cjordan, I just used the supplied CA hinges. However, I did add some extra CA hinges between the stock ones.

I would like to use a gasser in my Hellcat. Any suggestions as what would work? Size wise without totally destroying the cowl. Thinking of a G 23 or FPE 1.3
Thanks,
Fred

I have an FPE 1.3 in my Rascal 110 and with a 16x8 prop it's just not enough power for it. I have the F6F and it may be perfect for it. What's the finished weight on the Helcat with CJ retracts? Thanks.

A friend of mine has the FPE 1.3 in his Hellcat and it fits very nice. Only thing slightly sticking out is the plug boot. Mine with a Saito 150 is at 11.5 lbs. to answer mikejdad.

What prop on the Saito 1.50?

PS, big brown truck delivered my Hellcat today (6/9/2005), thinking Saito 150 with 3 blade prop for it.

Graupner 15x8 3-blade should work. Graupner 16x8 3-blade and MA 16x10 3-blade will be too big. Too bad MA doesn't make either a 15x8 or a 16x8 3-blade.

Try to keep the rpm in the mid to high 8K. Otherwise you will be lugging the engine, and no engines want that.

Actually, I was asking warks62, but any and ALL replies are appreciated.

Also, Master Airscrew DOES make a 3 blade 16 x 8.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXRF50&P=0

And as for a size I would like to see (in 3 blade series): a 13 x 6 for the .70 ~ .82 4 stroke engines.

I used a 16-10 MA that I cut down to 14.5 (Balanced of course) to get the RPM up where it should. I to wish that there was more selection in 3 Blade props. I had to use a 12-6 MA 3 blade on my Saito 72's that I have in my B-25, would of liked a 12-8.

Why not a (3 blade MA) 16 x 8?

They do make a 3 blade 12 x 8 now, but that's EXACTLY the reason they (Master Airscrew) need to come out with a 13 x 6. I too have a Saito .72, as well as the newer .82. Both could probably swing a 3 blade Master Airscrew 13 x 6, IF THEY MADE ONE!

Sorry, getting off the subject here (CMP Hellcat).

Looking mine over and experiment with retracts (I have lot's of them), it appears that the retract bays must be enlarged for many of them (ALL the air operated ones). Plans show installation of Hanger 9 Corsair/ P-40 mechanicals: I doubt they would be sturdy enough unless the struts were replaced with titanium ones, so I am pondering World Models (.40 size Corsair/ P-40) ones outfitted with titanium struts, and using a retract servo for each (no bellcranks, no long linkage). Simple, cheap, and they fit without having to modify the retract bays.

I am also looking at shortening the fuselage by moving the cowl farther back, so it sticks out 130mm instead of 150 as called for in plans. Much more scale look, BUT it severely restricts engine size: Saito 1.20/ 1.50 would not fit.

Also looking at removing 1/2" from each wing at root for better scale appearance. Part of the problem is that the dihedral 'break' is too far outboard, and main gears the same. Ditto for flaps. So, removing a short section of the roots will improve scale looks in a lot of areas.

How about C.G: anyone having trouble/ needing to add nose weight? If so, what engine are you using and how much nose weight?

What would be the recommended 3 blade prop size for a Saito 120 on the Hellcat?

A 14x7 would work.

I'm in the assembly phase now. It's not totally clear from the instructions what I'm supposed to do with the small metal wing joiner rod. I can see where the rod is supposed to join the wing toward the training edge, but unlike the main aluminum joiner rod, the holes aren't pre-drilled.
It seems odd that If I drill out the holes for the small joiner rod, there's really nothing for it to grip/glue on to beyond the outer rib.
Can you tell me what you did with that joining rod? Also, did you do anything additional to beef up the joining of the wing?

I used a hardwood dowel much longer that butted up against the ribs in each wing panel. Also, I re-enforced ALL three wing joints (check out my new thread http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3052751/tm.htm), but this required removing all the covering. You can remove the center wing joint covering and re-enforce with cloth and resin as the belly pan will cover that area.

I also lengthened the distance between the two metal dowel pins for the front mount. I will be detailing more tonight or tomorrow on my thread....

randy

Corsairjock I didn't have to add any weight to mine. Saito 150 with my battery pack all the way forward came out perfect. They were back ordered on the 16-8 at the time which is still a little bit to much prop I think. So I tried the 16-10 first to see what the revs were then cut it down to 15 then 14.5 was perfect. Was also able to get a more scale looking prop by cutting it down and rounding the tips. I know that it doesn't help performance but I have plenty to spare with the 150 anyway. Still screams even with the modified prop. Will need to make another one broke it last weekend so an APC for now.

Bossman,

I am following your other thread and it is awesome as I am just beginning to assemble my plane.
Question, on the 2 leading edge metal wing mount dowels did you just use epoxy to secure them?

Very nice looking. Does your Hellcat have the original covering or did you re-cover?

Altho there appears to be little interest in finding a more suitable/ scale looking canopy, I will post my finding nontheless: FOUND ONE!

As it happens, I have Bob Hollman 1/8 scale Hellcat kit (about 64" span), complete with 'glass fuselage and all the pre-cut parts. I am saving this kit for my retirement (in about 3 years).
I decided to get it out to compare to my CMP. Lo and behold: The fuselage dimensions are very nearly identical (within 1/4"?), meaning that the CMP is basically a 1/8 scale with an over size wing. Next, I got the canopy out. Sure enough, nearly identical in hiegth, width, and shape at the rear (bulkhead cross section). The Bob Hollman one is about 1/4" longer, which is fine as the CMP one looks too short anyway.

For those of you who don't know: Bob Hollman plans and kits are VERY scale authentic.

So, I have ordered a second canopy and fiberglass cowl (which also fits, but a little tight) from Bob for $45 plus shipping. May seem like too much money for some of you, but I am very sure that this will result in a much more scale looking Hellcat

I have the same Bob Hollman/Brian Taylor 64" Hellcat kit with glass fuselage, and it's very scale. I might start building it this Fall/Winter since I'm a little more than 30 years away from retirement.

Hi Richard,Im ready to put a 3 blade prop on my hellcat with a os 1.20.Do you think a 15/8 will work or is there a better size I should use.
thanks Fred

The OS 120 can't swing a 15/8 3-blade prop. Try a 14/7 3-blade.

ok thanks I will try a 14/7
thanks Fred

Fred, a 14/8 might also work, but I don't think MA makes a 14/8 3-blade.

Richard,do you know who does.You think a 15/6 is too much.
thanks Fred

Fred, a 15/6 3-blade might also work. You can always try it out. Get a tach to make sure the rpm is somewhere between 8800 and 9500 because the OS 120 is happiest inside that range.

ok im looking for a 3 blade prop right now.
thanks Fred