Raidentech P-38 ARF

[Ramones, The]

Just noticed this plane on their website. $ 135.00

http://www.raidentech.com/pnigararecor.html


New P-38 Nitro Gas/Electric Radio Remote Controlled RC Airplane! This ARF P38 supports both 2c 0.12 cu in engines or 400T Brushless Motor w/ 11.1V 1300-1600mAh.


51.5" wingspan, 38.5" long, 387.5 sq. in. wing area, 4 lb. flying weight. Amazing detail, the art of the model airplane brought to a new level. All Balsa/Plywood. Comes with fuel tanks, landing gears, screws and hardware. The mass balances on the elevator are faithfully reproduced. The aircraft is very high quality, high detail, right down to the gun sights. While a great deal of work has been done, there is still a lot of assembly for you to do. Included is also a CD photo illustrated instruction manual. Flight performance is very good with the 400T motors that we recommend and the plane is easy to fly. Landings are slow and soft. Four channels are required: (3 servos).

Wing span: 51.5 in / 1310mm Wing area: 387.5 sq in / 25 sq dm
Flying weight: 4.0 lb / 1850g Fuselage length: 38.5 in / 980 mm x2
Engine Required: 2c 0.12 cu in x2 Radio Required: 4 channels,7mini servos

[Tommy D]

Thats a GREAT find. 4lbs seems kind of portly though for it's wing area??

I really hope someone takes a chance on this one!

Tommy D

P.S. Nice orange props huh!!

[Jagzilla]

I've been drooling over this one as well. I'm wondering if it has any sorta battery accessibility built into it? All in all, it looks pretty interesting for the price!
J

[jbest]

Looks nice. That weight sure seems high ??

[Jagzilla]

I think by going electric some weight could be saved.
J

[k_sonn]

I have flown gas powered warbirds for a number of years and have been converting to e-power over the past two years. I am amazed at what is considered heavy in the e-powered arena. Most warbirds have a wing loading between mid 30's to mid 40's ounces per square foot. The wing loading on P-38s are even higher (mid 50's to mid 60's). If this ARF comes in at 4 pounds, it would have a wing loading of 23.7 oz/sq ft. This thing is so light it will fly more like a sport plane than a warbird.

[Mac8]

I wonder if the weight advertised is the gas setup and not electric. Seems high to me. It sure is tempting for the price. I've seen the Voyager up close and fly and the quality was good. I'll send an email to them and ask about the empty weight.

[Jagzilla]

I think you will find their advertised weight is the gas powered option, as it is listed in the nitro section of their website. As I posted earlier, my concern is more along the lines of where do the batteries go? I hate having to start hacking things up to make a battery compartment. And how does it balance out with electric as opposed to gas? I know from previous experiences that Raidentech will be of no help at all with these types of questions. One of us will have to take the plunge and buy the thing! I've blown my allowance, and a bunch of my future allowances on other projects in the fire, so I'll be passing on this one for a little while.
J

P.S....Tommy, aren't you aware that "hugger" orange props go faster???

[Tommy D]

I'm thinking a pair of geared Mega's pulling about 30A each. At that rate Ill need at least a pair of 2100 3S in each pod <will it ever balance?>. That said don't be suprised it the electric powered model comes in heavier depending on ballest required.

So who's going to convert the 1st one??

Tommy D

[Mac8]

Tommy,

Good points. Looks like you have it planned out. I was thinking about some new HET Typhoon 29/12/10 or /14 outrunners and a 3S1P 4000mah 20C Vampower pack. At $53 the motors are a great value. Like you said, will it all fit and balance correctly.

http://www.warbirds-rc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=W&Category_Code=WH

Come on Tommy you know you want one. :D

Chuck M.

[Tommy D]

Sure I would like one, but given enough space, I would like one of them all!

Ill let someone else do this one first. Perhaps if you can get the battery pack<s> up in the fuse getting the CG right will be easier??

Keep your eye on E-Bay and perhaps we will start seeing these things in mass!

Tommy D

[shschon]

Take a look at this:
http://www.raidentech.com/ovbrscnigabr.html

Although raidentech put it on the scale plane section instead of warbird this one is actually also a warbird.

There are two video clips of a similar sized Bronco at Esprit model
http://www.espritmodel.com/
(check the Photo/Video section)

The interesting thing is that at the beginning of the video it is stated that they fly the bronco on two GWS EPS 400C-D (3:1) power system.

Imaging converting a glow plane to electric using only two cheap GWS EPS400 power systems!

[Herb]

A friend flies the Raidentech P-51 at my field, converted to electric:

http://www.raidentech.com/cmppufi50fia.html

The quality is just unbelieveable. When he told me the price, I was ready to fall over :eek: . This particular kit (incredible fiberglass fuse) was light, not ultralight, but not heavy at all either.

If some of the other kits are like this ... I would have bought one, but there's more to life than P-51's.

[CUBANO8]

I also saw this P-38, but on another web page. Looks nice. I called them up, and they said it would be available around the end of Feb.

http://www.nitroplanes.com/plinigasrare.html

[wannabe]

The P-38 is the one that has been on the Richmodel site for several months.

http://www.avia-richmodel.com/english/Products_List.asp?ID=03

Strange that a distributer not listed as a Richmodel distributor has them in the U.S. first...

[Jimbo45cn]

Thanks for the two sites. Geez, more airplanes to drool over. Jim

[wannabe]

Take a look at this:
http://www.raidentech.com/ovbrscnigabr.html

Although raidentech put it on the scale plane section instead of warbird this one is actually also a warbird.

There are two video clips of a similar sized Bronco at Esprit model
http://www.espritmodel.com/
(check the Photo/Video section)

The interesting thing is that at the beginning of the video it is stated that they fly the bronco on two GWS EPS 400C-D (3:1) power system.

Imaging converting a glow plane to electric using only two cheap GWS EPS400 power systems!

I guess it depends on the weight. It says 4.4 lbs for the Raiden Bronco. I ordered one and it should be here on Monday. I will weigh it. It is the same size as the Esprit kit. It shouldnt be more than 8oz +/- difference in weight.

[J Morgan]

Yep, I couldn't stand looking at it any longer. I ordered the Bronco. Now just to find the time to play with it.

J

[shschon]

Remember to take pictures in your build and post building thread guys! :)

[wannabe]

Here is a link to where the build of my Raiden Bronco will be:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=475564#post5003216

I weighed all parts packages (I did not weigh fuel tanks) and got a bone dry weight of 49.2oz. Heavy duty :(

-Todd

[CUBANO8]

What do you guys think of a pair of Nippy Black 2510/114 from HL, for the P-38? I like the weight of the motors at 2.4oz

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/brushless-uberall.htm

[J Morgan]

I just got mine. Going with AXI 2212/20 on 8-6E and 3s-2500 lipos.

J

[feathermerchant]

J - P-38? Must have pictures.

[J Morgan]

No, sorry, the Bronco.

J

[CUBANO8]

Fedex just delivered my P-38.

[Tommy D]

Oh Boy!! Whats the impression!! Room for batterys in that front pod/Fuse?

[CUBANO8]

Oh Boy!! Whats the impression!! Room for batterys in that front pod/Fuse?

I love it!!

Yes plenty of room for batteries :)

[CUBANO8]

Here's some pics:

[CUBANO8]

More pics...

[CUBANO8]

More Pics....

[CUBANO8]

more pics....

[Mac8]

Cubano8,

Thanks for the great pics. What's your initial impression on the quality of the ARF?

What motors you planning to run?

Chuck M.

[CUBANO8]

I'm going to post the weights now, and I will edit it tomorrow when I see Herm. He was writing the weights down, and there's one that I need to edit, but for now:


Wing: 5 3/8 oz x 2
Horizontal stab/elevator: 1 1/4oz
vertical stab/rudder(both): 3/4 oz
cowling : 1oz x 2
Boom: 4 5/8oz x 2
fuselage: 3 1/4oz
glass P: 4 1/4oz
spar: 5/8oz

[CUBANO8]

Cubano8,

Thanks for the great pics. What's your initial impression on the quality of the ARF?

What motors you planning to run?

Chuck M.

The quality is very good, I am very Impressed with it, and so were two buddy's that I showed at the flying field today.

The motors, well thats a good question. Iwas going to go with a Nippy brushless at 1st, but, after discussing it with my friend Herm. I came to the conclusion of building the plane first, seeing what the final results will be, then go with either a light setup that we can hand launch or a heavier setup with retracts that we could take-off from the ground. depending on the outcome of the build. taking into consideration the wings are quite tapered, not a whole lot of wing area, so a hand launch might be tricky.

BTW. I didn't get a CD/DVD with the plane

[Tommy D]

Thanks for all your time and effort on the posts. Is there room inside the fuse for say a pair of TP 2100 3S packs? Perhaps those gun "barrells" could be enlarged, and an open canopy might all aid in cooling?

Think you can make an AUW of 45-50ozs?

Again, thanks for your outstanding work.

Tommy D

[CUBANO8]

Thanks for all your time and effort on the posts. Is there room inside the fuse for say a pair of TP 2100 3S packs? Perhaps those gun "barrells" could be enlarged, and an open canopy might all aid in cooling?

Think you can make an AUW of 45-50ozs?

Again, thanks for your outstanding work.

Tommy D

plenty of space to fit two tp 2100 3s packs in the fuse, and yes the gun barrells can be enlarge for cooling, with an open canopy(good idea).

I will try to hit the 40oz mark 1st, I'm also thinking of the CG point also, so its something I will have to deal with after completing the plane.

My builds usually comprise of adding components as I build, but for this build I'm going to build the plane and then add components.

[rogerchr]

I just got mine. Going with AXI 2212/20 on 8-6E and 3s-2500 lipos.

J
I'm going with the same thing but I think I'll try a single TP ProLite 4200 3s under the canopy. It weighs only 10 oz and two PQ 1800 packs weigh 9.4 oz. I ay have to do some surgery to move the TP into the nose.

[Mac8]

Here's the pack I'm planning to use. 3S1P 4000mah 20C burst and only $99.

[rogerchr]

A weight audit of the P-38 kit came to 46 oz less motors, ESCs and battery. I have completed most of the subassemblies and am about ready for final. The kit quality is among the best I have seen in an ARF. The only disapointing thing I found was the wheels. The axle holes are no where close to center (1/4" of excentric motion on one).
http://database-web.com/rcgroups/wheels.JPG
I have requested replacements but will probably have to just buy new ones. This plane will be challenging to fly because of its high wing loading. Stall speed is predicted at 25mph in MotoCalc. I have a GP DC-3 (similar wing planform) and the spin characteristics are down right scarey if you don't pay attention. I've fixed that one 3 times.

[SPasierb]

I had to take the leap too and just ordered up the P38 (also the $59 Spit they had on the site just for grins). For those who have them, what's your opinion on the viablity of the 38 as a belly lander on a nice cut grass field? I'm too lazy to adapt to retracts and the gear hanging down below isn't all that aestetic. It may cost the occasional broken prop, but that's not too awful.

[CUBANO8]

A weight audit of the P-38 kit came to 46 oz less motors, ESCs and battery. I have completed most of the subassemblies and am about ready for final. The kit quality is among the best I have seen in an ARF. The only disapointing thing I found was the wheels. The axle holes are no where close to center (1/4" of excentric motion on one).
http://database-web.com/rcgroups/wheels.JPG
I have requested replacements but will probably have to just buy new ones. This plane will be challenging to fly because of its high wing loading. Stall speed is predicted at 25mph in MotoCalc. I have a GP DC-3 (similar wing planform) and the spin characteristics are down right scarey if you don't pay attention. I've fixed that one 3 times.


So no chance of hand launching ?

[rogerchr]

My guess is maybe with a moped. ;>)

[CUBANO8]

My guess is maybe with a moped. ;>)


:D LOL, Cool! Now I got a good excuse to use my ATV at the field. Hope the rest of the club understands :D :D

[mpope1]

Can the nose gear be set up to taxi, or is it fixed?

[CUBANO8]

Can the nose gear be set up to taxi, or is it fixed?

The nose wheel is setup for taxing.

[rogerchr]

I was told this morning by our club pres. that he witnessed a maden of the P-38 on Sunday. The owner had built the model per plan using the recommended 400t motors. http://store.yahoo.com/raidentech168/br400moforsc.html
The model seemed to have plenty of power and the ROG was strong and controlled. Stall testing was done at a safe altitude and the model exhibeted a characteristic which I would describe as canard like from the pres's account to me. Landing was well done with stable approaches and smooth rool out on our less than perfect dirt strip. Two flights were done with no negatives reported. I asked the pres. to put me in contact with this guy and i'll get some first hand info but the flights and show and tell has apparently sent a bunch of people to thier computers to order one. Is this beginning to sound too goo to be true? :rolleyes: More when I talk to the guy or when my plane maidens.

[BreaknDivineWind]

Very nice plane almost reserved one for myself, but went with a P-51 instead. Rather new to flying myself. Have a couple of foamies. Thinking about a scratch build for my next plane.

[rogerchr]

I am now fitting the 10 plastic formed parts, setting the empenage and doing weight and balance. I may be ready by next Tuesday.
First photo (http://database-web.com/rcgroups/P-38/P-38-1.JPG)

[Jimbo45cn]

Anybody have any video of this plane yet?

[CUBANO8]

Anybody have any video of this plane yet?

I'm still in the building process. I'll post one as soon as I finish.

[shschon]

I'm still in the building process. I'll post one as soon as I finish.


Do you think this plane would tend to be nose heavy or tail heavy?

[rogerchr]

Do you think this plane would tend to be nose heavy or tail heavy?
My results are as follows:

AXI 2212/20 motors with mounts and 1" spacers
Castle Phoenix 25a ESCs in the cowls
HLHS175 spinners trimmed inside http://www.hobby-lobby.com/spinners.htm
APC 8x6 E props
TP 3s2p ProLite 4200 battery under the canopy
Deans Ultra connectors and 18ga wire for power wiring

The balance point is about 2.25" from the leading edge and the
instructions say 3" so it's nose heavy. I may fly it this way and
then move the cg back later. The battery can slide back about 1".

AUW is 61.4 oz

[CUBANO8]

Do you think this plane would tend to be nose heavy or tail heavy?

Don't know yet. Club didn't allow ATV's at the field so I had to make some changes on my build.

[rogerchr]

Don't know yet. Club didn't allow ATV's at the field so I had to make some changes on my build.
RETRACTS!!! Ok I'm ordering superchargers :)

[Tommy D]

Forget the Retracts and the chargers' where do I get guns!! :D

Great work on the info and the photos!

Tommy D

[CUBANO8]

Got the motors in today....

[hermperez]

Herb, get some pics and more detail and post it here.. very pretty plane..how did he mount the batteries?

Herm

A friend flies the Raidentech P-51 at my field, converted to electric:

http://www.raidentech.com/cmppufi50fia.html

The quality is just unbelieveable. When he told me the price, I was ready to fall over :eek: . This particular kit (incredible fiberglass fuse) was light, not ultralight, but not heavy at all either.

If some of the other kits are like this ... I would have bought one, but there's more to life than P-51's.

[CUBANO8]

Got the batteries in today...

[AMTJIM]

Man am I glad to see this plane. I'd given up on ever seeing a reasonablely priced P-38.

[DaveA]

Haven't been on the forums much lately, so just now saw this thread. For you guys talking about "open canopies" for cooling, you might want to know that P-38's had car-door type doors rather than sliding canopies. In fact, I think their side windows rolled down just like car windows. I vaguely recall that the top of the canopy could be jettisoned for bail-outs, but unlike most other WWII fighters, there was no sliding canopy on the P-38.

- - Dave

[shschon]

Haven't been on the forums much lately, so just now saw this thread. For you guys talking about "open canopies" for cooling, you might want to know that P-38's had car-door type doors rather than sliding canopies. In fact, I think their side windows rolled down just like car windows. I vaguely recall that the top of the canopy could be jettisoned for bail-outs, but unlike most other WWII fighters, there was no sliding canopy on the P-38.

- - Dave

I am sure you have mistaken P-39 for P-38. Just take a look at P-38 cockpit the wing comes out right below the window there is no way a car type door can be installed.

On the other hand take a look at photos of P-39 Aircobra, that is the plane with car type door.
http://www.airmuseumsuk.org/airshow/2004/Legends2004/1024/pages/020%20Bell%20P39-Q6%20Airacobra%2042-19993%20TFC.htm

[CUBANO8]

Wow! Very nice web page. Never been there. Thanks for sharing.

[MERLIN V16]

I am sure you have mistaken P-39 for P-38. Just take a look at P-38 cockpit the wing comes out right below the window there is no way a car type door can be installed.

On the other hand take a look at photos of P-39 Aircobra, that is the plane with car type door.
http://www.airmuseumsuk.org/airshow/2004/Legends2004/1024/pages/020%20Bell%20P39-Q6%20Airacobra%2042-19993%20TFC.htm

Look again he (DaveA) is right!
the pilot is also below the wing.Check out all the photos!

[Tommy D]

Hey Merlin, where ya been? Work on the P-47 at all?

Someone say P-39?

Tommy D

[MERLIN V16]

Hey Merlin, where ya been? Work on the P-47 at all?

Someone say P-39?

Tommy D

I,m into it right now Tommy. I cant find my Hinges. the Rudder needs work
Will be ready soon!
than i can get this P-38!

[Ramones, The]

The side windows of the 38 did roll down like an automobile, but I read a pilot's autobiography and he claimed that it wasn't advisable to roll them down during flight. He said that the irregular slipstream made the plane difficult to fly. So they had to deal with the plane's insufficient cooling until they got to higher altitude.

[MERLIN V16]

yes

[wannabe]

Tommy, where'd you get that cool P-39?

[shschon]

Look again he (DaveA) is right!
the pilot is also below the wing.Check out all the photos!

I agree about the roll down window but there is no "car type" door like the P39 on the P38. The pilot get in and out of th cockpit by fliping the top of the canopy open and with the side window rolled down. There is no other "car type door" on a side to get in and out of the cockpit.

Here is a training video teaching you how to operate a real P-38 and you can see how pilots get in and out of the cockpit.

http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/P38.html

[MERLIN V16]

I agree about the roll down window but there is no "car type" door like the P39 on the P38. The pilot get in and out of th cockpit by fliping the top of the canopy open and with the side window rolled down. There is no other "car type door" on a side to get in and out of the cockpit.

Here is a training video teaching you how to operate a real P-38 and you can see how pilots get in and out of the cockpit.

http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/P38.html


He said "CAR DOOR TYPE WINDOWS" (like a 68 Chevelle or a 65 Mustang).They Roll up and down with with a Crank.
He never said anything about a door.
Yes it has no door like a P-39/P63.
NOW is any one going to make roll down windows for this plane or are you
guys just going to stick with retracts?

[Ramones, The]

He actually said (see last post of page 4) "...you might want to know that P-38's had car-door type doors rather than sliding canopies." but alas I agree, let's get back to the main topic of this terrific R/C aircraft.

[CUBANO8]

Got in an order today. Installed prop adapter, speed controller, connectors, and prop...

[CUBANO8]

With the 10x6 prop, here's real world results...

1/4 throttle- 4amps 12.1volts 50watts

1/2 throttle- 11.3amps 12volts 144watts

3/4 throttle- 16amps 11volts 177watts

full throttle- 25amps 10.4volts 264watts


using a CC-25 ESC

[MERLIN V16]

He actually said (see last post of page 4) "...you might want to know that P-38's had car-door type doors rather than sliding canopies." but alas I agree, let's get back to the main topic of this terrific R/C aircraft.

Yes He said "DOORS" but I'm sure he meant WINDOWS because everybody knows The P-39/P-63 had Doors and the P-38 Did not. And if He didn't now he does.
Wasn't the engine in the tail like a VW....Don't start! I'm only kidding!

[Tommy D]

Nice numbers on the Nippy. Bet with for example a 10x7 APC it runs very close to a 3:1 geared Mega 16/15/3. With less weight and no noise I think you have a winner there!

Tommy D

[DaveA]

My bad, I did confuse the P-39 door with the P-38 and it's crank-down windows. In any case, the -38 still didn't have a slide-open canopy.

You could cut out the side windows (permanently "rolled down") for cooling, but you might run into the same problem someone mentioned about the full-scale one, turbulence off the opening would be headed right toward the rudders.

Looked at the Raidentech web site yesterday, I am kind of boggled how much their price is below the list price. Do those list prices have anything to do with real life?

Has anyone looked into doing this model with brushed motors beefier than speed 400's? A couple Multiplex Turbo 450's might give more power than geared S400's. Maybe not as much as brushless, but a lot cheaper and can both run off one ESC to boot.

Heckuva model for the price, will be very interested in flying reports as people get their finished.

- - Dave

[hermperez]

wow!, if it comes in at 47oz as expected you will have 180watts/lb, it should leap off the ground quickly.. you can also try my counter-rotating 9*6 prop set if you get scared :)

Per Ecalc, will climb vertical at 40mph sustained, top speed 63mph, stall speed 16mph, max climb rate 3780fpm vertical, or about 630ft vertical in 10 seconds.

An 8" pitch prop will increase top speed to 75mph, if you can find a counter-rotating set in this size.. and at 180watts/lb you do need counter-rotating props or the plane will do a snap roll when you jam the throttles into military power.

I dont know what the rpm limits of the nippy motor is, ecalc says you are doing about 9300rpm with the 10*6 prop.

Herm

With the 10x6 prop, here's real world results...

full throttle- 25amps 10.4volts 264watts

[hermperez]

Sam, these are the spinners you need:

GR1298/4 30mm Precision Spinner for 4mm
Shaft ..... $ 16.50

this one has an enlarged prop hole:
GR1304/47* 38mm Spinner for 4mm shaft and 8mm prop
hole ..... $ 21.70


http://www.hobby-lobby.com/propadap.htm

you will have to modify one of the spinners for a reverse pitch prop, and then BALANCE the spinner. I have the precision balancer to do it.. probably a good idea to balance the props too.

Have you pondered on using one BEC for the servos and the other BEC for the retracts?. The new CC 25A controllers have 3A becs, the old ones have a 1.5A BEC.

[CUBANO8]

you will have to modify one of the spinners for a reverse pitch prop, and then BALANCE the spinner. I have the precision balancer to do it.. probably a good idea to balance the props too.

Have you pondered on using one BEC for the servos and the other BEC for the retracts?. The new CC 25A controllers have 3A becs, the old ones have a 1.5A BEC.

Spinners look nice but I have theses to work with for now:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBMX7&P=0

"modify" is my middle name. By the time its done. it will probably have working guns, and two rocket launchers :D

Yes, I pondered the thought of using the the BEC, but as per link you sent me last night I believe I have the old 1.5amp version.

It proped both motors last night and ran them both, and, :eek: this thing has got a lot of power, with both running full

[MERLIN V16]

On the site they show a silver P-38,covered ,than
two photos show it un-covered!Are they just showing the construction!
Does the Kit come covered,uncovered or is it available both ways?????????
Thanks

[CUBANO8]

On the site they show a silver P-38,covered ,than
two photos show it un-covered!Are they just showing the construction!
Does the Kit come covered,uncovered or is it available both ways?????????
Thanks


It comes covered, just like the photos on the web.

[MERLIN V16]

COOL!
Thanks for the info.
I can't wait for the flight report!
john

[babycoy]

Yes flight report please...
Got mine last Wednesday still in the box up to now :D

[rogerchr]

I can report that the P-38 flies great. I maidened mine last Monday and had a completly enjoyable flight with everything working perfectly and requiring no trim adjustments. I was actually hot dogging around when at about 6 minutes into the flight it suddenly froze in a left bank and dove to the ground. I returned home that morning and ordered another one. This weekend I just about finished #2 and should be ready this week but it looks like rain will prevent a maiden this week. I think I had an aileron servo failure (HS81). I was using a servo arm with a 1" moment???? I never do that but I did this time and with a fast airplane making tight banked turns at near 90 degrees... Well next time I will do a more conservative maiden and get it back on the ground in one piece. It's a great flier and one that seduces you into screwing around. Not a beginners airplane but if you respect it it's a joy to fly. I was having so much fun buzzing around and doing an airshow that I forgot to do stall testing and low speed approaches. Two thumbs up. I'll try to get some video of the #2 maiden.

[wannabe]

Roger,
Was there any indication that a motor/ESC was the cause od the crash?

[babycoy]

Do you think HS-81 is not sufficient to handle the stress of the aileron?

[rogerchr]

My results are as follows:

AXI 2212/20 motors with mounts and 1" spacers
Castle Phoenix 25a ESCs in the cowls
HLHS175 spinners trimmed inside http://www.hobby-lobby.com/spinners.htm
APC 8x6 E props
TP 3s2p ProLite 4200 battery under the canopy
Deans Ultra connectors and 18ga wire for power wiring

The balance point is about 2.25" from the leading edge and the
instructions say 3" so it's nose heavy. I may fly it this way and
then move the cg back later. The battery can slide back about 1".

AUW is 61.4 oz

babycoy: I am guessing that using excessivly long servo arms could have been the cause but can't be sure.

wannabe: I have read that the full sized P-38 will fly well with one engine with rudder correction (I have no rudder). I don't think there was engine failure with 25 amp CC speed controls operating at 11-12 amps. WOT is 16 amps. Anyway the P-38 did not spin like a DC-3 would on engine failure.

The reciever was pulled from an Eindekker which is 2 1/2 years old.

This model has no replaceable parts (that I am arare of).

I intend to make plugs for cowls and nose parts which are suitable for vacuum forming. I am using Durhams Rock Hard Water Putty cut 50-50 and poured into existing parts and set under vacuum to remove air bubbles.

I have done the research on various moulding techniques and am not willing to invest in any more development processes. "I know nothing... "This whole idea stinks (if you've ever done vacuum forming)...

Toworrow I will help a friend convert his Pacific Aeromodels Tiger Moth 30 from a geared Mega 30/20 with 10-GP3300 NiMh to an AXI 2826/8 with TP 3s 4200 LiPo like mine. You loose more than half a pound and what a difference in flying at half throttle.

My time is limited by my workload (I'm self employed). Please eMail if you want a more timely response and I'll try to respond.

[MERLIN V16]

Rogerchr
Sorry to read that about the Maiden. It must have been impressive flight!
Good luck with #2. Video would be great as well!
John

[YEAP CHIN POH]

Hi


Nice looking bird. Was wondering if the plane could be dismantled for storage?

Regards

[shschon]

Flight Videos please! :)

[Tommy D]

I hope this thread is just taking a break. I nearly bought one of these today. It would be nice to read/compare notes with a few builders on here.

Tommy D

[babycoy]

rogerchr,

how many servo did you use for the elevator? bec both fuse has the preinstalled tube for elevator pushrod.

-alvin

[rogerchr]

rogerchr,

how many servo did you use for the elevator? bec both fuse has the preinstalled tube for elevator pushrod.

-alvin

One HS81 std servo on the left side. All hinges pinned with toothpicks.

If weather holds (no rain) and not too overcast I may maiden #2 on Tuesday morning.

[babycoy]

One HS81 std servo on the left side. All hinges pinned with toothpicks.

Ok thanks.

Goodluck on your #2!

[CUBANO8]

Well I decided to maiden my P-38 today, on my lunch break. I went to the flying field around 12:30, and was surprised to see the sprinkler trucks there, watering the crops around the field. I knew that this was going to have to be a quick flight, before they started to position themselves around the edge of the field.
I quicky got the 38 out, and set it up. I noticed that the left motor was cutting out at full throttle :o so if any flying was going to take place it was limited to the 3/4 range. I wanted to see 1st how well the retracts were going to hold up by just taxing it around the grass field, and to my surprise they did very well :)

Then I taxied it to the takeoff position, and noticed the wind sock was straight out, with a little crosswind added. It was blowing too 15mph with 21gusting coming out of the SE :eek: Oh my, its now or never, so I gave it 1/2 throttle and she started to roll nicely down the runway, giving it some throttle, and she was up with only 20ft. WOW no trimming was neccesary, she was ture to the balance that I gave it. Then came the gear up sequence, and again no trimming was neccesary.
I knew this was going to be a quick flight when I heard the trucks now getting into position to fire the main water gun. So I didn't get her up too far. I just flew her in a simple circuit pattern.
Flying her was uneventfull, except for the wind and gusts, she flew very nicely. I did a couple of rolls, without the need for elevator input, keeping in mind not to take her to full throttle. I wished this bird had rudder, cause it would be nice, especially when flying in that crosswind.
Then I heard the trucks start reving up, and I knew it was time to land. I hit the switch to lower the gear, made my crosswing landing as best that I could have and set her down. Ouch!! :mad: the gear just folded in on landing.
Upon inspection, the 1/8" carbon fiber rods I used, didn't hold up, and snapped at the base of the mechanism. Oh well back to the drawing board, as they say.

Overall the plane flys very nicely under those circumstances. I like it, and look forward to getting her back on the air.

*Note* I believe with my setup that I could hand launch this plane. I held it vertically and gave it power just before the left motor would cuttoff, and it wanted to leave my hands vertically.

Here's some of my setup that are not listed in the manual:

Ailerons throw: 1/2" both ways
Elevator throw: 3/8" both ways
CG set at 70mm from leading edge next to the fuselage pod

[hermperez]

You are a brave man Sam, flying a twin with a motor that quits out on occasion, but I'm sure you did a range check also :)

Instead of carbon you could use titanium wire.. pretty stiff and light, plus it wont rust.

Herm

[CUBANO8]

You are a brave man Sam, flying a twin with a motor that quits out on occasion, but I'm sure you did a range check also :)

Instead of carbon you could use titanium wire.. pretty stiff and light, plus it wont rust.

Herm

No, I was in too much of a hurry to do a range check. Those trucks were coming in fast, so I just went for it

[hermperez]

Titanium wire, last three are 1/8", 3/16" and 1/4" diameter, good for your bigger warbirds too:

http://www.smallparts.com/products/descriptions/tiw.cfm

tougher than steel, a tiny bit heavier than aluminum, very shock resistant, will not rust and you can inplant it in your body without chance of rejection.

You may be able to bend it, not sure.

Herm

[hermperez]

either the esc, the motors or the batteries have problems.. probably the esc need to be reprogrammed like CC says to do for twins. What batteries are you using?, I noticed some of your tp 2100 packs have different ability to hold voltage when we were setting up Luis .

Swap the esc around and see if the problem follows them.

I will be happy to reprogram them for you with the usb programmer.

I just remembered, you got new lipos for it..

Herm

[hermperez]

The HS-81 servos have more than enough torque for that plane, you could probably fly a 60 size plane with them.. I'm thinking perhaps your bec overheated and shutdown?.. a few seconds later (after you crash) it cools off and works again..

Herm

I was actually hot dogging around when at about 6 minutes into the flight it suddenly froze in a left bank and dove to the ground.