What did you fly today?

[jetfool]

Beautiful pictures. I see your drop tank, looking for pictures to paint details correctly, no luck for color pics yet. I know they are silver but the fueling spout and hose hook-up would be nice to add. Were the red strips typical? Didn't they use straps to help hold this tank along with the release. Did you add the stabilizing bars?
Best Regards, Rex

[davegee]

Beautiful pictures. I see your drop tank, looking for pictures to paint details correctly, no luck for color pics yet. I know they are silver but the fueling spout and hose hook-up would be nice to add. Were the red strips typical? Didn't they use straps to help hold this tank along with the release. Did you add the stabilizing bars?
Best Regards, Rex

Hi Rex: I endeavored to make these drop tanks the 110 or 108 gallon type that were pressed paper and resin. They were cheap, available, and if one ever had to be jettisoned over enemy teritory, they would break apart spilling all the gas inside so the enemy couldn't use them. These were fairly shiny silver and the red straps were where the shackles were attach to the underneath of the fuselage. There were 4 sway braces, two per side with an adjustable bolt with flaired end that could adjust to keep a tight fit on the drop tank (or bomb). I kept the stock attach point for the model, it doesn't show too much and makes the drop tank strong so it won't fall off. I'll try to get some more pics of my tanks and the sway braces to you.

[davegee]

Hi Rex: I endeavored to make these drop tanks the 110 or 108 gallon type that were pressed paper and resin. They were cheap, available, and if one ever had to be jettisoned over enemy teritory, they would break apart spilling all the gas inside so the enemy couldn't use them. These were fairly shiny silver and the red straps were where the shackles were attach to the underneath of the fuselage. There were 4 sway braces, two per side with an adjustable bolt with flaired end that could adjust to keep a tight fit on the drop tank (or bomb). I kept the stock attach point for the model, it doesn't show too much and makes the drop tank strong so it won't fall off. I'll try to get some more pics of my tanks and the sway braces to you.

Here are three pics of one of my drop tanks. You can see an S-shaped black tube that connects the drop tank to the airplane's fuel supply. The glass tube (clear plastic) was designed to ensure a positive release away from the airplane when the tank was jettisoned in flight. The glass tube would break ensuring a clean separation. The P-51s used this type of arrangement, too.

[Grossman56]

Nice job Dave, were you out flying today? God it was i the mid 50's and its Dec. 20th!

[jetfool]

Davegee,
Exactly what I was looking for. Where did you get the nomenclature for the tank?

Best Regards, Rex

[davegee]

Hi Dan: yes, I was out this morning wringing out my P-51 Hun Hunter after replacing a retract that died last week when I was testing it in my shop after some flights where it had worked perfectly. Go figure..

Got 12 flights on it today, short flights stressing takeoffs and landings. These E Flite P-51s are the most challenging planes for me, especially takeoffs. But I had some encouraging results today. Now have 67 flights on Hun Hunter. Once off the ground, it is one of the best flying warbirds in my stable.

Cheers

davegee

[davegee]

Hi Rex: I think probably got them from Callie, not sure. The one on the nose of the tank was one I found in a photo, and I think I had Callie make a couple for me. Even if she didn’t do them, , she’s certainly capable to make more.

[f4u ausie]

3 flights on the 90 mm Avanti. Hated the scheme.. so changed it... Look's a bit Blue angels.. but Lotsa red bull decals coming.. will look good ..also did tint the clear canopy

[Elbee]

Stellar, but I was thinking it was going to be the old William's F1 Racing Team livery (Go Red 5!); however,

Red Bull is Very Very Cool..

Best, Steve

[Hugh Wiedman]

3 flights on the 90 mm Avanti. Hated the scheme.. so changed it... Look's a bit Blue angels.. but Lotsa red bull decals coming.. will look good ..also did tint the clear canopy

Lookin Good! Did you get the TV nozzles as well?

[f4u ausie]

Not at this stage hugh.. but fun so far good flight times

[shortround91]

Taking up the F5 to T-38 conversion today excited again to see my work back in the skies

[f4u ausie]

Hello team ... its 3pm xmas eve ,down under.. sooo thought i may take the opportunity to say thanx.. when i cant sleep i raise up,, and get on the squawk,, so special thanx, to elb,, dave,, hugh,, and recently jetfool,, and of course all the team,, for the giggles laughs,, info, general frivolaty(just no spelling wrong again) just a bit of fun,, hope u all have an awsome xmas with family,, ,, i will, cause im a new granddad, 4 days ago... what a xmas pres(doesnt get better) hav fun b safe

[f4u ausie]

Almost forgot one day to go rex,, cant wait t c the progress

[Elbee]

f4u ausie

Craig, thank you for a Christmas sentiment that brings joy to the heart.

You are a true gentleman and it's an honor to to be a part of this HS group with you..

Happy Christmas to you and yours.

Congrats on the new airman cadet.

Best, Steve

[jetfool]

f4uausie,

Congratulations on your future flyer. Doesn't get any better than that.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Rex

[f4u ausie]

Just a quicky 4 flights on the now finished ( I think)fms 90 Avanti. 25 flights already. Will get that phantom out soon

[davegee]

Hello team ... its 3pm xmas eve ,down under.. sooo thought i may take the opportunity to say thanx.. when i cant sleep i raise up,, and get on the squawk,, so special thanx, to elb,, dave,, hugh,, and recently jetfool,, and of course all the team,, for the giggles laughs,, info, general frivolaty(just no spelling wrong again) just a bit of fun,, hope u all have an awsome xmas with family,, ,, i will, cause im a new granddad, 4 days ago... what a xmas pres(doesnt get better) hav fun b safe

We love having you on "The Squawk!" Craig👍👍👍

[Elbee]

Hello team ... its 3pm xmas eve ,down under.. sooo thought i may take the opportunity to say thanx.. when i cant sleep i raise up,, and get on the squawk,, so special thanx, to elb,, dave,, hugh,, and recently jetfool,, and of course all the team,, for the giggles laughs,, info, general frivolaty(just no spelling wrong again) just a bit of fun,, hope u all have an awsome xmas with family,, ,, i will, cause im a new granddad, 4 days ago... what a xmas pres(doesnt get better) hav fun b safe

Craig, belated Christmas Wishes and New Year's Salutations to you, too, my friend.

We've been a bit under the weather here, but rebounding nicely.

Thanks for the Christmas Post from both Tamms and me.

Best, Steve

[f4u ausie]

Thanx guys good honest fun(something missing these days)