P-51 Python scratch build.

The pics of the build below are similar but not the exact of the plans posted, I made several improvements to the plans as i was building the plane. Hope to maiden flight this week.

Construction
5mm Dollar Store Foam.
3x 5 gram HXT500 servos (elevator, aileron, rudder)
Blue Wonder motor (7x3 prop) 1.5inch spinner

dry 190g (7.8oz)
ready to fly 250g (8.75oz) w/ Rhino 3s 610

I use Fabri-tac glue on foam and Light Weight Spackle to fill gaps.

I used these two sites to help with planning and building.
http://www.tdmsoftware.com/majewski/rcstuff/python.html
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208409

...

Looking forward to the maiden and video if possible.

Keep up the good work,
Ken

Here are the final pics from the build gonna maiden flight in 30 minutes or so.

Flying Weight 8.5 oz

That is one fine looking mustang I have already downloaded the plans. The last thing I need is another plane but I've got to build this one.

Can't wait to here how it flies, and if you make one to watch the video.

Looking lean and mean!

Ken

Could you kindly explain or post some pics of this method of aileron servo and the control rod usage. Thanx.

The first flight went very well. The center of gravity guess was about right on. It required only 2 clicks up and two clicks right trim. It flies beautiful strait and level. did a few loops a few rolls. finished off with some flybys passes and landed. The plane is a bit underpowered but ill try the 7x6 and see if that helps.

The aileron setup i used is similar to the one shown below in my staggerbee. I used push rods ran through push rod tubing to get the leverage to the aileron control. It works pretty affectingly. using 3 HXT500 servos it was kinda cramped in there. two servos are buried in the back behind the canopy area. the motor is also buried. will be interesting if i ever need to adjust for fix or replace anything. but it is a prototype and as stated above, was built to different plans then posted.

Aileron setup in actual plane can be seen in one of the first pics posted on first post.

The plans posted are updated and have many improvements, but overall should appear very similar to the final product. If i build a 2nd one ill take build pics, if one of you build one, feel free to post your own build progress pics. This plane will take some experience and creativity to build. but is easy to fly and looks amazing in the air.

It started to rain yesterday. so no more flight info.

I got a new prop on there a nice APC 7x6 to try out. Also painted a number on the side.

I made a slightly larger version of your P-51 Python. It was not built as nice as yours was but I truly like this plane and how it flies so this winter I plan to build another one that look much nicer.

I was flying mine today it is 41" wing span, weights 16.7 oz with a 310" wing area. The weather was windy this morning with gust to 17mph or more. This plane really groves in the wind. I don't think 20mph winds would be too much for it.

Thanks for the set of plans. I posted a video of my P-51 Python flying at our flying field LCRC club. When I turn toward the wind with my camera you can hear it whistle and made noise.

P-51 Python 16.7 oz 17mph wind gust.wmv (5 min 6 sec)

Originally Posted by cmreel

It started to rain yesterday. so no more flight info.

I got a new prop on there a nice APC 7x6 to try out. Also painted a number on the side.

Cmreel,
Any updates! Also what is your AUW?

Ken

Well from what i can tell, i need a more powerful motor on mine, as well as some dihedral in the wings. it looks great in the air alright though! i got alot on my mind for a next plane build. but not decided what to do just yet.