Giant Scale P-51: have it your way—kit, ARF, or RTC!
Sal Calvagna [[email protected]]
As did many who wandered into the local hobby store for the first time and drooled over the beautiful lines of a P-51 Mustang hanging from the ceiling, I wanted to be a P-51 pilot. I was willing to cough up whatever it took so I could have my very own RC Mustang.
Thank goodness the store owner took me aside and explained that the P-51 was not a wise choice for my first radio-control model. He eventually talked me into the boxlike, high-wing trainer with the spindly landing gear. Boy, was I happy he did!
Twenty-five years later I still drool at the sight of the P-51, but now I am a competent, experienced modeler who can handle this aircraft. However, that’s not all that has changed in the past 25 years.
Radio systems, engines, retractable landing-gear systems, and the availability of accessories have improved to help modelers achieve their goal: successful and reliable operation of their airplanes. In addition, if you wanted a Mustang model in years past, you had to build one. Your choice was limited. Fast forward to the present and have times changed!
Great Planes’ Top Flite Giant Scale P-51 Mustang is offered in three flavors: kit form (build it yourself), ready-to-cover (RTC—finish it your way), or ARF. In this month’s column I’m happy to be featuring all three versions!
- Wingspan: 84.5 inches
- Wing area: 1,245 square inches
- RTC and ARF: ready to accept Robart retracts
- Construction: built-up, fully sheeted wood
- ARF: covered in MonoKote; can be completed in 25–30 hours
- RTC and kit: allow the modeler to make modifications before completing and covering
All three products fly well and undoubtedly please their owners.
John Braun Sr.'s P-51B (captured scheme)
John Braun Sr. of Staten Island, New York, built the P-51B shown. It features an unusual color scheme; John made the following comments on this model.
“We wanted something different so we decided to start with the Top Flite P-51 and convert it to the earlier P-51B aircraft. One thing led to another and we decided to be extremely different and model this project after the unusual ‘captured’ version of the P-51B.
“We completed the airplane in early April and took first place in the military category as well as Best of Show at the annual Richmond Model Flying Club static show in New York. At first glance, many were confused to see such a well-recognized aircraft from American aviation history disguised with German markings.
“Some asked if it was scale while others mistook it for a Messerschmitt or Focke-Wulf. This led to a number of discussions about how this aircraft came to be. I thought I would share some of the history I was able to find on the Internet while researching the project.
“Because of the sheer size of the Allied air offensive upon Germany, it was inevitable that a certain number of combat aircraft would fall into the hands of the Luftwaffe. In fact, both sides of the conflict conducted intense intelligence on all crashed and damaged enemy aircraft that happened to come down in their own territory.
“In Germany, the Luftwaffe put the recovery of crashed aircraft into a widespread system. Reparable aircraft were put back into the air; others were used as a source of spare parts, recycled fuel and lubrication oils, or ammunition. Everything was collected, sorted, and directed to special units operating the captured aircraft or gathering technical intelligence.
“A variety of British and American airplanes found their way to the famous KG 200 where they were used for a variety of 'black' operations or, in a much-less-mysterious fashion, as specialized transports. Other aircraft—especially fighters—were used for pilot education and demonstrated by special Staffeln to frontline fighter units.
“Our model resembles the T9+CK version which had a long career in German hands. It was initially tested in the original olive-drab paint scheme but with German markings and undersides repainted in yellow.
“It circulated between various fighter units as a practical aid, teaching how to use the Fw 190s to their best advantage in combat against P-51s. Later the original paint finish was stripped off, presumably to match the improved performance of bare-metal USAAF machines that appeared toward the end of the conflict.
“Although it was limited, we found documentation that there were versions of a white-and-yellow color scheme. At the risk of not being completely true to scale, we decided to go with this combination since it is much easier to replicate than flight metal.
“The entire airframe was fiberglassed and painted with latex paint. Panel lines and rivets were added, graphics were cut from vinyl, and the finished product was clear-coated with a satin finish. The airplane weighs roughly 20.5 pounds with a Quadra 52 and Robart retracts.”
Big Daddy's Pup
Pictured is Britt Hubert of Hauppauge, New York, and his newly completed 1/3-scale Balsa USA Sopwith Pup. The Pup is only available in kit form and is not designed for the beginner.
- Wingspan: 9 feet
- Wing area: 4,428 square inches
- Engine: accommodates a 2.7 cu. in. or larger engine
The Sopwith Pup was a favorite for World War I pilots. It was maneuverable, easy to fly, and possessed none of the bad habits the Camel had. The Pup shown is finished in the unusual scheme of Captain J. Mitchell's C/17 in the No. 3 School of Aerial Fighting at Bircham Newton Airfield in Great Britain. One of the photos shows the takeoff of the large model's maiden flight.
45 CDI Gas Ignition Engine
Available at Hobby People, the Thor 45cc ignition gas engine comes complete with a Walbro carburetor, ignition module, aluminum engine mount, high-volume aluminum muffler, spark plug, and velocity stack. The engine powers a 20 x 10 or 22 x 8 propeller at up to about 9,500 rpm. The price for this engine is $299.95.
For more information visit the Hobby People website at www.hobbypeople.net or call (800) 854-8471.
So ends another column. Happy flying! Until next month. MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
