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Archive for March, 2011
Posted by Sandancer | Mar 21, 2011 @ 06:09 PM | 21,577 Views
I stripped down the prop paddles and got them a bit more scale....... In fact their a whole bunch more scale then before!




Like I mentioned before, Starmax list this prop at 16"X6X4, but by all my measurin' sticks I get 15"X6X4!

I've included a PDF file for D/L for those who would like to make their own Hamilton Standard & Spec. decals.

UP-DATE 4/03/2011:
I got a 4" Cub Yellow Spinner w/Aluminum Backing Plate from AirBorne Models to have a few other options for prop selection eg: the VarioPROP, and possibly a 2-Blade set-up? I must say I was pleased to see that the Cub Yellow was a close match to the Gunfighter's yellow. Now all I have to do is cut 2 more blade slots in it.


UP-DATE 6/26/2011:
As time's gone by it has become apparent that neither Starmax or Banana Hobby has any intentions of supplying replacement parts for the P-51 to a degree that we're needing them. My primary focus is the lack of a replacement motor and of course the much in demand prop adapters. For that reason I have decided to take that issue out of the equation, and re-design mine to accept multiple prop apps!

Using the AirBorne spinner and aluminum backing plate as my new base, I chucked the stock prop adapter in the lathe and turned it down so it would fit the 11mm B/P hole. I then turned the shaft down to 8mm, and ran an additional 1/2" of 8mm x 1.25 threads.

Another alternative would be the 4" Nylon Spinner from Hobby King....Continue Reading
Posted by Sandancer | Mar 19, 2011 @ 09:40 PM | 24,734 Views
Wellllll.....I decided to start tinkering with the "GUNFIGHTER" this weekend!



First on my list was the Landing Gear. After much deliberation I've decided to stick with the stock location, even though it's not scale! The E-Tract socket isn't as far back from the LE as I was afraid it was going to be.

I can see why so many guys are having issues with the E-Tracts! These ChangSuns may be fine for a Parkflyer, or maybe an EDF, but they are in no way suitable for a plane of this size! Come on Starmax, what were you thinking? It was a no-brainer, the PZ 514s were going in!

I have also decided to go a different direction on the struts as well. I have had a set of 120 Class Offset Oleo Struts from RCSkyLite for some time now, and after comparing them with the stock struts, I found them to be quite suitable for a replacement. Both the diameter and lengths were right in range with each other, so with the advantage of the RCSkyLites being aluminum and oleo, I decided to use them instead of the VQ's.
To get them to fit, first I had to disassemble them so I could chuck the upper shaft in the lathe so I could center drill the 5mm hole for the leg. I then cut 1/2" off the top at about a 70º angle so the strut would conform to the inclination of the wheel well. With the upper shaft disassembled I drilled and tapped a 4-40 thread hole for the set-screw to lock on the leg. I also made up a lower skirt bracket out of nylon and slid it on before...Continue Reading
Posted by Sandancer | Mar 09, 2011 @ 12:22 AM | 31,121 Views
I got this Big Dog delivered to my front door today, and couldn't wait to open her up and give my evaluation!

What I'm talking about is the Starmax 63"/1600mm EPO P-51D "GUNFIGHTER"!





I have to admit I was reluctant to order the Starmax due to the poor reviews it received early on, but after going over her this afternoon with my trusty "fine toothed comb" I will say.....this plane is AWESOME! The graphics are great, the spinner-backing plate is center drilled, the paint looks good...no thin spots, the detailing is impeccable, and the size will blow you away!

There are a few glitches, but we've come to expect that! The seam on the upper panel could have been closed up. The aileron and elevator will require re-hinging. One of the wire leads got dislocated and ended up getting glued under a wing panel. One prop paddle was installed backwards, but that was an easy fix. The Hamilton Standard and spec decals were installed out of correct orientation.
I haven't figured out why Starmax has 2 control rods for the vert. stab/rudder, and only 1 for the elevator?
Also, why do the manufactures still insist on using these PZ 312s E-Tracts instead of the PZ 514s?
The out of scale location for the LG is bugging me too!

This plane can be easily transported with the capability of make the wings 1-Piece, or if you prefer, you can leave as is. With the spar installed, the wings are quite stable and have little flex.
The radiator...Continue Reading
Posted by Sandancer | Mar 08, 2011 @ 10:34 PM | 18,084 Views
This is my build of the....FMS 1470mm Mitchell B-25 TONDELAYO!


Posted by Sandancer | Mar 08, 2011 @ 10:15 PM | 17,777 Views
To be up-dated later!