Well, I have been planning and gathering for this bird for a while now. Built one about 15 years ago with glow motors and it flew so well, I have always wanted another. This one will be powered with a pair of 5550-400kv motors turning big ole scale size 3-blade props. I have a set of 100 degree Spring Air retracts, that let the model have the correct wheel and gear stance, both nose and main legs swept forward with a tail low stance. The wheels will be just barely smaller than scale, so the effect will be correct. Not going to do a lot of "super scale" detail, as it will be a weekend warrior. No gear doors, or other doo-da. Thinking about an aluminum tape finish, as I have never tried it before.
Just sorting out the retracts, and some other details right now. My wood order should be here tuesday, so the actual build will start then.

Nice! I have extensive experience with Harbor Freight tape, and all I can say if you want a metal finish is bring your patience!

Mark

Originally Posted by mrittinger

Nice! I have extensive experience with Harbor Freight tape, and all I can say if you want a metal finish is bring your patience!

Mark

You just had to bring that up! Patience is not one of my virtues. "I wanna fly it NOW!"
Actually, that's just 1 possibility right now. I'm still not sure if I want to do an OD or aluminium scheme.

If it were me, I'd cover it in Doculam and paint it, or do one of the rare Cleveland Air Race schemes...

Some not too common color schemes...

Forgot the Green Hornet!

OK, got the kit pretty much cut out except gor a few minor pieces. Construction will start soon. Still decideing whether to do the wing first, or fuse and booms first.

WING kits?? Those were Good! back when :-)
Suggest $1store Ali duct tape.
I found, that besides it being $1/roll it is of Much thinner gauge.
While that's bad for duct taping it's Great! for ali skinning.

Building has commenced!
Started with the tail feathers, since they are reasonably simple to do, and I hate hinging, so now I have the majority of it done. Decided to add the counter balances to the rudders. Drilled and inserted a 1/8" dowel in the counter balance to keep them from getting broken off.
Also added the triangle stock and 1/16" plywood doublers to the boom sides. I increased the tri-stock from 3/8" to 1/2" so I can round out the slab sides a bit more that designed. Won't be true oval cross sections, but close.
Plan to get the booms framed up and the retracts installed today, maybe.
Still trying to decide on a scheme. I do really like the racers, but have done a few racers in the past, and my fleet needs a good warbird right now. May just go with one of the schemes, that Callie already has grafics for.

One boom started. Hope it stays straight once all the weight and clamps are removed.

Anyone know who makes these spinners? They are the right shape and size, 2 1/2", but I need to find some that are un-cut, or cut for 3-blade props.

Could the spinners be what are sold under the "Radioactive" brand in Europe?
http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk...xd.asp?id=1508. 2-1/2" 3-balde about halfway down the page...

T

Try some nice ones from Tru-turn or Dave Brown products. You get what you pay for in spinners...
Even Eflite might have the right shape/size. I try to shy away from plastic, if I can.

http://www.truturn.com/Spinners/By_S..._shape_p38.htm
Mark

Those Radio Actives look like they may be the ones I need. Tru Turn does not make a small P-38 spinner, and the Dave Brown Vortec FAIs would work, but the smallest is 2 3/4".

Main retracts in the booms worked out. Now need to frame the other boom, and do the same set-up. Had to work all this out as the plans show firewall mount style 90 degree gear, with small wheels. Scale size on wheels should be about 1/2" larger, but these will look OK, I think.