Son and I, bought a Hanger 9 P-40E Warhawk ( .60 w/retracts ),will be our first gas/glow build. So, we are looking for as much insite as we can get. Any tips or info we can get will be greatly appriecated. Have only been flying and building park flyers only to this point.
ie. engine size, servo suggestions and general build tips all needed.
thanks

I taught myself to fly using park flyers and then made the transition to glow power.

Before suggesting steps that will increase your likelihood of success with the P-40 I’ll answer the original question.

For that model I would suggest a 90 – 100 size four stroke engine. War birds with 2 strokes seem to lack authenticity. Four strokes can be a little more challenging for a new glow owner, so finding help at the local AMA field is suggested.

For servos, you could get by with standard size basics but you might want to consider a low end digital like the JR DS821.

As I said earlier I learned on park flyers. My progression went

Firebird Freedom
Sig Kadet EP42
Mini Ultra Stick
Precision Aerobatics Katana
Laser Arts P51 Mustang

I flew these extensively until I was comfortable with all aerobatics and beginning to master 3d flight. Next I bought a Graupner 60 size Patty Wagstaff Extra.

During this time I also developed basic building experience with the ARF’s and one full build. That said, I didn’t know much about glow. To help me over this hump I decided to buy a glow trainer, but I really didn’t want to spend a lot of money. So, I watched my local internet want ads (CL) and found a complete Avistar setup very cheap. I flew it without incident and my maiden of the Extra went fine too.

Now a question – what kind of park flyer experience do you have and how do you intend to proceed with getting the P40 airborne?

I ask because the subject indicates this is your first ARF build. You should do fine building it if you take your time and follow the instructions carefully; however it is easy to overlook something on a first build. So, I would recommend you get someone with more building experience to inspect the model before the maiden.

My experience is that the more advanced park flyers are either ARF’s or full builds. You subject suggests you may have flown mostly RTF models, but of course I don't know. The P-40 is a moderately advanced glow plane and a world away from most RTF park fliers. You need to judge your own skill objectively, but I would suggest you consider looking for an inexpensive used glow trainer OR a “second glow plane” like the sig four star. I believe you would find this money well spent as you make this transition.

In summary, 4 stroke, decent servos, find local help, and strongly consider adding a rung to your ladder between your park flyers and the P-40. This rung could be a glow trainer or a "2nd glow" plane if you've advanced enough in the park.

We have been flying(crashing rebuilding and flying again) a few different types of park flyers.started with the super cub,quickly grew out of that and tryed our hand at the T-28(love that one).also built a couple of 9mmrcfly planes; the F-15 and the F-4 both pusher props. and a small dual prop plane.Our plans are to join our local AMA club before we start flying this one for more hands info from experienced pilots and builders. also to use this site to help with the build and maybe some parts.

I did find RCKen's build guide and it looks very helpful.

RCKen did a review of this model http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=713
He noted a few things he did differently than described in the manual.

Based on his review I would go with the Saito 1.00 if the budget can handle it. If you need to go with a two stroke I would probably choose the Tower Hobbies .75 since it gets good reviews and is priced right.

The Hangar 9 (60 size) Warbirds do not need high dollar servos. 'Standard' servos (40 to 50 ounces torque at 4.8 volts) are plenty for the control surfaces and throttle. Servos with ball bearings seem to last longer than those without bearings. You'll need 5 of these and they will cost between $9 and $20 each depending on the brand and model you choose. I like the Hitec HS-425BB (about $15 each) but there are dozens of good options.

The 'low profile' retract servo will probably cost around $30.

ARF = Assembly...

be sure and check the CG, and give it some toe in on the mains. I'd suggest getting a low wing trainer to cut your teeth on. as far as getting used to tuning and the faster flight speed , and landing speed then your used to.