How does this air system install
 

I bought a TF P-51 60 off a guy for my first warbird.
Problem is that I don't know how the air system works. I have an airtronics servo and a Hitec receiver to start with but I don't want to buy a new servo if the air system doesn't work. Help me out here, check the photo below and tell me if this is how it is supposed to go in and if you have any experiance with this system.

How does this air system install
 

Another pic

How does this air system install
 

last one.

I take it I probably need a special fitting to go from my pump to this jobbie

Warbird question
 

This may be better answered it the warbird section. Would you like to have this moved there?

Let me know.

EXCAP232

Forum Move
 

Moved to warbirds per member request. Please see if you can answer his question.

EXCAP232
Community Moderator

Spring Air
 

Gladman,

What you have is Spring Air. You 1st photo is correct just set up
the travel so it just pushs the button down (gear up) and completely off of it for gear down.

Photo 2 Spring Air control valve

Photo 3 The smaller one is the SA filler valve and yes it does take
a special fitting although I've had good luck just sticking the air line in and pumping.

I hope the retracts are SA (gold color) as there are not many with
a one line setup.

Check out www.retracts.com for info.
You might look at the misc. items there for photo's and yours is the older control valve. I like the new one better ( easy setup) ;)

How does this air system install
 

Bomberboy

Thanks for the reply. Just curious about how much the valve needs to move down when the servo goes over it. by the looks of things and playing with it, I think it moves about a hairs thickness. Is that correct?

How does this air system install
 

I have one of those installed in my P-38. Had a slight bit of trouble with it. The ramp on the disk did not depress the air valve enough to let the air out. I fixed it by putting a piece of 1/16" ply between the disk and ramp and sanded a ramp extension on the ply. Worked perfect after that.
Edwin

How does this air system install
 

Thanks Edwin, I'll keep that in mind. :)

How does this air system install
 

Or chuck that thing and get a robart or equivalent valve. IMO

How does this air system install
 

John VH

Well, its like this. This entire plane needs some work. Its more than flyable but it needs new covering, work on the retracts (The installation was amature at best), and there's a couple of spots with so much glue its humorous. But, this is my first warbird. If I get 20 flights in on it and I like it, then I'll put some more time and cash into it. Until then, it only needs to fly and give me some experience with components that I haven't used before. Those being retracts and flaps, not to mention the high wing loading and apparent harsh landings. I also understand that you gotta have some serious ground speed before lift off. I seriously want this thing to work but I'm just coming into this project slow. If it flies, then we'll be beefin it up for sure.

How does this air system install
 

Gladman,

No need to chuck the valve at all. Its takes just a little bit of effort
to get it dialed in, then its fine. The only thing I add is the yellow
inline filter to help slow the retracts from slapping the top of the
wing hard.

I use all types of valves robart, UPE, rhom and others and they
all have their tricks. Very seldom is slap it on and go!

How does this air system install
 

bomberboy

Thanks again for the info. I'll check into that inline filter.

I really appreciate the help

How does this air system install
 

Gladman, I didnt mean chuck the plane, I am in the same boat on a plane too. But, your gear are not something you want to not have full faith in, I say throw away that valve thing, get a good robart one or equivalent, and then you know they will work. No shimming or any setup bull.

Just safer that way:D

How does this air system install
 

JohnVH

I see where your coming from. If I have any trouble with it I'll take your advice. :cool:

Valve
 

Again I say if you are not happy with your setup get the new one
from SA. It is a clippard valve that is VERY easy to setup. It has an
arm with a hole in it for wire and it works like a light switch. The
robart one will work but for SA this is easier and better. :)

To check each retract to make sure they are sound just pressurize
each retract separately (it will retract) and then let it off and the
gear will come down. If this checks out fine and you do have any
trouble with the valve--replace it.

update
 

Hey everybody. I just wanted to let you know that I did get everything working. I musta sat there for 15 minutes flipping my retract switch before I ran upstairs to post this message.

Thanks to everybody for their help and support, I love this hobby and without people such as yourselves, I'd have spent many a day pounding my head against the wall.

One last question. How many PSI should I take my air tank upto?

:p And, should I drain it when I'm done flying for the day?

Re: update
 

The first plane I had with retracts I did the exact same thing. It was so pretty I just couldn't stop retracting and extending the gear. My 2 boys love doing it too! :D

Nothing like a bird that tucks here gear away after takeoff.