Hey guys,

I just got my first plane, which I thought was a trainer, a LAI SHING P-51. Anyway, the instructions are very poor and I'm not sure how to hook the rods to the rudder and elevator. I would assume I just bend and trim the rods to they fit. Is this correct?

Wow dude that doesnt make sense, No begginer can fly a p51 unless you got like 100+ hours on a sim, then still it would be nerve wrecking.

Anyway, jsut make Z bends in the push rods and then a " [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAZC3&P=0]EZ link[/link] " (which requires you to make an L and then snap a lil plastic thingy on there) on the servo

Or get a Du-bro screw top rod connector, thats what I always use [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD925&P=0]here[/link].

Shouldn't use those connectors on important control surfaces. Rudder, throttle are fine, but not ailerons or elevator.

First, you didn't get a trainer. You need to get a trainer and put that p 51 away for a while.

BTW, one end of the push rod linkage needs to be adjustable. A Z bend on one side and L bend on the other isn't adjustable and therefore isn't adviseable. A Z bend or L bend on one end and a threaded link on the other is OK.

BTW, there is nothing at all wrong with the EZ links referenced above. They are as secure as anything else IMO. It's the EZ connectors that people have the most trouble with --two different animals. EZ connectors look like THIS[link]http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=DUB121[/link]

Put the P-51 on a shelf and get a REAL trainer. You'll plant that warbird on the first flight.

Dr.1

It was already connected to the servos, I just need to connect the rods sticking out the back. I'm sure I'll slam in the ground the first time I take her up. Wouldn't matter much. It was a cheap electric RTF kit off of eBay. I think I'll just make a trip to the local hobby shop and get a trainer to play with.

I agree with other posts that say you should learn to fly with a trainer plane before trying to fly a P-51.

If this link works correctly, it will take you to a page titled "R/C Airplane Almost-Ready-to-Fly - Trainers .20-.50"
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=ACB
The Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 40 MKII ARF .40-.46, 62" is a pretty inexpensive model at $69.99 and it's a good trainer. The manual is online and looks like a pretty straight forward assembly. It also lists everything you need to buy in addition to the plane.

If you're interested in electric power, the Hobbico ElectriStar Select EP Brushless RTF 63" looks really good and should have good performance. This one includes motor and radio. The online manual lists everything you need to buy in addition to the plane.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LW4080**&P=3
This setup is not inexpensive. It does come with a basic computer radio that has model memory for four planes so you can save the setup for three additional planes in the one transmitter.

Tower is not the only good source of stuff. I refer to their site more than any other because I find it easier to navigate than most of the others.

Also, looking at one of the online manuals from the links might give you some better ideas on finishing the assembly of the plane you have.

The "Easy Connectors" are as safe as any other connection PROVIDED YOU PUT A DROP OF THREAD LOCKER ON THE SCREW AND MAKE CERTAIN THE SCREW IS REALLY TIGHT. You need to redo the thread locker EVERY time you loosen the screw. If you use the thread locker you will have absolutely no problems with them.

Without the thread locker the screw can loosen.

In any case, even though they make them in a 4-40 size, I would not recommend them on ANY plane powered by an engine larger than a 60 2 stroke or the equivelant 4 stroke.

I have all EZ connectors. Where does one buy thread locker? does it leave any residue or harm the servo?

You can buy it at almost any hardware, home improvement, or auto parts store. Wal Mart & Target sell it. You can get it at the hobby shop.

You do not want to use it on screws that go into plastic or nylon. It is for metal to metal threads.

The most commonly used type is:
Loctite Threadlocker Blue - can be disassembled with hand tools

At Lowes it costs $5.97 for a 0.2 ounce tube
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...539&lpage=none

At Tower Hobbies it is $3.19 for a 0.2 ounce tube (different brand but equivalent stuff)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXC030&P=0

I was surprised to see the lower price at Tower



Two stronger formulas exist
Loctite Threadlocker Red - usually requires heat and hand tools for disassembly
Loctite Threadlocker Green - intended for permanent assemblies

I've been using Easy Connectors without LocTite for 30 years and NEVER had a problem with any of them. Doesn't hurt to check them now and then of course.