RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Getting my Corsair back together for another flight (I hope). Anyway, is anyone using LiFe battery packs in their birds??? If so, are you using a 6v regulator and if so, what brand ? In the past, I had issues using a 5 cell NiMh pack as I kept frying my flap servos even though there was no binding. When the flaps were disconnected from the servo, they would all fall freely and smoothly when I would push them up and let them drop. I ended up taking the lazy way out and just ran external control rods like the ailerons. Now I am going to try a 6.6v 2100mah LiFe pack as my last flight using a 4 cell NiMh 2600 pack didn't fair so well control wise (not sure if it was battery voltage or not, but it did not fly like it did with the 5 cell pack). I just want to get this thing back in the air but I am still paranoid from my last flight (which happened late last year[:D]), just call me chicken!!! Thanks!
Posted on: 9/11/2011 9:35 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10712259

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
I have a question about power system for the Corsair. I had issues in the past where I kept "Cooking" the flap servos even though they had no binding or problems I could find. I was using a 5-cell NiCd pack. The plane flew fine with the 5-cell pack, but I lost the flaps. Anyway, I replaced the 5-cell pack with a 4-cell NiCd pack and no longer had overheating issues with the servos. When I flew the Corsair using the 4 Cell pack, I was really fighting it and ended up putting it down in a bean field. I still believe that the problem was due to wind as a really strong popcorn storm moved in just after I landed it. I never lost control of it, but it just did not fly like it did on it's first flight. I have the Corsair ready to fly again, and I thinking of trying a higher voltage battery pack (Duralite, A123, etc.) along with either a 5.6 or 6 volt regulator. I am looking for advice on 4-cell vs. 5-cell or other pack. I am a little scared to take the bird up since I totaled one due to engine failure after takeoff and the last minor crash, don't want to tear this one up anymore. I was lucky last time. [:D] Thanks! Duane
Posted on: 3/27/2011 10:16 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10427277

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Haven't been on this forum for awhile. Nice to see that the Corsair builds are still going. This is motivating me to get the retract parts I need to get mine back in the air.[:D]
Posted on: 2/27/2011 1:13 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10366615

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Man, I need to get mine repaired so I can try her again. The more I read these posts, the more motivated I get, it is just that time is not cooperating[:D] And I only need one day to fix it. Oh well, I will get mine back in the air soon I hope.
Posted on: 8/9/2010 12:42 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9920169

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Thanks everyone. Been monitoring this thread for several months and gotten a many tips and ideas while building mine. Now I am just anxious to get it repaired and back in the air.
Posted on: 6/19/2010 3:25 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9812967

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
I will definitely try adding more nose weight and recheck the balance. The maiden flight was excellent except for the fact that the flaps failed, but this last flight was really messed and nothing had been done to the plane. Oh well, it will be back in the air soon. Thanks! Duane BTW, I need to get myself on the Brotherhood list!
Posted on: 6/18/2010 3:39 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9810775

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Soon as I get the retracts fixed and back in, she'll fly again. I am just real concerned about how it handled. I fought it all the way after take-off. There was a storm brewing and although it did not feel windy down low, it could have been gusty up high. I hope that is all it was. This bird does have pucker factor, that's for sure.
Posted on: 6/15/2010 12:57 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9803840

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
I finally got mine flying for the second time. Does wind affect these Corsairs much? My was very hard to handle compared to my first time flying it which was late last year. I ended up landing in a bean field and ripped the retracts off, but did little actual damage to the plane luckily. Bent the strut and ram on on retract, so will be out of commision until I get the retracts repaired. First flight was great but this flight really made me think twice about whether or not I still want to mess with this plane. It took off fine, but was very slugglish with the airerons and elevator. Nothing has been changed since the original flight, so I don't know what went wrong.
Posted on: 6/13/2010 10:46 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9801089

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Jarrah, Most of the wood goes in the trash...I think they put it all in the box so the box won't get smashed in shipping[:D] Actually, I thought the same thing when I built mine. Just take your time and read through this thread, lots of helpful stuff here. I don't think I would have finished mine without the help of this thread. Duane
Posted on: 11/28/2009 1:24 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9286148

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Awesome job on the Corsair Chris. I finally gave up and set the flaps up just like the ailerons using an external pushrod. My flaps are not binding at all ( they move without any indication of binding and fall freely when let go), yet I have cooked 3 servos within minutes just trying to set the throws in the radio. The flaps would work, but the servos just got hot and would burnout for no reason while the flaps were in the up position. I think it has something to do with the angle of the pushrod and the force from the weight of the flaps acting on the servo arm but I don't know. I even replaced the wooden clevis connector on the flap with a fabricated metal one to eliminate any slop, still cooked the servo. Anyway, the Corsair will still fly even though it has 4 visible pushrods under the wing. Oh well, I'll get it worked out sooner or later. Won't get to fly it again for a couple of weeks, but I sure can't wait to get up in the air again. Duane
Posted on: 8/10/2009 1:57 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9003961

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
I will definitely recheck the lateral balance of the wing. The Corsair flew so good (even with the aileron issue) that it is hard tell what is actually right or wrong with the setup. Corsair really felt like it was on rails. the use of the elevator did not appear to cause any roll issues, either in level flight or loops and rolls, but I am checking them out also as a possible cause. I was planning on taking out some right engine thrust based on information I have collected regarding the the TF Corsair, but I now don't think that is the problem. I am thinking it is due to the Lateral balance, flap drooping, or warped wing. I didn't even have to use any rudder to compensate during takeoff (unlike my 60 size TF Corsair which I had to add a bit of right thrust to help on take-off). If I can get my flap situation fixed, I think everything will come together. I just can't wait to get to fly it again. The ideas and comments really help. At this point, I have a hard time trying to think things out without over-thinking. Thanks!
Posted on: 8/5/2009 4:14 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8991379

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Has anyone had problems with the stock flap setup? I fried a Hitech 645MG servo just trying to set the radio up. With the servos removed from the wings, the flaps show no binding. When I tilt the wing, the flaps will fall under their own weight without any problems. I replaced the servo with another 645 and then got to fly its maiden voyage. Everything went fine, but the flaps failed to function during landing. After landing, the flap setup worked,but I noticed that the servos could not lock the flaps in position. The servos feel strong and everything feels tight, but you can move the flaps a bit. I am seriously looking at just hooking them up with a pushrod like the ailerons to keep thing simple. I also looked at the IRF rotory system, but I don't want to have to cut the flaps off and have to rework everything. The other small issue we ran into was that I had to put a lot of left trim in the ailerons to maintain level flight. I am going to add washers to remove some of the right thrust from the engine to see if that helps. I am also going to be checking the wing to see if it may have warped. Any comments or ideas would be appreciated. I will say that this was my first time flying an RC plane of this size and weight and it flew great and felt good in the air. Duane
Posted on: 8/4/2009 3:44 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8988419

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Well, the Corsair is done and ready for it's maiden voyage later today hopefully. Cooked a flap servo while setting up the radio, but now all is well I think. The thing weighed in at 31 lbs according to the digital scale I used, so I hope it is accurate. Had to put 3lbs of weight in the nose of this thing. Pics and flight to follow if the weather holds out. Duane
Posted on: 8/2/2009 4:53 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8983046

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Liked the antenna tube idea also! Thanks! Duane
Posted on: 7/26/2009 11:32 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8966632

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Thanks for the replies. Now I can get my together again and finish this thing. Here is a pic of the one I built last year and totaled on the maiden flight. Will post pics of my new one (Same paint scheme and everything):
Posted on: 7/26/2009 11:31 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8966628

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Hey everyone, I am in the last stages of completing my Corsair, and I just want to ask a few questions just give me some last minute ideas. 1. What is the best way to position a Futaba Faast reciever in order to have the best antenna placement? I am using Faast receivers in my heli's, but this is my first time in a big bird like this, so I do not want to take any chances with signal interference or problems. 2. I am using a Zenoah G-62. What oil and mixture you using for the fuel? 3. From experience, what throws are you using for the elev, ail, rudder, and how much flap throw for landing? Simple questions, but I sometimes second guess myself when I have put in several hours of work trying to complete a project, I just like to get second opinions to make sure I haven't forgotten something. Thanks! Duane
Posted on: 7/26/2009 2:43 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8964255

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Nice pic. Hope mine looks like that in the air[:D]. Hopefully, I will get mine airborn this weekend with any luck.
Posted on: 7/21/2009 12:30 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8950821

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
I will try that. By what I have read, I want the corsair to be slightly nose heavy, does that sound right? I recently built a World Models Zero Fighter 60 and and it was balanced perfectly (by the book and if the airplane was held by the fingertips at on the spar). We ended up having to make it nose heavy to make it fly better. Thanks! Duane
Posted on: 7/20/2009 5:28 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8949672

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Hey everyone. I just finished painting my corsair and am getting ready to reassemble it. Since I don't trust the manuals anymore when it comes to balancing CG info, where should I start with my CG ? Thanks! Duane
Posted on: 7/20/2009 1:05 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8947803

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Bob, My set up looks as tight as yours. I want to use the vibration mounts, so I guess there really is no other option.[:D] Guess I will move forward with the project at hand! Duane
Posted on: 2/7/2009 4:20 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8449537

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Bob, I am using a dummy radial, you mentioned that your G62 was up against the back of your dummy radial. Were you using the baffle also? I decided to go with a 1/4" engine mount block instead of the 1/2" after test fitting everything. Things were just too close to suit me. I didn't know if the G62 needs a baffle or not. Everything looks like it will fit ok now, even if I do use a baffle. Duane
Posted on: 2/7/2009 12:18 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8447645

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Thanks Bob, looks like the setup I am using. I saw the pics but wasn't sure if those were B&B mounts or not. I epoxied two pieces of 1/4" ply together for the engine mount plate and I was a bit concerned about my engine sticking out to far forward because the cowl won't have a lot of overhang on the fuse with this setup. I had thought about going with just a 1/4" piece of ply and using 1/4" shims for the Vibration mount area so the engine would be moved back 1/4", but I don't think there is going to be a problem after all. Duane
Posted on: 2/6/2009 3:47 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8444358

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Is anyone using B&B Vibration mounts with a G-62 ? If so, could someone please post a picture of their setup? I am in the process of installing mine, and would like to possibly see what my options might be. The method I am currently working on appears to be ok, but there may be room for improvement since the mounts are kinda large and the firewall is small. Thanks! Duane
Posted on: 2/5/2009 3:13 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8440448

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Chris, Nice set-up that is basically what I was going to attempt to do. The pics really help. Like the gear door set-up also. I haven't decided if I am going to attempt gear doors or not. I would like too, but it will depend on how much time I can put into the build. Duane
Posted on: 9/7/2008 10:39 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7931158

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Some good ideas there guys. I am using a G-62. I was able to get my flaps to move about 45 degrees, but it took a lot of work. The flaps are another thing I was going to be changing. Now I am really wanting to get going on this bird. Duane
Posted on: 9/7/2008 3:24 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7928220

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Well, since I crashed my first Corsair and am in the process of building a new one, I have been thinking about what I would do different the second time around. If you guys were going to build a 2nd TF Corsair, what would you do different from your first build based on your experience ??? My number one item is to run the engine on a test stand, and then run it again, and again, and again until I know it is going to perform like it should. I discovered a low end issue with my engine after the crash. BTW, I am only getting 6000 max RPM with a 22x10 Master Airscrew Wood prop and 22x10 Zinger Prop. I can't get the 7200-7400 that I hear some people are getting. Duane
Posted on: 9/6/2008 9:28 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7927493

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Chris, I know what you mean, I had the question when I was building mine. I don't have any pics, but I ended up using a stiffer cable that would just kind of spring up when the wheel retracted. Worked fine for me, but I think my next one will have springs to help deal with the slack and tracking issues. The tracking issue is another problem I had. My Corsair was hard to keep straight when I would taxi for takeoff. I even programmed the steering servo so that the wheel had very little movement but that only helped a small amount. I am hoping that by adding springs, the wheel will maintain tracking when I make slight rudder corrections during takeoff. I would be interested in see how others have set their tail wheels up for steering also. Duane
Posted on: 9/6/2008 9:19 PM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7927474

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
I have never uploaded pictures before, so hopefully they show up. I spent about 6 months off and on building my TF giant Corsair. I used lots of tips and info found in this thread. Anyway, crashed the bird on it's very first flight due to some failure. I think the engine either lost power or quit totally as the Corsair flipped and spun to the ground. I am building another one as only the airframe was totaled, all the gear and electronics were ok. Here are the before and after pics if I did this right: [image][/image] Duane
Posted on: 8/30/2008 4:10 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7901326

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
Pappy, Yeah, my Testors are the right FS numbers. I agree with what you said about the colors and the lack of "GOOD" pictures. I just find it odd that the color pictures that we do see today and the Corsairs that we see at airshows are really "BLUE" (must be for appearance and show). That just kind of confused me after I got the paints. The colors I have are definitely authentic and I think I have adjusted to it. I will be shooting the first color Sunday afternoon if all goes well. It will be fun convincing everyone at the airfield that those are the "TRUE" colors of the Corsairs from way back when. Thanks! Duane
Posted on: 5/11/2008 2:24 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7481644

RE: GROUP BUILD - Top Flite Giant Scale F4U Corsair
I went with using Behr paint (more for ease of use since this is my first scale project and it seems to be very popular for scale models as well as Warbird Colors), but I got the Testors colors to use to make color chips. The one thing I have noticed with the Testors and Behr paint is that the Sea Blue is very dark and does not really look blue and the intermediate blue appears to be gray with just a hint of blue. These colors do not resemble the color photographs of the Jolly Rogers paint schemes I have or have seen. I want to use authentic colors, but the Sea Blue and Intermediate blue does not seem to be the correct color unless it is due to the fact that there aren't any good color pictures from the WWII days. I don't want to start spraying until I am sure I am happy with the colors. All of the printed and online color charts show these 2 colors as I am seeing with the paints, so it just bugs me wondering if the colors are indeed correct. Any ideas or suggestions? Duane
Posted on: 5/9/2008 2:28 AM by Author "aceisback" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7474389