Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hey guys.
Here are my first phases of my Topflite 1/7 scale P51 build. I just have the fin, rudder, and horiz stab done. In the pics, I haven't sanded one tip of the stab as I am well burnt out on sanding. The Fin top and bottom as you can see was a lot of sanding and the ribs, top and bottom of the rudder were sanded down as well. The ribs also weren't die cut, so I had to sand them to shape. The result so far is really good looking tail feathers. The next step is the wing. I will keep you guys posted as much as I can. As a preview I will be putting retracts (with doors, possibly inner and outer), flaps, drop tanks and debating lights. For power I will be going with a YS 1.10, and radio gear is still not decided. If any of you have had experience with this kit, please feel free to chime in as I am all open to advice.

Sorry the pics are so dark, but it was 3am in the morning. :P

Adam

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Also the burn marks on the LE of the rudder and TE of the fin are from the laser, I guess, they used to cut incredibly thick balsa! Crazy and messy, but I couldn't get it off too much without changing the shape of it.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Looking good Adam,
keep it up.

Christian

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Wing Construction starts Wednesday Night. I have a lot of work in between now and then. If anyone has some hints, tips, mods, etc for the wing, please let me know. Thanks.

Adam

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Cool! Looking forward to watching your build... Have one awaiting construction!

Cheers!

Jim

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hey, I started the build last night and am having a hard time getting the warp out of the wing. Is it possible to wet the spar, place weights on the ribs and let it sit overnight? The spars were severely warped and even following the pairing of two oppositely warped spars I can't get it out! Crazyness. Never have had this issue before. The warm is very very minor, like 1/16" or less, but I am perfectionist and want this airplane to fly well, because its a tough one to fly as it is I hear. Let me know. Will be posting some updated pics and all today. I am working on the right wing currently. Let me know of what you come up with.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

1/16 inch is not a big deal. Personally, I would not even worry about it. However, you can remove that with the wing sheeting. Just glue the sheeting on, weight the wing panel on a straight building board while the glue dries.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Cool. I was trying to do it with leading edges, trailing edges, and got all but that one sixteenth out. I will post some pics of the build so far tonight. I also decided to get rid of the crazy setup of the bell cranks and one aileron servo fr both on a high speed .60 size plane, and decided to throw in an aileron servos for each aileron. Saves time, and less slop. Anyone have any comments?

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Thas what I did. No bell cranks. Mounted a servo in each wing for the ailerons.

Your progress is looking good so far and i agree with you on the sanding (it's quite the workout).

Larry

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Here are some pics of the wings. I included a detailed pic of the notches I cut out to put sticks in for the aileron servo. Those bellcranks where ridiculous and on a high speed plane, I would prefer no slop. I used the same design as the flap servo. I think in the end I will be lighter and better off this way. Enjoy. This wing is coming out really nicely. Let me know if you have any input. Thanks!

Adam

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hey adam, your plane looks great. Just one suggestion. I know kits with warbirds (most kits really) require a lot of sanding, so just take your time and it won't end up in the "is it gunna fly" section. Hey, is that my .40 LA I see sitting there in your trainer. I think it is. Don't forget to bring it tomarrow when we fly.
Matt:p

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hey guys, working on the retracts on the wings, any comments on how to get the retract doors to go flush with the fuse? I have heard f this problem and was wondering if anyone knows what i need to look out for. I don't have my retracts yet, so I think I will begin to build the other wing, just want a heads up when they do come in. Thanks.

Adam

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

doin good.

for the doors, use springs

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Adam,

Which retracts are you going to use?

I installed Centry Jet Models in mine and i am unable to go with the gear doors (the langing gear doesn't go into the wing far enough for the doors.) If i would have modified the mounting rail depth, i might have been able to add doors.

Make sure you strengthen the gear mounting rails good with extra supports (just in case you have some hard landings or if you fly off grass)

p.s. Also beef up the tail wheel mount

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

I plan on using the Robart 605HD retracts. the Century jet ones are just a little to pricey for me. I also plan to use robostruts as well. Anyone mounted a retractable tail wheel? I was planning on it, but the instructions don't mention anything about it, so I guess i will need to improvise, anyone have any suggestions?

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Since the jig tabs have to be removed before I sheet the wing, it will be hard to Sheet so that the correct wash out is in. I am trying the ammonia and water solution to soak the wings and put weight on it. Anyone know how much, or what part of the wings to soak? I did it last night, but I believe It wasn't soaked enough as the wood is nearly dry and there wasn't too much change. Please let me know.

Thanks.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

I must admit from your pics that I know how much sanding you have done as I am in the same stage of construction as you. I found the stab ribs were not uniform and I had to start the whole thing over before I sheeted..thinking I was not getting the correct taper from root to tip. The profile of Rib #3 only just did not help that much. I hope the vertical Stab goes better. I guess there is not much of an airfoil on the Hoz. Stab..is that true?. Also, would it be smart to get the ----- retracts while building the wing?. Thanks and keep up the this fine thread. Mikel-T

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Just a quick update.
Here are both the wings I have built and I am building as straight and true as possible, but the nature of the wings are that they want wash out, and my wings are just perfectly straight! I am going to try some more windex and weights and see how that goes. Next up is the fuselage as I don't want to join the wings yet (they want to cut off the jig tabs and that would prevent me from warping the wings correctly).

Hi Mike,
Sanding, sanding, sanding. It looks like both me and you have tons of it ahead. The retracts would be smart to get while building the wings, but not neccesary. I don't have mine, but I am going to skip the step (last step before you join the wings) till later when I have the funds for the retracts (Taxes killed me.) There isn't very much airfoil on the stab as far as I can tell, and the Fin is worse than the stab as far as sanding! It is very rewarding after you have just sanded something very nicely, but doing it is definately a pain. When you do get to building the wings, try and build them with the washout it was designed with (extremely tough). If you have any questions, please post them on this thread to as they will probably help both of us and many others possibly building this kit.

Thanks everyone!
Adam

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

When I was building this kit last year, I used a razor plane. You just plane the balsa blocks to their rough shape and then finish sanding them to their final shape. It made quick work of removing balsa.

I don't know if you were using one or not - but thought I'd mention it. You can see one [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAA64&P=7]here.[/link]

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

To tell you the truth, I have one, but I cant figure out how to use it! :P It keeps chipping the balsa instead of taking little strips off. Any tips? Thanks. Also, any tips on how to get the washout in the wing, I tried as hard as I could, but my wing comes out very straight!

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

If the razor plane is chipping the balsa, it's taking too big of a bite. Loosen the screw and back the blade back into the plane - just a small adjustment, then retighten the screw. Now try it again. Eventually it'll remove long, thin strips of balsa - instead of digging into it. It's a real work saver when it works right.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Cool. I will try that as soon as work and school stops kicking my butt. :P Let me know how your project is going. I think I am going to ask top flite about the wing situation

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Adam: Hey, did you put the counter balance tabs in the hor. stab? -AND- I noticed that the 3/4 by 3/4" blocks that are shown on the plan (to be added against the stab TE for the hinges) is a lot thicker than how I have sanded it down in order to sheet it. Did I say that right? ie, I'm not left with a 3/4" TE if you follow the rib contours?. SO, MORE SANDING? THe first kit I ever built was a SIG J-3 ( @73"WS) and that kit gave you blocks of balsa that when sanded correctly came out as wing tips ( that was my introduction into using a finger-plane !) Any idea what 3M stock is going for now-a-days? Between my runny-nose allergies and the saw-dust I'm sneezing out 1 inch WOOD DOWELS!

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Haha,
I hear ya. The sanding is really making my nose run too! I didn't put the counterbalances on. I was hoping too, but I started the model on a bad note (to relax myself after a fight with the GF) and made a big mistake. So while fixing the mistake, I got to sheeting the whole stab and now I couldn't add the counterbalances. So I thought it would be dumb to have them on the fin and not the stab, so I decided against doing it on the fin. As far as the blocks are concerned I will have to look at the plans when I get home and let you know. Till next time.
Adam

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hey guys,
I have been reading your threads , I am in the same area of building as all of you here. All the things mentioned could have been written by me as well. I am chimming in here because the counter balances where mentioned, I do not know what this is or how or what it did on the real plane. The instrutions do not say much about them, only that you can put them in if you like. Could someone give me a little input on them. I plan to just skip them for now and I have already sheeted one side of the stab. I could change my mind if it is worthwhile.
Thanks,
Brad

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

There are just more scale like and they take less load off the servo by using aerodynamic deflection to hold the control surface. I am sure you can find a bunch of info in the aerodynamic section. since this is a sport scale plane, I don't see the reason behind it so much, but I must admit before I made my mistake I was thinking of putting them on. It is really up to the buidler.

One thing to watch out for when assembling the fuse sides is make sure everything lines up 100%. I misread the instructions and that cost me as I will need to order some parts to replace my screw up.

I will keep you guys posted on what topflite says. I will probably overnight my parts so it shouldn't hold me up much. :)

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Alrighty, got a straight answer (no pun intended) on the wing situation. Looks like I just misread the instructions and you are supposed to leave the wing tip jig tab on for the correct twist during sheeting. I am leaving all on just to make sure. I also got my parts in for my silly mistake.

Currently I am in the process of making everything line up perfectly while joining the wing. 2 hours working on it and still not satisfied with the fit. I have a relatively open day tomorrow so I will try to get online and post some pics. I also have my two fuse sides built, and man this airplane is going to be pretty.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Just want to say that I'm working on the same plane. I have a question, though. Should I cover the "rudder" with balsa wood? - or should I leave it and just cover it directly with monokote? I noticed that in Zope Pope's thread, he has the rudder uncovered.

Joe

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Look at the box. The ribs are like that because it is more scale like. On the box you can see that they just covered it with monokote direct so that you can see the ribs like on the real airplane. I just know its going to be hard to cover in the end though.

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. My last week of school with finals and all, and putting in over time at work. Just haven't been able to get around to it. Definately this weekend.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Joined the wings last night. Look for some pics tonight. Starting to look really nicely. Also when joining the wings, they mention 5.5" sticks to be used to make sure w-2 rib is parallel. Go with atleast a 5 5/8" stick as mine were a bit longer than 5.5". Saves you a lot of time as one cannot make sticks longer once they are too short. The aft wing joiner spacer, radiator mount thing I think its called CP or something is a bit short on mine too. I had to ad spacers and beef it up with triangle stock. Pictures to come soon.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Here ya go. Next up is building part of the radiator as well as getting ready to sheet the wing. I won't be sheeting the wing till after I get my retracts fitted (waiting for funds for the retracts) so I will then work on my Fuse. Comments are welcome. BTW the fitting of this wing took me around 6 hours! I know it will be worth it in the end though.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Well, your wings look great Adam. I wanna come over and see them. One question though; how did the windex work for the wing worping? Anyways, have fun sanding those wing tips on when you get to them:p When are the retracts coming? C ya later. Your plane looks sweet.
Matt

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

I am at the exaxt same spot as yourself. I built the perfect wing, so I thought, then at the very end I realized that I built the front piece of the wing called the CLE upside down (leans the wrong way). I hope to be able to sand it to shape despite being upside down. Outside of that the constrution went to perfection. This kit builds very good, I built the P-39 and it was much more complitcated and time consuming and frustrating than the P-51. I plan to build another one right behind this one so any mistakes that I make gets a note in the manual. I been keeping up with the post here despite not posting very often. You guys keep writing about your build it has been informative and interesting to read your comments.
Brad

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Back after a long break. I will update this thread tonight. I am building the fuse as I dont have the retracts yet and researching. I will post some pictures and comments as well. Hope your p51s are doing well. :)

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Hi adam!

I "remaidened" my kit today! i totaled her on the second flight, and now i have rebuilt her. the model flies very well, mine's eqipped with Robart 605HD, saito 100 and flaps :)

these are my recomendations:

* i strongly recomend to reinforce the tail wheel section of the fuselage. its too weak
* i very strongly recomend replacing/reinforcing the retracs attaching points. they are to weak.
* i VERY strongly recomend replacing the ball link that controls the ailerons. it WILL fail, in the air. go for dual aileron servos.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

A check to see why my post are not showing up.
Sorry,
Brad

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

I been flying mine for about one month, things are going great so far. I built mine stock with flaps. The flaps really aid in landing and taking off. I have had some ballooning effect but it really helps out on the stall speed. I used the .90 supertiger and it flys the plane scale like. I used one servo with the bell cranks hope you are wrong on them coming loose. I was trying to save as much weight as possible and I figured TF knew what they were doing. The roll rate is scale however, sorta slow, I usually nose up a little before doing one. Verticle is limited but good. The plane is beautiful on a high speed pass. I did beef up the landing gear so far no problems there. Have had one scarry aborted landing, plane sorta lifeted off on its own below stall speed, looked ugly but I chopped throttle and had a hard landing, everything okay. I tried to post with pictures but the post never showed up here. If they show up later triple posted I apologize in advance. The plane is pictured now in my gallery.
Brad

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Exactly what happend to me yesterday! i thought that the plane was in the air (big misstake), but she was rollin on the mains! (wow, i almost did a nice landing!) i pulled a bit of elevator (damn..) and she lifted off with stall speed, then the airspeed went below stall speed, and she came down like a rock from about 50" (noooo!!). The left main was pushed thro the wing sheeting :)

Before that i had a nice landing, but i was a bit slow on the elevator after touch down, so she went over on the nose :P

I agree with brad that flaps really slows down the landing speed. vertical is limited but okey with my saito 100. power climbs are just too lovely! i love this plane.

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

Wow, Can you see it in the air with that chrome covering? Looks great!

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
 

That covering looks cool, very nice looking plane. That dirt road must be tough LOL. Hey, how do you guys get your pictures to come up on here.
brad