Removable drop tanks worked out fine for me. I had purchased the Dynamic Balsa cockpit, but I was so far along in the build that I felt it would be a hassle to rearrange servos and air canister for cockpit installation. However, I will place order for another P-51D and do up the cockpit prior to mounting the other equipment. The retracts are working great, though I will need to slow them down just a bit. For $139 they are quite a bargain.
This was the first plane where I had to assemble a pull/pull system. I need some practice in crimping as my assembly did not come out looking real pretty, but I did learn something new, and that's what this hobby is all about. The canopy like the other plastic parts was very brittle. Taking the advice of someone in the P-51B forum, I used the dremel to cut away the waste material, and then used a drum sander on the drill press to dress it up properly. RC-56 glue was used to attach canopy to fuse. When I construct the next one, I will mount canopy with screws.
I had also decided to use the quick hinges on elevator and ailerons after see a tutorial that boasted their strength. We'll see how well they work out.


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