P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Assembly Manual
Notice All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date product literature, visit http://www.horizonhobby. com and click on the support tab for this product. Meaning of Special Language This is a sophisticated hobby product and NOT a toy. It must be operated with caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability.
Table of Contents Notice.................................................................... 2 Meaning of Special Language.................................. 2 Warnings............................................................... 2 Introduction............................................................ 3 Important Information Regarding Warranty Information...................................... 3 Specifications.......................................................... 3 Using the Manual....................
Hardware/Accessory Sizes Main wheel diameter Tail wheel diameter Nylon wing bolt 21/2-inch (63mm) 1-inch (25mm) 10-32 x 21/2-inch Recommended Radio Equipment You will need a minimum 5-channel transmitter, receiver and six servos. You can choose to purchase a complete radio system. If you are using an existing transmitter, just purchase the other required equipment separately. We recommend the crystalfree, interference-free Spektrum™ DX8 2.4GHz DSM® 8-channel system.
Hinging the Control Surfaces Required Parts Fuselage Rudder Nylon hinge (20 total) Stabilizer and elevator (right and left) Hinge template: rudder, elevator and aileron Wing panel with control surfaces (right and left) 3. Use a trim seal tool and covering iron to iron the covering down on the control surface. Make sure the covering is smooth around the hinge line or it might bind when installed. 5. Insert the hinges into the control surface. Flex the hinge in the direction of the control deflection.
7. Remove the hinges and apply a small amount of hinge glue in each of the holes in the control surface for the hinges. Follow Steps 5 and 6 to insert the hinges in the control surface. Allow the adhesive to fully cure before attaching the control surface. Attaching the control surface before the adhesive cures may change the location of the hinge and cause binding. 8.
12. Remove the control surface and apply a small amount of hinge glue in each of the holes in the fixed surface for the hinges. Insert the hinges, attaching the control surface and fixed surface. Allow the adhesive to fully cure before proceeding. 13. Once the hinges are in place, use a paper towel and water to remove any excess adhesive that may have seeped out when the hinges were installed. 15. Prepare the flap hinges by applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the knuckle of the hinge.
19. Inspect the hinges and mark on the flap where the hinge point is in reference to the flap using a felt-tipped pen. 21. Apply hinge glue in the holes for the hinges in the trailing edge. Insert the flap hinges into the trailing edge of the wing. Repeat Step 16 and 17 to check the position of the hinges. Wrap a small amount of low-tack tape around the flap and inner trailing edge, and around the flap and aileron to keep it in position. Set the wing aside to allow the adhesive to fully cure.
2. Slide the pushrod wire into the tube in the fuselage. Make sure the pushrod is located in the correct tube or the steering arm and servo will not line up with the pushrod correctly. 4. Locate the pre-bent tail wheel wire. Note the position of the notch in the wire: this will be aligned with the setscrew in the steering arm to prevent the wire from rotating when installed. Always use threadlock on metal-to-metal fasteners to prevent them from vibrating loose.
Stabilizer and Rudder Installation Required Parts Fuselage Nylon control horn (3) 3mm x 15mm hardwood dowel (2) Carbon stabilizer tube 2mm x 8mm sheet metal screw (6) Stabilizer assembly (right and left) 2. Wick 2–3 drops of thin CA into the holes in the rudder for the control horn mounting screws. This will harden the surrounding wood, reducing the chances of the screws from pulling loose accidentally. You will want to do this to the elevator holes as well at this time. 4.
6. Slide the stabilizer tube into the fuselage. Position 8. Remove the stabilizer from the fuselage. Mix 1/2 9. Slide the stabilizer back into position. Use the tube so it is centered. Use a small piece of lowounce (15mL) of 12-minute epoxy.
Motor and Cowling Installation Required Parts Fuselage Motor with accessories Cowling Speed control #4 washer (2) Hook and loop tape Aluminum spacer, 1/8-inch (3mm) Hook and loop strap (2) 3/16-inch (5mm) aluminum spacer (4) 4-40 x 3/4-inch socket head machine screw (4) 4-40 x 3/8-inch socket head machine screw (8) 12 1. Locate the motor, X-mount and hardware to attach the mount to the motor. Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to install the screws that secure the mount to the motor. 3.
5. The canopy is held in position at the rear using a magnet and tabs at the front. Lift the canopy at the rear and slide it rearward to remove. Set the canopy aside in a safe location. Your canopy came in a box inside the kit. We are showing this in case you had installed it. 6. Route the two hook and loop straps through the slots in the battery tray. One will be located near the front, while the other is located slightly aft of the wing leading edge.
Rudder Servo, Elevator Servo and Receiver Installation Required Parts Fuselage Motor battery (charged) Transmitter Servo with hardware (2) Receiver 3-inch (76mm) extension Y-harness (2) Hook and loop tape (2) Nylon clevis (3) Silicone clevis retainer (3) 221/2-inch (572mm) pushrod, threaded one end Offset servo horn Nylon pushrod connector backplate 3mm x 4mm machine screw Brass pushrod connector Nylon pushrod connector Special Y-harness from retract (if installing the recommended retracts) Required Tools
5. Apply a piece of hook and loop tape to the bottom of the receiver. 6. Plug the leads from the speed control, rudder and elevator servos into the correct ports of the receiver. Use the hook and loop tape to mount the receiver in the fuselage as shown. Route the leads through the hole in the battery tray to reduce clutter inside the fuselage. The remote receiver is mounted toward the rear of the fuselage as shown using hook and loop tape. E-flite P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Assembly Manual 7.
16 11. Insert the brass pushrod connector in the new hole on the rudder servo horn. Use the nylon connector backplate and pliers to secure the connector to the servo horn. 12. Check to make sure the elevator pushrod exits the fuselage as shown. If not, position the elevator pushrod as necessary so the threaded ends of the pushrod are exiting the fuselage. 13. Attach the servo horn to the servo for the elevator servo using the screw removed in Step 1 and a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
15. Slide the rudder pushrod into the tube in the fuselage. The pushrod from the tail wheel will slide into the brass pushrod connector. Secure the servo horn to the rudder servo using the screw removed in Step 1 and a #1 Phillips screwdriver. 16. Slide a clevis retainer on a nylon clevis. Thread the clevis on the elevator pushrod wire. When the connector is attached to the outside hole on the elevator control horn, the elevator should be centered with the elevator servo centered.
Propeller and Spinner Installation Required Parts Fuselage Propeller Spinner assembly Transmitter Required Tools and Adhesives Open end wrench: 12mm Hex wrench or ball driver: 3mm Tapered propeller reamer 3. Slide the propeller adapter and spinner backplate (the included spinner does not have the lightening holes as shown in the photo) on the motor shaft. Leave a slight gap of 3/32-inch (2mm) between the backplate and cowling so the backplate does not rub on the cowling. 4.
Aileron Servo Installation Required Parts Wing panel (right and left) Transmitter Receiver Nylon clevis (2) Silicone clevis retainer (2) Receiver battery Nylon control horn (2) Servo with hardware (2) 12-inch (305mm) servo extension (2) 2mm x 8mm sheet metal screw with shoulder (8) 2mm x 8mm sheet metal screw (4) 2-inch (52mm) pushrod wire (2) Required Tools and Adhesives Covering iron Felt-tipped pen Ruler Phillips screwdriver: #1 Pin vise Drill bit: 5/64-inch (2mm) String Hobby knife with #11 blade Thin C
6. Use the radio system to center the aileron servo. 8. Attach the servo horn to the servo using the screw 10. Remove the tape holding the string located in Place the servo horn on the servo so the longer removed from the servo and a #1 Phillips screwdriver. the wing near the opening for the aileron servo. Tie portion of the arm is parallel to the servo center the string to the end of the aileron servo extension. line.
12. Use 2–3 drops of thin CA in each of the holes for the aileron servo cover mounting screws. This will harden the surrounding wood, which helps prevent the screws from breaking the wood and vibrating loose. 13. While you have the thin CA in your hand, apply 2–3 drops in each of the holes for the aileron control horn mounting screws. E-flite P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Assembly Manual 14. Insert the Z-bend in the 2-inch (52mm) linkage wire through the hole enlarged in Step 7. 15.
18. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over a nylon clevis. Thread the clevis on the pushrod wire. With the radio system on and the aileron servo centered, connect the clevis to the outer hole of the control horn. It may be necessary to adjust the clevis so it lines up with the control horn. Once attached, slide the clevis retainer over the forks of the clevis to prevent it from opening accidentally.
4. Remove the servo horn from the servo. Use side cutters to remove the arms from the horn that were not marked in the previous step. Enlarge the hole in the servo horn that is 7/16-inch (11mm) from the center of the horn using a pin vise and 5/64-inch drill bit. 5. Attach the servo horn to the servo using the screw removed from the servo and a #1 Phillips screwdriver. E-flite P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Assembly Manual 6. Apply 2–3 drops of thin CA in each of the mounting holes for the servo screws.
10. Tie the string attached to the aileron servo lead to the flap servo lead at this time. 11. Use the string to pull the flap and aileron leads through the hole near the wing root as shown. Do not remove the string in case the leads fall into the wing while adjusting the flap linkage. 12. Insert the Z-bend in the 3-inch (76mm) linkage wire through the hole in the servo horn enlarged in Step 4. 14. Move the flap cover aside.
15. Use four 2mm x 8mm sheet metal screws with shoulder and a #1 Phillips screwdriver to secure the flap servo cover to the wing. You can remove the mark made earlier when the cover was removed using rubbing alcohol and a paper towel. 17. Set the flap switch (or knob) to the DOWN position. Use the endpoint adjustment to set the distance between the wing trailing edge and flap so it measures 15/8-inch (41mm).
Retract Installation 2. Use four 3mm x 8mm sheet metal screws to secure the main gear strut in the wing. Tighten the screws using a #2 Phillips screwdriver. Note the direction of the gear in relationship to the wing in the photo to make sure the gear has been installed correctly. Required Parts Wing panel (right and left) 3mm x 8mm sheet metal screw (8) Main gear wheel, 21/2-inch (63mm) (2) Retracts with hardware Landing gear door (right and left) Transmitter/radio system 4.
2. Temporarily attach the axle to the retract strut using a 2.5mm hex wrench. The position of the axle will be adjusted in the following steps. 4. Remove the wheel collar and wheel from the axle. Use a rotary tool and cut-off wheel to trim the axle at the mark made in the previous step. Use a flat file to make a flat area on the first 1/4-inch (6mm) of the axle for the setscrew of the wheel collar to rest on when it is tightened. 6. With the gear in the UP position, place it in the wing.
8. Remove the axle from the main gear. Use a flat file to make flat areas on the main gear strut for the screws to rest. This will keep the axle from rotating if you encounter less than perfect landings. 10. Route the lead for the retract through the holes in the wing as shown. 13. Repeat Steps 1 through 12 to install the remaining landing gear retract. 11. Use four 3mm x 8mm sheet metal screws to secure the retract in the wing. Check the operation of the retract using the radio system.
Cockpit Details Required Parts Canopy hatch Radio box Pilot seat Pilot (optional) 3. Use medium CA to glue the pilot seat in the cockpit. The seat fits into the notch in the cockpit floor, and the tab on the seat fits tight against the underside of the cockpit floor. Required Tools and Adhesives Hobby scissors Medium CA Hobby knife with #11 blade 1. Locate the radio box. Use hobby scissors and a hobby knife with a #11 blade to trim the flashing from the radio box. 2.
3. Slide the two wing panels together. They will fit tightly against each other as shown. 5. Place the wing on the fuselage. Make sure the leads are tucked in and not exposed between the wing and fuselage. Use two nylon wing bolts and a flat blade screwdriver to secure the wing to the fuselage. 7. Attach the cockpit hatch on the fuselage. An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is properly balancing the model.
9. When balancing your model, support the plane inverted at the marks made on the top of the wing with your fingers or a commercially available balancing stand. This is the correct balance point for your model. Make sure your model is assembled and ready for flight before balancing. Balancing Stand If you have installed retracts, balance your model with the gear down. Installing the Optional Ordinance Pylons 2. Position the drop tank on the bottom of the pylon.
4. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to trim the tubing near both sides of the loop on the drop tank. This will release the drop tank, yet the tubing will be glued to the pylon. Also trim the tubing off at the back of the pylon. 5. Slide the cable through the tubing and through the loop in the drop tank. Pulling the cable will now release the drop tank from the pylon. 32 5.
8. Use a #0 Phillips screwdriver to install a screw #1 x 1/4 wood screw into the skin. Remove and harden the hole with thin CA. Once complete install the pylon. Decal Placement Required Parts Decal sheet 1. First you will want to cut your decals out. Trim as close as possible to give the best effect possible when applied. A note here after this step. There are two different sized star and bar decals. The larger ones are for the wings and the smaller ones for the fuselage. 2.
3. If you are applying the Shangri-La decals you will need to apply the checkerboard decal to your cowling. Align the decal up with the fuselage hatch line and the red stripe on the front of the cowling. Once lined up remove the backing and apply. 4. Trim the decal as shown with a hobby knife and #11 blade. You will need to trim the front slightly as well. 34 5. Using low-tack tape to tape the letters and stars and bars in place on the fuselage.
6. Apply the tail numbers to the vertical fin and rudder. Two numbers will be on the vertical fin and three numbers on the rudder. This is the same for both sides. 7. Apply the nose art you have chosen. Apply per pictures below for your variant. Bee 8. You may now glue your exhaust stacks in place on the cowling with thin CA. Shangri La Ill Wind Gun history with the P-51 B and C model Mustang. Reference photos showing a few B and C models with (6) .50-caliber machine guns, three in each wing.
Detailing Your P-51B Mustang Required Parts Completed airframe Required Tools Painters grade masking tape Razor blades Hobby knife w/#11 blade Glass cleaner Paper towels Heat gun Covering iron Drill Drill bit: 1/8-inch (3mm) Medium CA Aluminum tubing, 1/8-inch (3mm) the steps first to better understand what we are doing here. Once you feel comfortable you may begin on a journey that will help you deliver that “real look” on your model taking it from a regular box model to a masterpiece.
4. Using the dullcote lacquer – mist the entire model lightly. The key is several light mist coats. Spray a section at a time. Once you have sprayed the dullcote lacquer use a heat gun on the low setting about 8–12 inches (200mm–300mm) above the surface to help accelerate the drying time. We have found it takes between 3–4 coats to get a nice even coverage and a truly flat finish. E-flite P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Assembly Manual 5.
38 5. After the exhaust pipes are dry we need to dry brush them using the rust paint. Using the same #2 detail brush and a folded paper towel, dip the brush into the rust colored paint and then blot the brush on the paper towel. Once most of the paint is removed, lightly brush the aluminum to give it a rustic look. This will take a small amount of time. Do your best to not get any paint on the cowling. 6. Get your folded paper towel to blot the brush on once it has paint on it.
11. Next work on the exhaust streaks. These are done similar to the gun streaks but with a bit more brown then black. Make them heavy or light, this is your choice. 12. Open up the aluminum paint again and get the 1/4-inch (13mm) brush we used before. Get some paint on the brush and blot dry, A LOT. Now lightly go over the entire model in the direction air would flow over the model. Very, very little aluminum will transfer to the model.
Control Throws 1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver of your model. Check the movement of the rudder using the transmitter. When the stick is moved right, the rudder should also move right. Reverse the direction of the servo at the transmitter if necessary. 2. Check the movement of the elevator with the radio system. Moving the elevator stick toward the bottom of the transmitter makes the airplane elevator move up. 3. Check the movement of the ailerons with the radio system.
Flying Your P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Now that your Mustang is at the field lets go over a few things first. Is the main battery fully charged? Is the transmitter fully charged? Are dual rates set for the first flight? Has the center of gravity been verified? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then we are ready for that first flight. The P-51B is not slow and should be flown at a flying field, not a park. Plug in the flight battery, turn on the transmitter, and turn on the switch for the radio.
Daily Flight Checks 1. Check the battery voltage of the transmitter battery. Do not fly below the manufacturer’s recommended voltage. To do so can crash your aircraft. Warranty and Repair Policy Warranty Period Exclusive Warranty- Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
Warranty Services Questions, Assistance, and Repairs Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup or use of the Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly. This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and service you in the event that you may need any assistance. For questions or assistance, please direct your email to productsupport@horizonhobby.com, or call 877.504.
2010 Official Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code 8. GENERAL 1. A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-humancarrying device capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It shall not exceed limitations established in this code and is intended to be used exclusively for recreational or competition activity. 2. The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules. 3.
8. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual. 9. Radio-controlled night flying is limited to lowperformance model aircraft (less than 100 mph). The model aircraft must be equipped with a lighting system which clearly defines the aircraft’s attitude and direction at all times. Building and Flying Notes 10.
Building and Flying Notes 46 E-flite P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Assembly Manual
Building and Flying Notes E-flite P-51B Mustang 32e ARF Assembly Manual 47
© 2010 Horizon Hobby, Inc. horizonhobby.com www.e-fliterc.com The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. E-flite, JR SPORT, DSM, DSM2 and UltraCote are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks and logos are the property of their respective owners.
