Top Flite TOPA0110 - Manual (Page 7)

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS USED IN
THIS BOOK AND ON THE PLANS:
deg. = Degrees Ply = Plywood
Elev = Elevator Stab = Stabilizer
Fuse = Fuselage " = Inches
LE = Leading Edge (front) Rt = Right
LG = Landing Gear Lt = Left
TYPES OF WOOD
TIPS FOR COMPETITION-MINDED
MODELERS
COUNTERBALANCES
The elevator and rudder counterbalances may
be added for scale appearance. They do not
affect the flight performance. Their locations and
sizes are dashed in on the plans.
SCALE RETRACTS AND DOORS
The retract landing gear pivot location shown
on the plans is basically correct. The stance of the
model (and strut length) shown with the gear down
is correct. Keep in mind that the Mustang's gear,
like that in most modern aircraft, compresses
under the weight of the aircraft and extends when
the aircraft takes off. This fact means that the rigid
struts commonly used on models will not fold into
the scale locations. The only reasonable way to
overcome this problem is to use oleo struts (such
as Robart Robostruts) that have springs light
enough to compress under the weight of the model
and thus function in a scale fashion.
If you should choose to modify your kit to
include very scale retracts and doors, most of the
work is up to you. Fully cycling gear doors
r e q u i r e m u c h p r e p l a n n i n g , e x c e l l e n t
craftsmanship, and are generally expensive. We
can, however, offer a few hints:
1. Bob Violett Models’ T-33 main landing gear
retracts may be a good place to start for the
following reasons.
- 7 -
OTHER ITEMS REQUIRED
Four to six channel radio with 4 to 7 servos.
Engine (see page 6 and the box side panel)
Engine Mount (see page 6)
Propellers (see engine instructions for recommended sizes). Note: The 4-blade prop shown on the
front of this manual is specially made for display purposes from two wooden props and is not usable
for actual flight.
Pilot figure (1/7 or 2” scale recommended)
4” (102mm) P-51 Spinner (CB #5103 (red), #5105 (black), #5106 (white) recommended)
Fuel Tank (Most 10 to 14 oz. (296cc to 415cc) tanks will fit)
3-1/4” (83mm) to 4” (102mm) Main Wheels (2) (see page 6)
1-1/4” (32mm) Tail wheel (see page 6)
3/16” (4.8mm) Wheel Collars (4 for fixed gear main wheels)
3/32” (2.4mm) Wheel Collars (2 for tail wheel)
Top Flite
® Super MonoKote ® (2 rolls) Aluminum plus Red, White, Black, and Olive Drab shown
Silicone Fuel Tubing
Latex Foam Rubber Padding (Hobbico
® 1/4” thick foam)
Optional:
Retracts ..................Robart #605
Air Control Kit............Robart #188
Hinge Points (for flaps)...Robart #309
Robostruts................Robart #653 L&R
SCALE DOCUMENTATION
This model was designed using the Koko-
Fan 3-view drawings as the reference for
outline. This fact makes it preferable to use
those drawing for scale documentation.
The drawings and many Mustang photo
packs are available from:
Scale Model Research
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 979-8058