P-38 Lightning Brotherhood
#1301
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I've seen this plane for sale on a couple forums I think. I have trouble pulling the trigger at that price mainly because of concerns over the size being too small for 20's and honestly some negative comments on it's construction. I am handcuffed without the ability to put my hands on the model and satisfy myself over the "unknowns" and I don't see where anyone has actually put 20's together with this kit. The recommendations are much smaller. I did put a 20 in my 60 size Top Flite like you did and your right it fly's awesome but I knew others had done it and there were some serious mods to get the weight distribution right. I wonder about the 38 and as tight as it is if 20's would be just too much weight up front to deal with on this size kit.
I think I have seen some old posts for a 90 inch kit, if I'm not imagining it, that would be a more comfortable size for the engine combination. Thank you for your help because I am serious about wanting to do this project and I welcome a serious conversation from anyone with first hand knowledge or resources I can go check out.
I think I have seen some old posts for a 90 inch kit, if I'm not imagining it, that would be a more comfortable size for the engine combination. Thank you for your help because I am serious about wanting to do this project and I welcome a serious conversation from anyone with first hand knowledge or resources I can go check out.
I had this kit with DLE 20 RA's and it was a little powerhouse. Ran beautifully..... However, two issues arose. One as with the cowling of the motors. With the cowls off, there were no problems, with them on, I really had to baffle them to keep from getting overheated. And with two, it was real finicky because if one got hotter than the other, it messed everything up.
The second issue was the construction. Kind of a pain with the servos set in the booms. If I had to do over again, I would put the servos for the rear of the plane in the tail and horizontal stab.
#1302
hep em HEP EM!
Hey folks I picked up a P 38 arf. its a 96 inch ws pain in the rear...LOL It will NOT break Down. So I must carry this BIG H shaped plane when I move it. Question is Who made this plane/.???? Thanks for the help
( Im guessing there is few 96 ws arfs in the world that will nor break down.. It looks like a Nitro plane caliber)
( Im guessing there is few 96 ws arfs in the world that will nor break down.. It looks like a Nitro plane caliber)
#1304
Yet to build P-38
Hi, please add me to the list of p-38 lovers.
I have a Wing Manufacturing p-38 short kit and want to build it with two OS 40, olive drab, and bomb drop.
I've had the kit for a few years but are getting back into RC
I have a Wing Manufacturing p-38 short kit and want to build it with two OS 40, olive drab, and bomb drop.
I've had the kit for a few years but are getting back into RC
#1305
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Navarre, FL
Posts: 268
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Took a break after getting married but back now. Must have picked a winner. I now have a set of Zirolli P38 plans she gave me for Christmas and a P51' for anniversary. New Shop almost done and starting build list. DISCOVERY. I can't find a set of fiberglass booms!!! Any sources? Apparently the guy that was making them retired.
On a different note. PAU does have a nice ... No excellent twin 50cc P38 on the back burner. I would commit a substansial deposit on one but it would require many wing to do same to make business sense to move forward. Any interest?
On a different note. PAU does have a nice ... No excellent twin 50cc P38 on the back burner. I would commit a substansial deposit on one but it would require many wing to do same to make business sense to move forward. Any interest?
Did a little research... Still need details, but VERY interested in an ARF of this caliber.
Last edited by zrooster; 05-28-2017 at 10:56 PM. Reason: Did some googling
#1306
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Navarre, FL
Posts: 268
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Thought I'd give the thread a little bump. I don't really have anything of significance, but I've been thinking about the weakness (weak point behind the wing) of the ply/balsa booms on the Ziroli and how to get around it if a good set of fiberglass booms doesn't become available. Off the top of my head, CF strips in the weak area seem like a viable option, but my inexperience might be showing here. Has any among you thought through the problem to the point you believe (or have implemented) a viable fix?
#1308
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Navarre, FL
Posts: 268
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Edit: To be clear, was hoping to spark a conversation on the subject amongst some of you experienced types. Consequently DID NOT do my homework before hand.
Last edited by zrooster; 06-28-2017 at 08:09 PM. Reason: Clarification
#1309
My Feedback: (14)
I'm building a blown-up Ziroli but I'm using the same fix that worked on my smaller P-38's. I use the top hatch as a stressed member to carry some of the load from the rear booms. It is bolted to the firewall bulkhead and to the bulkhead aft of the wing opening this plus using spruce for the crutch rails stopped the cracking of the booms aft of the wing trailing edge. the plans don't say how to attach this hatch but making sure it is tied in properly is important.
Last edited by P38J; 07-01-2017 at 06:33 PM.
#1310
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Navarre, FL
Posts: 268
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I'm building a blown-up Ziroli but I'm using the same fix that worked on my smaller P-38's. I use the top hatch as a stressed member to carry some of the load from the rear booms. It is bolted to the firewall bulkhead and to the bulkhead aft of the wing opening this plus using spruce for the crutch rails stopped the cracking of the booms aft of the wing trailing edge. the plans don't say how to attach this hatch but making sure it is tied in properly is important.
#1311
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ChristchurchCanterbury, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 128
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Had the old ( very ) VQ P38 out
Here is some footage taken a couple of weekends ago when the weather was good enough for a fly.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVeFfv0g-ST/
Regards
David
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVeFfv0g-ST/
Regards
David
#1312
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ChristchurchCanterbury, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 128
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Spring airs that don't spring
Hi Guys
ever since i first flew my VQ P38 I've had issues with the Spring Air nose gear failing to extend. Each flight ended in some rather un-scale aerobatics to flick the nose gear into the down & locked position. The problem is that the steering arm causes the gear to rotate while it cycles {much like a P40 or Corsair}. On the bench this is not a problem but in flight with slipstream acting on a wheel facing the wrong way = a big headache. I fitted an air up spring down Robart unit but this was even worse than the Spring Air! My latest attempt to achieve retract nirvana involves the purchase of an Eflite 60 - 120 105 degree nose gear. Hopefully this will do what I need it to do. I must say that the Eflite unit looks like a quality piece of kit.
Regards
David
ever since i first flew my VQ P38 I've had issues with the Spring Air nose gear failing to extend. Each flight ended in some rather un-scale aerobatics to flick the nose gear into the down & locked position. The problem is that the steering arm causes the gear to rotate while it cycles {much like a P40 or Corsair}. On the bench this is not a problem but in flight with slipstream acting on a wheel facing the wrong way = a big headache. I fitted an air up spring down Robart unit but this was even worse than the Spring Air! My latest attempt to achieve retract nirvana involves the purchase of an Eflite 60 - 120 105 degree nose gear. Hopefully this will do what I need it to do. I must say that the Eflite unit looks like a quality piece of kit.
Regards
David
#1313
My Feedback: (7)
David:
This is may seem like an out-dated reply, since I haven't flown a VQ-38 for almost 3 years, but I do love its flight characteristics
I got more than 200 good flights on a couple of them by doing some kit upgrades, most expensively: landing gear.
As you noted, besides keeping both fans blowing, there is NOTHING more important to the life expectancy of a 38 than strong, reliable landing gear.
After brief, frustrating flirtations with the kit gear, then higher grade Spring Airs, I finally opted for robust Robart 630 mains and 639 nose
It's a $300 upgrade, but I NEVER regretted it, and I think my last two VQ-38's lived long happy lives because of it and the 630/639's paid for themselves several times over
Make sure you order the correct bend on the nose gear: I can't remember if it's left or right without digging up a photo
Mark
This is may seem like an out-dated reply, since I haven't flown a VQ-38 for almost 3 years, but I do love its flight characteristics
I got more than 200 good flights on a couple of them by doing some kit upgrades, most expensively: landing gear.
As you noted, besides keeping both fans blowing, there is NOTHING more important to the life expectancy of a 38 than strong, reliable landing gear.
After brief, frustrating flirtations with the kit gear, then higher grade Spring Airs, I finally opted for robust Robart 630 mains and 639 nose
It's a $300 upgrade, but I NEVER regretted it, and I think my last two VQ-38's lived long happy lives because of it and the 630/639's paid for themselves several times over
Make sure you order the correct bend on the nose gear: I can't remember if it's left or right without digging up a photo
Mark
#1315
My Feedback: (7)
I'm yer man!
I crashed a Yellow-38 with the gear up a few years ago
I know the gear's in good shape because crash damage wasn't too terrible, so I put the gear down a couple of weeks later and ran the engines, but eventually cannibalized them for other planes and never fixed it
My buddy Rich crashed his Yellow with the gear up, also, so I think the gear is OK, and he gave it to me for parts, BUT
my set is much better because I didn't like the crappy cast aluminum struts and had Darrell at Sierra make me much better STRUTS!
The whole thing has been in my storage unit for several years and would be some hassle to dig out, but
I WOULD GLADLY TRADE THE WHOLE KIT'N-KABOODLE FOR A NIB 12X JR TRANSMITTER
I crashed a Yellow-38 with the gear up a few years ago
I know the gear's in good shape because crash damage wasn't too terrible, so I put the gear down a couple of weeks later and ran the engines, but eventually cannibalized them for other planes and never fixed it
My buddy Rich crashed his Yellow with the gear up, also, so I think the gear is OK, and he gave it to me for parts, BUT
my set is much better because I didn't like the crappy cast aluminum struts and had Darrell at Sierra make me much better STRUTS!
The whole thing has been in my storage unit for several years and would be some hassle to dig out, but
I WOULD GLADLY TRADE THE WHOLE KIT'N-KABOODLE FOR A NIB 12X JR TRANSMITTER
#1317
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Towanda, PA
Posts: 7
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I forgot about this thread until I had an email show up in the inbox. Must be when I logged into the RCU site it did a update to subscribed threads.
My brother did fly his P-38 "Pudgy V" about a month ago so it adds to the 30+ years of it being in the air. He also did maiden his P-38 "Madu" about two weeks ago. He made numerous run ups and would lift it off about a foot or two then settle it down. That went on for about 15 minutes before it was time to fuel it up for a real flight. The flight only lasted a little over 5 minutes and he brought it in. He kept the gear down the whole flight because he wanted to test the retracts after they had some ground pounding on them. All is good in that department. One engine sounded a little off so he brought it in. Come to find out a tee fitting on the fuel line was melted when it got pushed next to the cylinder when putting the cover on. This one has the new .75 Super Tigres powering it where the Pudgy V has the H.B. .61's. I had my video camera with me but the viewfinder went blank right as he was taxiing out. I got tired of turning it on and off hoping it would come in. It worked perfect after the plane landed. Go figure!
Since the last posting, he built another Col. Art Johnson P-38. This one is done up in a European scheme of "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" with the yellow nose. I just received a .75 Super Tigre the other day off the net so all it needs now is servos, receiver, and battery and it will be ready.
I'll try and get some pictures when they are all together instead of wings and booms spread all over the place. lol
My brother did fly his P-38 "Pudgy V" about a month ago so it adds to the 30+ years of it being in the air. He also did maiden his P-38 "Madu" about two weeks ago. He made numerous run ups and would lift it off about a foot or two then settle it down. That went on for about 15 minutes before it was time to fuel it up for a real flight. The flight only lasted a little over 5 minutes and he brought it in. He kept the gear down the whole flight because he wanted to test the retracts after they had some ground pounding on them. All is good in that department. One engine sounded a little off so he brought it in. Come to find out a tee fitting on the fuel line was melted when it got pushed next to the cylinder when putting the cover on. This one has the new .75 Super Tigres powering it where the Pudgy V has the H.B. .61's. I had my video camera with me but the viewfinder went blank right as he was taxiing out. I got tired of turning it on and off hoping it would come in. It worked perfect after the plane landed. Go figure!
Since the last posting, he built another Col. Art Johnson P-38. This one is done up in a European scheme of "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" with the yellow nose. I just received a .75 Super Tigre the other day off the net so all it needs now is servos, receiver, and battery and it will be ready.
I'll try and get some pictures when they are all together instead of wings and booms spread all over the place. lol
#1321
Wing mfr
I'm sure someone on this brotherhood has built a Wing mfr P-38, I have the short kit and would appreciate any and all advice. Thanks John Comp
Last edited by john comp; 08-11-2017 at 01:33 AM.
#1322
Join Date: May 2006
Location: , IN
Posts: 37
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Hello Everyone,
I am new to this Forum and would like to Join and follow on everyones progress. I have acquired Molds of a P-38 and will be looking into possibly making one this winter if all goes well. It is a large project of which most of it is glass. Outer wing panels and stab are built up. Hoping to make some improvements and get started on the project shortly.
Thanks All.
I am new to this Forum and would like to Join and follow on everyones progress. I have acquired Molds of a P-38 and will be looking into possibly making one this winter if all goes well. It is a large project of which most of it is glass. Outer wing panels and stab are built up. Hoping to make some improvements and get started on the project shortly.
Thanks All.
#1324
My Feedback: (7)
Happy News from Owatonna last month
The official coming-out party for my re-habbed CBA-38 with counter-rotating DA-50's
After some feeble trials on my part, DA re-built the engines for me. Thanks, guys
I spent all winter building Fowler flaps, mentored by Quissenbery. Thanks, Jeff
He also urged me to move the CG up to 5.5"
It also got new radios, new batteries, new fuel Viton lines and tanks and rebuild on the old sturdy gear
I picked Saturday at the Owatonna event because of their gorgeous 1,200 ft runway and perfect winds, but of course that meant I had to fly in front of 90+ pilots, at least 80% of whom I know are better than I am
As far as I know, there was no video taken
My brother, pro wildlife photog, whose cameras are worth way more than my planes, took these stills
His favorite is the pre-TO shot, because he says he's never seen body language that so perfectly telegraphed PUCKER!!!
Everything went perfectly and I greased the landing. I think I'll retire
The official coming-out party for my re-habbed CBA-38 with counter-rotating DA-50's
After some feeble trials on my part, DA re-built the engines for me. Thanks, guys
I spent all winter building Fowler flaps, mentored by Quissenbery. Thanks, Jeff
He also urged me to move the CG up to 5.5"
It also got new radios, new batteries, new fuel Viton lines and tanks and rebuild on the old sturdy gear
I picked Saturday at the Owatonna event because of their gorgeous 1,200 ft runway and perfect winds, but of course that meant I had to fly in front of 90+ pilots, at least 80% of whom I know are better than I am
As far as I know, there was no video taken
My brother, pro wildlife photog, whose cameras are worth way more than my planes, took these stills
His favorite is the pre-TO shot, because he says he's never seen body language that so perfectly telegraphed PUCKER!!!
Everything went perfectly and I greased the landing. I think I'll retire