Various... nothing special
 

Well,

Just got back into the hobby and am starting from scratch with limited funds. My goal is to have a giant scale P-51 made into a reno racer in a take off from the Dago. I can't blow 500.00 on a kit at the moment so I was going to do a scratch build from ziroli plans or something.

I since decided to build a couple of smaller kits first. I acutally found a set of Cloud Dancer 40 and Page Gee Bee 40 plans on RCM's site and will start with those. I have built a few kits but still am a little nervous.

If I do a decent job on the smaller plans, will this prep me for a big project?

Anyone ever seen a giant scale dago red or something like it?

Is one set of plans better for that pipe dream than others? I know that there are a bunch out there.

Is there a plan that would allow me to stay under 300 bucks for the engine?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks guys, it's good to be back.
Robert

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How big do you want the P-51 what model ? the basic airframe if its Balsa and ply can be done within reason the costs add up when you add some things that are a little hard to make . If your doing a P-51 D the canopy will cost you a bit . If your not good with fiberglass the cowl is another cost. Then the retracts , Almost the price of a good used engine. Then servos and radio gear.
Before I start a big project I sit down and do a complete cost breakdown. This way there are few surprises when I commit my time and hobby dollars.
The more you do yourself including hunting for deals on what is need can save you money . This takes time Its still going to cost you. Spread out over a reasonable building period you may spend a bit more then expected but its doable.

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I guess I need to look at engines first. Is there a good gas engine under 300 bucks?

I see a Fuji 34cc, a US Engines 41, Zenoah 45 and I know there are others but, I don't know which performs better and then if the 40ish cc engine is what I decide on what size plane will it pull with authority?

Another thought is a Moki 2.1. I DO know the cost of fuel will be high. But this is down around 30ish cc's isn't it?

I am admittedly lost in engines this size. Can anyone help?

Various... nothing special
 

You can get lots of info on gas engines in the engines forum, or the giant scale forum.

Various... nothing special
 

True... sorry, I wasn't trying to go there...

I really wanted any comments or advice on building the CD40 or the GB from plans. I was giving a little background... maybe a little much. ;)


Any thoughts on building those?
Thanks

Various... nothing special
 

If you haven't done a lot of building, I would probably avoid the Gee Bee, and start with the cloud Dancer.

Every plane you build will give you experience down the road.

Various... nothing special
 

Like this?

Various... nothing special
 

Thanks, I DO plan to build the CD40 first. I wanted to get the kit last time I was flying but it is only in an arf now. I just got lucky on the plans, I guess.

Various... nothing special
 

Pretty much, I might try to go full-on Dago but I don't know how much is changed from the original WW2 bird to the Racer.

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Like your avitar Dago Bob, lol.
I saw a pic of a huge Dago Red some where on a website, awsome size plane, ill see if i can find it for ya.

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When you are ready for the P-51, take a look at this......
http://www.randdaero.com/projects/3wp51/index.html


This one was built by Ron Eisner. He does an EXCELLENT job.....IN FACT if I remember correctly, he has done many different styles of giant scale racers. He would be full of good info for your project.

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I have in my files 3 way views of Dago Red that are awsome, Let me know if would like for me to post them and I will.