Taking the next step with the P51

[akent]

That looks awesome! I am very impressed!

I flew mine on Sunday and was impressed again. It is all stock and flies just great. I even had a few comments on it as I was trying to fly it scale.

I love that thing, and I'll keep it stock I think. When it gets rough looking, then I'll do a makeover like you did! I love it!

Do you know if anyone makes retracts that will fit these?
Kent

[19000rpm]

Thanks Kent, it is a great plane in any configuration from stock to off the hook.

I'm trying to remember if anyone on RCgroups has done retracts for this bird. As I recall, I think the mods are more speed oriented than scale. Here's one I found.

www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1070619&page=260&highlight=retracts#post14119880

Besides Great Planes .10 retracts, Eflite has some .10 servoless retracts that would be perfect, I think. I haven't seen anybody use them yet on the P51, but someone has undoubtedly done it.

secure.hobbyzone.com/search/EFLG100.html

If I had a better runway I'd seriously consider retracts and flaps.

[19000rpm]

I've upgraded to a 40A ESC in anticipation of throwing a 3 blade prop on it from the PKZ ME 109.

I'm running it with the Monster 10 motor and a 2200 25C battery. With the PKZ 9.5X7.5 it has good speed and vertical until I can barely see it.


I also have a 4 blade prop that should be coming this week. That one is intended for the Super Corsair, but I might throw it on the 'stang for kicks.

I used nylon wire ties on the landing gear doors. Hopefully that will keep them on landing in deeper grass or from bounces on hard surface. Here's how that worked out.




They don't pop off now ;D

[Gabe]

That was always my fear with retracts. Let us know how they fair in the grass.

[19000rpm]

I've had a great season of flying with the P-51. It is the best plane I've ever had. It's fast and flies staight as an arrow and lands beautifully if a bit too fast at times because of its weight....

I've been range testing at the beginning of EVERY flight since I've had some issues that are surely related to signal loss, IMO, with some other Spektrums this year.

I've been using an AR6100 in the 'stang for a about 3 weeks now. 20-25 flights with no problems. When I range tested it yesterday it failed. ;D This isn't a Hong Kong clone either. This a genuine Spektrum.

I was using another one of my DX5e's that has had zero issues. The other DX5e is at Horizon for evaluation being the only common factor in 3 other incidents. All problems happened at less than 150 yards distance. ;D

I'm getting very tired of crashing and losing planes because of faulty electronics. It kind of takes the fun out of the whole experience: Standing there waiting for something to fail.

I put an AR500 in the P-51 and have range tested that. It appears to be a go. We'll see about that later today.

[Gabe]

The DX8 is out and available now

Never had an issue with either of my DX6i's either.

[19000rpm]

The AR500 range tested and flew the P-51 as it should.

I'll get a DX6i. I'm going to wait on the DX8. I don't want to "field test" it, if you know what I mean.

[akent]

Or keep your eyes peeled for a DX7 or a JR.
I had two DX6i's and they both had problems. My DX7 is a far nicer transmitter.

I found a JR 9503 on Ebay with TWO 9 channel receivers brand new for $475.
I know that's a lot, but this is a beautiful transmitter. The heli functions are amazing. It also has a timer that you can set to turn on when you first give it throttle. No more forgetting to hit the timer go button.
I'm keeping my DX7 for a backup.
Kent

[19000rpm]

Sounds like a great system.

[19000rpm]

Day before yesterday I accidentally reversed the rudder dip and didn't notice it when I checked the control surfaces. ;D

When I went to correct the initial torque with right rudder I actually was giving left rudder making the torque roll twice as bad.

Well, what was left wasn't worth saving in the foam department so I stripped it out.

The airframe was over a year and a half old with nearly 250 flights on it so it was getting a little soft and frayed aroound the edges.

I'm starting another 'Stang this week. Just got to have a P-51 in the hangar.

[Gabe]

Sometimes I find rebuilds refreshing. I almost enjoy building as much as I do flying now. There's a real sense of pride when the build is completed.