RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Has anyone used a gas engine on this plane? Was thinking of using eh RCGF 26 - weighs just a little more than the OS120 4 stroke that is shown on the plans. It has rear carb. The muffler will create quite a bit hole on one side.

Bruce

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Sky, this plane is to small for a 26cc gasser. Way to much wieght.
Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Me agreeees, obviously. The 120 four-stroke is a good choice in my humble opinion. A nice .60 or .90 two stroke will also scream! Keep her light and straight and it is good. Remember; this will never be a 3D aerobatic model, and you will do well people.;)

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Ok guys late to this thread but have started a D model for the club pres. so I must press on. Question for all you builders. How did you drive the inner doors of the gear doors? My B model has a sequencer that manages this,with mini servos, but on this model it is not wanted. I have tried a wire that the wheel hits to drive it in but can't seem to get the right throw to really get the inner doors tight. I did see a set up on a me109 arf, but can't remember how it was done or the set up. I am a pretty decent builder, but this one has me stumped. It may be so simple that I am over thinking this or trying to over design it. If I have to go with the sequencer and mini servos than so be it. Would like to avoid if possible. Any suggestions? Stumped on this one.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hi Scratch, I used a servo and linkages with mine, i can actuate them with a switch on my radio or a sequencer. Air cylinders could work too. There are a few pics of mine and ROTCCAPT doors in this thread.
Hope this helps.
Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

I have been putting the countersunk rivets on the plane. Tedious, but worth it.
Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

hey that looks awsome if only i had the time to do that much detail

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

i just ran my setup on 6 volts and my normal gear retract times are as follows: normal gear up and down 13 seconds from initiation of stitch to full up or down t doors closed. emergency gear up or down 9 seconds from actuation of switch to doors closed

i also just got my radio for this project, a jr 9503. now all that is left is finish hinging and get my servos for the wings

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

I just spent the day putting old Vortac bomb drop mechanisms into my wing and getting the Lado Tech gear in the wings. This is a tedious part of the build to get right. Thanks Rotccapt for all the sharing of retract work in the last 6 weeks. Your work is superb. I'm going to use your door actuation system. It is very ingenious.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

no problem btw the gear door actuator is not my idea i borrowed it from another guy in this thread. i believe it was cgav8r. make sure and post pics of your progress. mine almost ready to fly i still have to make my starts and bars and finish decking out my gear doors. i am building the inner bracing right now and once that is done and glassed i will paint them and then all that is left to do is balance her and fly

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

I finished all the rivets and sanded them lightly with 600 grit to knock off the sharp edges left from the hot brass tube. Had the plane sitting on my bench and grabbed another plane to go flying and as I turned around I knocked the P-51 off my bench and broke the nose clean off. [:o]I got the nose glued back on and all repaired along with a few dents that happened. Now I can continue on with the buid.

I did the final install of the dash, made some side panels, a control stick and glued in my throttle quadrant.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

CGAV8R, your build is simply inspiring! you did great (again) on this dashboard.

I need to ask the experts this question (even if I am afraid of the answer...):
I bought the kit with all accessories at once, including the motor. I went per topflite recommendation: robart retractable gear, and OS.60 2 stroke engine... Only then did I think of reading through this forum (bad mistake). From what I gathered, it seems that the plane will be quite under powered with this engine; flyable, but not much power left to easily recover from a difficult situation.
From your experience, would you say that a 60 size engine is enough / just enough / unthinkable on this airframe, considering the extra weight of the retracts?
Thanks for any feedback!

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hi Turnale, thanks for the kind words. I have owned the Top Flite Corsair with an OS 60FP (the FP is the older version of the 60 two stroke) and I liked it very much. The plane had plenty of power and flew very nicely because of the lighter weight 60. I would build this plane with an OS 60 anyday. The key to having a nice flying Top Flite 60 size warbird is to keep the weight down, and starting with an OS 60, your going down the right road in my experienced opinion. There is a nice in cowl muffler system available from top flight if you do use the 60. Smart move on going with the robart retracts too, they are better than the Century jet ones. Standard servos are all you need for this plane.
Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Today I installed the flare port, throttle quadrant, control stick, placards, and the trim wheel thingy.
Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

looks awesome man. mine is so close to being done i can almost taste it all that is left is some paint work and for me to make up my mind on which way i want to go gas or glow. all up balanced weight is 10 lbs 7 oz dry. the wight will be a wash with gas or glow because if i run gas i will only need like 8 to 10 oz of fuel where as with glow i need 16 oz and the weight of the ignition is only like 2 or 3 oz. once i get that dellima figured out it is just waiting on warmer weather i may do some taxi checks with it soon

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Thanks ROTC.
Right side radio panel and canopy crank made and installed. Tail gear doors built and installed too.
Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Thanks for your reply, I will pursue my build with that weight off my chest!

Your cockpit really is amazing. It'd be nice to have a scale reference on your next picture. I don't think the photos do justice to your meticulous work here!

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

A little more done. The rudder is covered in Solartex. Outer gear door hinged and painted inside. I added 3mm depron to the inner gear door to give it a little more scale look. Painted the inside of the wheel well.
Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Guys, I have query and maybe you can give your recommendation and feedback.

I have World Model P51 Mustang 60 size (Product Number: A155 Petie2nd).  I installed OS 110FS-a (4-stroke), 4" Tru turn Spinner andMaster Aircscrew 14x9.  Using Tachometer, I am reading a 8200 rpm (atground). 

I would like to know if this set-up, propeller, spinner and engine fits or right choice for the plane?
right RPM?

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Sounds ok to me. You may want to go a little less pitch on the propeller and let the rpms come up a bit.
Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

I am sorry I forgot to relay one important info..... I am using a 14x9 Master Airscrew 3-blade.

My plane weight is approx 4kg (no fuel).

You can see the photo in my profile.

Thanks.
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RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

ece8893:

If your plane really weighs only 4 kg dry (8.8 pounds), it's lighter than any of the TF 1/7 birds I've heard of, and should fly really well with that engine and prop. Mine weighed almost 12 pounds (5.4 kg) and that is what brought it down. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't use retractable landing gear and I would do everything possible to save weight.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hi again everyone!

Been a while since I've last posted, as I took a couple months off from the P-51 project. Suddenly it's almost spring and I'm like "I better finish this bird!".

So this week I've put in a lot of effort to get some of the finishing steps completed. I've detailed out the cockpit and installed all the components, added the exhaust manifold, stars and bars, monokote lettering, and done much of the panel lines. I must say, she's really coming along now! It's not quite up to Aaron's standards, but way above mine hahah! I've included a shot of the full scale for reference. All that's really left is to finish the panel lines on the wings, make and apply the water transfer decals for the nose art, and install the switch/charger jack. Then it's go-time!

Enjoy!
George

P.S. Bob, looks like I'll come in at about 10 lbs 3 oz. She's 9 lbs 14 oz now and that's without the flight battery and receiver.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Looks great george[sm=thumbs_up.gif] It's all about enjoying what your doing.

I sprayed the base coat of silver on and sanded that with 600 grit sandpaper.

Aaron D.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Looks awesome. What paint are you using. Also, how many coats of primer below and above the panel line tape?

Thanks!
G