First let me introduce myself. I began toying with RC airplanes nearly 25 years ago then life happened after about 2-3 years into the hobby. So I am now starting all over and man has things changed. I am old school in that I like to build my models. I am restarting with a Top Flite P-40 Warhawk Gold Edition .60 kit and have actually completed most of the tail surfaces, only the rudder left. I am actually going to glass the airframe as well for added strength. To me, building is more fun than flying, it's a great stress relief.

That being said, I am thinking I want to move away from glow and go all electric. Here is where I need some advice from the more savvy RC'er.

I want to build the P-40 as electric and swing a 3-blade prop. I know with glow engines, this wasn't really an option but with electric it appears very doable. I plan on using the E-flite .90 Electric Motor. Now for the unknowns that I need help with. Do I need a reduction gear box? My assumption is no. What size prop, being 3-blade? I assume a Mastercraft 3-blade 15x8 will work, but is that too big or not enough? Retracts, I want to avoid pneumatic systems so having a hard time with this one. I am looking into the Shulman medium size E-tracts, now I just need to find a matching tailwheel retract. Can anyone provide any thoughts on the Shulman?

I know as I get further into my build, I will have additional questions, but answers to these will help move me further in my build as I need to start planning the build around those major components. Thanks in advance for any advice/help!

The 15x8 should be a good place to start. It's on the low end of recommended props, so it will give you enough head room to allow for quirks of your particular power system. The final decision on props will be determined by your measured amp draw and, of course, flight performance. That motor is designed to be a direct drive system, so no gear drive is needed.

Be careful glassing it. It's plenty heavy in wing loading already with a shrink covering so you want the least amount of resin as possible when covering, filling and then painting it.

Before flying the Warhawk even on a buddy box I would strongly recommend you practice on something a little less demanding and a bit more forgiving.

Something like the E Flite Apprentice maybe if you want to go electric.

Or any of the nitro kits/ARTF models recommended in the sticky at the top of this forum.