Top Flite TOPA0400 - Manual (Page 3)

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Top Flite Giant
Scale Gold Edition P-51D Mustang. Since this is
a scale model with lots of detail, you’ll find it takes
a little longer to complete than the sport models
you’ve built before. But since this is a Top Flite
Gold Edition kit, it isn’t more difficult to build than
those sport models. The Top Flite Giant Mustang
uses the same materials and standard construction
techniques you’ve already become accustomed to.
You won’t have to learn anything new to end up
with a first-class scale model! Most of the trim
schemes you’ll find of the full-size Mustangs should
be easy to duplicate with Top Flite MonoKote film.
The Top Flite Giant Mustang is an excellent
Sportsman or Expert Scale subject. Its large size
and accurate scale outline afford you the
opportunity to go all-out with as many extra details
as you like.
The Top Flite P-51D is an excellent sport scale
model that is just as “at home” with sport flying as it
is in competition. Because of its 84-1/2" wingspan,
the Top Flite P-51D is eligible for IMAA events. The
IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association)
is an organization that promotes non-competitive
flying of giant scale models.
IMAA
205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401
Please inspect all parts carefully before starting
to build! If any parts are missing, broken or
defective, or if you have any questions about
building or flying this model, please call us at
(217) 398-8970 and we’ll be glad to help. If you
are calling for replacement parts, please look up
the part numbers and the kit identification
number (stamped on the end of the carton) and
have them ready when calling.
PRECAUTIONS
1. You must build the plane according to the plan
and instructions. Do not alter or modify the
model, as doing so may result in an unsafe or
unflyable model. In a few cases the plan and
instructions may differ slightly from the photos.
In those instances you should assume the plan
and written instructions are correct.
2. You must take time to build straight, true
and strong.
3. You must use a proper R/C radio that is in first
class condition, the correct sized engine and
correct components (fuel tank, wheels, etc.)
throughout your building process.
4. You must properly install all R/C and other
components so that the model operates properly
on the ground and in the air.
5. You must test the operation of the model before
every flight to insure that all equipment is operating
and you must make certain that the model has
remained structurally sound.
6. If you are not already an experienced R/C pilot,
you must fly the model only with the help of a
competent, experienced R/C pilot.
ENGINE SELECTION
Recommended engine size:
30 - 45cc displacement Glow Engine
30 - 60cc displacement Gasoline Engine
We strongly recommend the use of a soft engine
mount of some kind, to relieve the stresses on the
airframe and radio system and to make your
aircraft quieter. J-Tec, Soundmaster and others
produce soft mounts for large engines.
Note: If you are using a gasoline engine, you will
need to make sure that your fuel lines and tank are
made specifically to handle gasoline.
RADIO SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
The Top Flite Giant P-51D requires a minimum of 10
servos. Due to the large scale of this aircraft, the
Giant P-51D requires high torque servos with a
minimum of 45 inch/ounces of torque to control the
split elevator (2 required), rudder (1 required) and
ailerons (2 required). Two 1/4- scale servos may be
used in place of the three servos used for the
elevator and rudder. If 1/4-scale servos are used you
will need to make an elevator joiner (not included)
and may need to route the pushrods differently.
On our prototypes we used Y-connectors to connect
the elevator servos. We also used Y-connectors to
connect the flap servos.
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
NOTE: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you
with a top quality kit and great instructions, but
ultimately the quality and flyability of your finished
model depends on how you build it; therefore, we
cannot in any way guarantee the performance of
your completed model, and no representations
are expressed or implied as to the performance
or safety of your completed model. Your Top Flite Gold Edition Giant P-51D is
intended for scale and general sport flying
including mild aerobatics such as loops, stall
turns, rolls, etc. Its structure is designed to
withstand such stresses. If you intend to use
your P-51D for more abusive types of flying,
such as racing or aggressive aerobatics, it is
your responsibility to reinforce areas of the
model that will be subjected to the resulting
unusually high stresses.
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