Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

[retiredflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Oh my....is she tail heavy!!! Like I figured with those speakers in the rear. I'm using my Great Planes CG machine and I set her at 110mm, which is the furthest recommended from the manual. I have her upside down and the gear retracted. Everything is on/in her, including the drop tanks. She slammed right down on the tail! OK, I was able to get her to level out slightly nose heavy (good) with 230g (8oz) in the front speaker compartment. I don't have that kind of weight hanging around, but I did find out that 230g is exactly the weight of (2) two 1300mah 3S lipos. If I put them in that empty front speaker area under the nose, it's balances great. Now, I have a couple of those 1300's that are not any good anymore. If I discharge them totally, cut off the leads, wrap them together with tape, secure them in the front area, do you think that would be OK to use as my ballast? I think as long as they are fully discharged and the leads gone/isolated, it should be fine. Any opinions about that guys/gal?
She is a heavy sucker....I wonder if she will get off the ground? That is a massive prop though. I'm sure it will be fine, but it is by far the heaviest plane I own at present. Makes my Zero feel like a feather.

[SR71CC]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Oh my....is she tail heavy!!!  Like I figured with those speakers in the rear.  I'm using my Great Planes CG machine and I set her at 110mm, which is the furthest recommended from the manual. I have her upside down and the gear retracted.  Everything is on/in her, including the drop tanks. She slammed right down on the tail!  OK, I was able to get her to level out slightly nose heavy (good) with 230g (8oz) in the front speaker compartment. I don't have that kind of weight hanging around, but I did find out that 230g is exactly the weight of (2) two 1300mah 3S lipos. If I put them in that empty front speaker area under the nose, it's balances great. Now, I have a couple of those 1300's that are not any good anymore.  If I discharge them totally, cut off the leads, wrap them together with tape, secure them in the front area, do you think that would be OK to use as my ballast? I think as long as they are fully discharged and the leads gone/isolated, it should be fine.  Any opinions about that guys/gal?
She is a heavy sucker....I wonder if she will get off the ground?  That is a massive prop though. I'm sure it will be fine, but it is by far the heaviest plane I own at present. Makes my Zero feel like a feather.

I personally would strongly consider moving one of those TT-25's from the back up to that nose speaker compartment. That's 3 ounces that you can remove from far rear and place in the front, which is somewhat like shifting 6 ounces in front of your CG. You may still need a bit of nose weight, but better to add 2 ounces than 8! I'm assuming your flight battery is as far forward as possible. Whatever you do decide to do, make sure to post here and then after you fly it!
Dave
[hr]
I personally would strongly consider moving one of those TT-25's from the back up to that nose speaker compartment.  That's 3 ounces that you can remove from far rear and place in the front, which is somewhat like shifting 6 ounces in front of your CG.  You may still need a bit of nose weight, but better to add 2 ounces than 8!  I'm assuming your flight battery is as far forward as possible.  Whatever you do decide to do, make sure to post here and then after you fly it!
Dave
[/quote]

An addendum to my previous post above: I looked back on the thread and realized that one your speakers is actually a bass transducer, which weighs a whopping 4.6 ounces! If you moved that one from back to front, and adjust things accordingly, I would bet you wouldn't be adding ANY weight to get it to balance! Just a thought...
Dave

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Oh my....is she tail heavy!!!  Like I figured with those speakers in the rear.  I'm using my Great Planes CG machine and I set her at 110mm, which is the furthest recommended from the manual. I have her upside down and the gear retracted.  Everything is on/in her, including the drop tanks. She slammed right down on the tail!  OK, I was able to get her to level out slightly nose heavy (good) with 230g (8oz) in the front speaker compartment. I don't have that kind of weight hanging around, but I did find out that 230g is exactly the weight of (2) two 1300mah 3S lipos. If I put them in that empty front speaker area under the nose, it's balances great. Now, I have a couple of those 1300's that are not any good anymore.  If I discharge them totally, cut off the leads, wrap them together with tape, secure them in the front area, do you think that would be OK to use as my ballast? I think as long as they are fully discharged and the leads gone/isolated, it should be fine.  Any opinions about that guys/gal?
She is a heavy sucker....I wonder if she will get off the ground?  That is a massive prop though. I'm sure it will be fine, but it is by far the heaviest plane I own at present. Makes my Zero feel like a feather.

I had a bad feeling that was gonna be the case with everything behind the cg but was hoping for the best for ya. She'll probably fly but I would worry also about the extra stress on the gear (especially the way I usually land ). I'm still waiting on a couple of y-cables so haven't had mine back together to balance it. From the sound of it I may need that bass transducer up front if mine balances tail heavy. Putting those speakers up front does sound like a good idea. Personally, I HATE adding weight to an already fairly high wing loaded plane and avoid it if at all possible. Thanks for the ongoing info and let us know what you decide. I should get mine together this weekend and I'll post what I find with my setup.

Steve

[retiredflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

I can still make some mods.  Even though the bass transducer is epoxied it, I might be able to pry it off if I go easy and not rip out half the sidewall. I would need to make a long speaker extension and TRY to snake it through the main body area.  Almost impossible now that I have everything else in place.  If I did that, I wonder if it would be worth it CG wise.  I obviously would not need 8 ounces, but I bet she would still want a little.  I'm just thinking out loud here.....I'll let you know what I do.  Keep me posted on your situation too.

[retiredflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

OK everyone,  I took out the bass transducer (wasn't too hard even though it was epoxied) and moved it to the front speaker cavity.  I haven't made a piece of foam yet to mount it on, like Steve (rc-eflyer) did, BUT guess what.......we have PERFECT balance at 105mm.  Right in the middle of the stated CG range. You were right Steve (SR71CC), that bass transducer move cancelled out everything and it worked great. 
I just need to make a foam mounting board like rc-eflyer and attached the transducer to it.  I also need to make a long speaker extension to run to the back cavity where the controller is.   Won't be easy now that I have everything else attached and wire wrapped. 
I guess I should have surmised she was going to be way too tail heavy, and should have stuck to my original plan of one transducer in each hole......live and learn!

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

OK everyone,  I took out the bass transducer (wasn't too hard even though it was epoxied) and moved it to the front speaker cavity.  I haven't made a piece of foam yet to mount it on, like Steve (rc-eflyer) did, BUT guess what.......we have PERFECT balance at 105mm.  Right in the middle of the stated CG range. You were right Steve (SR71CC), that bass transducer move cancelled out everything and it worked great. 
I just need to make a foam mounting board like rc-eflyer and attached the transducer to it.  I also need to make a long speaker extension to run to the back cavity where the controller is.   Won't be easy now that I have everything else attached and wire wrapped. 
I guess I should have surmised she was going to be way too tail heavy, and should have stuck to my original plan of one transducer in each hole......live and learn!

:D Great, glad you got that sorted. Also, there's enough room left in the foam where the tail servo wires run to snake in your extension. I did it with the jst connector on the wire extension I made with no problems. Took a little trip the the LHS and got my y-harnesses and a couple of short extensions to make putting the wing on easier so I'll see how mine balances this weekend.

Steve

[retiredflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Good luck this weekend with the balancing. Today I will finish up the speaker install and re-wire. That should be just about it. I will now attempt some minor weathering.
I forgot to mention earlier, one of my retracts was malfunctioning when I first hooked it up. Even though this has been a Christmas present to myself and I had bought it back in late November, Motion sent me a replacement no questions asked. Great service guys!
I will post some photos after the weathering job, and maybe a video of her running.

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Good luck this weekend with the balancing. Today I will finish up the speaker install and re-wire. That should be just about it. I will now attempt some minor weathering.
I forgot to mention earlier, one of my retracts was malfunctioning when I first hooked it up. Even though this has been a Christmas present to myself and I had bought it back in late November, Motion sent me a replacement no questions asked. Great service guys!
I will post some photos after the weathering job, and maybe a video of her running.

Thanks, finished up the wiring last night and decided to see how much she weighs. Fuselage w/3600 4S battery and sound system = 4lbs exactly. Wing - 2lb. 2oz. So at 6lbs 2oz. and using the data supplied in the manual I come up with 30 oz/sq ft wing loading. Might have to rename her Lead Ass :P .

Steve

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Just a little update. Got to fire up my setup for the first time with both tt-25s installed. I don't think I'll have a problem hearing this girl in flight  :D .  Granted this was in my basement so I'm sure that contributed but this thing is LOUD.  Next is checking out the cg and maybe making another "speaker" with the bass transducer to see if it makes a big difference.  Might even get a maiden flight in the weekend :D  :cool: .

Steve

[retiredflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Lucky you might be able to fly.  Wind was gusting here at 40+ today with the temp at 25.  NOT FLYING!  I turned the volume down on mine to minimum while checking it out yesterday, still plenty loud for me with the one TT-25 and one bass transducer.  I had it on the stand, cranked it up to slow, raised and lowered the gear a few times just to make sure everything was still operational.  I had to make some final adjustments on the gyro by reversing the ailerons and rudder movement. Also, had to adjust for digital servos.  I see the newer version of the Eagle doesn't require that, nor does it require the stick centering.   
  Let us know how your CG turns out. I'm waiting for my new airbrush to do some weathering.  Probably like I did my Zero.  My old airbrush broke.

[retiredflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Even though I'm still waiting for my new airbrush to do the weathering, I decided to hang my "Iron Ass" up in her new spot in my cave.  She is actually aiming right for the Zero across from her on the ceiling.

[Lon]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

retiredflyerEven though I'm still waiting for my new airbrush to do the weathering, I decided to hang my "Iron Ass" up in her new spot in my cave.  She is actually aiming right for the Zero across from her on the ceiling.

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Even though I'm still waiting for my new airbrush to do the weathering, I decided to hang my "Iron Ass" up in her new spot in my cave.  She is actually aiming right for the Zero across from her on the ceiling.

Now you have to airbrush some .50 caliber bullet holes in the Zero to complete the scene :angel: .  BTW, what airbrush did you purchase, if you don't mind me asking? I have an old Badger 100 and a Paasche (don't remember the model) that are both side feed, double action. Don't know if you've seen it, but I posted my build on a "silent" compressor over in the Airbrushing forum section. http://www.hobbysquawk.com/thread-1320.html  Hope to get a chance to actually use it soon :rolleyes: as I get the bench cleared. Also, I'll check the cg tonight after I get off work.

Steve

[retiredflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Even though I'm still waiting for my new airbrush to do the weathering, I decided to hang my "Iron Ass" up in her new spot in my cave.  She is actually aiming right for the Zero across from her on the ceiling.

Now you have to airbrush some .50 caliber bullet holes in the Zero to complete the scene :angel: .  BTW, what airbrush did you purchase, if you don't mind me asking? I have an old Badger 100 and a Paasche (don't remember the model) that are both side feed, double action. Don't know if you've seen it, but I posted my build on a "silent" compressor over in the Airbrushing forum section. http://www.hobbysquawk.com/thread-1320.html  Hope to get a chance to actually use it soon :rolleyes: as I get the bench cleared. Also, I'll check the cg tonight after I get off work.

Steve

I got the MasterAirbrush G-79. It's a top feed that comes with three different size paint cups and tips. I had a G-22 but I lost part of the trigger mechanism down the sink drain during cleaning. The repair kit cost 12 bucks just to get that part. I was tired of the trigger button on the top, the new one is like a gun trigger. I bought the other airbrush with a compressor as a set a few years ago. Yes, I did see your post by the way. Let me know how that cg comes out, hopefully you won't be moving speakers around like I was!

[Grossman56]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Yep, the same with me, the Master G79 is a great airbrush.  Hey guys, just pulled the trigger on the Iron Ass P51 with the sound system, I'll be stripping her down and making my own version of Old Crow since I can't seem to get any satisfaction from MRC regarding the prop.  Seems I should be thrilled to get a plane that takes off in ten feet has unlimited vertical and nearly hovers!
Can't see it, so I get to use my airbrush to create a truly authentic Old Crow, should be great!  BTW, apparently the forum is full of people who want extremely fast Mustangs, according to Tom, how about you guys?  I like to fly scale myself

Grossman 56

[boomer108]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Yep, the same with me, the Master G79 is a great airbrush.  Hey guys, just pulled the trigger on the Iron Ass P51 with the sound system, I'll be stripping her down and making my own version of Old Crow since I can't seem to get any satisfaction from MRC regarding the prop.  Seems I should be thrilled to get a plane that takes off in ten feet has unlimited vertical and nearly hovers!
Can't see it, so I get to use my airbrush to create a truly authentic Old Crow, should be great!  BTW, apparently the forum is full of people who want extremely fast Mustangs, according to Tom, how about you guys?  I like to fly scale myself

Grossman 56

I'm with you Grossman. I like flying scale.

Roy B.

[Grossman56]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Thanks Roy!  I tried to tell them that, but they figure all we want to do is streak through the air as fast as possible, that's not me, but apparantly I'm being negative, so....

Grossman56

[rc-eflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Even though I'm still waiting for my new airbrush to do the weathering, I decided to hang my "Iron Ass" up in her new spot in my cave.  She is actually aiming right for the Zero across from her on the ceiling.

Now you have to airbrush some .50 caliber bullet holes in the Zero to complete the scene :angel: .  BTW, what airbrush did you purchase, if you don't mind me asking? I have an old Badger 100 and a Paasche (don't remember the model) that are both side feed, double action. Don't know if you've seen it, but I posted my build on a "silent" compressor over in the Airbrushing forum section. http://www.hobbysquawk.com/thread-1320.html  Hope to get a chance to actually use it soon :rolleyes: as I get the bench cleared. Also, I'll check the cg tonight after I get off work.

Steve

I got the MasterAirbrush G-79. It's a top feed that comes with three different size paint cups and tips. I had a G-22 but I lost part of the trigger mechanism down the sink drain during cleaning. The repair kit cost 12 bucks just to get that part. I was tired of the trigger button on the top, the new one is like a gun trigger. I bought the other airbrush with a compressor as a set a few years ago. Yes, I did see your post by the way. Let me know how that cg comes out, hopefully you won't be moving speakers around like I was!

I'll have to check that one out. OK, as far as CG, checked it with the gear down and the Admiral 3600 all the way forward and it is still very slightly tail down at 110mm. With the Turnigy 4000 NanoTech all the way forward it is level at 110mm. So I think I'll go ahead and pull out the tt-25 in the front and replace it with the bass transducer since I need the extra weight up there anyway. Now I know why she's named Iron Ass for sure :P .

Steve

[retiredflyer]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Well there you go, now you have the configuration I have...bass in front, tt-25 in back. That should work out great with the Admiral 3600. I have my battery with the wires facing front, (only because it was easier for hook-up that way. I pushed it tight forward and strapped it in tight but it still slipped a bit so I glued a small piece of foam right at the rear so it doesn't move backward. Sort of like a backstop. (As long as I use the exact same dimension lipo's I'll be fine)
You are correct Gman and boomer, I am totally a scale guy too. I don't need to tear up the sky. Good luck with the Old Crow paint job conversion Gman, that should be a challenge. I've been following your conversation about the 2 bladed prop and I agree with you....must have a 4 blade. Show us some progress photos. Now we'll have three of us with loud mustangs!

[Flygirl]

RE: Freewing P-51 w/MrRCSound build

Scale speeds here too....!