Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

I just completed a Top Flite P51 1/7 th scale P51. It weighs approximately 91/2 lbs and will be powered by an OS 91FX with a 15X6 prop. I have flaps and would like to know how this model lands with flaps. The field I fly from is surrounded by trees, so a long shallow final approach is out of the question.

Thanks for your input.

RE: Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

15x6 might be to much prop for the o.s.91fx. 14x6 should be better- prop for 10,500 to 11,500 on the ground and the motor will be happer.

RE: Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

Actually flaps are better used without the long drawn out approach. I used to be quite happy with my TF Corsair and a short steep carrier style approach using flaps. Just remember, don't flair too early, keep a little down nose in your approach, and don't speed up on the downwind leg.

RE: Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

I agree on the prop. I fly my H9 P-40 with an OS 91 FX and a 14x6 prop. More than enough power. Most times I fly at 1/2 throttle. A 15x6 is getting a little too big for this motor. I had this motor on a U-Can-Do 60 size before and tried to fly it with the 15x6 and it lugged the motor down pretty good. It was ok for the slow flying U-Can but you will want more pitch speed with a warbird.

Jim

RE: Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

Hi lensfriend,

Check out this at

http://www.rcwarbirds.com/Techniques/Technigues.htm#t1

RE: Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

Steve-S

Excellent input. Everyone should have a copy.

Lensfriend

RE: Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

Just a bit of input on this motor and prop. When I was breaking in the motor I used a 13-8 then went to a 13-9 after a gallon. Then flew another 2 gallons on that then went to a 14-8. I also tried a 13-10 which gave me more speed but I lost a lot of vertical. Went back to a 14-8 and stayed with it. Gave me great speed and extreme vertical. This was on a WM P-51 60 size that had been glassed and painted. Very similar to your mustang. I used a Bisson pitts muffler which with the 14-8 APC prop gave it a very nice none 2-stroke sound had a very distinct throaty sound which I was complemented on several times. All the props had been APC but when it was broken in the 14-8 APC was the perfect prop to me.

RE: Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

Lensfriend, the first problem I see with flaps is their set up. They need to be as crisp at the endpoints as Ailerons or elevator. Both ends of the flap need to be able to resist a finger push crisply. If it has any spongyness when deployed you will never get it to grove and always be on the ailerons. Read this thread, I think it will answer most of your questions.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_34..._1/key_/tm.htm

RE: Landing Top Flite P51 with Flaps
 

Paladin,
Just ran through your posted thread. It'll take me about a day to fully digest but the first time through indicates a lot of thought went into it. By the way it seems to be dead on technically as far as the function of the flap versus angle of deployment. Initially, more lift than drag and than increased drag with minimal increase in lift.

I will not use flaps, even partially during take-off.

Lensfriend