p-51d 905

[davidchoate]

i just finished my 602 Cub, and am starting my 900 series p-51D. I intend to go FF, but am going to use a co2 motor. I found one for $20 on E-bay. I have some co2 little cylinders, all the tubing, fill valve, tool to dfill yhe tank, but I am missing the little motor.

[davidchoate]

i cut notches on the tail members for strength.

[davidchoate]

Started on the wing. I'm a little confused as to the wheel gear wire bending? anyone got a photo of a completed gear wire?

[davidchoate]

started on tail. I t'm gonna make it RC

[Mitch]

Ouch! I usually spill a little blood on each build, but that looks like a scene from a B slasher movie.

I can not provide a photo of landing gear, but I leave off landing gear on flying models (except planes with fixed gear)

IMO... This is a very small plane to make RC. I would suggest you fly it with rubber and build the 400 'stang for RC. I was able to squeeze in 2 mini servos and set one up for RC (w/o landing gear).

I built my Edge 540 with separate elevator and rudder, spot glued them in place and when the model was trimmed, securely glued them in place.

Just my thoughts... Mitch

[davidchoate]

You would think the 500 series would be better for RC, thats what I first thought, but on the 900's the lack of stringers, and solid sides make it easier to add control rods, and mount electrics.

[davidchoate]

oh, and Mitch, I recently ordered a CO2 motor setup. that still counts as FF?

[davidchoate]

im working out the controls before I cover and paint

[davidchoate]

work so far. mock up to fit controls and balance

[Mitch]

Your mock up looks very good. I am impressed with the micro sevros they have today, and to answer your question... FF (Free Flight) is without pilot control, it does not relate to the power source. You are building an RC model. Radio Control that you as the pilot on the ground will fly. I have seen FF models powered with electric motors, compressed air motors and gas engines with just a drop of fuel so the power for about 10 seconds. All of these are FF as there is NO pilot control. I am still working on rubber powered FF. My current model... the 1002 Stuka will be my largest model built for rubber powered FF to date.

Models with a ws of 36 inches and more are GIANT scale. I plan to stay in the 24 to 35 inch range for now, with rubber power.

Mitch, Squadron 34

PS ...and to David, I thought 400 for RC not 500. I am impressed and these tiny servos, the last time I bought "mini" servos was a long time ago, they would be considered medium size today!

[davidchoate]

i am working on a 404 Zero RC. I just got the motor. the problem with the larger they are ,the more they cost for servos, and recievers and the like.

[davidchoate]

I am beginning to think this P-51 is cursed. First I cut my self very bad, and now I was massing around with a jar of supplies, and dropped it on Her! I was able to repair the devastation with some 1/64" ply, and since its going to be RC, alot of it will be sheeted and I hope all the bad luck on this build will result in a bit of good luck on the flying field.

[davidchoate]

I begun covering the tail because I am now going to set up placement of the motor Rx , battery, and control rods, and I think its easier with the tail in place. I'm not using ailerons. I promised myself I wasnt going to convert any small models to RC, but I have alot of spare parts around due to all of my crashed trainers. I am using a different covering called "Skyloft". it is applied wet, does not shrink, and is made of a very strong light Nylon. I'll let U know how it works out in a bit.

[davidchoate]

I covered the tail using Skyloft. Forget the glue stick. You must use dope, and be very patient. You also need a good spray bottle as this stuff must be kept wet. It is difficult to work with, especially around contoured surfaces as it wont stick until the dope becomes tacky. It took me 6hrs. just to cover the tail. A few times I thought I was gonna have to remove it and use silk, but im glad I didnt. I learned that after about the 3rd coat of dope that everything started to adhere, and look smooth. there is some shrink, but very very minimal. This stuff is super light, and incredibly strong. You cannot poke through it without a sharp object, and its almost as hard to tear as an old t-shirt. I only have now to see how it will look finished. I also think on a larger model it would be much easier to work with. It has its pros and cons. Pros being strength and lightweight. Cons being its tedious and requires constant attention while working with it.

[davidchoate]

You get the idea.This is my first 900 series Plane. They re easier than 500 because of all the open areas. Although its final appearance will not look as "real" as a 500 series, I wont have any doubts about it flying or not. I'm taking after Mitch and leaving off the Landing Gear. If I can keep this under 50g it will be a good flier.