P-51B Mustang (oz15259)

About this Plan

P-51B Mustang. Radio control sport scale model WWII fighter. For RC AirCombat. Uses some foam construction. Wingspan 37 in, wing area 232 sq in, for .15-.18 engines. Scale is 1/12.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 29/4/2024: Added article, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "AirCombat. Build Chris Seaman's 5th placed Eurocup UK 1/12 Air Combat classic, for .15 power.

As soon as I read about AirCombat in AMI, I wanted to have a go - it sounded great fun. I looked around for a suitable 1/12 scale plan. found nothing, so decided to design my own. I missed the UK Combat Nats, but was determined to make it to the Eurocup - to see the best of Europe - and to try it myself!

The Mustang has always been a favourite of mine and with so many bubble-top P-51Ds about. I decided that the earlier razorback type would be a bit unusual. The model was built, finished and flown in a matter of weeks, plenty of time before the Eurocup meeting, which was a fantastic event. I managed, with luck, to come fourth - well worth the long drive down from York! The P-1B acquitted itself very well during the comp - until someone flew through the tail!

So, if you want to get into combat, or just have a small, scale, fun machine. Perhaps the P-51B is the one to get you into it, too!

As with all model aircraft, weight must be kept to a minimum. It's no good buying lightweight radio gear if you build the models using very hard balsa - think light! A light model will climb faster and be more manoeuvrable than a heavy one - two of the three criteria crucial for a successful combat plane. The third? - a powerful and reliable motor, of course!

Building notes: Build the fuselage first and start by cutting two sides from medium/light balsa, plus two doublers from 1/64 ply. Glue these together using either a contact adhesive, or my favourite method - slow Zap, applied from the bottle and spread quickly and evenly using the edge of an old credit card - don't forget to make a handed pair!

Mark out on the inside of the sides, the positions of formers 1, 2 & 3. Note that if your chosen motor is fitted with a remote needle assembly, you may have to move F1 back by about 1/2 in. Glue the triangular strip to the sides, both top and bottom and the firewall support pieces. Fit the 3/16 wing seat doubler. Fit the formers and check that all is square and true before cyano'ing them in place.

Bring the sides together at the tail, as shown on the plan and sheet the bottom. using medium grade 1/16 and 1/4 in.

Cut the tailplane from medium balsa, round the edges and glue in place on the fuselage, checking all is square..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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