28-2007, 08:01 PM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
BrentP,
Good to see you building this Art Johnson P-38. I too, have the plans and the short kit. I have read many articles on the various P-38 models that one can build and the Art Johnson's version seems to have all the right qualities for a good flying airplane. I am planning the fowler flaps also. It can be done despite Art's disbelieving. After looking through the plans, and reading the article in Model Aviation (June 1978) I am still trying to figure out his gear door arrangement. Brent, Have you figured out the turbo chargers? If so I'd like to know how you plan to build them and add them into the pods. There is no mention or drawing for them on the plans. Also, will you be using the bellcrank arrangement or multiple servos. Art's Rudders & nose wheel arrangement is amazing. One servo & bellcranks for two rudders and a nose wheel. Never the less, according to Art at 13 lbs. "it floats on landing". I was also considering a reverse rotation .61 engine that I'm about to test. I just don't know how he got the plane built at 13 lbs. I guess it can be done. The KMP Arf is built around 13lbs. also.
Best of luck on this one Brent. I'd like to see the results as you progress.
Gerry
Good to see you building this Art Johnson P-38. I too, have the plans and the short kit. I have read many articles on the various P-38 models that one can build and the Art Johnson's version seems to have all the right qualities for a good flying airplane. I am planning the fowler flaps also. It can be done despite Art's disbelieving. After looking through the plans, and reading the article in Model Aviation (June 1978) I am still trying to figure out his gear door arrangement. Brent, Have you figured out the turbo chargers? If so I'd like to know how you plan to build them and add them into the pods. There is no mention or drawing for them on the plans. Also, will you be using the bellcrank arrangement or multiple servos. Art's Rudders & nose wheel arrangement is amazing. One servo & bellcranks for two rudders and a nose wheel. Never the less, according to Art at 13 lbs. "it floats on landing". I was also considering a reverse rotation .61 engine that I'm about to test. I just don't know how he got the plane built at 13 lbs. I guess it can be done. The KMP Arf is built around 13lbs. also.
Best of luck on this one Brent. I'd like to see the results as you progress.
Gerry
02-26-2007, 07:22 PM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
Glad your putting this build up for show. A fully layed out cockpit was me stumped for room. Like to see that ya have planed.
Are ya going to bother with reversing the rotation on one engine? Like to learn how thats do!!
Great work!! Looking forward to seeing more on your progress!!!
Are ya going to bother with reversing the rotation on one engine? Like to learn how thats do!!
Great work!! Looking forward to seeing more on your progress!!!
02-27-2007, 11:26 AM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
Here's one for starters.
http://www.kitcutters.com/index.htm
I like the fact that they give prices! Another good guy is
http://www.kitcutter.com/cut/www.kit...com/index.html
Lot more out there.
http://www.kitcutters.com/index.htm
I like the fact that they give prices! Another good guy is
http://www.kitcutter.com/cut/www.kit...com/index.html
Lot more out there.
02-27-2007, 11:09 PM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
Sorry about the lack of updates, just been busy. Not exactly sure about the cockpit yet, There is a lot that has to be cut out for a full cockpit, considering a virtual cockpit but still TBD, here are some more pics
03-13-2007, 12:34 AM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
BrentP,
HAve you any details on the turbo chargers? I have the short kit and plans also, but there seems to be a void when it comes to details about the turbochargers.
Gerry
HAve you any details on the turbo chargers? I have the short kit and plans also, but there seems to be a void when it comes to details about the turbochargers.
Gerry
03-13-2007, 05:51 AM
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RE: Art Johnson p-38 build
Brentp-38,
Your build is coming along pretty good, i noticed that you have sheeted lower aft inner wings, now i am wondering if you will only going to make fowlers in the outer wings only?, as i recall P-38's had inner flaps also and whole wing design is similar to Constellation's wing design.
Your build is coming along pretty good, i noticed that you have sheeted lower aft inner wings, now i am wondering if you will only going to make fowlers in the outer wings only?, as i recall P-38's had inner flaps also and whole wing design is similar to Constellation's wing design.