Maidened .46 size P-51

[Frank v B]

Finally got a chance to maiden the Horizon Hobbies .46 size P-51 from the Cadez collection.  The re-build was done over the winter.  See the post
http://temac.ca/smf/index.php/topic,6507.0.html

Today was very hot (32) and almost windstill.  Last night I spun the motor and decided to use 5 cells.... because I had two 2250 20-35C packs. The motor was a Swap Meet special C5055-600 Turnigy. The reading was close to 1300 watts.  Satisfied!!  Grinning from ear to ear!!

Assembled the plane and taxied out.  It took off briskly at half throttle with perfect control and balance (luck).  A fair amount of trimming (up and left) and it flew hands-off.  I never throttled up past half throttle.  The two photos were taken before the first flight.  Now over two Andy for his shutter-critique.

Athol was kind enough to take some videos which I hope he will post soon.

Frank.. still grinning.

ps: my spell check auto-corrects "maidened" to "maddened".  Intelligent computer!    I want the verb, not the emotion.

[Frank v B]

"If you can't see it, you can't fly it"

During the two flights on Sunday, it was difficult to see the plane.  It was a grey blob in the sky.  Decided to add some invasion stripes.  Here is how:
- Googled P-51 photos and the "Duchess of Manhattan".  Found a photo
- measured the markings as a percent of the wingspan just by holding a ruler up to the screen.  They took up 40% of a wing half or 10"
- There are 5 stripes (3 white and two black) so each one was 2" wide.
- the inboard black stripe was at the start of the landing gear, so two stripes inboard and 3 stripes outboard of the LG
- cut the black stripes at 2" wide and the white ones 2 1/4" wide.
- laid down the white stripes first with overlaps.
- put the black stripes on at the exact 2" multiples.

Deviations:
- the real plane has the stripes on the bottom of the wing, I put them on the top.
- added yellow wingtips as a visual aid.  Heck it has yellow portions on the tail.

It should be more visible to this white cane pilot.

Frank

[bweaver]

@Frank v B  Re: "It should be more visible to this white cane pilot. "

Well at the very least it should be more visible as a grey blob in the sky with invasion stripes.  Way to go Frank!  Actually it does look nice. (I must be getting soft.)

[Frank v B]

Hey softie (Bruce),

I was not kidding.  It was really tough to tell which way the plane was going in the bright sunshine.  There was nothing that gave an indication of top or bottom.  I had to keep wiggling the wings to remind me which way was which.

Frank

[electroflyer]

   Hey Frank,

  Glad to hear that it flew well. Reacquainted myself with your build log and look forward to seeing it fly. I am always impressed when an air craft gets rebuilt (often better) and continues to get used. This is even better as you converted from gas to electric and used parts from a swap meet. We both know that that is the place to find those little items that come in very handy down the road.

  Well done Sir!

[sihinch]

I looks Magic! Well done Frank.