Mustang Tire size
09-24-2009, 10:23 AM
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Mustang Tire size
Guys-am I reading up right that full scale mustangs used 34" main tires and 12.5" tail wheels. Just comparing the new hanger 9 mustang looks like the plane is 1/7th scale but the tires are 1/10th scale. somehow they see to have caught the correct ground angle though.
09-24-2009, 03:01 PM
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RE: Mustang Tire size
I seem to recall that Mustangs (as did MOST U.S. single engined fighters of that era) had 32" diameter main wheels. Scale size for a 1/7 scale Mustang would be over 4" diameter.
I doubt that you find ANY ARF (or kit for that matter) in this size range that comes with OR recommends scale size wheels. The majority (including Top Flite) come with 3 1/4" wheels. However, in MOST cases: 3 1/2" wheels can be substituted. You will find that as diameter increases: so does width. The combination makes installing anyting larger than 3 1/2" wheels in ANY '60 size' ARF or kit more of a challenge.
BTW: P-47s, which were the heaviest single engined fighters of the war, had 34" main wheels. Most (if not all) others had 32" or smaller.
I doubt that you find ANY ARF (or kit for that matter) in this size range that comes with OR recommends scale size wheels. The majority (including Top Flite) come with 3 1/4" wheels. However, in MOST cases: 3 1/2" wheels can be substituted. You will find that as diameter increases: so does width. The combination makes installing anyting larger than 3 1/2" wheels in ANY '60 size' ARF or kit more of a challenge.
BTW: P-47s, which were the heaviest single engined fighters of the war, had 34" main wheels. Most (if not all) others had 32" or smaller.
09-25-2009, 01:15 PM
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RE: Mustang Tire size
I believe that 32" size on the Mustang tire is too large. The tire size was 27" in total diameter. If it was 32", a 1/5th scale mustang would have a 6.5" tire. That would take up a majority of the cord of the wing. Plus think about a 3 foot tire, that would be up almost up to your waist. http://www.wattsaviation.co.uk/sizes.htm this is a website I found that sells tires for Mustangs.
09-26-2009, 09:20 AM
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RE: Mustang Tire size
Remember, I said actual measurements. Markings on a tire aren't necessarily the actual size of the tire, much like automobile tires are marked.
The 8 spoke wheel below is a P-39 main used for better braking on a restored P-47. It is the same size as the original 6 spoke in the other photo (reference the location of the tire to the scissors).
The hash mark on that ruler is at 14", the other photo's from this set confirm that as they are at better angles. The measurement on those drawings is probably the tire "size", not the actual measurement, and may not be correct at all.
Dennis
The 8 spoke wheel below is a P-39 main used for better braking on a restored P-47. It is the same size as the original 6 spoke in the other photo (reference the location of the tire to the scissors).
The hash mark on that ruler is at 14", the other photo's from this set confirm that as they are at better angles. The measurement on those drawings is probably the tire "size", not the actual measurement, and may not be correct at all.
Dennis
09-26-2009, 01:22 PM
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RE: Mustang Tire size
Not that I am aware of . . . Over the years we have developed techniques to scale wheels very accurately, and I have found that actual measurement are the best way, if you can get them.
At a museum, you can get busted doing this depending on the museum. That's why there isn't a ruler next to the 6 spoke wheel, because they had a guard watching the planes, the other place didn't. You have to make sure what you are looking at also. Some restorations don't use the original wheels (usually due to brake function), so you can get off on the wrong track if you aren't careful.
Dennis
At a museum, you can get busted doing this depending on the museum. That's why there isn't a ruler next to the 6 spoke wheel, because they had a guard watching the planes, the other place didn't. You have to make sure what you are looking at also. Some restorations don't use the original wheels (usually due to brake function), so you can get off on the wrong track if you aren't careful.
Dennis
09-26-2009, 03:44 PM
#12
RE: Mustang Tire size
ORIGINAL: rc34074
This is very interesting- is there a site that would show the tire sizes for various other warbirds? I am thinking of a spitfire or corsair.
Ed
This is very interesting- is there a site that would show the tire sizes for various other warbirds? I am thinking of a spitfire or corsair.
Ed
There is an "Aviation History Museum" less than 10 miles from me, containg a full scale Corsair and Hellcat. I have gone in several times with tape measure in hand.
The drawing of the P-47 is showing the outer diameter being 34". I KNOW that I have read it somewhere also, but don't remember where.
