AK Models ARF Spitfire

[Morb]

Their is some anticipation over the AK Models Spitfire, but not much discussion on it, so I've taken the plunge and ordered one.

http://www.ak-models.com/

Here's a link to the Camouflage version of the Spitfire:

http://www.ak-models.com/espitfirecamo.htm

And to the white Spitfire, and if anyone can tell me where they got the White American scheme, please share it:

http://www.ak-models.com/espitfirewhite.htm

Specs:

Wing Span: 35.8 in / 910mm
Wing Area: 279 sq in / 18sq dm
Flying Weight : 17.6 oz / 500 g
Fuselage Length : 32.6 in / 830 mm

What excites me about this kit is that it seems to come with rudder already installed, so some manouvers will be accomplished without to much hacking.

I hate to compare models, but this will fly pretty much like any of the Alfa Warbirds, yet be constructed of balsa and ply, covered, and half the price.

Going over the P-51D AK Models thread, it seems that these are great flyers, but the reason the Mustang has been modelled so many times is that it is a more stable warbird.


I'm going to power mine either with a Red MPJet Outrunner, or an Axi 2212/34, or a Axi 2208/34...all with 9x6 APC Slowflyer Props.

Geof.

[dapple63]

My favorite WWII plane. Let me know. I think I'll order one if you have a good report. I AM going to order the Cox Models Spit.

[CUBANO8]

Subscribed ! , Thanks.

[Morb]

Just for everyone's info, it'll take about 2 weeks (hopefully shorter) for me to get the kit as I live in the Great White North, and Canadian Customs isn't friendly to us.

Guesstimate on what I'm going to have to pay at customs is 14.00 bucks customs (or GST) + a 5 buck handling fee....yes...our taxes don't pay for them pawing over our packages. :D

If anyone gets their kits sooner, I'd love to see some pics as well, hopefully we can all share some ideas on getting this together. I'm hoping with the two piece wing it'll be very simple, even though I'm going to assume that I'm going to have to cut a battery hatch.

Wing the wing loading, this plane is going to be quite zippy, but float in nice and slow for landings. I'm going to attempt to crunch some Motocalc here for a bit.

Geof.

[Morb]

Okies, with the motors I have on hand, I did some quick calculations.

If anyone has any motor combinations they'd like me to throw into the figures, let me know.

Sadly, the pictures didn't go in order as I wanted to, despite several attempts.

All the motors except the 2208/34 were with a Tanic 3s1p 1550 Pack, Generic
Brushless Controller and a 9x6 APC Slowfly Prop

Geof.

[Morb]

I don't have one myself, but may consider trading in (since I'm getting into warbirds in a big way) my Axi 2212/34 for 2212/20 based on these predictions as this is what a guys are flying the Alfa models with.

Same criteria as above.

[LTChip]

The tail moment looked short in the white photo but it looks ok in the camo one. Must have been the angle of the shot.

[LTChip]

I think the 2212 series is better for these birds than the 2208.

[Morb]

The tail moment looked short in the white photo but it looks ok in the camo one. Must have been the angle of the shot.

You're right, I think though it may just be perspective and the red bit of tail that makes it look a little off.

[cherokeetestpilo]

I agree with LT, the 2212 series is a much better fit for these planes. I've experimented with all the axi's that would fit these and the 2212/20 seems to motor these planes along the best. I did use a 2212/26 at one time and was equally impressed, although it wasn't as fast, it had more flight time and the speed was MUCH more scale. I've even gone as far as a mega 16/15/4 with a CC45....WOW....that thing hauled. That was just a fun experiment to try and beat my friends hellcat. It worked.

[ex-racr]

If you don't mind morb, could you let me (us) know what kind of airfoil it is? It would be nice to know if it's semi-symmetrical.

Terry

[Morb]

If you don't mind morb, could you let me (us) know what kind of airfoil it is? It would be nice to know if it's semi-symmetrical.

Terry

I'm presuming it is with my calculations....man, the antipicipation to get mine is killing me.

[ex-racr]

I put an e-mail into AKM and I'm awaiting confirmation. I don't like flat-bottom airfoils.

[Tommy D]

Don't forget AKM also told me the Spit only comes in WHITE!

Oh this is such a must own!!

Go for the 2212 axi you can't go wrong!! I had on on a Electrajet <pusher> and with a 8x6E prop it really moved it along quite nicely. That setup is now going into a GWS Corsair. Should be pretty quick!

Tommy

Hmmm surface seems to have a different texture so to speak in the different photos.....

[Morb]

Hmmm surface seems to have a different texture so to speak in the different photos.....

How do you mean Tommy?

I've also asked in the Power systems forum about some different prop selection to give the Spit more of a "scale" look with either a 3 bladed or 4 bladed prop, considering none of the real pictures of the Spit show a two-bladed plane.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388463#post3967115

I'm sure I could screw around with Motocalc a little more, but APC doesn't make 3 bladed electric props, and I would need to find the correct spinner, either aluminum or plastic.

Geof.

[Tommy D]

How do you mean Tommy?


Geof.


I'm sure it's just me <or the plastic bag> but look at this photo

http://www.ak-models.com/arfmodels/Electric%20Spitfire/espitfirecamokit(1).JPG


Does that covering not look like what happens when you cover foam and overheat it??? Don't ask how I know!! :rolleyes:

[Morb]

Oh, and what does everyone think of the idea of putting Curtek Lights in this puppy...

Winter is approaching. :D

So, if anyone gets their kits before me, could you please post pics of the wing from different dimensions, just for me to see how hard it would be to route wiring through.

Thanks! :)

Geof.

[Morb]

Does that covering not look like what happens when you cover foam and overheat it??? Don't ask how I know!! :rolleyes:

Well, I've never had the joy of covering foam :) but it's not a task I'd really want to try.

I really hope it's the quality of the photo, and not of the actual covering itself.

Geof.

[Morb]

I wonder if these would be appropriate:

http://hobby-lobby.com/images/fs400.jpg

Halfway down the page, 9x7 props though.....

http://hobby-lobby.com/slowprop.htm

[ex-racr]

Got an e-mail back from AK-models (very quick response!). The airfoil is a semi-symmetrical variety. If AK says its all wood, then I trust him. When I asked about the P-51 airfoil, he sent me a picture in his reply showing the tip rib. I also mentioned that the Wing area can't be right and he said it is what the manufacturer gave him as info. He said it's about the same size as the P-51, but looks like a little more wing area. I'm going to see if there was ever a US spitfire (for testing, etc.,), or if the company just produced the US markings version figuring it might be popular- though not scale. It won't win any scale contests no matter what, but I would atleast like to fly a spit with the correct (accurately scale) markings.

Terry

[Tommy D]

We <USA> used the Spit for at least recon.

Don't make me show you my Pink Recon Spit!!!

Tommy

[ex-racr]

Check it out, there were US spitfires:
http://www.ww2incolor.com/gallery/U-S-Air-Force/acv
http://www.xs4all.nl/~rhorta/jg8th.htm
Can't find the White one though...

[Morb]

When I asked about the P-51 airfoil, he sent me a picture in his reply showing the tip rib.

Would you be able to post the pic, or fire it at me at geof@smoothair.ca so I can peek at it?


I also mentioned that the Wing area can't be right and he said it is what the manufacturer gave him as info. He said it's about the same size as the P-51, but looks like a little more wing area. I'm going to see if there was ever a US spitfire (for testing, etc.,), or if the company just produced the US markings version figuring it might be popular- though not scale. It won't win any scale contests no matter what, but I would atleast like to fly a spit with the correct (accurately scale) markings.

I agree, the white really doesn't do anything for me, even though different schemese would be cool.

Check it out, there were US spitfires:
http://www.ww2incolor.com/gallery/U-S-Air-Force/acv
http://www.xs4all.nl/~rhorta/jg8th.htm
Can't find the White one though...

I think it would of been cool if they had just done a straight silver with the US markings on it, THAT would of been cool. Maybe they figure the white was for Northern Canada/Northern Russia fighting..LOL

I've tried to do a search, and from the pictures, I can't figure out what scheme they've decided to copy for the Camo Spit. Perhaps the scale guys will know.

Still haven't received word on the prop thing, as I can only seem to find 9x7 props everywhere, nothing smaller for electric flight.


Don't make me show you my Pink Recon Spit!!!

Tommy

Ohhh, c'mon, you know ya wanna show it off. :D

Geof.

[ex-racr]

emailed you the pic. Geof. 615kB

Signing off...

Terry

[Morb]

Ok, I'll post it up Terry.

Thank you for this!

Now, is it me, or what, but are these pre hinged!! :)

Geof.

[ex-racr]

Actually Morb, that's the P-51 tip rib. I will be ordering the P-51 and the Camo spit tomorrow. A receiver malfunction just put an end to my Alfa T-bolt.

Terry

[Morb]

I thought it looked a little "squarer" than the Spit, I didn't want to assume though...LOL

I have an P51 coming as well, as my Alfa P-51 is looking the worse for wear. I hope AK comes out with more models..the German birds would be nice.

[Morb]

Just received my Spitfire..first impression is WOW!

I also received the P-51 at the same time, and from comparing the kits and instructions, the Spitfire will go together faster and easier than the P-51.

Green covering, with the brown a light paint which feels a little rough to the touch. Great looking kit and very nicely put together.

The rudder and elevator are not prehinged, but CA hinges are provided, and the pictures show how it comes out of the kit. The aileron linkages are all set up, but you still have to CA the hinge line.

Sorry about the quality of the pictures, but I was pretty excited about getting these up.

Now the bad news, I'm not going to be able to get to building the kit till about a week from now as I'm going into the hospital...and for some silly reason they don't allow CA fumes....*grumble*

[DougC]

Interesting, brown paint. I'm assuming that the covering is an iron on. Do you think that the paint will accept some heat in regards to light repairs?

I like the size of this plane; been thinking about it.

[Morb]

Interesting, brown paint. I'm assuming that the covering is an iron on. Do you think that the paint will accept some heat in regards to light repairs?

I like the size of this plane; been thinking about it.

Doug,

I don't know if the paint will handle heat, little nervous to try. I am going to be leaving off the landing gear cause it looks a little dorky, and make it a belly lander, as I don't think adding retracts would be a simple task.

The covering seems like a ultracote. I'll do some weighing when I start the build.

I've decided to shell out a little cash and get me an Axi 2212/20 with a new Pheonix 25 and a stick mount as seen here. (http://www.smoothair.ca/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=39&osCsid=58567e51d1902be1282ff1d896835025)

Geof.

[Tommy D]

Doug,


I've decided to shell out a little cash and get me an Axi 2212/20 with a new Pheonix 25 and a stick mount as seen here. (http://www.smoothair.ca/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=39&osCsid=58567e51d1902be1282ff1d896835025)

Geof.

Nice call on the power. I'm useing a leftover 2212/20 on a Corsair now. May I suggest THIS (http://www.topcreationsrc.com/) mount as an alternative.

Also while the CC25 has always been good to me, there is a LOT of negative press on them as of late. Just figured I would metion it as I only just recently heard about it myself.

Best of luck on the build and I hope you do a nice thread on it!

Tommy

[Morb]

Oh I will Tommy. :)

Word of note...there is no spinner included in the kit. I confirmed this with AK Models....suggestions for a replacement guys? I wouldn't mind a hint on the size I need and stuff.

Geof.

[ex-racr]

Got mine last Thursday (as well as the Mustang). Looked at the spitfire and asked my self "how the heck am I going to mount a mega 16/15/7-or outrunner?"
I'll figure it out.
The only observation is that it is more of a "sport"fire than spitfire.
Not that anyone should consider it a slight to the model or AK. It has the basic profile and I realize an oval fuse would have been very, very tough to do economically. I just would have thought the cowl could have been oval and not a square bottom.
I may work on it tomorrow if I have time.
It is excellent design as shown by Morb.

[Morb]

Got mine last Thursday (as well as the Mustang). Looked at the spitfire and asked my self "how the heck am I going to mount a mega 16/15/7-or outrunner?"


Just use one of the outrunner stick mounts that we linked up. :)

Geof.

[ex-racr]

Morb,
I guess I'll have to get a few stick mounts from you then!!

See you later,

Terry

[jjs63james]

Any updates on the Spitfire???
Waiting to hear about a good flight report before I take the plunge...

ex-racr:
Would'nt you be able to just ty-wrap the mega to the mounting stick?
I've got a 15/6 that I was planning on using...

James

[ex-racr]

James,
I'd be worried about slippage or torque angling it off-center. THose stick mounts of Morb's are the ticket.

terry

[SammyB]

If I understand right, the spit comes with landing gear and has functional rudder. Does the mustang have a rudder and landing gear?

[Morb]

Sammy,

Yep, it comes with a functional rudder, and landing gear (which I'm going to leave off) Even comes with the ugly wheels. :D

Here's an update on my progress:

http://smoothair.rchomepage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=830#830

I'll be home on Saturday, and building by Sunday..hopefully flying by the middle of week. Should have an Axi 2212/20 waiting for me.

Believe, I've been itching on this one.

Geof.

[ex-racr]

Hang in there, Geof. I've been working 6+ days a week and haven't touched mine yet. I'm at work now and I'll be here tomorrow. :-(

Terry

[Morb]

To bad we couldn't get together and work on them together..LOL...

Have you seen the quality, I'm VERY impressed with the aileron linkages, and the ease at which I think it will assemble. I'm going to have to put Curteks on it...:)

Geof.

[slammin]

Hey guys,
I just got my plane and motor yesterday, so I started assembling. The quality is pretty good, although I had to loosen up one of the ailerons.

The instruction manual doesn't seem to mention control throws, so I'm curious what you guys are using, or if you guys who also got the P-51 could check that manual for the recommended throws.
If nothing else, I'm just going to use the throws recommended for the Laser Arts P-51 that I also picked up - a top-notch looking kit.

Thanks,

Chris

[Morb]

Chris,

I would suggest using the throws that the Alfa's recommend...just to be on the side of safety. They are roughly the same size aircraft.

Also, I think you are ahead of the gang on the build of this one. :)

How quickly did you have it ready to go?

Sammy,

Sorry, just misread your post.....no...the P51 does NOT come with a functional rudder or landing gear.

Geof.

[SammyB]

how hard would it be to put one in morb?

[slammin]

Can anyone post the control throws that alfa recommends? I've never owned an alfa.

The build is going really fast, but it's good to have a fair amount of experience before building this one, since the directions are pretty sparse. For instance, they don't spell out how to attach the tail feathers. It's not that hard, but the elevator joiner wire might give first time builders a few headaches.

Overall I feel this is a great value for the money. It's definetly more of a "sport" scale model, but the over-scale wings and ailerons should make it a good park flyer. I plan on trying to keep it pretty light to fly in small parks.
Power system: H2808-1160 outrunner, 7x5 or 7x6 prop, and 3s1p 1200 etecs.

also, one caution for you guys going for all out speed, the wing doesn't have any shear webs between the spars, so I'm not sure how it will handle high-g pullups.

Chris

I'll try to post pics later.

[Morb]

Sammy,

Email me at geof@smoothair.ca and I'll fire you some pictures another person sent me regarding the rudder conversion. Doesn't look difficult at all. I'm just in the middle of something, so it'll be easier to zip everything up and send it to you.

Chris,

I just copied an pasted this from the Alfa site: http://www.alfamodel.cz/index_eng.htm

D) Elevator controls, accumulator pack placement

A servo of more than 0,07 Nm minimum torque is recommended for the elevator control. Both moving surfaces are interconnected by a glued-in coupler. If one of the elevator halves deflects excessively (outside of the recommended angles), the coupler may become loose and the deflections (especially the maximum ones), may differ substantially. Restore their stiffness by gluing (Epoxy) a "U"-shaped connector made of steel wire of 1,5 mm diameter.
Check that the opening in the servo base plate 15 corresponds to the size of the servo you want to use, enlarge the opening if necessary.
Sand the elevator push-pull rod support 16 to the width of 50 mm and glue together with the servo base plate 15. Insert the assembly to fuselage so that it would rest on the longitudinal stiffeners as per fig. D1.
The position of the base plate at the fig. D1 is a general suggestion. Its exact position has to be found once the preliminary rough balancing of the model, using the RC equipment elements and batteries, is done - see E).
Glue the correctly positioned base plate to the stiffeners and fuselage, using PU or epoxy glue.
Insert the servo into the base plate from below (so that the servo shaft end of the servo would be forward, i.e. farther form the elevator control rod support) and secure it by gluing with PU or epoxy glue, or by screws.
Insert the connector 10 to the hole in the servo arm that is placed about 8 mm from the axis of the servo output shaft. Drill a new hole if needed. Insert about 6 mm-long piece of the plastic tubing 17 into the connector hole. Insert the assembly to the elevator control rod and insert the servo arm to the servo output shaft so that the arm's axis would be roughly perpendicular to the elevator control rod axis (fig. D2). Glue the control rod tube to the support 16 (PU, Epoxy).
Tighten slightly the connector screw 12 - the servo arm and the elevator control are both in neutral position.
Check that the maximum throw of the servos corresponds to the maximum elevator deflection of about 10 millimetres (fig. D3). Note! Ensure the sense of aileron deflection corresponds to the control stick movement! If they are not moving correctly, and you could not program the servo throw by the RC set programming, change as necessary either the position of the control rod in the control arm or of the connector on the servo arm. Only then secure the connector against becoming unconnected by the spring washer 13 inserted from below (the servo arm is outside the model, using a thin tube such as the ball point pen refill), and then secure the servo arm itself by the screw 18. Readjust the correct position of the elevator and tighten the screw 12.
Secure the control rod against disconnecting from the control arm by gluing a piece of tubing onto it (fig. D4).



Sorry, I'd edit the relevant details, but somewhere in all that should be the info you need. :)

Geof.

[slammin]

Thanks Morb.

Well I have the tail surfaces glued in and the pushrods in the fuselage done. Hopefully I will be done in time for a test flight tomorrow, as long as the electronics installation goes fairly quickly.

Also, there are 3 guide tubes in the rear fuselage. There are only 2 pushrods included in the kit, but it looks like the 3rd one is setup to exit the fuselage on the opposite side that the rudder pushrod exits, so a pull-pull rudder setup might be pretty easy to do.

Chris

[Morb]

Yep, I noticed that too, it could also be to route the antenna through. I'll pass on messing around with a pull pull system.

I'm dyin' for pictures Chris. :D


Geof.

[slammin]

Well, doesn't look like I will get to fly it today. Last night I put the wings on, and just set the servos and battery in thier approximate positions. The result was that I was very tail heavy. I'd have to put the battery under the motor stick to balance properly.
So, I haven't decided if I want to go through the hassle of accessing the battery from the cowl, or cut myself a new battery hatch.
I also didn't have time to solder up my 3s packs, so test flights might be with a 2s 1500 kokam pack.


Chris

[slammin]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention. The spinner shown is a dubro 1 1/2". The circular front of the cowling measure ~43 millimeters, so a 40mm looks a bit small, and a 45mm looks a bit big. The 1 1/2" looks alright if you leave a 1/4 gap between the cowl and spinner, and a 1 3/4 would probably look ok with no gap.

Chris

[Tommy D]

Can't wait to see how you get it to balance!

Well done on the photos!

Tommy

[SammyB]

Looks nice. I have to sell my GWS spit now

[jjs63james]

Well, I've taken the plunge, and two spits. are on their way!
Power will come from a Mega 16/15/7 , 8cell 2/3a's (what's a lipoly?)
and a 7x5/8x4 apc prop.
I guess I'll have to rig up a mount like the one's in Morb's link.

Is there much/any dihedral in the wing? any chance of slipping a cf tube in there...
Not that I would intentionally want to overstress the wing..
James

[slammin]

The airfoil is about 1" thick at the center (had to estimate since I glued the wing halves together already). If you lay one wing flat on the table, the other tip is about 4" high.

Chris

[Morb]

Just ordered a whole bunch of spinners, now I'm counting down the days...:)

Geof.

[slammin]

Quick update. I decided to mount the battery behind the firewall and have it accessed through the underside if the aircraft. There is one open bay in the underside framework that lies between the wing and the cowl. This is where the hatch will go so that I don't have to remove the cowl or the wing to swap batteries.

I'm dying to get this one done, but I probably won't be able to work on it again until this weekend.

Chris

[Tommy D]

Chris

How does the airflow inside this model look? With the larger then supplied spinner on my GWS Spitfire it gets H-O-T- HOT inside that sucker. Thats with a little Aurora 400T on a 3S Lipo.

Hope you get to fly her soon as we all know how that feels!

Tommy

[slammin]

The airflow looks pretty good. The "tropical" scoop on the underside of the nose has a nice opening (I'm guessing 1/2" by 1/2"- I'm at work, I can measure it later) and the cowl extends below the bottom of the fuselage, which gives it some exit area. The rest of the fuse is also very open (lots of nice framing), so the airflow in the radio compartment should be decent.

Chris

[SammyB]

I've seen the plane first hand Tommy. It's a winner for sure. After seing it, I want to offload my GWS Spit. Almost the same price for a laser cut, wood, built up is very attractive.

[Morb]

I start building tomorrow...finally home to do it.....

Just gotta shovel off my workbench.

Geof.

[slammin]

Hey guys finally got her done. Mainden should be in a few hours, if the wind cooperates.

I measured the air inlet - 1/2" x 5/8"

Mines coming in at 18oz with:
Himax 2808-1160 outrunner
3s1p 1200 etecs
3 Hs-55
berg6
p10 esc and park bec
I also modified the battery area and added a spinner.


Chris

[Tommy D]

Chris

Let us know how you make out. Berg huh?? Lost 2 birds to them and will NEVER go that route again.

Funny how some have trouble with some equipment and others dont!

Good Luck

Tommy

[Morb]

Oh pictures .. PICTURES!! I'm just sipping my morning coffee here, and then will challenge cleaning my plane room.

Oh crap, and the daughter just reminded me we have to finish building her Diddlebug.

Oh yes, this will be built this week.

*waggles finger* Chris, you had better snap someone up for photos. :D

Geof.

[slammin]

Well, She Flew!

Went on a short maiden this morning. She flew out of my hands with a gentle toss. I'm very satisfied with her flying qualities. Nice low speed handling, didn't drop a wing during stall. She will make a good small park flyer. I'm pleased that the low speed characteristics are good, since she came out 1 oz heavier than I had planned.
Turns were a little uncoordinated without rudder too.

I was using 1/2' up and down on the ailerons, 5/8 on the elevator, and max on the rudder. The rudder has plenty of authority. I'd like a little more aileron throw, and perhaps a little less elevator for normal sport flying.

Enjoy your spits, you guys'll love em.

Chris


Morb - yeah, I'll try to get some photos soon. They will only be static, since I don't have a camera person.

[the Swamp Fox]

Congrats on the maiden ,,,,

hey , anyone have a pic of the underside (camo version) ?
or simply ,,,, what color is it ?

doh! think I caught A glimpse of it in #28

thanks :)

[Morb]

*John Wayne Accent* Got yer Underside right here bub......

:D

Slammin,

You'll just have to bring your plane to Chilliwack for the fly in (http://www.smoothair.ca/events/task,view_detail/agid,20/year,2005/month,08/day,26/Itemid,1/) then so I can do some video. It's going to be huge event this year, and you are only in Washington. he he he

Goiing to work on the Spit today, since my greasy little paws have been in the box again for these pics. :D

[the Swamp Fox]

thanks MOrb ,,,,



ordered one last night .

since I have some axi 20's and several 1500 packs it just didn't make since not to ;)

[Morb]

Hey no problem. :)

I smoked my Alfa P51 D Marie full inverted into the ground tonight, crash was so impressive that I wasn't quite upset.

Now I HAVE to build the Spit.....

Going to start tomorrow. :)

Geof.

[Morb]

Here's my lovely daughter Meghan posing with the Canage....talk about motivation into building that Spit, and stop flying for the next little while. :D

[Morb]

Sorry guys, I was going to start building last night, but my health got the better of me and I had a bit of a rough night.

This morning, I did some cleaning of my workspace in my plane room, am about to hop outside before it gets to warm to test fly my Axi Powered (2212/34 11x7 Prop 3s1p 1550 Mah Tanic) on my Tigermoth 400..

Then this evening, the build begins where I'll start a new thread.

Thanks for the patience guys....I'll be getting video and all that good stuff as well.

Geof.

[the Swamp Fox]

well wouldn't ya know...

ordered monday...

found out they're out of town until the 6th .... :(

oh well gives me time to clean up...

look forward to build pics Morb

[SammyB]

The fuse is all wood right? I just got the mustang and the rear top of the fuse where the stab group mounts is crap vacu formed.

[Morb]

Sorry guys, had a bit of a health crisis .. I will be starting this tonight, but have to goto the hospital ...

Expect tomorrow to be the big build day.

Whole plane is wood.

[SammyB]

excellent. Sorry to hear of the health problems

[Morb]

Here's my build thread guys, with the Curtek Lighting System.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=400904

[SammyB]

so this thread is pretty much dead and I can unsubscribe I assume?

[the Swamp Fox]

not sure ,

getting mine in a couple days . I'll slap it together ,fly (hopefully) and get some video .
take care

[ex-racr]

See post 32- no spinner with kit.
These may be a nice alternative:
http://www.maxxprod.com/mpi/mpi-291.html
I don't have any, but may order them in the near future

Terry

-Don't know if they're heavier than Graupner or plastic spinners

[the Swamp Fox]

I got this one ... 45mm from Esprit .

[slammin]

Swamp fox,
How much does that spinner weigh?


Chris

[the Swamp Fox]

not sure Chris but it's pretty light ....Lighter than the other ones I have around... don't have a scale ... sorry :(

hey, anyone have a landing gear shot ?

looks like ya just slice a hole ,put the wire in and wedge it in with the wood piece . is that right ?

take care ~

[ex-racr]

THat's definitely got to be lighter than the Al spinners in my link.

[Morb]

Hey Swamp,

I'm just looking at the back of your Axi...is that a stick mount, and if so, where'd you get it from?

Geof.

[the Swamp Fox]

Hi Morb,

hope you're feeling well .

yup, it's a radial stick mount that's supposed to maintain the thrustline of the offset gws style gearboxes.

Got it at www.espritmodel.com

[the Swamp Fox]

ok here it is mounted up on the plane ...

fit is really nice, looks good to me as well ,,,,like the white contrast .

had to saw the stick off a bit to get the right clearance ...

[slammin]

Looks good. I like the spinner and the mount. I'll have to look into those if I end up building another one.

I'm enjoying flying mine. It's a great parkflyer, super quiet, and looks great in the air.

Chris

[rpage53]

And to the white Spitfire, if anyone can tell me where they got the White American scheme, please share it:
I think they borrowed it from a P-51 scheme. It would have been bare aluminum, not white, but a non-modeller wouldn't notice.
http://www.ak-models.com/arfmodels/Electric%20Spitfire/espitfire.jpg http://www.31stfightergroup.com/31stReference/history/hlbd2.gif http://www.31stfightergroup.com/31stReference/history/hlx4.gif
http://www.31stfightergroup.com/31stReference/history/31planes.html

So sorry, not likely scale.

To add some more, I think the USAAF Spits all arrived already in camo from the RAF whereas the Mustangs arrived in bare metal from the factory. Some 51's were put into use with just the squadron markings resulting in the "white" paint scheme. I think the AK Models spit actually has a P-51 tail number, but I can't see it clearly.

Rick.

[Tommy D]

Hey Swampy.... any video?? How did the maiden go??

<Just saw your thread.... I'm a doof!>

[wellington53]

Been watching this tread with interest as I also have the AK Models Spitfire which I think is great. To get this bird in the air I throw her underhand at full throttle and off she goes. Ballance point is about 2 and 1/4ins. AUW is 1lb 4oz's, My power plant is the Park 370 5400 with the ''C'' gear driving a 9070 GWS prop, Phoenix 10 for esc, The landing gear is left off. My battery packs are home made 10 cell 800mah aaa's that are slid into the nose, velcro is used to hold down the canopy and the cowl. I've had around 50 fifty flights on her so far and for now, this is my favorite plane.
Glenn, WI

[Morb]

Willington,

What are you using for a battery, and do you have any pics?

Geof.

[SammyB]

I have a buddy that has one. He is a pretty good pilot. (he won the edf design contest here) and he said his was a tip staller special. Anyone else?

[wellington53]

Geof, I make my own 10 cell aaa packs, they weigh around four and a half ounces,
Glenn.

[slammin]

Sammy,
I haven't noticed any tip stalling in mine. This is one of the best-low speed handling birds I've flown. Just curious, is it low speed or high speed stalls, and what's your friend's AUW?

Chris

[SammyB]

I'll have to check

[the Swamp Fox]

it's a real floater with a 2oz outrunner and 3s lipo 1320-1550 :)


My second one is almost ready, have to trim canopy and plug up the servos . Used some different 1 1/2" wheels and a dubro micro tailskid .Ground handling is very good.

Axi 2212/20 / 3s1550 tanic /aeronaut 8.5x6 carbon / cc25/ 1 3/4" spinner

of course now it's a little too late and raining ...

take care all ~

[wellington53]

Anyone flown theirs lately? Crashed even!! Mine's going well so far, Had some near misses though,
Glenn...

[SammyB]

Looks good on the gear Swamp. Ground handling is good with just the skid? Thats good to hear.

[SammyB]

now we need some flight videos. Anyone have any?

[the Swamp Fox]

I maidened Spitfire II the 24th .

Have 3 flights on it ... going very well . Nice flyer .

I used the wing from the 1st one that crashed on maiden ,,, just need a fuse and I'll have 2 :)

yup sammy ,ground handles great on the skid .

I'll get some new vid soon ,,

but here's the maiden of Spitfire 1

http://www.back40flyers.com/flightvids/akspitfire.WMV

take care

[Morb]

I've looked over the damage myself, and think at the price these kits run is so reasonable, that I'll just buy a second kit.

I'll keep the old wings, since they have all the Curteks in it...


Geof.