GIANT P-51D MUSTA N G A R F Wingspan: 84.5 in [2145mm] Wing Area: 1245 sq in [80 dm2] Weight: 19–24 lbs [8620–10890g] Wing Loading: 35–44 oz/sq ft [107–134g/dm2] Length: 73 in [1855mm] Scale: 19% Radio: 6 to 9-channel with 10 to 11 servos Engine: 2.1–2.8 cu in [34.5–46cc] two-stroke glow, 2.5–4.3 cu in [41–70cc] spark ignition (gas) WARRANTY..... ™ Top Flite Models guarantees this kit to be free of defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Engine recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Radio equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Retractable landing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 1. Your Top Flite Giant P-51D Mustang ARF should not be considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities, the Giant P51D Mustang ARF, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property. 2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions.
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE This is a partial list of items required to finish this model that may require planning or decision making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses. ENGINE RECOMMENDATIONS When considering engines for this model, refer to the engine size recommendations on the cover of the manual. Spark-ignition (“gas”) engines are most popular with large-scale warbirds such as this.
RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR The Top Flite Giant P-51 ARF may be assembled with either the included fixed landing gear or retractable landing gear. If fixed landing gear is used no other items will need to be purchased to install the gear. If you wish to install retractable landing gear, this model is designed for Robart pneumatic retracts.
KIT INSPECTION Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly, contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the kit contents list on this page.
nuts: (11) 4-40 hex nuts (7-clevis jam nuts, 4-cowl reinforcements) (6) 1/4-20 blind nuts (factory-installed – 4-engine mounting, 2-wing bolts) (4) 2-56 hex nuts (tail gear door brackets) (3) 0-80 hex nuts (2-ball link balls on tail steering arm, 1-throttle on engine) washers: (6) #2 washers (4-wheel covers, 2-fuel tank floor) (4) #4 washers (4-cowl mounting) (4) #4 lock washers (4-cowl mounting) other: (2) 3/8" [9.
(Continued from page 5) ❏ Scale Warbird Template (TOPQ2187) ❏ 36" [1m] metal ruler (HCAR0475) ❏ Hobbico Duster™ can of compressed air (HCAR5500) ❏ Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up) ❏ Receiver mounting box (GPMM1010) ❏ Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set (GPMM1000) ❏ Fuel filler valve for glow fuel (GPMQ4160) ❏ Fuel filler valve for gasoline (GPMQ4161) ❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel® ❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200) ❏ AccuThrow™ Deflection Gauge (GPMR2405) ❏ CG Machine™ (GPMR2400) ❏ Laser i
wrinkles. The best way is to glide the iron over the covering until the wrinkles disappear, then go over the area again, pushing down on the iron to bond the covering to the wood. If the wrinkles don’t go away, the balsa in that area may be bending inward. If this is happening, don’t press down. Simply let the heat of the iron shrink the covering. If the wrinkles momentarily disappear, then immediately reappear, the iron may be too hot, thus causing air bubbles.
❏ ❏ 10. Mix up some 30-minute epoxy and microballoons (if using mixing cups, approximately 1/4 oz. of microballoons added to 1/8 oz. of mixed epoxy is recommended). Use a piece of music wire to thoroughly apply the mixture in the holes in the wing and aileron. Use the wire to get the epoxy out of the opening of the holes in the aileron so it doesn’t get into the hinge pins. Wipe away any epoxy around the outside of the holes with a couple of the small paper towel squares. ❏ ❏ 11.
❏ ❏ 5. Notice the correct locations of the aileron and flap servos on the inside of the hatches (indicated by the dashed lines). Refer to these photos when mounting the servos to the hatches in the following steps. Now it’s time to mount the servos to the hatch covers. Start with the left aileron servo. Refer to this photo for the following seven steps. ❏ ❏ 6. Make a one-arm servo arm by cutting off the unused arms.
❏ ❏ 14. Place the hatch covers with the servos in the wing. Be certain the hatch covers are positioned correctly as shown in the photos back at step 5. Drill six 1/16" [1.6mm] evenly spaced holes through the hatch covers into the wing. Enlarge the holes in the hatch covers only with a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill. ❏ ❏ 15. Connect a 24" [610mm] servo extension wire to the aileron servo. Cut one of the pieces of 3" [75mm] heat shrink tubing supplied with this kit in half.
❏ ❏ 2. Thread a 4-40 nut and a 4-40 metal clevis to the other end of the pushrod. Connect the pushrod to the aileron servo arm and to a large control horn. Position the horn on the aileron directly behind the arm. The base of the horn should be set back from the trailing edge of the wing 1/4" [6mm]. Drill 3/32" [2.4mm] holes into the aileron for the horn. Mount the horn with four #2 x 1/2" [13mm] screws.
❏ ❏ R5. Extend the retract. View the wheel from directly above. Adjust the strut so the wheel has zero, to one degree of tow-in. Lock the strut in position by securely tightening the bolt on top of the strut. ❏ ❏ R6. Double-check to be certain the wheel will fully retract into the wing. Extend the unit to make certain it does not interfere with any part of the wing and the unit is operating smoothly. ❏ ❏ R7. Hold the retract body in the wing. Using the mounting holes as a guide, drill 7/64" [2.
❏ ❏ R5. Use coarse sandpaper to thoroughly roughen the inside of the fiberglass wheel cover where the braces will go. Cut two braces from a 3/32" x 1/4" x 19-1/2" [2 x 6 x 500mm] hardwood stick to the length shown in the photo. Use medium CA to glue the braces into position. The braces should be inset 1/16" from the edges of the wheel cover. ❏ ❏ R6. Reposition the mounts on the strut. Place the fiberglass wheel cover on the mounts. The wheel cover should be even with the bottom of the wing.
❏ ❏ R4. Cut a 21" [530mm] piece of red air line tubing and a 16" [400mm] piece of purple air line tubing from the tubing included with the Robart Air Control Kit (not included). Connect the red line to the outer fitting on the air cylinder and connect the purple line to the inner fitting (the one directly on the end) on the air cylinder. ❏ ❏ R5. Use a piece of music wire with a hook bent on the end or something similar to pull the air lines through the wing.
❏ 1. Test fit the wing joiner in one, then the other wing half. The plywood side goes forward. Test join the wings with the joiner. Make any necessary adjustments so the wings fit together well. ❏ 2. Gather everything required for gluing the wings together including 30-minute epoxy, mixing sticks, epoxy brushes, a 12" [300mm] piece of wire or a small dowel (for spreading epoxy), small paper towel squares, denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up), masking tape, #64 rubber bands and mixing cups.
❏ 7. Since the aileron servo wires already have extensions on them, they only require a short Y-connector such as the Futaba® dual extension cord (FUTM4130). Longer wires are needed for the flap servos, so a Hobbico® Y-connector (HCAM2751) was used there. Secure the connections with a small piece of heat shrink tubing included with this kit. bottom of the wing for the nylon wing bolts. ❏ 8. Cut the covering from the holes in the top and The radiator air scoop and wing fairing will be attached later.
ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE Hinge the elevators and rudder 1" NOTES ABOUT CA HINGES This kit is supplied with CA hinge material consisting of a 3-layer lamination of Mylar and polyester specially made for hinging model airplanes. When properly installed, this type of CA hinge provides the best combination of strength, durability and easy installation.Your giant P-51 and other giant warbirds like it have been thoroughly tested with these hinges, but it is essential to install them correctly.
❏ 2. Cut the covering from the openings in both sides of the fuselage for the stabilizer. Also cut the covering from the elevator pushrod tubes on both sides of the fuselage and from the rudder tube on the left side of the fuselage. ❏ 3. Slide the stabilizer into the fuselage. Center the trailing edge of the stab in the fuselage by taking accurate measurements along the trailing edge. ❏ 4. Insert a pin through the top of the fuselage over the middle stringer at the firewall.
❏ 9. Bolt the wing to the fuselage with two 1/4-20 x 2" [50mm] nylon wing bolts. Center the stab in the fuselage. Stand approximately ten feet behind the model and view the stab and wing. If the stab and wing align with each other, proceed to the next step. If the stab and wing do not align, but are close, place a small weight on the “high side” of the stab to see if you can bring it into alignment.
❏ 2. Cut out the instrument panel. There is no lip around the top. Trim the sides as necessary to fit in the fuselage. ❏ 3. Glue the 1/8" x 1/4" x 2" [3 x 6 x 50mm] balsa stick to the balsa instrument panel in the fuselage. Temporarily fit the cockpit sides and the instrument panel into position. ❏ 4. Use small scissors or curved-tip scissors to rough-cut out the canopy. The best way is to do it in three steps—each time getting closer to the finished outline. First, cut away the biggest pieces.
If installing fixed landing gear, skip to “Mount the fixed tail gear” on page 26. ❏ R5. Prepare the other tail gear door the same way. ❏ R9. Test fit both doors in the opening. Make certain they will not interfere with each other when permanently glued into position. Make adjustments where necessary. ❏ R8. Holding the left door up to the wheel opening, mark the locations of the hinges on the edge of the opening.
❏ R10. One at a time, glue the hinges on the doors to the fuselage. There must be a 1/32" to 1/16" [1 to 2mm] gap between the top of the doors and the bottom of the fuselage. Mount the retractable tail gear ❏ R1. Remove the steering arm from the Robart #160LWC retractable tail gear assembly (not included). File a flat spot near the top of the shaft for the set screw in the steering arm to lock onto. Mount the steering arm to the shaft with a drop of threadlocker and the set screw. ❏ R2.
❏ 8. Snip off the short end of the wire at the swage. Slip the loop over one of the ball link balls on the steering arm. Tighten the loop until it is small enough to remain secure on the ball, yet may still be pried off. Squeeze the swage with pliers. Connect the other cable to the other ball link ball the same way. ❏ R9. Mark the bent aluminum tail gear door brackets “R” and “L” as shown in the photo.
x 1-9/16" [1 x 10 x 40mm] plywood tail gear door stop to the inside of the sheeting on the bottom of the fuselage. These will keep the doors from closing too far. Hook two small rubber bands included with this kit onto both pair of rubber band hooks. ❏ R18. Use the air pump that will be used to pressurize the air tank or a can of compressed air to retract and extend the tail gear a few times to make sure everything operates correctly. Make adjustments where required.
❏ 4. Glue together both 1/8" [3mm] plywood aft servo trays. Test fit the two elevator, one rudder and one tail wheel servo in the tray. Make any adjustments required so the servos fit. ❏ 5. Place the servo tray in the fuselage. Refer to this photo while hooking up the servos. ❏ 6. Place all four servos in the servo tray. Make three one-arm servo arms and one two-arm servo arm from the arms that came with your servos. Place the arms on the servos as shown in the photo. ❏ 7.
Planes Gasoline Engine Mount. Drill 17/64" [6.8mm] (or 9/32" [7.2mm]) holes at the marks. Cut off the bottom of the mount as indicated on the template. Mark the top and front of the mount as shown. ❏ 2. Remove the muffler and carburetor from the engine. This will facilitate mounting the engine and fitting the cowl. ❏ 3. The U.S. Engines 41cc is to be spaced approximately 7/8" [22mm] from the mount (not from the firewall). If your U.S.
❏ 4. Mark the center of all four mounting blocks with a pen. Lay a small ruler on the fuselage with one edge over the mark. Use a felt-tip pen to draw a line directly on the fuselage along the ruler. Mark another line on the fuselage 2-1/2" [65mm] as shown from the center mark on the mounting block. When the cowl is in place the lines and measurements will pinpoint the center of the blocks under the cowl. ❏ 5. Mark the remaining three cowl mounting blocks and the fuselage the same way. ❏ 6.
Install the air tank Note: The included Great Planes 32 oz. [960cc] fuel tank is suitable for both gasoline and glow fuel. Install the fuel tank ❏ 1. Assemble the fuel tank using the hardware and included fuel-pickup line that goes inside the tank. Be certain the clunk cannot contact the back of the tank. Otherwise, it may become stuck above the fuel level and discontinue fuel flow causing the engine to quit. Note: The fuel tank setup in the manual uses three lines.
Hook up the throttle Note: If using a spark ignition engine, be certain to maintain a minimum distance of 12" [300mm] between electronic parts of the radio system (servo, receiver, battery, etc.) and the engine. Also, never use a full-length, metallic pushrod to operate the throttle. Refer to the following two photos while hooking up the throttle. ❏ 1. If using a U.S. Engines 41cc, move the ball link ball that was factory-mounted on the bellcrank to the middle hole.
Hook up the air lines Refer to this photo while hooking up the air lines. ❏ R1. Use epoxy to glue the plywood air valve mount to the forward servo tray. After the epoxy hardens, mount the air valve to the air valve mount. ❏ R2. Use the remaining air line and two T-fittings to connect the fill port, check valve and pressure gauge (optional) to the air tank. Also connect the quick disconnects to the air lines coming from the tail gear air lines via two T-fittings.
Finish the engine compartment ❏ 1. Use a high-speed rotary tool with a carbide cutting bit to cut the hole in the cowl for the carburetor. For the U.S. Engines 41, this procedure is made easier if the muffler and venturi are removed. Slip the cowl into position, then, carefully viewing the cowl and the carburetor inside and out, mark the approximate location of the cutout. Remove the cowl. Cut inside the lines starting with a small hole. Fit the cowl, redraw the lines, then remove and cut the cowl again.
❏ 4. Use a fine-point felt-tip pen to mark small lines directly on the wing, noting the location of both wing bolt plates. Reposition the air scoop on the wing, then mark the same lines on both sides of the air scoop. accommodate the wing bolt plates. ❏ 5. Cut the inside of the air scoop at the lines to ❏ 6. Use the same procedure to mark the location of the wing bolts on the air scoop. Using the marks on the scoop as a guide, cut 1/2" [13mm] holes through the bottom of the scoop for wing bolts. ❏ 7.
Wing fillets ❏ 1. The same as the air scoop and wing fairing, position the fiberglass wing fillets on the wing and fuselage and trace their outline onto the fuselage. Remove the wing. Cut the covering on the fuselage 1/16" [2mm] inside the lines and peel off the covering. (Cutting 1/32" [1mm] inside the lines was appropriate for the air scoop and wing fairing, but 1/16" [2mm] is better for the wing fillets.) ❏ 2.
Engine Exhaust ❏ 1. Cut out the molded plastic engine exhaust pipes leaving an approximately 3/32" [2mm] ridge all the way around. True the edges with a bar sander and 180-grit sandpaper. Smooth the edges with 400grit sandpaper. ❏ 2. Use medium CA to glue a 3/4" x 3/4" x 7" [20 x 20 x 180mm] balsa stick to the inside of each exhaust pipe. gluing surface of the exhaust pipes. ❏ 3. Trim the balsa sticks until they are even with the Refer to this photo for the following three steps. ❏ 1.
❏ 4. Wash the canopy in warm, soapy water, then dry it off. Place the canopy on the fuselage. Be certain it is centered from side-to-side. Temporarily tape the canopy into position. Drill four evenly spaced 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through both sides of the canopy and the cockpit sides. Take the canopy off and enlarge the holes in the canopy only with a 3/32" [2.4mm] drill. Mount the canopy with eight #2 x 3/16" [4.8mm] screws. ❏ 5. Remove the canopy and screws.
❏ 2. Securely mount the receiver and battery using 1/4" or 1/2" [6 or 13mm] R/C foam rubber to protect them from vibration. The included Velcro strips may be used to secure them where preferred. On the prototype test models the battery was mounted to the top of the wing bolt plate in the fuselage and the receiver was mounted to the forward servo tray.
This is where your model should balance for the first flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the C.G. up to 5/16" [8mm] forward or 5/16" [8mm] back to change the flying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model may then require more speed for takeoff and make it more difficult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable, but could also cause it to become too difficult to control.
RUDDER ELEVATOR 3/4" up [19mm] 5/8" down [16mm] 1-1/2" right 1-1/2" left [38mm] 9/16" up [14mm] 9/16" down [14mm] High Rate Full Rate 2-1/8" [55mm] 1/2" up [13mm] 3/8" down [10mm] 1" right 1" left [25mm] 3/8" up [10mm] 3/8" down [10mm] Low Rate These are the recommended control surface throws: AILERONS: Half Rate 1-3/16" [30mm] FLAPS: Note: If flying the model at the forward C.G. location, you should land with the elevator throws set to the high rate.
❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ 16. Balance the propeller and spare propellers. 17. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone number on or inside the model. 18. Cycle the receiver battery pack (if necessary) and make sure it is fully charged. 19. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before your first flight. 20. Perform a range check when you get to the flying field.
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts) Read and abide by the following Academy of Model Aeronautics Official Safety Code: GENERAL 1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven to be airworthy by having been previously successfully flight tested. 2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator.
and higher torque servos are strongly encouraged for larger aircraft. The use of one servo for each aileron and one for each elevator half is strongly recommended. Use of dual servos is also recommended for larger aircraft. On-board batteries shall be 1000 mAh up to 20 lbs., 1200 mAh to 30 lbs., 1800 mAh to 40 lbs. and 2000 mAh over 40 lbs. flying weight. The number and size of servos, size and loads on control surfaces, and added features should be considered as an increase to these minimums.
Takeoff Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model will roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your nerves before the maiden flight, shut the engine down and bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, then check all fasteners and control linkages for peace of mind.
Boost realism and cut fuel costs! The 41cc burns an inexpensive blend of unleaded gasoline and 2-cycle oil for fuel; plus, the included spring-starter makes an electric starter, starter battery and glow starter unnecessary. Other features: Internal, solid state electronic ignition; smooth, dynamically balanced flywheel; chrome-plated cylinder bore; full roller bearings; engine mount; and a 2-year warranty. Economical gasoline power for quarter- and giant-scale. U.S. Engines™ 41cc 2.
More value for the dollar - more possibilities for the pilot! Futaba® 9C 9-Channel Radio System (FUTJ88**) With the SR10, you can control two servos on a single channel without special motors or mixing. Easy to install, simple to trim and equipped with an RF noise filter for signal clarity. Ideal for cars, boats or two-servo control surfaces on large-scale craft. 1-year warranty.
U.S. 41cc ENGINE MOUNT TEMPLATE - 47 - Cut out or make a copy of this identification tag. Fill in the appropriate information and place it on or inside the model.
- 48 -
