bull51

Mustang,

I was considering the epoxy w/micro balloons but it seems to settle and run all over the place. Too liquidly (is that a word?), too runny and does not hold the shape I need. I'll try to work though it, thanks for your suggestion.

bigtim

My Feedback: (13)

bull the elmers is close to the texture and would work as well, but I found that the minwax stuff really stuck to the wood,it definatly needed a little water to loosen it up and make it more spreadable,I have been using it for years for work,I do finish carpentry,but only tried it on this model since I was having trouble with other fillers,the real trick is wetting your finger for the last few coats for shaping the material the water works as a release agent so it doesn't stick to your hands.

if you go with micro baloons the fluffyer the better,mix the epoxy then add the baloon filler so its as light as possable,when you sand it make sure you wear a dust mask the micro baloons are pretty nasty,I started using them for surfboard repair years ago,long before building models, and have been given warnings about the toxic nature of the stuff from friends in the surfboard/boat buisness,its like insulation it doesn't break down ever.

this has been a great thread,I have a TF P-51C malcom hood build coming up to do as well, got to love exchanging information whenever possable .

Mustang Fever

My Feedback: (2)

Yeah, you gotta put a lot of em in there before the epoxy quits acting like epoxy.

skylarkmk1

Mix enough micro balloons with the mixed epoxy so that it is the consistancy of "cool" (or stiff) peanut butter. When thick enough it will not slump much on the verticle surfaces. The more balloons, the lighter the fillet will be and as mentioned wear a dust mask when sanding.

bull51

You guys are great! I'm gonna test some epoxy & micro balloons and the wood filler and see which one works easiest for me. Thanks again, I could not have completed this kit without all of the help in this thread! (at least not in flyable condition).

bull51

What happened? Everyone on vacation? I've been making some progress covering my stang. I chose to go with monokote for now, I figure I can change it in the future, after some successful flights ( I hope ). Here are some real "Big Beautiful Doll" pics I found to get us back in the swing of things.

zope_pope

Im envious of you guys. I have finished flight school and have gone from 7 day a week student to 7 day a week flight instructor 1700 miles from home. Heading over to Panama Beach to teach students to find bridge/road. You guys interested in any full scale flying pics? A bit off topic, but this is my thread after all, and I miss contributing. Take care.

Adam

Riddle4U

Sure, Zope. I went to Embry-Riddle (Daytona campus) and got my Comm. Multi. Inst. + degree (some years ago now). I'm still trying to get back on my TF-P51, but it'll go quickly once I get the engine mounted with that crazy manifold I soldered up.

zope_pope

Hey Riddle,

What did you do with your degree and ratings? I just finished up the 90 Day ATP Fast Track and have my Comm Multi, Comm Single, Instrument, CFI, MEI, CFII. Ive got to see your custom exhaust on your mustang!

zope_pope

Some more...

zope_pope

beautiful up there.

zope_pope

more to come tomorrow. i have to drive to Panama City tomorrow, so i need some sleep. Yuck...

bull51

Cool pics Zope. When I win the lotto, I'm buying a real p-51d, wife says it has to be a 2 seater, though.


Any suggestions on a good fuel proof paint for the cowl and wheel wells?

thanks,
bull

Riddle4U

Zope, I haven't flown a real one in four years. Your pic looks like it could be a PA-44 Seminole? I flew one (twin seminole) for maybe 40hrs. in '04 (out of pocket rental), I guess I need to get the MEI if I want to afford flying anymore. My 350+ hours doesn't get me on a commuter airline yet that I've found. Are you still in Denver, also?

I think I posted that manifold here a couple months back. I can repost. I'm not decided on doing the old checkerboard monokote finish (using the included decals), or maybe going straight to my other idea of the Vergeltungswaffe colors. I'd hate the dreaded, "is that the ARF", question. I still need to work out the molded doors and possible sliding canopy issues. I'm kind of itching to just finish it, and fly it! I'll post a pic when it is ready to cover or finish. Lastly, I haven't quite figured out what to do for manifold fairings, I was thinking of a little flite metal over the modified plastic included (don't want a molten blob dripping down the side). I can't wait to test run the O.S. 120 with the manifold.

Riddle4U

Yup, looks like the PA-44. You must've been in the middle of posting (or I didn't look below), I was just responding to cowling visible in first pic. Glad this is your thread so we don't get off-topic "Tomatoes" thrown at us[sm=lol.gif].

Oh, and congratulations by the way on your flying accomplishment. PM me on what you thought of ATP's program. You've convinced me to get the biannual review and an MEI (multi-engine instructor rating- for the rest here)....Ha ha ha p.s. haven't flown with the Garmins I see there in the cockpit, I look forward to that (my planes were definitely WWII technology). Do we get type ratings with the maiden on these Top Flite P-51s?

N1EDM

My Feedback: (2)

Um, zope, I don't mean to be critical, but shouldn't that prop be spinning just a little bit faster than that????

Bob

zope_pope

Haha, you guys are funny. Yeah, its a PA-44 and I was fortunate enough to fly some 2007 seminoles. The Garmin GNS 430 is a dream to fly. It makes IFR flying so easy. You load your start airport, then you can load any DP very easily and it plugs in all of the waypoints to your flight plan, load the navaids or fixes that define your route, then load the arrival to the airport you want (again it works the fixes) and then you are done. The approaches are also cake because you have a birds eye view of things. You can even have it sequence you into the published hold. It will tell you how to enter believe it or not! I am so spoiled now.

I was in Denver, but now I am working at ATP in Panama City. Otherwise I'd be happy to do your Biennial. You do have enough for one regional though. If you take an RJ course you can get on with ASA. ASA's mins are 200 total and 25 multi with an rj course. Kind of crazy really..

As far as the RPM being zero, its what happens when you feather the inop engine. Helps single engine performance by greatly reducing drag. Funny. On your multi engine add-on, you spend most of the time on one engine.

zope_pope

Those manifolds look great! Have you run the engine with em on? I bet it would sound beefy as hell!

Riddle4U

Thanks Adam, I haven't run the unit yet...this spring when I have the plane finished. I Will let you know what happened (and pics).

200 total for ASA? Hmmm...maybe I try to get another 40 or 50hrs recent time in multi's or in pursuit of CFI. I'd be close to 400 total than, with over 100 multi..? I might be a little old at 45?[] Thanks for the info in the PM! -Eric

I guess we should be talking about time with thumbs on sticks here

bull51

Well, what do you guys think? Be honest, I can take it.

I havent finishe the trim scheme yet, ie. red outline and checker board design.

Mustang1964

bull51:
It is looking good. Can't wait until you post pics of it out at the field.
Keep up the good work.
Mustang1964

bull51

Thanks Mustang. I been putting a lot of time into her, hoping to have her ready by summer. Looks like I'm going to make it. the first ( and hopefully not last ) flight will be recorded and posted.

bull

Live Wire

bull
Don't even talk like that [:@] the first of many. I just got back to mine still having gear trouble can't get them to fit in the wings. Still have not found thin tires.. Back to more reserch its here some where. Nice looking plane should fly straight and true

zope_pope

Live Wire,

You aren't the only ones with problems. The reason my build came to screeching halt was the fact I couldn't fit the gear into the wings, and I had to make numerous design changes. I also wanted to fit a retractable tail wheel in with working doors all around. This kit is borderline too small to accommodate what I want it to, or at least it is small enough to the point where it makes it a lot harder to accommodate all of this. Anyhow, then i went to flight school and my thread is 60+ pages long, and my airplane is not finished. Ha. Hopefully I get back to it soon. Your pics make me so jealous. The mustang is truly one of the best looking planes ever built.

zope_pope

BTW Bull. Very good looking mustang!