guapoman2000

I used the Great Planes plastic Spinner with Aluminum back plate and it is 3 inch diameter.

STOCK NUMBER: LXEBE8

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXEBE8&P=7

You can choose any color and size by clicking:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...S3=SPINNER&S4=

guapoman2000

I ordered a Servo Rate Reducer for my Hitec HS-81MG that is on duty for my mechanical retracts to allow for a more scale effect when Main Landing gear goes up or down!!

This device is pretty simple, weighs in at 1 grams and works on any standard servo like the Hitec HS-81MG.

Here is where I ordered it:

http://www.rcdude.com/servlet/the-17...Reducer/Detail
VIDEO!!!!
[media]http://www.dionysusdesign.com/movies/servo_rate_reducer/servo_rate_reducer.mpg[/media]

guapoman2000

Here are the pictures of re-enforcements of the Side FUSE formers at the Battery compartment. It feels much more SOLID and no flex or protrusions.

Some thoughts on what I did about the Battery Compartment area (FUSE) to re-enforce it at this location.

Please realize that before I did this re-enforcement, the Model's 1st (First) attempt to Maiden resulted in an almost NOSE first Crash into Mother Earth!! I can only Guess what was the impact such that the Rudder ripped off from the Computer Floppy Hinge material!!

Therefore, please note that my Model and this "Case" is perhaps not a good example to follow such that all "new and not Crashed" models would necessarily require such re-enforcements.

I would say, that all Mustangs with a Battery Cover have the weakest area here, even my Foam GWS P-51D Mustang. However, I can tell you all for certain what would happen if my GWS P-51D Mustang would crash in the manner that this World Models did during my 1st (First) maiden Flight attempt!!

Carlos

guapoman2000

Hi guys!

I went to the Local Hobby Shop and Exchanged those HANGER9 Pro-Lite 2.25 inch wheels and got the same brand and style but, this time I got the 2 Inch Diameter!

Because, World Models did not provide enough "L" shape main landing gear wire, I had to take out my Rotary Tool Set to remove some of the Plastic at the hub of each "new" wheel so, the Locking caps could grab the "L" end wire!

PLEASE USE SAFTY GOOGLE / GLASSES WHEN OPERATING HIGH RPM ROTATORY TOOLS!

Anyway, as usual, here are more pictures of my tinkering around for the night!

guapoman2000

Just an incredible 4 hours and 15 minutes of flying during Thanksgiving Day!!!

I flew my new World Models for a total of 4 wonderful flights off and on as of course I brought other models. :p

Weather Conditions, RC CLub Field conditions were as perfect as one can hope for and a bonus, not that many RC Flyers showed up today!!! This fact alone helped me take my time and Top-Off (charge) my Transmitter batteries and other Flight Batteries such that I was able to "Finally" Adjust the Retract servo "Travel Adjust" feature so, I to avoid placing the Mustang inverted right after take-off for the main gear to finally go in the wheel wells within the wing assembly.

Flight Summary:
I believe the last two flights out of the 4 total with the Mustang gave me a very good indication that even with a steady wind of 6 MPH at 11:00am and that's during which the last flights occured, the Mustang actually improved it's flying characteristics. I was able to land this Mustang like it had Flaps and into the wind with picture perfect landing without any nose over issues!

Once up high, and with 6 MPH steady wind I was able to throttle down to almost 1/2 throttle and this model was a dream to fly. Very scale flying with accurate and graceful turns and manuvers. I was able to throttle up against the wind and she was hauling the mail at a good airspeed as well.
Because of the added windy conditions, I did not surpass 6 - 7 minutes of flying and the battery pack (generic 3-Cell, 2200mAH, 20C, Li-POLY) was just not even warm just slightly warm and most importantly measured 11.26 Volts right after each flight!

Right after the "Travel Adjust" for the Retract servo via the computer Transmitter, I took off yet again the 4th Flight and flipped the switch and it was like having a Servo Rate Reducer!!! It had enough Travel but, right at the last 30 degree it slowed down very nicely and I wished I had someone with Video as it looked SUPER COOL watching the Mustang gain altitude and the Retracts slowing down for a SCALE like manner! :p
She has now about 20 Flights and all Systems still going on strong!

As usual, some very nice pictures showing today's wonderful RC Flying.

guapoman2000

I just got back home from a nice gathering of good friends and family during Thanksgiving Dinner and had a most wonderful time. Once I got back into my SubDivision, it seems like the US Postal Service delivered my Servo Rate Reducer yesterday and it was waiting for me to take it out from my Mail Box!!

I am glad I stopped by the Mail Box!
Well, as it turns out I am having LOTS OF FUN learning all about Mechanical Retract and servo selection for this purpose. As you may all know by now, this is my very first RC Airplane Model with Pre-Installed Retracts and it has certainly been an educational experience!!! I am grateful as next time I will pay more close attention to this Servo Capacity specification known as TORQUE!!!!

The Bottom Line: I was forced to remove my Scale Rubber Lite Wheels that I had installed and went back to the STOCK Light Foam Wheels as the Retract Servo, Hitec HS-81MG just does not have enough TORQUE to lift the heavier Scale Rubber Wheels but, it does have enough TORQUE for the Super Light Foam STOCK wheels that came with the model.

Some neat VIDEO showing you what happens when you select a servo that will just work with the STOCK super Light Foam Wheels. Nothing wrong with the selection but, if you all later on like to replace these STOCK wheels with something much heavier then, I learned that the Hitec HS-81MG really does not have that much TORQUE to do the job with the heavier Scale "Rubber" Wheels, even though the package says Lite Wheels!

Here's the VIDEO (PART #1):
[media]http://www.vimeo.com/2367517[/media]

Here's the VIDEO (PART #2) <-------SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!
[media]http://www.vimeo.com/2367530[/media]

guapoman2000

Here are some interesting adventures I experienced searching for a Servo with the correct amount of Torque (oz.-in.) such that I can be allowed to use my target Scale Rubber Wheels that weigh 5/8oz. each and these are considered Lite Wheels

Went to the Bob's Hobby Center in Orlando, Florida
http://www.bobshobbycenter.com/

and the owner himself, Steve Thomas was kind enough to assist me in the retracts. We had a couple of laughs as he suggested the Inverted pass once the model was airborne and I told him that this was the only way to bring up the mains within the wheel wells but, that I was looking for a servo that really brought the wheels up without going inverted.

He quickly went behind the counter and gave me the HITEC HS-85BB!!! The HS-85BB is pretty much the same size, perhaps a tiny taller than the HS-81MG but, the HS-85BB delivers 42oz.-in. at the lowest voltage input (4.8V) as compared to the HS-81MG of only 36oz.-in. which means that my Mustang has an increase of 6 oz.-in. additional to allow for my target lift of almost 2oz. of Rubber Scale wheels!!!

I connected my Astro Flight WATT meter to check all servos are working okay and measured the dynamic Currect draw with servos being activated all at once (control surfaces only) then, the Retract servos.

With all controls surfaces being moved, I measured nothing over 2/10th of an AMPERE. When activate the UP GEAR, I measured under 2/10th of an AMPERE.

VIDEO of HITEC HS-85BB in action as my Retract Servo and the Rate Reducer doing it's job as well !!
[media]http://www.vimeo.com/2404291[/media]

guapoman2000

Flight Summary:
Dragged out Gerry to go early afternoon at the RC Club (Moon Port Modelers RC Club) as the weather forecast called for quick dying wind to almost Dead Calm and right at 4:00pm we left to the RC Club field. Once there, we found the field grass pretty short and dry so, as you will see the take-off and landing was perfect, well landing was almost perfect
The model veered off to the Left due to the Propeller torque as I just wanted it to go around anyway for some short coupled passes to show the effect results from the Servo Rate Reducer on the Retract Servo (HITEC HS-85BB).

The model flew just delightfully with scale looks and I had to throttle back twice to get it to go slower I am just delighted that I believe this Flight shows a complete project come to a successful conclusion. As you well see the model just floats in for a landing and pretty slow, thank goodness for Light wing loading!

Again, this Video is being Dedicated to Gerry (Simano) who helped with the Selection of the Power System!!

Video:
[media]http://www.vimeo.com/2431432[/media]

guapoman2000

Some very high Resolution In-Flight Pictures!!!

These were taken on 11-25-08 and by Gerry's High End SLR Digital Camera!

Thanks Gerry!

guapoman2000

Guys!

I just performed a search and found out that the World Models P-51D Mustang "EP" of 49 inch wing span follows the design and colors from a Full Size still flying Mustang known as GUN FIGHTER!!!!

Check out the pictures of the real thing!!!

FlyingMonkey

something looked, off...

looking at the picture of the full scale, and your ep one, I see it's the canopy.

the model's canopy is too much of a bubble, it curves too high.

other than that, it is a very very scale looking bird.

guapoman2000

You missed the tail wheel assembly, no self respecting P-51D mustang will have it all the way at the Rudder, it will perhaps tear the Rudder on the Full Size and lets not forget the ailerons, my model has strip ailerons and I am glad as it goes where you point her!!!

Therefore,, my model is certainly off scale wise but, it looks very cool in the air, nevertheless and for this scale I was not expecting SCALE 100%

Carlos

guapoman2000

Here for comparison, on the Left is the WM P-51D Mustang RC Airplane Warbird and on the Right is the Full Size GUN FIGHTER!!!

I feel it is very close! I wished that I would have known it was after an existing and still operational P-51D Mustang, otherwise, I would have placed GUN FIGHTER on the Cowling!!!!

FlyingMonkey

you're right!

Carlos, you disgust me!!!

send me the plane, I'll take it from here...

guapoman2000

Forget the cosmetic details, as I screwed up on the Left Rudder, I should have applied the HORSE decal on the Rudder instead of the Left side Vertical stab and no doubt other decals I may have missed.

The important thing about this project is the use of the E-Flite 480 (1020Kv) and just 3-Cell, 2200mAH, 20C, Li-POLYs while swinging the APC Slow Flyer 10 X 7 propeller!!! It keeps the model very light (about one pound less from the recommended setup that World Models depicts!).

Sorry!! The model is already assembled and I just can not part with her!!!

Carlos

FlyingMonkey

Carlos, you've committed multiple modeling sins. You must repent.

I'll do this much for you. You can hold on to it for now. Shipping is expensive, and while your crimes are heinous, you didn't actually kill anyone. So, I'll just come down there, and take it from you. Maybe the Citabria as well, depending on how you are between now and when I get down there.

guapoman2000

Mr. FlyingMonkey,

Well, I found an interesting Mustang Develpment Sketch from one of those Web links that specializes in this Warbird and guess what I found?

There was indeed a Mustang that had a higher profile Bubble Canopy and look at the XP-51F, well like I said, RC model makers at times makes mistakes "or" did they? Notice the GUN FIGHTER picture, there are two people in the full size Mustang and the canopy has to be larger!!! Well, perhaps they picked XP-51F in error, nevertheless my model looks fantastic in the air.

Thanks again for your concern

Voyager2lcats

Carlos, thank you for a very nice build/modification thread. I am surprised you have not had more comments. Fred is always an exception; it is surprising when he doesn't comment. LOL! Great job and nice write-up.

guapoman2000

Voyager2lcats,

Thank you kindly for acknowledging this thread and the detailed build-up, power system selection and setup, and as you can see my mistakes I made. I am totally shocked that more people are not that interested in this model from World Models (Airborne-Models is the distributor) as this Mustang certainly zooms across the field like the scale RC Model it was designed to emulate and does so very well.

I noticed that many tend to go with the smaller Mustangs with Fiberglass FUSE assemblies and I am not going to specify any particular brand as there are several out there but, let me say that my Mustang sustained an Ugly Crash during it's first attempt maiden flight due to Loss of Signal. I was shocked and surprised to find the model without any major Structural Damage whatsoever and I can only imagine what might have happened to a Mustang with a Fiberglass FUSE.

This is the most tough RC warbird airplane model that I have ever owned and exhibits great flying characteristics.

Again, thank you for your kind words!
Carlos

guapoman2000

UPDATE! RE: Spektrum DX7 Transmitter and AR7000 Receiver
This was the Radio System during the very first attempt to maiden my model.

Just got off the telephone with:
Nathan Brady
Product Support Team Member
Horizon Hobby Distributors
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822
He told me that they found and performed the following:

1. The Transmitter Bind Button was Caved in and it was stuck in the Bind mode and reason the transmitter lost bind with the Receiver when you turned off and back on the transmitter.

2. The Transmitter was taken apart and circuit card that has an association with this Bind Button and was replaced.

3. The AR7000 Receiver was updated with the latest Firmware Software.

4. The Radio system was shipped out to me yesterday, December 11th, 2008 and he gave me the FEDEX Tracking number!
End of Status.

Carlos

guapoman2000

Well, going to try out my repaired Spektrum DX7 and updated firmware AR7000 receiver!!!

I could not believe it but the Radio System arrived today, one day earlier!

It has been recovered from the front door steps and inside the safety of the house!

Also, I received my new ZAGI parts from Trick RC in separate box as well.

Horizon Hobby is top notch in customer service and technical support!!!

guapoman2000

Guys,
This week we finally having some of the nicest weather conditions and starting Tuesday morning and late evening I have been flying my new Mustang by World Models for countless flights.

I believe that the model has surpassed 50 Flights and still going strong and without any issues or problems. The E-Flite Pro 40 AMP with switch mode BEC onboard and that E-Flite 480 (1020Kv) has performed flawlessly, not bad for a motor that was bought "Used" on eBay!!!

Weather (Wind) Conditions were perfect and was able to command this model to perform the best 1/2 rolls coming out from a loop, and yes completed loops as large as I wanted, nice and super SLOW SCALE Rolls, hammer heads and inverted flight with grace and light wing loading manners.

Retracts with the Servo Rate Reducer is still providing very good service with SCALE up and down looks for retract operations and landings have not been any issue.

Been able to fly her for a little over 7 minutes each flight and those Generic 3-Cell, 2200mAH, 20C, Li-POLYs measure an average of 11.5 Volts after each flight.

Just a fantastic model and setup. :p

WISHING ALL OF YOU A VERY NICE HOLIDAY!!!! STAY SAFE!!!

guapoman2000

Guys,

I hope you all are having a nice week as I am enjoying terrific weather conditions here in Central Florida and today was rather warm as the morning progressed into late morning.

Flew again, my World Models P-51D Mustang "EP" 49 inch wing span for two wonderful flights. The first one was for myself and after 8 minutes tooling around performing scale flying it landed very well and just slightly nose over but, it bounced back on all her mains and tail wheel after the stop.

The second flight was for an RC Club member that we have not seen for a while and fell in Love with my Mustang and asked me to fly her again and everyone was satisfied including myself as I landed her with wings level, not touching Up elevator and with just a slight power setting (perhaps nothing over 1/5 throttle) she rolled for a great landing run-out without nosing over "or" even a hint of nosing over! I was able to even taxi her to the Pilots station!!!

Just a great morning!
Carlos

guapoman2000

Here are a few pictures of today's Flying Adventures at the RC Club.

These were taken this early evening when no one else was there and I had complete concentration to fly all of these models with great success and was able to do so before Sunset!!!

Alpea42

Nice thread Carlos thank you for all your detail, and photos and sharing what you've learned. I also have a 480 E-Flight motor I think it's the smaller Kv 960? But have found it to be a reliable power source. I have used it in up to a 3 lb model and it goes just great.