Official FMS 1500mm P-47D Razorback Thread

[Davegeee]

I'm happy to report that the idea of a scratchbuilt large, scale 150 gallon drop tank was successfully flown this morning from my testbed Hairless Joe. This larger tank was crucial in allowing Thunderbolts to penetrate deeper into enemy territory on bomber escort and other interdiction of German fighters, railroads and trains, and other valuable targets. A big shout out to Danger Dan for designing the stl and making it something from being on a computer screen to the actual part on a model airplane. I do a little small project work on my Prusa Mini, but this was too large for my skills and printer, so we had a professional outfit make up the parts that Dan designed.

I wasn't really planning on necessarily flying this first iteration of a drop tank, and it was pretty thick but hollow construction. The entire thing unpainted and unfinished like today's test flight, weighs close to 8 ounces, which concerned me. But the overall plane ready to fly without the tank weighs 10 pounds. so I figured it could probably take it ok. I put the E Flite attach bracket in a slot I cut at the CG of the tank. And then the tank attached to the E Flite release mechanism, which is also at the CG of the airplane. When I tested it with the tank attached, it was absolutely perfect on CG, so I figured I had that going for me.

Took off this morning, I think I have the throws and Expo dialed in to my liking and it took off beautifully and very scale. Did about 3 passes to check for security of the tank, and then on the next pass dropped it as it passed me. As usual, it went unstable immediately and spun end over end until it hit the ground about 150 feet from my position. It did land with an audible "THUD!" which surprised me slightly but this drop tank is built like A Sherman Tank, and just had a bit of dirt on it.

So, this completes the testing I wanted to do for this airplane model project. I think the scale 150 gallon tank is probably unique to my knowledge on a foamie fighter. I made a larger one for a 1/5 scale gasser P-47M about 20 years ago that the tank dropping was part of the routine we used in competitive flights.

I'll give Hairless Joe the weekend off, now with 6 flights on it. I'll start working on the tank, doing more sanding, filling, and eventual painting to complete it in a Neutral Gray color.

I"ll attach a few pics from this morning. The one of the tank in the field is where it landed and looking back at our clubhouse where I was standing about 150 feet away.

Cheers

[Davegeee]

Beautiful machine Dave, all that work had paid off in a wonderful model! I'm definitely tempted to do one of these conversions. I've got a spare fuselage from my old crashed Snafu, might be worth experimenting on. I just know that the second I start cutting, flightline will announce a new 1600mm version, lol.

I know what you mean, F106DD! At the moment, I think this 1500mm Foamie is the only one of its kind existing as a converted bubbletop. These FMS 1.5m P-47s fly great, very solid performers. I bought my first one when they were new in 2016. Danger Dan and I will be working on the scale 150 gallon drop tank and hopefully fly it this summer in drop tests. I'm satisfied with the original goals i had for this plane to make a coverted bubbletop D-25 model of Col. Dave Schilling's Hairless Joe in WWII. The canopy turned out pretty well, although it could stand being a little thicker clear plastic for the canopy/windscreen. But it looks cool to be able to have a powered canopy like what the -25 models were equipped with coming off the assembly line in 1944. I found that converting to a bubbletop didn't hurt its flying performance at all from the original razorback.

Always appreciate seeing your magnificent models. I think we are birds of a feather in that common interest of scale and detailing. I'm already looking at buying the 1.6M Flightline P-51D and doing a little outfitting of some scale details.

Cheers

Davegee

[F106DeltaDart]

Beautiful machine Dave, all that work had paid off in a wonderful model! I'm definitely tempted to do one of these conversions. I've got a spare fuselage from my old crashed Snafu, might be worth experimenting on. I just know that the second I start cutting, flightline will announce a new 1600mm version, lol.

[Davegeee]

Took Hairless Joe out to the field again this morning before the winds picked up. Did testing of drop tank, flying with simulated bombs on the wings, M10 rocket launchers, etc. All went well. I'll post some pics below.

Cheers

Davegee

[Davegeee]

Fantastic photo's

Thanks, Rex. It's flying great! I hope to take Hairless Joe up for a couple flights tomorrow morning before a dreaded dentist appointment!

This airplane dedicated to the memory of Lt. Gen. Donavon Smith, USAAF, USAF. Served in WWII, Viet Nam, passed away at age 51 due to brain cancer. Buried at the USAFA cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO.

Cheers

Davegee

[jetfool]

Fantastic photo's

[Davegeee]

Got three flights on my FMS P-47D Ole' Cock this morning. Did a drop test of the foam drop tank on the centerline store, worked perfectly, as usual. That's now 8 different drop tests on 3 different P-47s, and am looking forward to getting the stl file for the rectangular drop tank printed by a company to test on Hairless Joe when it gets finished and sent back to me.

I'm getting a good test drive of some changed settings for flight controls and Expo, and I think they're coming along pretty well so far. More testing to go before I make decisions on final settings for these airplanes.

Got my Freewing F9F Cougar up for another flight, what a great airplane! Over 50 flights on that airplane now.

Attached are some pics of Ole' Cock after its flights this morning.

[Davegeee]

Good work, Dan. with any luck we'll be able to fly this V2 after they print it up. I still have to hash out with them which method to fabricate it. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. I'd really like to get it as light as possible to safely carry it aloft on the P-47 and then drop it to be recovered intact on the rather soft dirt near the runway. I'll do my best to drop it AWAY from contacting the asphalt cross runway!

If you got it to a point that you think is good to try for reprinting, send me the STL and I'll send it out tomorrow for them to chew over. They seem to be quite agreeable to helping this project be a success.

What did you think of that open rectangular slot on the top section of V1? Can you close than up on your drawing before we have them print it? I could cover it with plastic, but that seems a lot of busy work when we can just remove it in the drawing before they go to print. Anything you can do to smooth the surface where you can is very helpful. If you can't, we can sand and prime, but that of course adds weight.

Let me know what you think. I'll let you know what they say regarding printing V2.

I have your pilot, I guess no rush but I can drop it by anytime. Just let me know.

Cheers

Dave

[Grossman56]

I thinned out the tank walls quite a bit in an effort to reduce the weight. It's one thing to see it on Tinker Cad and quite another to see it in real life. Anyway, with a bit of luck we may have a winner. Any updates?

Dan

[Davegeee]

Thanks, Rex: Looking forward to finishing and flying the rectangular tank in the next several weeks. We built and competed using a scale rectangular tank with Fire Ball, the plane you have seen on display at the Warbirds Museum in Florida. This model was substantially bigger than the foamies I'm flying now but the tank drop was one of the features displayed during our competitions at Scale Masters and Top Gun many years ago. I hope we can get it light enough to fly from the original prototype printed out of PLA which is fairly heavy. But always an interesting challenge and learning experience doing new things.

I'll attach a pic of Fire Ball at the museum in its case, and a plastic model of Hurry Home Honey,one of the iterations I might use for my new idea for the Flightline 1600mm P-51D. Getting some books on the 357th FG to get more ideas, especially if I pull the trigger and buy that new plane.

Cheers

Davegee

[jetfool]

Glad you're getting some flights in. Our weather this month has been terrible. Only about 3-4 days able to fly.
Looking forward to your new tank and as I was considering getting vrosi's canopy and templates for the future it looks like he isn.' t going to offer the canopies, so guess you are the only one with a 1500mm Bubble-top. Maybe FL will offer a 1600mm Bubble -top in the future after seeing yours on the web.
You and Dan enjoy your summer flying season, Rex

[Davegeee]

Great News, Dave. Penrod & Sam looks great. Finally nice enough weather that we could fly. Today winds are back up. UGH!
Best regards, Rex

Thanks, Rex. I have been fighting winds all spring! Sometimes I just say, "to hell with it, I'll at least go out to the field and See if I can possibly fly, despite the discouraging wind reports". More often than not on those occasions, I get skunked. But the best chances for me is to get up very early, which isn't hard this time of year when the sun starts coming out before 6 am and the dogs are barking to get fed and out for their morning walks. I left before 7 am this morning and it worked out great. Would NOT have worked out if I had waited, as the winds did rise to unacceptable levels.

So, I'm using my three P-47 models and working in Hairless Joe. I'm being especially careful with that one as I don't want to crash it, but I do put it through its paces. You probably find the same thing with your Lucky when you fly it. It gets more comfortable to fly the more you do it, like with many airplanes.

Dan and I are working on a 3D printed scale rectangular 150 gallon tank to add to the drop list for flying. We're not there yet but do have a prototype to improve to a flying droppable replica of this tank that they used a ton during the war. I don't think anyone else will have one, that I know of.

Have a good weekend.

Cheers

Dave

[jetfool]

Great News, Dave. Penrod & Sam looks great. Finally nice enough weather that we could fly. Today winds are back up. UGH!
Best regards, Rex

[Davegeee]

I got 10 flights in on my Penrod and Sam yesterday. I was trying out some new Expo settings to try and reduce the tailwheel movement mainly on takeoff and landing rollout runs. Overall it went pretty well, although a few times I lost control of it near the end of the landing rollout and it went off the side of the runway sliightly. I was satisfied with most all the takeoffs that I did. Nothing damaged this time. Also did one drop tank release, worked great, as usual. Ended the morning with a flight of my FMS F-86F, one of my favorite jets. I hope to do some more tests maybe tomorrow morning, if the winds die down.

Flew Penrod and Sam again this morning, got three flights on it to further test Expo and rates. I fly in mid-rates with 50% Expo, which works fine in light winds. Low rates is backed off a little from mid figures, I prefer flying mid rates for now. When I'm on the ground, I switch to high rates, especially for any sharp turns I need to do while taxiing. I'm going to stay with these rates for the moment. Next week. I'll fly my other two P-47s, Ol' Cock, and Hairless Joe.

I also did a drop tank release, the 7th one to date on three different P-47s that I have. Flawless service, the E Flite release mechanism is great. Danger Dan and I are working on refining a 3D printed scratchbuilt scale rectangular 150 gallon drop tank and will have a company print it up. We did have a V1 version made as a basis to advance designs from. This one will be lighter weight and hopefully be ready to do test drops in the next several weeks. It would use the same drop mechanism that I am presently testing (E Flite) and should expect similar results, hopefully.

A pic from today's flying. I have 78 flights on Penrod and Sam now.

Cheers

davegee

[Davegeee]

Looks amazing Dave!
She flew as well as she looks I gather?

Dan

Hi Dan: I talked with the guys doing the 3D printing of the fuel drop tank. They said make the changes like reducing the wall thickness as much as possible to the STL that we sent them, when you're done send it to me and then I'll get it to them next week. I think we can reduce the weight enough, at least 1/2 of what V1 weighs to put it into the air sometime soon once we get it all together.

Cheers

Davegee

[Davegeee]

Very Cool! You're halfway there! The guy who I wrote about to you who did the Robert Redford photo in his 1920s flying togs and then transposed him to our picture of a rc model of his Jenny The Great Waldo Pepper looked totally believable. Unfortunately, he passed away years ago but I bet someone out there has done this kind of transposing before and we'll be able to figure it out.

I finished the headset wiring on your pilot today so next time we get together I'll give him back to you. Looks a little more scale with those wires attached.
Question: do you ever put a drop of acrylic clear in the depression where the goggle lenses are on his helmet? I always do that for mine, makes it look a bit more realistic. I'd be happy to do that to your pilot if you'd like me to, or maybe you prefer to not do this step. Your choice,let me know if you want me to do it. They always come out really well.

I got a book, first of two from the Half Price store online on the 357th FG and their pilots. I always like researching things before I start in on a new project like the 1600mm P-51 if I do that.

Cheers

Dave

[Grossman56]

I've eliminated the background, but darned if I can figure out how to layer it on a new background!
Have a try!

[Davegeee]

You might try dialing down the rate on your rudder as well, something like 80% is plenty for the scale like flying you're into. Too much expo and it starts acting like a wet noodle, I don't go over 30%.

Also, is the control rod in the outermost hole? You can get more rudder with it in the outer hole on both the control arm and the servo control arm, that way, you can turn down the rate and not lose much control throw if you feel you need it. Personally, I use rudder for takeoffs and when in flight, to counteract adverse yaw. When landing, especially with narrow gear such as the Spitfire, I always keep the prop spinning to stop that pull to one side. As you know, you have to be on the ball when it comes to those last few feet of landing, adding too much expo will increase the amount of throw you have to apply before the rudder reacts.

Dan

Good points, and well-taken! I'll check out the position of the rudder servo arm. I believe it is not on the outermost hole but the second one in. I use 50 per cent Expo on lower and mid rates on the rudder and tailwheel, and high rates I reserve for taxiing with more rudder authority for tight turns on the ground. I've been adding some up elevator while on the initial takeoff roll and then ease out of it to neutral rudder as the aircraft accelerates. It pretty much flies itself off with very little up rudder command. Landings work out really well, although I got a minor prop tip strike when I landed just a bit too nose down attitude. But that was easy to sand the tips and repaint. Ready to go!

Cheers

Davegee

[Grossman56]

You might try dialing down the rate on your rudder as well, something like 80% is plenty for the scale like flying you're into. Too much expo and it starts acting like a wet noodle, I don't go over 30%.

Also, is the control rod in the outermost hole? You can get more rudder with it in the outer hole on both the control arm and the servo control arm, that way, you can turn down the rate and not lose much control throw if you feel you need it. Personally, I use rudder for takeoffs and when in flight, to counteract adverse yaw. When landing, especially with narrow gear such as the Spitfire, I always keep the prop spinning to stop that pull to one side. As you know, you have to be on the ball when it comes to those last few feet of landing, adding too much expo will increase the amount of throw you have to apply before the rudder reacts.

Dan

[Davegeee]

I got 10 flights in on my Penrod and Sam yesterday. I was trying out some new Expo settings to try and reduce the tailwheel movement mainly on takeoff and landing rollout runs. Overall it went pretty well, although a few times I lost control of it near the end of the landing rollout and it went off the side of the runway sliightly. I was satisfied with most all the takeoffs that I did. Nothing damaged this time. Also did one drop tank release, worked great, as usual. Ended the morning with a flight of my FMS F-86F, one of my favorite jets. I hope to do some more tests maybe tomorrow morning, if the winds die down.