As many know: I am not a huge Mustang fan. But I just found out about this one, and I am wanting one already.
http://www.top-flite.com/airplanes/topa0950.html

Tower has them listed as being available in early Feb (2008), with a price tag of about $280.

At first glance, that makes it seem slightly more expensive than the Hangar 9 version, and about the same size. BUT: the Top Flite one comes with a painted aluminum spinner: something which must be purchased seperately for the Hangar 9 version. Also: the Top Flite version comes with operational flaps (with Robart type hinge points), whereas the Hangar 9 version does not have flaps.

Also, from gazing at the manual (online/ Adobe): it appears that a retractable tailwheel COULD be installed on the Top Flite version, rather easily and in a somewhat scale location.

The Top Flite version also comes with machine gun blisters (the Hangar 9 one does not), as well as a more detailed cockpit.

Lastly: there are the looks: The Top Flite one appears to be very realistic/ scale looking, compared to the Hangar 9 version.

All that said: the new Top Flite .60 size Mustang ARF appears to be one HELLUVA Bargain.

I would be curious to know more about the included retracts: are the struts 3/16" diameter, and more robust than the Hangar 9 ones? BOTH Mustangs have included/ installed retracts. Are the Top Flite ones in fact Robarts? In any event: the Top Flite manual states that the retracts CAN be replaced with Robart air retracts if desired.

I test flew a Hangar 9 Mustang a few years ago for a fellow club member. My impression was: WOW, what a great flying warbird! Then it came time to land: WOW, is that landing gear ever flimsy! It was impossible to keep the nose from striking the ground, because of the excessive flex in the struts.

Yeah I like the look of the Top Flite over the Hangar 9.

If only they had made it in a P-51B verison. They need to offer a conversion kit. I like the new SIG model as well.

I got one CONVERSION KIT!! CHECK IT OUT HERE:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHV03&P=7

IN STOCK LIMITED QTY!! BEST ORDER ONE ASAP!!!


-TOMAS
www.vqwarbirds.com

Ok I just did. I am sold on this plane then. Corsair Jock kinda pushed me over the edge with his mini review. I already have some 3-1/4" Robart scale wheels, servos, retract servo, O.S. 91 Surpass, etc, etc. so all I need is the plane. They are probably on the ship as we speak.

I saw the video of the retracts working and they looked really smooth. Good thing about the TF bird is you don't have to order a $60.00+ retact servo to go in it.

This is a great looking 'Stang! Wish it had been available two years ago when I got my H9 60 P-51. How sturdy is the pre-painted spinner provided? Is it comparable, say, to a Dave Brown? The one that came with my other 'Stang (H9 150 P-51) was obviously made from melted Chinese beer cans and was unsuitable to the dynamic loads imposed in flight (and has subsequently been recommended only for static display).

Looking at this TF on their website, I thought the pics showed struts that look a bit skinny, and it's hard to tell from the TF video if they are stout enough because it doesn't really show a slow-speed taxi or turn. Anyone taxied or flown one of these, yet? My H9 60 P-51 had such a serious case of the "wobblies" on the factory retracts/struts that I had to replace the retracts with Robart 609's before I could even maiden!

I also wish my H9 'Stang had also come from the factory with flaps, like the TF (or SIG). I added them myself (see Gallery), but it was a lot of work (20+ hours).

I hope H9 is paying attention to these competitive 60-size P-51 offerings from both SIG and TF. BOTH come from the factory with flaps, and if you've never landed a warbird under full flaps, I can't overemphasis how effective they are! I won't buy another warbird, 60 size or larger, that doesn't already come with flaps.

Rip

I dunno: I thought they kinda looked like they were 3/16", but couldn't really tell so I didn't say anything. In any event, IF you decide to replace them with air units: Top Flite recommends the Robart 605HDs, which do in fact have the 3/16" struts ("HD" is heavy duty, and means they have the 3/16" struts).

Trying to tell if the olive covering is gloss or flat, it appears to be flat but again: hard to tell for sure.

Interesting links aboutthe 357th Fighter Group:
http://www.cebudanderson.com/modgallery.htm

It is flat, not glossy.

Well, this kit comes at the right time! This .60 size ARF is in its size one of a kind as far as the 'scale-look' goes. Unfortunately the kit isn't available in Holland yet but, though I'm not a "Stang" lover, I made up my mind already and I'm gonna get myself this great looking ARF. This choice is based on having experience with Top Flite models already so I don't have to worry about quality (hopefully )

I had a pretty much same sized P51 years ago but it's the only plane from which I can remember its delightful handling which I'll never forget!

So all in all; to have a great looking and flying warbird, reasonably priced.... get this STANG!!

Tjen il-vec


[8D]

Like CorsairJock, I'm a Corsair guy through-n-through. BUT I've bought the H9 1.50 P-47 ARF, and now I've ordered this TF .60 P-51 ARF while waiting (FOREVER) for someone to offer a decent - sized Corsair ARF. It's like a cry in the wilderness. Enough of the European Theatre models; I want a big Corsair.

By the way, I've spoken with Doug ag Lado Tech (www.lado-tech.com). He's pretty sure that the retracts he makes for the H9 .60 P-51 will fit this bird, but he seems pretty serious about making a set especially for this TF model. Drop him a line, and encourage him.


Mike

Mike did you put your vote in for the Giant Corsair Arf poll? Here are some addresses for to "suggest" planes and such. I encourage lots of people to do this so they will finally get the message.
http://www.top-flite.com/suggest-a-plane.html
http://www.hangar-9.com/About/Contact.aspx

Anyway I ordered a P-51B coversion kit last night along with some flat OD drab and flat gray monokote last night. I hope the gear is steady. If not the recommended robart gear is really reasonable.

Yes, I did put in my vote. And I'll post my suggestions at TF and H9 before I go to bed tonight. Thanks for the links!

I like the B model P-51 just because they're different than all the others. That's why I like the Razorback P-47 too.

Mike

I would actually love to see the Giant corsair as an early bird cage model. There is just something about them. The bubble canopies are seek and sexy looking but the cage looks tougher and meaner.

I guess I'm pre-programmed to the later models. My father (still kicking at 88 years) flew both in WW II (USMC) and then in Korea, and he hated the bird cages. Says he couldn't see well out of them.

I think CMP makes a fair - sized bird cage Corsair, don't they? I don't care much for CMP models though; seem to have a bad reputation.

Mike

Oh yea, If I was flying one of those birds I would have wanted the bubble so I could keep my butt from getting shot off. The pilots of the early corsair really hated the cage because it was so close to their heads. A lot of people swear by CMP birds but if I don't know much about them.

CJ, What about a comparison of the TF .60 P-51 ARF and the SIG P-51 ARF. I have the SIG manual if you want me to email it to you. Just PM me your email address and I will forward it to you.

I'm really not in the review business, it just kinda struck me that the Top Flite and Hangar 9 Mustangs are simular in some ways (price, size, included retracts), yet different in other ways, to point (of what seems to me anyway) theTop Flite is such a better deal.

I'll readily admit: I don't know thast much about the Sig version, and it should probably be included in this discussion also.

SO,....feel free to post your thoughts on it. Specifically: include things such as 'street price', what comes with it and what doesn't (spinner? retracts), and how you think it compares to the TopFlite and/ or Hangar 9 Mustangs.

For that matter: someone may want to include a comparison to the VQ Mustang, but I think it is actually slightly smaller, and therefor not really in the same scale/ category.

I don't work for TopFlite, and I have thoughly enjoyed the Hangar 9 warbirds that I have owned and flown. It's just that the differences between these two Mustangs are so profound, yet the prices so close, that I felt compelled to post this 'mini review'.

And don't get me wrong: I STILL think the Hangar 9 Mustang is a great flying warbird, and maybe (possibly) better for a 1st warbird. But from a scale standpoint: if I were to buy a Mustang right now: the Top Flite would be my choice , hands down (even tho I too would prefer a 'B' model). And I would not have to change a thing on it (except install a retractable tailwheel).

Corsair Jock,
I have a 65" Top Flite Gold Edition P51D Mustang equipped with Robart Econo retracts and scale Robostruts and powered by an O.S. 1.08. She also has flaps. This plane is "Rock Solid" in flight and makes beautiful down the middle of the runway landings. I am tempted to buy the T/F ARF P-51, but I would prefer this plane in an ARC version, so I could glass and paint it. I would suggest the econo retracts and struts for the ARF P-51 to give it a more scale look. These retracts are extremely dependable and are beefy. The robostruts do not fasten to a piece of wire poking out of the retract with screws. Instead, they plug into the housing, (yes, the gear leg goes into the housing) and is clamped in place by a large allen type bolt in the housing. I have never had a problem with this system. I too would like to see a P51B in this ARF from Top Flite. OK, back to the glassing on my 1/5th P51B...

OK, I've taken an online look at the Sig version, and here are my thoughts
http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmar...FV4.html?E+Sig

1) at about $320 (from Tower OR Sig), the Sig is about $40 more than the Top Flite, $60 more than the Hangar 9. NOTE: free shipping and common discounts from Tower can reduce the total prices of either the Top Flite OR Sig by over $30, significantly closing the gap with the Hangar 9 prices. In fact, since the Hangar 9 version does not include a spinner (which usually cost about $20 or more): either the Top Flite OR the Sig appear to be better deals.

2) it IS a "B", but appears to have a glossy finish.

3) it's advertised weight is about 1# lighter than the Top Flite, or about the same as the Hangar 9. That said, it should fly a little better/ easier to fly than the Top Flite.

4) it DOES come with a spinner, operational flaps, and retracts, but lacks machine gun blisters and cockpit detail. Cockpit details however, are slightly less important in a "B" than ina "D" because the cockpit is not as open/ exposed.

5) the tailwheel is in a somewhat scale location (like the Top Flite, but unlike the Hangar 9), but as I could see no detailed pics: it is impossible for me to determine whether or not a retractable tailwheel could be easily installed (I am SURE it could be done with the Top Flite).

In summary:
from a scale appearance standpoint it appears to be somewhere between the Top Flite and the Hangar 9. To me: the Top Flite is the clear winner in scale looks.
With the Sig Mustang's (advertised) weight and operational flaps: it should be (slightly) easier to fly than the Top Flite, and possibly even better than the Hangar 9.

Regarless of prices, my vote still goes for the Top Flite. But then again: I am an experienced warbird flyer. A novice might do better with one of the other 2 Mustangs.

I just wish they would start DELIVERING THEM!

Seriously...typical story...constant delays...last week it was predicted late Jan now they are early February...

Oh well, guess I'll just put the money for it aside in a 6 month CD or something (kidding) if only I could get a good enough rate to pay for the air retracts too!

Just curious: WHY?
I guess I don't understand why some like the air retracts so much. Same mechanism as the servo operated ones, just runs off of a servo instead of air.
My experiences are the mechanical ones are more dependable.

My track record with mechanical retracts is not very good. It seems that I am unable to successfully route the actuator to the servo without causing unacceptable levels of binding. Usually resulting in a stripped retract servo. Maybe this one will be different. The upgrade to air retracts is not the REALLY pricey part it is the addition of the robo struts at $40 each that is. I would likely do that for either mechanical or air though.

I would say the reason they like air over mechanical is the ease of the setup. You have to get the throws right on for the mechanical retracts while the air retracts have an air valve which is very easy to setup. Plus the air retracts can be adjusted so the gear moves more scale like, speed up and down. Just my thoughts. I use both, so have no preference.

wHEN IS THIS PLANE COMMING...?

Ever hear of air leaks? Ever forget to refill after a flight? Ever get to the field and discovered that you left your pump at home?

Guess it must be a personal chioce. I have used both (air AND mechanical) and prefer mechanical. I have never had a problem with setting up mechanicals. I had a Dyna Flite Corsair that I installed mdofied Hobbico mechanicals on. With well over a thousand flights: they never failed me. I could take the plane to the field fully charged, and I could count on at least a dozen cycles on the retracts that day (usually 6 flights, withthe last few flights getting extra touch and goes).

As for air: a lot more 'linkage' (airlines) involved, plus the valve and tank means the plane has less room inside for other stuff.

I DO use air on my Corsairs now: those rotating retracts need a little more 'push' to get them up and down. But for something like a Mustang: I'll definately stay with the mechanicals. I would probably find a way to use 2 hi torque servos, rather than 1 retract one. That way: I can fine tune the end throws on my radio, AND slow them down to scale speeds without having to play with those valves and restrictors.

TopFlite: "WE will sell no 'Stang, before it's time".

Tower says February (Hmmm: I have a birthday in February).