TOPRC/GatorRC P-51 Mustang 89"
03-09-2016, 01:30 PM
#1
TOPRC/GatorRC P-51 Mustang 89"
A couple of weekends ago I lost my Ziroli P-51 due to stupidity. I was at a loss and heart broken. There were hundreds if not thousands of hours in it. My thoughts were to just get another TopFlite or so. After consideration of leading manufactures I decided to go with GatorRc's P-51. I have had TopFlite's Hanger9 ESM and several others over the years. After getting their Composite Zero a few months back I decided to try the Mustang. 
All I can say is it has Hands Down the highest quality of any of the other designers. I will call it a (poor mans CARF P-51). These guys are goin the extra mile to provide a NICE plane at a good price point. When adding up the cost over other brands it is an equivalent IE TF, H9, ESM just a higher quality product. NO I do not work for them , just giving my opinions based on over 30yrs in the hobby. Best assessment would be Yellow Aircrafts stuff in ARF form.
I am hoping to move most of the stuff from my Ziroli to the TopRc . Power would be a Dle85 on 4 blade Robart 5 1/2" wheels. If it will not fit then a tried and true G-62. I look forward to the assembly. It is an excellent starting platform for scaling.
All I can say is it has Hands Down the highest quality of any of the other designers. I will call it a (poor mans CARF P-51). These guys are goin the extra mile to provide a NICE plane at a good price point. When adding up the cost over other brands it is an equivalent IE TF, H9, ESM just a higher quality product. NO I do not work for them , just giving my opinions based on over 30yrs in the hobby. Best assessment would be Yellow Aircrafts stuff in ARF form.
I am hoping to move most of the stuff from my Ziroli to the TopRc . Power would be a Dle85 on 4 blade Robart 5 1/2" wheels. If it will not fit then a tried and true G-62. I look forward to the assembly. It is an excellent starting platform for scaling.
Last edited by TimD.; 03-09-2016 at 01:49 PM.
03-10-2016, 05:57 PM
#4
Yea he made it out fine. He is even still holding the flight stick. After a trial fit he is going in as well. The pilot is a bit larger at 1/4.5 scale and is a good fit. The Dle85 looks like it is going to work also, did some measuring today.
Their zero is rock solid in the air. Never had a bad mustang, except one from the late 80's Marks Models it would tipstall easily.
Their zero is rock solid in the air. Never had a bad mustang, except one from the late 80's Marks Models it would tipstall easily.
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Giant Flyer (12-05-2020)
03-12-2016, 04:07 PM
#5
Finally had time to start on the Mustang today. It is going quick they have already done most of the hard work . All hinges and control horns mounted. I am adding pics of things to look at when assembling. Lightly sand the sides of the control horns to ensure any parting agent is removed and creating a strong bond. Insert the ball joint and screws for proper alignment prior to the epoxy curing. I wanted to add a little color to all of the door openings so I painted them with olive drab before assembling. I am SUPER happy that the wheels off of my Ziroli fit they are Robart 5 1/2". Hopefully most of the equipment of the Ziroli fits . It is close in size at 89" the Ziroli is 98" so it is not that much smaller.
Looking at the Drop tanks. These are pre setup for you . I was surprised at that, and it works easily , just glue in place. Remove wire pin from the front and they drop off, so if you do not want to fly with them.
The design is very similar to the Zero. I like how they designed it with a full bottom and access through the top . On most warbird designs the wing is bolted on from the bottom leaving a weak point in the mid fuse area.
Looking at the Drop tanks. These are pre setup for you . I was surprised at that, and it works easily , just glue in place. Remove wire pin from the front and they drop off, so if you do not want to fly with them.
The design is very similar to the Zero. I like how they designed it with a full bottom and access through the top . On most warbird designs the wing is bolted on from the bottom leaving a weak point in the mid fuse area.
Last edited by TimD.; 03-12-2016 at 04:12 PM.
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PREDHEAD (04-27-2021)
03-12-2016, 04:18 PM
#6
Tomorrow I plan to do some weather washing to add detail. Originally I planed to repaint it to a scheme that I like, but the finish is pretty good so I am going to just continue with what it has.
Some color and more stenciling and this is going to make a nice replacement for the Ziroli.
Some color and more stenciling and this is going to make a nice replacement for the Ziroli.
Last edited by TimD.; 03-12-2016 at 04:21 PM.
03-19-2016, 01:10 PM
#8
One thing I did today, was go to my local hardware store and get replacement screws for the servos. Since I am going to use a gas engine I wanted to use the rubber grommets on the servos for vibration dampening. The supplied screw is 3.5x 6mm and I upgraded to 3.5x10mm .
03-21-2016, 07:38 AM
#10
It has panels ,panel lines , screws pretty much everything that is on the real one. If I were to compare it to any other brand, I would have to say the Composite-ARF line. Scale ? Best looking one I have had to date. Sits correct with the nose high .
03-21-2016, 07:51 AM
#11
I am using the DLE 85 that came out of my Ziroli . So if you plan to use a bigger engine you will have to modify the firewall. This is what I do when I modify one. First mark where it will need to be cut, then remove it and add a new firewall. Keep in mind to measure the distance needed before cutting so that the prop mount will exit the cowling where needed. I used 3/8" birch plywood slid into the existing mount. Make sure to use epoxy and some tringle stock on the inside to brace it. Next I put 1/8" dowel pins drilled in all the was around to add extra security. Last mix some thin epoxy and use a 4-6oz fiberglass cloth and lay it over the firewall, mount and motor mount areas. This will add extra strength and also fuelproof it.
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PREDHEAD (04-27-2021)
03-21-2016, 08:35 AM
#13
The 85 class like either the Biela 23x10-4 or Zinger 24x8-14-4 both spin decent RPM's 60-6800
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cowbys81 (01-11-2023)
03-21-2016, 10:48 AM
#16
Hey Andy, Its starting to look good. I am doing the nomenclature today.
Looks like I am going to be doing my third round of spine surgery next month. This time I am going to take some time off afterwards, not just a couple of days. Maybe we can do some RC traveling during that time.
Looks like I am going to be doing my third round of spine surgery next month. This time I am going to take some time off afterwards, not just a couple of days. Maybe we can do some RC traveling during that time.
03-21-2016, 11:36 AM
#17
My Feedback: (48)
Interested in how the DLE85 will fit. Had one in my Ziroli size P51 but replaced it with a ZDZ80 that is setback two inches to allow muffler to clear and the exhaust head on ZDZ does not protrude as much as larger finned DLE.
Apparently you had solved that on previous Ziroli much better than I did.
Apparently you had solved that on previous Ziroli much better than I did.
03-22-2016, 05:19 PM
#18
Interested in how the DLE85 will fit. Had one in my Ziroli size P51 but replaced it with a ZDZ80 that is setback two inches to allow muffler to clear and the exhaust head on ZDZ does not protrude as much as larger finned DLE.
Apparently you had solved that on previous Ziroli much better than I did.
Apparently you had solved that on previous Ziroli much better than I did.
On both planes the head fins only stick out 3/8" or so , it is barely seen from side view. I will post pics when I get that far.
04-24-2016, 09:58 AM
#21
Well its been a while due to work, but I am back on it now. I wound up using the Jtec pitts style muffler and had to cut the cowl some to make it work. The Jtec is 1/4"/ 6mm smaller in width. I did some nomenclature on it and some detailing, it is starting to look the part now. All I have to do is finish the cockpit and then I will be done.
I did the maiden this morning and all went well. It had a couple of hiccups but nothing major. It tracked straight and true with one click of down trim and two clicks right aileron and she was hands off. I was pleased with the flight, every movement was true to the sticks and no bad tendencies. The DLE 85 w/Belia 23x10-4 blade provided plenty of power giving 6k on the ground.
I did the maiden this morning and all went well. It had a couple of hiccups but nothing major. It tracked straight and true with one click of down trim and two clicks right aileron and she was hands off. I was pleased with the flight, every movement was true to the sticks and no bad tendencies. The DLE 85 w/Belia 23x10-4 blade provided plenty of power giving 6k on the ground.
06-13-2016, 12:41 AM
#24
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Hi
I'm french and i have built this P51 D.
On mine i 'm using a torqpro 70 cc four stocke.I did the maiden last week.It fly very well and the landing and takeoff are easy.
I'm french and i have built this P51 D.
On mine i 'm using a torqpro 70 cc four stocke.I did the maiden last week.It fly very well and the landing and takeoff are easy.
06-13-2016, 12:57 AM
#25
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update Blondie pixaleted ! Found on the web and printed with a basic printer on sticker paper.I have just applied a clear spray on it to resist gazoline.
Last edited by topgun25000; 06-14-2016 at 01:34 AM.
