RE: Canopy for TF GS P-51 Kit
The canopy for the ARF is shorter than the canopy for the kit. You will have to get the kit canopy! I found this out when I was going to redo a kit p-51 I was building. Good luck!
Posted on: 8/16/2012 9:08 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195769

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
Yep, makes me wonder what I was waiting for??? Lesson learned, in the rc world order what you want when you can. It may not be there when you ready to order it. I would sure think the new owner would continue making these and revamp the business, or why else would you buy it? Time will tell...
Posted on: 8/9/2012 10:40 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11187088

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I was getting ready to order my aerotech models drop tanks last night, when I discovered the company has sold. I was not able to order anything and I called the phone number posted on the website. I talked to previous owner and everything is gone, and he is not sure if the new owners will be offering parts, accessories, or new airplanes. I was really wanting the drop tanks and pylons, and I am kicking myself for not ordering them sooner. Does anybody know where to find these or have any for sale? I was also wanting there wheels, but there are plenty of places to get wheels. I would think the new owners would offer these parts, or else why would you buy a business. If you know any information about this I would sure like to hear it. I thought they made outstanding products.
Posted on: 8/9/2012 10:27 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11187063

RE: NEW DLE 20cc Gasser! (Data & Links 1st Post)
I have read through the forum as time has permitted and have used the search function, but I still am not certain on the correct answer. I want to go to to a LIFE 6.6v battery. Have any of you run this type of battery with any luck or bad luck? I am afraid of burning up the electronic ignition. I was looking at the cost to replace the ignition if I should happen to burn it up, and $85 versus $22 to me is a no brainer. I know that nicd and nimh coming off the charger at at a higher voltage than 6.6v, but they do drop quickly. I would appreciate a little more insight and experiences if you have them. Thanks, Shannon
Posted on: 8/8/2012 3:53 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11186090

RE: top flite p-51 giant scale build
Hello Dale, The only 4 blade prop that I have seen and been intereseted in is the P-51 Biela 4 blade sold by troybuiltmodels. I haven't found anybody who has used or use this prop and would like to know how well it works with a DLE 55 as that is what I'll be using. I don't remember what you will be using for power, but I'd sure like to know how well this prop works. It is a bit pricey though! I will start with a 2 blade to get everything figured out and setup before I throw $99 down. Good luck on your search. http://www.troybuiltmodels.com/items/BP198-4.html
Posted on: 7/10/2012 7:49 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11150800

RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
I cant believe how affordable robart made the electric retracts. only 80 extra for the mains and 35 for the tail over the air operated system is quite a deal. I hope the same holds true for the mustang 622 gear. I'm really starting to think I should have held out for the corsair, but there is enough room in the garage for both!
Posted on: 7/4/2012 1:23 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11142948

RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
I orginally bought the tailwheel that Willey has from a guy that was building them in the Top Flite Giant Kit build forum. DaddySam is who I got the tailwheel from, (Sam Sorem) and he did an amazing job. At the time he built quite a few by request, and I am not sure if he will anymore. I bet he will have people requesting them like crazy now that the arf is out. I really wish I would have kept my hands on that retract, but wasn't sure if/when Top Flite would ever come up with the ARF. I eventually got my hands on p-51 retracts and switched planes. I am really happy to see that Willey got the arf and the tailwheel on so quickly. It looks fantastic! Keep up the good work. We are all watching!
Posted on: 7/4/2012 8:23 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11142585

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
Well I finally got back home. I just ordered a Hitec Aurora 9 and it is sure nice to finally see. No hobby shops in the Kansas City area carry these. It's all Futaba and Spectrum. I have my cockpit finished up
Posted on: 7/3/2012 4:25 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11141831

RE: what servo to use in giant scale p51
I am planning on using 6.6v LIFE batteries with hitec 645mg's. So far I am led to believe that I WILL NOT need a regulator to prevent burning out the potentiometers. I would appreciate some input if this is correct/incorrect. The 2 cell life is 6.6, the 3 is 9.9. The torque and metal gear is a must.
Posted on: 6/16/2012 3:53 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11120487

RE: ARF calls for a 2C 160, will a 26cc do it?
What I do is use the "compare engines" function on the user reviews tab on the main page. This will give you all the specs (weight and horsepower as well as size) of the selected to compare engines and give you a good idea of what you should be looking for. I hope this helps.
Posted on: 5/25/2012 8:58 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11094965

RE: What do you use to clearcoat?
Wow that Spray Max stuff looks neat! The aerosol can is a neat design that I've never seen before. You say that you have used it and it is Gasoline proof? You mentioned fuel and I want to be sure it wasn't nitro you were referring. When I went to the 3 major autopart stores the guys there thought I was crazy and never heard of any 2 part system in an aerosol can. I may have to buy it just to show them!
Posted on: 5/13/2012 11:53 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11079278

RE: What do you use to clearcoat?
I will be sure to test both of them. I have a spare airplane that's perfect for experimenting on. I sure hope it does't fade or go to grey as it looks great with no clear coat. I'll check them both out.
Posted on: 5/12/2012 8:19 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11077990

RE: What do you use to clearcoat?
Hey rick I did some searching and didn't find what I was looking for. I am not the typical rcu user that just pops out a question without looking first. Quit being rude and get over yourself. I don't have all the time you do to search the whole entire rcu over and over for hours. I have a job.
Posted on: 5/10/2012 7:55 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11076475

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I've been looking for a good clearcoat that is resistent to gasoline. After rereading Tom Pierce's blog I found he used nelson's hobby clear for a gasoline proof clearcoat. I am going to use that. If you need information, like myself and are really a beginner go go tompierce.net It's great information.
Posted on: 5/10/2012 3:49 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11076244

RE: Fuel Proof Paint????????????
I found a good website/blog on tompierce.net. He used nelson's hobby clear and had perfect results. I am going to order this and try it out. Tom's blog is what every beginner like myself should use for info!
Posted on: 5/10/2012 3:46 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11076239

What do you use to clearcoat?
Hello, I am looking to see what you all use for a fuel proof clear coat. I used a mettalic paint that I need to seal and my krylon clear is anything but fuel proof. Thanks for the help. Shannon
Posted on: 5/10/2012 10:19 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11075913

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I used some grey primer and used some chrome aluminum paint today. I had the old p-51 that I started on and then though it wasn't good enough. Anyway I'm using that as my test subject for paint, and later to experiment with glassing. The picture is after 1 coat of paint. A minute ago I added coat #2. I think it looks awesome, but I had to brush it on as I don't have an airbrush. The problem with brushing is you can see the brush lines. I am going to use a small spray gun that my dad recommended from harbor freight. He said he has used his a couple times and the one he has would work great. It says thinning is not recommended, but I figure I could do a very little bit if needed. There is a lot of metallic gunk in the bottom of the can that you have to really stir up well, and has raised my concern about clogging a gun. Maybe if I stir is up enough and use a coffe filter that would prevent issues? Well, if you can't tell I haven't done this kind of stuff before, but I am very eager to learn. If it wasn't for the brush lines I'd be really happy with the experiment so far! Next I will be applying a clear coat to see if it gas proof and smear proof without changing the color and appearence. I'll keep you all posted. I am on my days off and would really like to get this figure out.
Posted on: 5/9/2012 4:46 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11074922

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I value everyone's opinion. It helps me to hear everything and then draw my own conclusion. Please, no hostilities. I understand both of your arguments.
Posted on: 5/9/2012 3:38 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11074928

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I found some a paint called chrome/aluminum that is used for propane tanks and fences. I'll buy some today and do some testing. My goal is a fuel proof paint that looks good (not top gun quality) and doesn't flake or rub off. Top Gun quality would be nice, but this is my first giant plane and I'm looking to gain quality experience while saving some money in the process. Some day money will be no object right? [:D] http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12687258&kw=aluminum+paint&origkw=aluminum+paint&searchId=61346231373
Posted on: 5/9/2012 8:59 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11074346

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
Thanks everyone for the replies. I think I will try some of the krylon paints with/without clear coat, and then the "martha stewart" brand polished aluminum and see how they hold up. If the price gets over $100 I will spend $60 more and use the flite metal. I will do some testing this week. Thanks for the input. The alsa corp stuff looks really nice, but too close in price to the flite metal for the whole kit. Thanks for the suggestion!
Posted on: 5/9/2012 8:19 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11074265

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I went to Home Depot and Lowes today to look at paint for the mustang later on down the road and had no luck. I was looking for Behr aluminum mettalic paint, but they said they haven't had it in 4 years or so. Same with Lowes. The only thing they have is Krylon spray paint. I found this Martha Stewart specialty paint that was called polished silver. It's $5.50 for 10 fluid ounces. I have no idea how much paint it will take, but I figured the quantity/cost to come up with a gallon and that would be about 13 jars of it. That would be around $70 for paint alone. [b]What are other people using? [/b] I went to the hobby store and found testors sells spraypaint, but I was wanting to use an spraygun to get an even coat with no lines and also fuel proof.
Posted on: 5/8/2012 2:14 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11073370

RE: What size of 3-blade prop?
If you check out the dle 20 engine forum there is some great information. I personally was using a 15x7x3 mas prop but switched to a 16x8x3. The 15x7x3 was running a little above the recommended engine red line so I switched to the 16x8. I am flying this on a h9 spitfire. The engine bogs down a bit in the climb, but is fine for my kind of flying. I posted rpm numbers in the forum, but can't remember them off the top my head. Your kind of flying may sound like you need the rpm/power. Do a search in the forum and you should find them. Good luck. I think the vess 17x8 2 blade is the best.
Posted on: 5/8/2012 11:24 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11073170

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I thought that it would be best to soft mount, and like your work. (crj driver) 6+ years without an issue! That's good enough for me! Leroy, nice work. That looks so well done.
Posted on: 5/7/2012 8:34 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11072479

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I was reading this thread a while ago and I thought there was a guy that mounted a DLE 55 with a soft mount and he ended up having his j'tec muffler come apart. Others chimed in and said you were not supposed to soft mount this engine as the vibration is isolated to the engine and causes issues. I completely agree that a soft mount sounds like the best way to go to save the plane, but I also don't want to damage the engine/muffler. I am not sure which way is best, but I do have plenty of time to decide. Have others used a soft mount with the jtec in-cowl p-51 muffler?
Posted on: 5/5/2012 7:43 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069863

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I found them (thayer) a little later after posting today and thought they had good prices. Does anybody have an idea on how much fiberglass I will need? I was thinking the 25" width should work.
Posted on: 4/25/2012 3:30 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11056654

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
I picked up my TF Mustang RTC about a month ago, and I was very excited to finally see it. I have been waiting for an airplane like this for a long time, and it was worth the wait. I found the quality to be extremely good, and everything was perfectly packaged. I have been pretty busy with work, so I haven't done anything yet. My plan is to first join the wings and stabilizers and then move on to glassing for the first time. I was leaning toward west epoxy systems, but at $85 thought I would look at other options. I really like this website/blog I found from a guy named Tom Pierce. He used water based polyurethane and as of now that is what I will be using, as he had good results. This will be my first time glassing so I will be experimenting on balsa I have around the shop and practice around complex curves such as the leading edge. I plan to use the following: .75oz fiberglass cloth. I haven’t found my source to purchase yet. Please help with recommendations! Minwax water-based polycrylic-clear satin cabots laquer based polyurethane (used as a sealer for 2 coats) squadron white putty Nelson Hobby has a gasoline proof clear cote that I will be using as mentioned in Tom Pierce’s article. http://www.nelsonhobby.com/hobby_paint.php Here is the source I found: http://www.tompierce.net/rcplanes/articles.htm#articles
Posted on: 4/25/2012 9:29 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11056185

RE: Spitfire Brotherhood (All Spitfires Welcome)
Well I sent in a suggestion for the history channel to cover the uprooting of the Spitfire's in Burma. I doubt anything will happen, but it would sure be great to see a professional organization do a documentary on it. Thanks for bringing this to my/our attention!
Posted on: 4/19/2012 9:19 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11048552

RE: P51 Mustang Fuel Filler
It's the little things like that, that really set an airplane off. Awesome find, can't wait to see how much they will be.
Posted on: 3/28/2012 8:18 AM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11018454

RE: TF 1/5 Scale P-51 ARF Assembly (1ST MISHAP!!!)
Well the kit wasn't built very well and made me uncomfortable looking at the wing. I think somebody with more experience is needed to finish it. I ordered my RTC Saturday and it should be arriving this Friday! I am excited to finally have it. Other good news is that I found out at work that I am being promoted to a jet captain! It's been a good week already!
Posted on: 3/19/2012 4:20 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11007440

RE: top flite p-51 giant scale build
Lesson learned. I thought I would take a look at it. Thought it was okay, and then ordered parts, parts, and more parts. Man was that a dumb idea![:D]
Posted on: 3/6/2012 7:55 PM by Author "spitfire66" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10989425