PKZ P-51: 7channel fun

[Solitaire]

Jun 13, 2011 17:12:48 GMT -6 19000rpm said:

...Did you know the P51's actually flew against the Mig 15's in the Korean War? And, at least one P51 driver shot a Mig down? That's like going to a Indy Car race and winning the race with a Stock Car. Awesome...

The Mig15 and it's biggest rival, the F-86 were brought into service around the same time (about 1947). Until then each country's military mostly used prop driven fighters. The P-51 was so good at what it was designed for, it stayed around for a few more years. Even thought the Mig had a 200mph better top speed (650mph) and a higher ceiling, the P-51 was much more maneuverable. In the hands of a top-notch pilot, I could see where a P-51 could get the jump on a Mig.

Gotta love those 51D's

[19000rpm]

And here's a few pics of the new paint and markings scheme.

[19000rpm]

This new version flies as well as the former version.

I've really got the hang of using the retracts and gears with this plane. Flying off asphalt instead of gravel really made the difference. I'm scoring a lot of 3 pointers at half flaps, which is all it needs, with a nice headwind.

[akent]

Wow, 19k!
You outdid yourself!

How did you do that scheme?!?!? It's BEAUTIFUL!!
Kent

[19000rpm]

Thanks kent. This has been a very satisfying project.

I kicked this idea around for a while. I wanted a unique look to compliment the unusual set up with flaps, guns and retracts on a PKZ foamy.

As a big fan of the P51 I've researched a lot of schemes and since I didn't want to duplicate something I'd already seen, I took what I thought to be the most interesting elements from a few and put a twist on them.

Callie Graphics did the graphics in white vinyl and I applied them over the red and silver.

The cockpit is a Parkzone/Park Plastics hybrid with a hobby-lobby pilot.

I added a little extra detail with the red "No Step" lines on the flaps and a non-skid gray walk way on the wing.

I couldn't have wished for a better result.

[Gabe]

Wow, that's a beautiful plane. My compliments to the detail and the hard work!

[19000rpm]

Thanks, gabe.