Official FlightLine RC 1600mm Spitfire Mk. IX Thread

[Alpha]

Sounds good, Mixdup, we're eager to hear what you think about it when you maiden yours! I'm happy with how this bird turned out, and think it accomplishes the balance of various factors that we set out to achieve with the aircraft, in terms of features, price, fidelity, and most important flight handling. There are a couple of small tweaks that as a developer I would have changed if I had more time, but the name of the game in this business is knowing when to call a project Ready, and move on to the next one.

As Ryan's video shows, and the witnesses at NEFI a couple weekends ago who saw it fly, this Spitfire is a nice well rounded scale plus performer. I look forward to dirtying mine up a bit and going with a different markings set from Callie.

A friendly reminder as well, that as with all of our models from Freewing and FlightLineRC, we encourage everyone to read up on the markings we chose to include in the box with this new Big Spit. As students of aviation history, we can gain a greater appreciation for the models we're flying by reading about the lives of the men and women who operated them in wartime.

[OV10]

A friendly reminder as well, that as with all of our models from Freewing and FlightLineRC, we encourage everyone to read up on the markings we chose to include in the box with this new Big Spit. As students of aviation history, we can gain a greater appreciation for the models we're flying by reading about the lives of the men and women who operated them in wartime.

No Doubt about that ;)

[Mixdup]

My maiden won't be straight away (she'll be getting full detail, weathering and a WBPU protective coat) but I know Xtreme Hobby are planning a media shoot in a day or so. They will have product photos and video up on their website/Facebook on the weekend. Fingers crossed mine arrives Friday and I can post some unboxing pics!

[Starck Mad]

A Shout out for Alpha...

Alpha...I would like to personally thank you for all you do. I know a couple of former product developers form other companies and fly with one on the regular. I am very aware what it takes to get a model from idea to our hangers. Obviously you and your team come up with the planes people want and are as in tune with what the community is asking for as any other three companies put together. That is impressive.

One thing is key for me though...It is so refreshing to see a developer like yourself sharing wisdom in the forums as to how these processes take place, the concessions that are made and why, etc. So many developers are hush hush about these things...like that information is some top secret military information for only approved eyes and ears with special clearance. We all know how antsy modelers can get waiting on a new shiny plane and all the questions that come up along the way...you field that with eloquent, informative, and polite explanations that educate the readers, make them feel a part of...important to you, and make us happy to wait on the model...even if longer than anticipated. Not to mention a reader you educate will have more educated, realistic expectations on the next model. You expertly keep our loyalty and increase your sales in the process. You are the best at what you do and nobody is doing it like you do. Don't change man...you have this figured out!


Thank you Alpha. Thank you very, very much.

Adam

[Mixdup]

"A Shout out for Alpha" +1

I too can appreciate the work and development Alpha and the team has put into this product. The insight that Alpha offers here on the forums is unique and exceptional... yet I still have questions... ;)
1. Is the development going to continue to further refine this model? You said you had more refinements in mind that didn't make it into production, will we see a v2?
2. Are different variants of the Spitty probable? With the tail being a separate part, the design seems very open to easily produce the different shaped tails and wings that appear on Spitfire variants (apart from scoops and chins - please do not ever consider tropicaised!)
Cheers

[Beeg]

"A Shout out for Alpha" +1

I too can appreciate the work and development Alpha and the team has put into this product. The insight that Alpha offers here on the forums is unique and exceptional... yet I still have questions... ;)
1. Is the development going to continue to further refine this model? You said you had more refinements in mind that didn't make it into production, will we see a v2?
2. Are different variants of the Spitty probable? With the tail being a separate part, the design seems very open to easily produce the different shaped tails and wings that appear on Spitfire variants (apart from scoops and chins - please do not ever consider tropicaised!)
Cheers

Where's the fun in that! ....Just kidding..sort of. I know a lot of flyers are not modelers but for the manufacturer of "variant" parts, especially for a Spitfire would be very expensive and not very profitable.
Changing the "C" wing to something else would be even more expensive as completely new wing molds would have to made and they aren't cheap. But, the wing is easily modded by a modeler.
This particular MkIX has the features of the "late" Mk IX's with the "balloon" cowl and extended carb.intake. Sticking with the Merlin "60series" power Spits it would mostly be a matter of removing material to back date to an earlier variant. The only other tail of the Merlin powered models it just a matter of making a new rudder as the vertical stab is the same and you could easily modify the elevator to back date it as well.

I plan on modding mine into a Mk XVI with bubble canopy, larger rudder and an "E" wing. Not sure if I want to crop the wings. May have to buy a separate set. Cropping the wings would be very easy as the full size Spitfire just had wooden tips added to the cut down portion and doing the same on the model with some balsa will be very easy.

Big plan! This is going to be fun! :spitfire


If you need drawings or documentation for a particular variant let me know. I have a pretty good collection.

BB

[Mixdup]

Could be a market for conversion kits? To be honest tho - the MK IX is my favourite as it is. It just seemed the way the model has been engineered lended to easy modifications. I'm sure I'll be super stoked with mine when it arrives... but if it's so good I want to buy another, a different variant would be desirable.
Cheers

[Beeg]

If this model ends up being really popular I'm sure someone will produce either a modification "kit" or at the very least plans and "How To's" on different variants.
I'm with you on a favorite Spit since the Mk.IX was the prominent variant of the war but I'm also very partial to the Mk.V and Mk.XIV of which neither would be an easy conversion from this model.

[Oxotnik]

Thanks! The QPA is the American Beagle livery that Callie has that I am leaning toward. I ordered the plane so when it gets in should be about the time I get back home. One thing about shipping. You order planes while on the ship, and every time I get home its like christmas haha.

There are a couple great books available on the 52nd FG, 2nd FS "The American Beagle Squadron." My friend's father flew in this FS, late in the war with Fred Ohr, in Mustangs. I have recently modeled his Mustang "Michelle Marie". Anyway, all of that to say that I, too, am very interested in "The American Beagle Squadron". Spitfires & Yellow Tail Mustangs, by Tom Ivie and Paul Ludwig, and The American Beagle Squadron: A History of the 2nd FS in WWII, by The American Beagle Squadron Association, are both great resources on the 2nd FS. I was tempted to photograph some Spits out of the books for you, but decided against it, since the material is copywrited.

BOOM!

Ryan, awesome video on the Spit IX. If I didn't already have one on preorder, I would buy one now! A question...
Have you tested the model for its tendency to tip stall, at both high and low speed?

[benjack71]

There are a couple great books available on the 52nd FG, 2nd FS "The American Beagle Squadron." My friend's father flew in this FS, late in the war with Fred Ohr, in Mustangs. I have recently modeled his Mustang "Michelle Marie". Anyway, all of that to say that I, too, am very interested in "The American Beagle Squadron". Spitfires & Yellow Tail Mustangs, by Tom Ivie and Paul Ludwig, and The American Beagle Squadron: A History of the 2nd FS in WWII, by The American Beagle Squadron Association, are both great resources on the 2nd FS. I was tempted to photograph some Spits out of the books for you, but decided against it, since the material is copywrited.


Ryan, awesome video on the Spit IX. If I didn't already have one on preorder, I would buy one now! A question...
Have you tested the model for its tendency to tip stall, at both high and low speed?

Book ordered. Thanks

[ryramZ]

Hey guys, your going to love it. The stall is super gentle and almost indiscernible unless your looking. Of course it will eventually tip if you hold back pressure and never let her recover. We filmed some grass landings and some stalls today that I'll get put together to show you all.

[Oxotnik]

Hey guys, your going to love it. The stall is super gentle and almost indiscernible unless your looking. Of course it will eventually tip if you hold back pressure and never let her recover. We filmed some grass landings and some stalls today that I'll get put together to show you all.

Awesome!!! I fly almost exclusively on a grass field; so, I can't wait to see how well it handles grass strips. Great news on the stall characteristics. I'm looking forward to seeing the planned stall characteristics, too. I was a bit worried that the elliptical wing tips may be especially prone to stalling, either at very slow speeds or in high-speed, high-g maneuvers (such as tight half loops...ie, accelerated stalls).

[Mixdup]

I'm excited. I have a big black box in my van and on my way home. Could be a late night... ;)

[MesRcPilot]

I have the feeling that most of us are excited as at the first meeting with the girl ,In our case with New Spitfire of course ;) ...... Don't we !?
Note: ''Aging is compulsory .... growing up is not''.....LOL

[Mixdup]

My new love affair has officially begun...
The build is underway. First impressions are very positive. Very little 'factory rash'. Just a few minor dings. Even tho the packaging is adequate, it looks like the box took a hit on one end and some stress marks apear on the surface of the fuselage. Very minor cosmetic issue that will easily be sanded out. I like to rid my fresh warbirds of all blemishes and get rid of as much of the manufacturing bumps and holes as I can. So that was my first step. I have to say there isn't much work to do (unlike some of my FMS models) and I'm very pleased to say there is no tape covering wire channels anywhere! Excellent engineering FL.
Heres a pic of fill work done on the elevator underside which is really the only place that requires attention.

[Mixdup]

ALERT: Check the ESC to motor connections.
Mine were not all the way in.
the battery compartment is very spacious and well designed. The battery tray is held in with 4 screws and can de removed to access the ESC.

[Plastic_Aviator]

ALERT: Check the ESC to motor connections.
Mine were not all the way in.
the battery compartment is very spacious and well designed. The battery tray is held in with 4 screws and can de removed to access the ESC.

Wow! Nice catch there. Definitely need to remember that one. Looks like the heat shrinking tube was a little too long and probably prevented them from closing completely.

Thank you for taking the time to document the build! :Cool:

[Mixdup]

Prop assembly tip.
The prop and spinner are excellent! The best design and production of a stock OEM bolt on 4 blade I have seen. The aluminium cross brace is welcomed. I have been making carbon fibre ones to stop FMS props from exploding!
However I noticed a bit of miss alignment when I was bolting it all together... This can prevent the assembly fitting onto the prop shaft. Easy fix is to grab an 8mm drill and press it into the plastic hub then slip the aluminium brace down into place. This will keep it centred while you bolt it all together.

[Mixdup]

Wow! Nice catch there. Definitely need to remember that one. Looks like the heat shrinking tube was a little too long and probably prevented them from closing completely.

Thank you for taking the time to document the build! :Cool:

Yep they weren't in real solid. Once I flexed the connector lugs out a bit they were a good fit. Another piece of heatshrink over the top once plugged back in to be sure that nothing comes apart.

[Beeg]

Prop assembly tip.
The prop and spinner are excellent! The best design and production of a stock OEM bolt on 4 blade I have seen. The aluminium cross brace is welcomed. I have been making carbon fibre ones to stop FMS props from exploding!
However I noticed a bit of miss alignment when I was bolting it all together... This can prevent the assembly fitting onto the prop shaft. Easy fix is to grab an 8mm drill and press it into the plastic hub then slip the aluminium brace down into place. This will keep it centred while you bolt it all together.

Mixdup, Most of us Americans haven't invested in metric drills. I have a small set that cost me a pretty penny but for those that don't have an 8mm drill an "O" (8.064mm) is next closest then 5/16"(7.937mm).
I suppose instead of using a drill as a jig you could install all the screws and plate with a little slop, put the assembly onto the motor shaft then tighten everything up. Unless you have a spare 8mm collet laying around.

Either way, good to know that these need to be aligned to a fairly tight tolerance.


Keep going! :Cool:Need more pictures and stuff! This is exciting!