Top Flite Scale ARF [Archive]

Paul Wilson

Aug 16, 2003, 12:00 AM

Check this out, I think it will be a nice machine and if it is 1/5 scale will beat almost all the other Giant p51 arf's by a few inches. Has nice wing fillets too unlike my World Models.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEDP2&P=0

Good Luck
Paul

Ulf Rieder

Aug 18, 2003, 12:03 PM

Looks like a winner ! But why does it always have to be a P-51 ? I would like to see something else. :(

Ulf

Blacksheepthree

Sep 09, 2003, 08:19 PM

Heavy Date

Sep 10, 2003, 06:58 AM

I have seen some of the photos of this on Top Flites web site. It does look pretty nice. If it is built similar to the kit version, I'm sure it will be a nice flying model.

On the other hand, aren't there enough P-51s out there already? Not to mention the done to death paint scheme. It would be nice if they did it in an ARC format as well as ARF. Then you could do any scheme you wanted to do. Better yet would be a P-51B conversion.

This may be the first of giant scale warbirds from them. Maybe next they will do the 47 or corsair.

I'm looking forward to your comments on the model. I hope it is as nice as it looks!

Hans

Ulf Rieder

Sep 10, 2003, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by Blacksheepthree
As assistant to the warbird moderator I was ordered to buy the new top flite P 51 arf and post what I thought about it. I'll be picking it up on thursday probably won't get it done until november (with all those other projects) and by then a load of people will have posted about it. But I will let you know about the kit and how IT looks.....

Great. Keep us updated on this project, and post some pictures when opening the box so we can get a first impression. Thanks

Ulf

Paul Wilson

Sep 11, 2003, 10:32 PM

As assistant to the warbird moderator I was ordered to buy the new top flite P 51 arf and post what I thought about it. I'll be picking it up on thursday probably won't get it done until november (with all those other projects) and by then a load of people will have posted about it. But I will let you know about the kit and how IT looks.....

Like Pete would take any orders from me, he wouldn't even take a suggestion. I must say that I did talk him into getting this kit instead of the World Models which I have ( I like it too but this one seemed better). Any way he called me today from the LHS and he just picked it up so they are in the stores now. He was excited and impressed but I am sure he will tell you all about it.
Good Luck
Paul

Blacksheepthree

Sep 11, 2003, 10:49 PM

Just got my Top Flite arf today! The Kit is beautiful, great quality. I have built a lot of warbird arfs and this one is truly amazing. I could not believe that it has working gear doors for the tail wheel ! It has counter balances on the elevators and rudder and the airelons are set into the wing and covered by a lip. It comes with a full cockpit kit. The instructions are just like for the topflite kits, plenty of pictures and include the "top flite hot tips". I'm truly impressed and based on looking at the kit I would recommend the kit to anyone considering it. Hopefully it will fly as good as it looks! I'll keep ya posted.

Heavy Date

Sep 12, 2003, 06:41 AM

That sounds great!! Can't wait ro see the report on the build and some photos!!! I may have to check out my LHS and see if they have one. I have a Q42 sitting around in need of a home.

Was going to put it in a Bates Dauntless, but may have to look at this pretty hard.
Hans

splais

Oct 28, 2003, 10:21 AM

Here is a link to my review of this aircraft. There are many good, and some bad things about this ARF.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Top_Flight_P%2D51_ARF_1%2F5_Scale_Review/m_1214956/tm.htm

gary9648

Oct 30, 2003, 11:36 PM

I have four of these to finish over the winter. Waiting on engine. I am putting a ZDZ 40 in two of them. We are using Serria retracts and Aerotech wheels. Also a Robart Tail retract.
For the money, you can't beat them. Like the post above, I was taken back with the tail wheel gear doors, main doors are fiberglasss and painted. All the checkerboards line up. It is very well built. Instructions are very good. I have finished everything but the install of the engine and tank. This bird full up will weigh around 20 pounds with full pilot figure. I have heard that Great Plains Dist. are planning to ARF all there T.F. giant kits. Boy will this be a boone to the War Bird lovers. The monokote job is excellent. Can't wait to see them in formation.
Speaking of well built. I bolted the wing on and found that the wing was square with the fuse within 1/32". Most modelers don't do that well. I slid the stab in, and it only needed a little weight on one side to hold it inline with the wing while the glue set up.
No shimming or enlarging of the opening for the stab. I also was taken back with the rudder and elevator counter weights and the fiberglass wing fairings, air scoop and gun blisters. These are not on other ARFs of this size. Hope to have plane number one flying next week. Good Lord willin.:D