Freewing P-51 Mustang

[Hippie 64]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Hey VA , how are you ? Been wondering about you . Hope all is better now 

Bryan 

[Grossman56]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

yeah same here, hope it's all working out for you!!

Grossman56

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Freewing P-51 Iron Ass:  Still loving it!! Run 5 batteries thru her this morning. Weather man predicting very high winds all weekend, but thought I'd beat the 15 plus winds by going out early this morning. Well....winds were not as low as I had hoped right at sunrise.  So flights were in 10-15mph, with a crosswind for landing at the flying field.  Handles the wind great. Just a little bit more of a pucker factor for landings.

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Freewing P-51 Iron Ass:  Still loving it!! Run 5 batteries thru her this morning. Weather man predicting very high winds all weekend, but thought I'd beat the 15 plus winds by going out early this morning. Well....winds were not as low as I had hoped right at sunrise.  So flights were in 10-15mph, with a crosswind for landing at the flying field.  Handles the wind great. Just a little bit more of a pucker factor for landings.

Speaking of crosswinds.......are you using the stock main gear wheels and tires? I was at the LHS yesterday getting a few things and picked up a set of 3.5" Dave Brown wheels. Others have said these aren't as "grippy" and don't grab as much when a side load is applied. Oh, and BTW I'm loving this thing also :cool: :D

Steve

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Yes I am. In fact, with the exception of a Main Landing Gear Connecting Rod. The landing gear sets are the originals, and I've had the plane over a year with hundreds of landings. Last year I purchased spares thinking the worse. But they're still in the package hanging on the peg board. The tires have really worn out. thinking I haven't seen any tread on the tires since late last summer! I've had to tweek the connecting rod on one from a incident of catching a little pot hole in the asphalt when landing. And that's the connecting rod that ended up breaking on me during a landing. Thinking when I bent it straight, that weakened it, which led to it breaking on a not too hard landing. Recently, I've been talking to myself saying I should put on some new tires that I have hanging on the peg board.

So those 3.5 Dave Brown's are working better than the originals?? They helping on control on the ground? As you know probably, sometimes it seems just a little bit of a turn one way or another and it's difficult to recover and avoid a wing tipping over. Those times are not frequent now days. I like to think my pilot skills with this plane have improved. But I do mainly fly from hard surface. When flying from grass, no issue at all.

I'm really loving this plane too! So much, I've removed a FMS Mustang off of my wish list :) (FMS Corsair replaced it)

[Grossman56]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Hey Lon,

Recently got Freewing P-51 from MRC  was wondering if you have ever used a Gyro in it.  I have considered it but not decided yet.  Not sure if there is room to mount it near the GC.  Any suggestion appreciated.

Wingman

Hey Wingman, I have one in mine, an A3L that I put on top of the light box just aft of the hatch on the starboard side.  Got the bugs worked out of it and flew the plane this morning.  The gyro really helps.
Had a hard landing due to a cross wind situation, she landed just off the runway and peeled the landing gear tray out. This seems to be a common thing, so I used 5 minute epoxy to stick her back in and she's ready to go.
If you put a gyro on, take extra care to make sure that the gyro is correcting the controls in the right direction. Hey Lon, takeoff is always a challenge, since its a heavier bird, do you advance throttle a bit slower? Just curious if you could give the rest of us some tips on take off techniques with this plane, it would sure be appreciated.

Grossman56

[boomer108]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Hey Lon,
  Like G Man says make sure the gyro is correcting the control surfaces the right way. The last two A3Ls I have got I have had to reverse the elevator direction on both. I found out the hard way on my first one on my Sensei. Just turn the normal gain all the up when you test the gyro controls and you will be able to see control movements very easy,just be sure to set the gain back to 12o'clock a good starting point.

Roy B.

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Yes I am. In fact, with the exception of a Main Landing Gear Connecting Rod. The landing gear sets are the originals, and I've had the plane over a year with hundreds of landings. Last year I purchased spares thinking the worse. But they're still in the package hanging on the peg board. The tires have really worn out. thinking I haven't seen any tread on the tires since late last summer! I've had to tweek the connecting rod on one from a incident of catching a little pot hole in the asphalt when landing. And that's the connecting rod that ended up breaking on me during a landing. Thinking when I bent it straight, that weakened it, which led to it breaking on a not too hard landing. Recently, I've been talking to myself saying I should put on some new tires that I have hanging on the peg board.

So those 3.5 Dave Brown's are working better than the originals?? They helping on control on the ground? As you know probably, sometimes it seems just a little bit of a turn one way or another and it's difficult to recover and avoid a wing tipping over. Those times are not frequent now days. I like to think my pilot skills with this plane have improved. But I do mainly fly from hard surface. When flying from grass, no issue at all.

I'm really loving this plane too! So much, I've removed a FMS Mustang off of my wish list :) (FMS Corsair replaced it)

I haven't put them on yet so we'll see. What do you mean by connecting rod, the small pin coming out of the retract mech? Anyway, back to the wheels, I really bought them on impulse just because I saw them hanging there :rolleyes: . The rubber is more of a sponge type with more give than the stock. I might give them a try but unless there's a big difference I'll go back to the stock because they look so dang good ;)

Steve

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Yes I am. In fact, with the exception of a Main Landing Gear Connecting Rod. The landing gear sets are the originals, and I've had the plane over a year with hundreds of landings. Last year I purchased spares thinking the worse. But they're still in the package hanging on the peg board. The tires have really worn out. thinking I haven't seen any tread on the tires since late last summer! I've had to tweek the connecting rod on one from a incident of catching a little pot hole in the asphalt when landing. And that's the connecting rod that ended up breaking on me during a landing. Thinking when I bent it straight, that weakened it, which led to it breaking on a not too hard landing. Recently, I've been talking to myself saying I should put on some new tires that I have hanging on the peg board.

So those 3.5 Dave Brown's are working better than the originals?? They helping on control on the ground? As you know probably, sometimes it seems just a little bit of a turn one way or another and it's difficult to recover and avoid a wing tipping over. Those times are not frequent now days. I like to think my pilot skills with this plane have improved. But I do mainly fly from hard surface. When flying from grass, no issue at all.

I'm really loving this plane too! So much, I've removed a FMS Mustang off of my wish list :) (FMS Corsair replaced it)

I haven't put them on yet so we'll see. What do you mean by connecting rod, the small pin coming out of the retract mech?  Anyway, back to the wheels, I really bought them on impulse just because I saw them hanging there  :rolleyes: . The rubber is more of a sponge type with more give than the stock. I might give them a try but unless there's a big difference I'll go back to the stock because they look so dang good ;)

Steve

Steve,

Yes, the pin coming out of the retract to the strut. Let me know how those wheels work.
[hr]

Hey Lon,

Recently got Freewing P-51 from MRC  was wondering if you have ever used a Gyro in it.  I have considered it but not decided yet.  Not sure if there is room to mount it near the GC.  Any suggestion appreciated.

Wingman

Hey Wingman, I have one in mine, an A3L that I put on top of the light box just aft of the hatch on the starboard side.  Got the bugs worked out of it and flew the plane this morning.  The gyro really helps.
Had a hard landing due to a cross wind situation, she landed just off the runway and peeled the landing gear tray out.  This seems to be a common thing, so I used 5 minute epoxy to stick her back in and she's ready to go.
If you put a gyro on, take extra care to make sure that the gyro is correcting the controls in the right direction.  Hey Lon, takeoff is always a challenge, since its a heavier bird, do you advance throttle a bit slower?  Just curious if you could give the rest of us some tips on take off techniques with this plane, it would sure be appreciated.

Grossman56

Gman,

Yes, takeoffs can be a challenge. What I have found to work for me is first of all, I start out with up elevator, of at least 50-75%,(keeps the tail wheel on the ground) (NOTE: I have found a takeoff flap position that works great for me. see attached pics)  when I start my rollout I slowly increase throttle to about 30%, and as she picks up speed I slowly let up on my elevator to allow the tail to come up. When the tail comes up I increase to about 50% throttle and give her up elevator, and off she goes!! Now all this happens pretty quick. But concentrate on not being aggressive on the throttle until you have the tail up and she's tracking straight and in the direction you want it to go. What I just described will take up to about 75' of hard surface runway with little or no headwind. With a head wind of 6-10mph, 45-50' and your lifting off with take off flaps. Now when I'm flying in 10mph plus winds, I do not use takeoff flaps. 

Now on grass, same technique, but you can be more aggressive on the throttle, and hold the tail down a little bit longer, but be ready for the tail to come up on you aggressively, or not even come up, and boom, the plane lifts off. Again, this is with flaps down in takeoff position.

Attached is a picture of my takeoff flaps and landing flaps. Of course, the more aggressive flap position is for landing, the other takeoff.

Rudder: A year ago I would have been emphasizing to be ready with some right rudder to account for prop torque...Yes, if your aggressive on the throttle. But if you do a gradual throttle like I described. Very little rudder input will be required. . . . ."If you Gun the throttle, be ready for her to pull left!"

Here's a good example of a typical take off with her. Listen to the motor as I start my roll and when I start to throttle up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zePbR9q_6s

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Hey Lon,

Recently got Freewing P-51 from MRC  was wondering if you have ever used a Gyro in it.  I have considered it but not decided yet.  Not sure if there is room to mount it near the GC.  Any suggestion appreciated.

Wingman

Wingman,

I've been flying my Freewing P-51 for over a year now. I at first had thoughts about putting a gyro in it to help on landings on windy days. But she took off and flew so well in the wind, and I improved my skills at landing. The thought of "I would like a gyro in this" doesn't even cross my mind anymore. I have a AR635 in my 1100 Mustangs. And the reason for that, I was looking at buying a new receiver, and seen a add and was able to get 2 new in the box AR635s for $80. discipline yourself to flying in low wind conditions and getting her dialed in, and finding the good approach speeds and angle of descent. Then the windy landings will have a little more challenge of your skills, but not keep you grounded for fear of banging up landing gear or worse.

Lon



Hey Wingman, I have one in mine, an A3L that I put on top of the light box just aft of the hatch on the starboard side.  Got the bugs worked out of it and flew the plane this morning.  The gyro really helps.
Had a hard landing due to a cross wind situation, she landed just off the runway and peeled the landing gear tray out.  This seems to be a common thing, so I used 5 minute epoxy to stick her back in and she's ready to go.
If you put a gyro on, take extra care to make sure that the gyro is correcting the controls in the right direction.  Hey Lon, takeoff is always a challenge, since its a heavier bird, do you advance throttle a bit slower?  Just curious if you could give the rest of us some tips on take off techniques with this plane, it would sure be appreciated.

Grossman56

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Pilots,

Here's another video of a takeoff with my Freewing P-51.
There was a significant headwind, so she lifted off pretty quick. But the point is, easy into the throttle.

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=UmQmK8lOIto

[Grossman56]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Thanks Lon, she's all ready to go again.  I did the zip tie/prop blade mod with as small a zip tie as I had, barely anything, just to see the difference.  Now, if I remember correctly, didn't you go a 5 cell battery?  Different ESC I gather, if you did.

Grossman56 

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Gman,

Yes I fly 5s now. Upgraded the ESC to 85a. On a good day, i'll run 8-10 batteries thru her.  50/50 on 4s & 5s. And yes, with the prop mod.
The additional thrust performance you will see right away with the prop mod. Flying at 50-55% throttle with the 5s is just right for me. I find myself then with the 4s cruising at about 70-75% throttle to have the same feel and performance. Specially noticeable  in the turns at that speed. Bank her on her side, elevator to the desired tightness for the turn, don't even have to think about any rudder input. Solid turn!!
I have the timer set for 7min, and I'm usually on final approach at 6.5min. Land and check battery. Average volts per sell 3.85.
I've installed Spektrum Telemetry in her too.  So I'm updated during flight of what the current voltage status is and battery temp. That's nice if I'm being aggressive on the throttle doing a lot more vertical climbs or high speed passes. Don't have to guess my battery status, and fly with confidence that I'm not going to drain a battery too much.
  

[Grossman56]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Here's where I put my A3L, I can easily get to the adjustment screws to turn it up or down

Hey Lon, are you using the 4000 5 cell Admiral battery? OH and BTW do you have the sound system in yours?

Grossman56

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Here's where I put my A3L, I can easily get to the adjustment screws to turn it up or down

Hey Lon, are you using the 4000 5 cell Admiral battery? OH and BTW do you have the sound system in yours?

Grossman56

Gman,
the 5s batteries I'm using is the 3300 Predator. Seen a special on them for $34 ea.....Can't complain, they're holding up well.  No sound system.

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Lon

Mind if I ask what 85A ESC you upgraded to?

Steve

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Lon

Mind if I ask what 85A ESC you upgraded to?

Steve

ZTW Mantis 85A

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Lon

Mind if I ask what 85A ESC you upgraded to?

Steve

ZTW Mantis 85A

OK, thought that was probably it but wanted to make sure before ordering. One more quick question and I promise not to bug you more ;) .....Are you using a separate BEC or just the one in the ESC?

Thanks again,
Steve

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Lon

Mind if I ask what 85A ESC you upgraded to?

Steve

ZTW Mantis 85A

OK, thought that was probably it but wanted to make sure before ordering. One more quick question and I promise not to bug you more ;) .....Are you using a separate BEC or just the one in the ESC?

Thanks again,
Steve

No separate BEC. Just the 85a ESC/BEC5a

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 Mustang

Lon

Mind if I ask what 85A ESC you upgraded to?

Steve

ZTW Mantis 85A

OK, thought that was probably it but wanted to make sure before ordering. One more quick question and I promise not to bug you more ;) .....Are you using a separate BEC or just the one in the ESC?

Thanks again,
Steve

No separate BEC. Just the 85a ESC/BEC5a

Steve, 
No problem at all. Love to share info. I have a couple hundred flights with this FW P -51.