P-51B Mustang (oz7135)

About this Plan

P-51B Mustang. Radio control stand-off scale model for 40-60 power. The classic Dave Platt P-51B by Top Flite (first version).

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 28/04/2018: added two kit reviews, from Flying Models July 1972, and Radio Modeller February 1972, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Trade Winds Special Review: An Eagle in a Mustang, by Dave Jaggie. A Fox Eagle .60 in Top Flite's Stand-Off Scale Mustang. FM's test report on a great kit and potent powerplant.

North American's P-51 Mustang was nothing short of a classic in aircraft design, a functional sort of beauty all its own and a deadly combat machine in the air. It is no small wonder it was everyone's favorite WWII fighting machine, except perhaps the pilots who flew against it.

In the past, I've built both Controline and display type P-51 models, but Top Flite's Stand-Off Scale kit design of this fascinating aircraft just turned me on. With radio aboard, it's about the next best thing to the real machine. Incidentally, if you're really detail conscious, a great many modified P-51 Mustang fighters now sport civilian colors and a visit to a few nearby airstrips might turn one up.

Upon opening the box and checking to see that everything was in order, I was delighted to see from the plans that it was an easy model to construct. With Top Flite's simplified construction, building was quick and easy, and the clean and simple construction diagrams made the assembly a real pleasure. Since I was doing the ship for a kit review, I built it exactly as per the plans, the P-51B version, which Don Gentile flew during World War II. Several variations are shown on the plans which will enable the builder to construct the ship as the first prototype or as Howie Keefe's unlimited racer, Miss America. One of the photos shows both my P-51B and Henry Haffke's P-51D Miss America version, also built from this kit.

The construction sequences on the plans speak for themselves, and there are only a couple of points I'd like to bring up. The alignment wedge has been modified by Top Flite in current kits.

One point worth mentioning here for the scale buffs: if you're planning to mount the tailwheel as on the real one, I'd advise hooking up some sort of steering mechanism or use the bracket supplied with the kit. I mounted mine fixed, as it shows on the plans. However, if there is any cross-wind, the plane will not taxi as readily where you want it to go.

The engine installation was really simple and there was plenty of room everywhere. Naturally I mounted the engine inverted, since the ship would hardly look like a P-51 if I didn't. I've got to hand it to Duke Fox; I don't think any modeler could be more patriotic than he. With an American Flag on the bypass port, an American Eagle on the backplate, and a 'Made in America' on the side of the engine, I figured there'd be a 'Love it or leave it' somewhere. Seriously, however, the engine is lighter than most .60 engines and the six hole bolt pattern makes this engine adaptable to just about any mount. Also with the carburetor arms on both sides of the engine, the throttle servo can be mounted anywhere desired.

Upon finishing the ship, I was very anxious to get it into the air. Since I only finished it the night before, the test flights would be at the Eastern States R/C Championships, at Lakehurst, New Jersey.

When my turn came to fly, with some apprehension I took the plane out to the flight line, set it down and checked out the controls. Everything checked out fine, including the flaps, a first for me. I proceeded to start up the engine, which had never been run before. A small prime, attachment of the battery, and in only two flips it was running! After setting the high speed mix. I throttled down and the motor purred like a kitten. I taxied out, gave her full throttle, and an instant later was airborne in a nice, steady climb. The only trim adjustment needed was a slight amount of up elevator. The model flew very well, with good response to all controls and was very stable. If I had put retracts in the ship, it would have looked just like the real McCoy.

As always, the time comes when you have to land. Not having any prior experience with flaps, I made a slow fly-by with the flaps down and the model seemed to stop in mid-air. I raised the flaps and came around for the final. As I slowly decreased the throttle, I lowered the flaps at the same time. I have never made a nicer and smoother landing! The model slowed up and I could almost pick any spot on the runway to set it down. I'll say one thing for Top Flite, they've really got an easy building and an excellent flying model here and I intend to build another one with retracts in it. As far as the engine goes, it is as powerful as any .60 on the market today. The low motor to high speed throttle response is excellent and the engine will idle all day long. I tested the Mustang with a 12-6 Top Flite prop and it flew fast, with a vertical climb, that would be equal to any hot pattern ship. The engine was an excellent choice for this model. An extra feature of this fine engine is its reasonable price.

The P-51B Mustang is produced by Top Flite Models Inc, 2635 S Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60616, and the Eagle .60 powerplant is the pride of Fox Model Airplane Products, 5305 Towson Ave, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. Both should be available at your dealer."

Supplementary file notes

Kit reviews.

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