I think I have settled on getting the P51 Mustang trainer. I have a trainer who said this is a really great flying plane and that it is nice because as so many say, "I can grow into it". That being said, I think im going to get the ARF. I was curious if any of you have any recommendations for the engine? From what little I know (VERY VERY little), I hear the O.S. is a good engine. Should I go with a starter engine and then move up in size as I gain experience, or should I just get the end all engine for the plane right now?

If any of you are willing, I would like to hear all the gear that you would put into this plane. I know im probably getting way ahead of myself, but I am considering getting a DX7 to start as well....I figure I shouldnt have to upgrade that any time soon :P

Thx for your input guys, I really appreicate it!

Go with either an OS 46 AX or Thunder Tiger Pro 46. The plane is a bit on the heavy side and a low wing. With that combo its better to have a bit extra power than be on the weak side. The plane is an advanced trainer which will make a nice 2nd type plane when the speed brakes ext. are removed from the wing after your training. Therefore you are actually buying an engine for 2 planes at once so now is not the time to worry about saving $10./$15.00. You want an engine that is user friendly to operate, has good throttle response, strong running and strong reliability. An engine going deadstick on a P51 is not a good thing. Thats why I suggest one of these 2 engines. [8D]

If you get the DX7 and an OS 46AX you should be just fine. Don't forget to get an extra servo if you want the flaps to operate. (5 in all)

BTW - the OS 46FX mentioned by Fastsky is no longer in production. Replaced by the AX.

The evolutions are good. I have a pts as a second plane and the evolution 52 powers the plane good. You might want to thank about that so when you do take the training stuff off, you can have a nice engine with some power but not to much power. You might aslo ask someone at your LHS or the instructor.

rc-plane

There was an entire thread on the PTS 51 and some recommended mods to the ARF/RTF version. The first thing I would fix would be to cut open the covering and reinforce the main landing gear. In Two out of Two of these planes this summer, the landing gear blocks came loose. If you use the Evolution NT engine, make sure the cowl doesn't contact the low speed throttle adjuster. Again, in both cases at our field, when the throttle was opened, the cowl would hit the limiter on the LS needle adjustment, pushing it to the fully rich position, and end up with the engine deadsticking when throttling up the next time.

Also look at reinforcing the fuselage at the trailing edge of the wing. This is a very weak spot, and on rough beginner landings, may crack (another 2 for 2).

Although the scale colors are very nice, you might want to consider adding something to the bottom of the wing to help see it. The silver, black and white color scheme is LOUSY for determining the planes attitude, particularly if you get it into silouhette.

Good Luck.

Brad

Thx for the advice guys!

intresting advice here. I have observrd the P-51 fly & it is pretty slow with the devices added. incidentally adding color to the bottom of the wing will usually help very little since its spends its life mostly in shadow. add color to the top of the wing & leading edge.

So what would you suggest then Eltigre, other than color on the leading edge/top of wings? Do you think a bigger engine etc would be better?

A bigger engine will not be better. The PTS is designed for a 46 size engine and that is an excellent match. If you can afford it, get an OS 46AX, but the Evolution TPS, or 46 or the Thunder Tiger 46Pro are also excellent choices and a bit easier on the wallet.

Get a Jett 90! You can grow into that also! Stick with a 46 dude.

You gotta remember your dealing with noobs here man. I thought you were talking about a diff plane I should check out. Yeah I have a feeling a Jett 90 would be a tad large for this aircraft .

I would suggest ASP .46 front needle engine, its a chinese engine like Evolution, as Im using it, the engine screams and gives nearly 40 to 50 feet vertical to my high wing trainer, P51 Mustang PTS unfortunately mine was crashed as it stopped responding, but its a beautiful flying machine. Be careful when flying it, make sure Aileron servo's connectors are attached properly, as with mine left aileron didnt respond. I wish you all the best Torqued and you are gonna love that baby. Anyway ASP .46 engine would fly it so perfect, and its nearly $102.

Safe flying

Mody

The .46 AX is now only a few dollars more now.

It's apt to fly with a click or two of the needles as it comes and is a breeze to set up. There are tons of availble and compatible mufflers, extenders, adapters for it too...

IMHO this makes it a great choice for the ARF kit.

The Evolutions can be finicky to get set up, thanks to those crazy limiters.