PKZ Spitfire Mods

[19000rpm]

I finally started modding the Spitfire. I intended on doing this some time back, but I was having so much flying it I put it off.

A few weeks ago I added the Power 25, 60A ESC, 4S and 10X8 MAS Prop. Not much to show on those mods so I didn't post them. If anybody wants info on this just let me know.

But, let me tell you, the performance with the mods is fairly spectacular. So much so that I now LOVE this plane rather than just liking it a lot. It's not that I wanted to turn this plane into a speed demon, it just seems so much more fun to have all that power on tap when you want it. And I want it often. ;D

Adding the weight of the mods to the aircraft produces faster landings and on grass that's not a problem. On flat surfaces it can be an issue. Can we say hot touch downs and looooooong roll outs children? Well I can. It uses up almost the entire side of the HS running track. So, it was time for flaps.

In order to do this properly, split flaps, just like on the full sized plane, are a must for me. Cutting out a regular flap is certainly OK, it's functional, but it isn't in keeping with the original. Not that I'm a scale nut. But, split flaps seem worth the effort for this fine example of the Spit. So, away we go.

Cutting a split flap requires splitting the existing flap area with a sharp blade. I used a fresh, single edge, blade. If you are very careful to keep the cutting edge parallel, and work in small sections, it isn't that difficult nor does it take that long to cut the flaps. Maybe, 25 min's per flap.

First: With the plane upside down, locate the flap area and outline it with a cut around the perimeter. Depth should vary from about 1/8" at the hinge area to around 1/16" as you approach the trailing edge.

To split the flap: Start on one end of the flap area and split the flap along the trailing edge with a 1/4" deep slice along the length of the flap. This will give you a line to follow as you finish the cut. Then starting on one end of the flap, complete the cuts in sections as wide as the blade is deep. Peel off the cut portion and continue with the next slice.



A little smoothing with an emery board and sealing with a polycrylic will complete the base of the flap area.

The flap itself can be made with a wood ply or plastic. I chose a thin styrene, somewhere around 1/32". I'll laminate a 1/2" wide layer inside, near the hinge area, for additional strength. More on that in the next post.

[19000rpm]

Spent some time finishing the flap mod and modified the stock spinner to accomodate the APC 10x6x4 prop. Started the weathering too.

I've got the max flap throw at about 30%. I'll test it that way and go up from there if needed.

Now we need some decent weather to test it all out.

[Doozer]

Did you paint that? That's a sweet looking plane. I like low profile, muscle upfront planes. Impressive plane.

[19000rpm]

Thanks doozer.

The plane comes prepainted. I repainted the entire underside of the wing and am in the process of weathering it; using an aluminum paint to simulate where the paint has chipped off. All I need to do now is add smoke and oil and a matt finish.

Spitfires, Hawkers, P-47's and P-51's were some of the finest examples of allied "muscle" and some of my favorite WWII planes.

[akent]

Wow! Split flaps!
You are the foamie master, 19k!
Kent

[19000rpm]

Hardly a master. But, thanks anyway kent. ;D

I'll have plenty of time hone the craft this winter. Now if I can find the right connectors for my airbrush I'll get this project finished.

[19000rpm]

Wow, I can hardly believe it's been over 2 months since I finished this bird and I just flew it yesterday.

And let me tell you; it flies great! Off the ground in 30 ft. at 50% throttle. Just a few clicks of down trim and she goes straight and level with 50-60% throttle. WOT and it climbs out of sight. The 4 blade prop sounds sweet. Landings are good into a 10-12 wind without flaps. The plane slows even better with the flaps.

My buddy Tim is going to do a video and put it up on his channel, tinkermanrc.com

[Gabe]

How's the performance with the 4-blade prop?

[19000rpm]

The speed is a bit less than the 4s 2 blade, but still very fast, way faster than with the stock setup. Thrust is way up over the 2 blade; vertical is still unlimited.

And, like I said, the sound is sweeeeet. I was flying it over my wife (she was running one of her trucks) and she said the same thing.

I used the same prop on the P-47 and it sounded good too...Not quite as sweet as on the Spit.

[Gabe]

Cool! Maybe I'll try a 4 blade with my T-28.

[19000rpm]

I think you'll like it.