Log in
Search
Latest topics
» Dremel/rotary-tool helpful tip threadby roddie Today at 6:05 pm
» Speed plane - Crispy but not too crispy
by rsv1cox Today at 5:19 pm
» hobbyking "covering film" opinions?
by cmulder Today at 12:52 pm
» Your oldest "active" model?
by cmulder Today at 12:28 pm
» Old CL Gee Bee
by rdw777 Today at 12:12 pm
» Wen Mac XL-600 Fan Jet - Something different
by rsv1cox Today at 9:16 am
» So where is George the Gallopying Ghoster?
by getback Today at 8:56 am
» Cox 020 PeeWee rebuild questions
by balogh Today at 7:41 am
» "Kim's Breezy Hill Editorial"
by rdw777 Yesterday at 9:23 am
» Cox red tank mount for beam mount 049 engines
by ffkiwi Wed Jan 15, 2025 4:25 pm
» My knock-off Gee Bee of Robert's Gee Bee post
by rsv1cox Wed Jan 15, 2025 10:38 am
» My knock-off Gee Bee of Robert's and Bob's Gee Bee posts
by rsv1cox Wed Jan 15, 2025 10:31 am
Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Page 1 of 2
Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
There were 3 airplanes in the Top Flite Junior Aces series, the P-51, Hurricane, and Cosmic Wind. I built the Hurri and Cosmic Wind some (gulp) half century ago. Ken’s post a few weeks back made me decide to complete the trifecta. This presented a small problem in that I don’t have a kit or plans for the P-51. However, I do have a Cosmic Wind kit, and it is essentially the same airplane, uses the same wing. So, I copied the kit wing parts. For the fuse, I simply found a drawing of the full size P-51B, and blew it up on a copy machine to the size I needed.
I decided to use a Medallion .049, so that I could preserve the P-51 nose shape. I also ended up changing the wing LE design to a more blunt shape.
All finished. It is covered with the ‘flat finish’ Monokote. I fly over grass, so I just left the gear off. Final weight came out to 6.2 oz.
I decided to use a Medallion .049, so that I could preserve the P-51 nose shape. I also ended up changing the wing LE design to a more blunt shape.
All finished. It is covered with the ‘flat finish’ Monokote. I fly over grass, so I just left the gear off. Final weight came out to 6.2 oz.
duaneh- Gold Member
- Posts : 227
Join date : 2019-04-06
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
It looks great, nicely done.
Ken Cook- Top Poster
- Posts : 5688
Join date : 2012-03-27
Location : pennsylvania
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Looks great, ought to fly well. What did you use for the elevator's hinges? Monokote? My P-40 uses that same Monokote on the wing. Olive drab paint on the profile fuselage.
Got pictures of the other two?
Got pictures of the other two?
rsv1cox- Top Poster
-
Posts : 11493
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
A very nice looker you got there. Turned out great.
NEW222- Top Poster
- Posts : 3899
Join date : 2011-08-13
Age : 46
Location : oakbank, mb
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Duane,
I'm slack-jawed...Great job! I can't wait to see the maiden.
I'm slack-jawed...Great job! I can't wait to see the maiden.
_________________
Never enough time to build them all...always enough time to smash them all!
944_Jim- Diamond Member
-
Posts : 2057
Join date : 2017-02-08
Age : 59
Location : NE MS
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Thanks, guys!
Bob; yes, I used the over-under style monokote hinges. I find this is an easy way to get free-running hinges.
Sorry, there are no pictures of the other 2. They went to model airplane heaven long ago.
Bob; yes, I used the over-under style monokote hinges. I find this is an easy way to get free-running hinges.
Sorry, there are no pictures of the other 2. They went to model airplane heaven long ago.
duaneh- Gold Member
- Posts : 227
Join date : 2019-04-06
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Nice looking plane !! Like the colors too !
getback- Top Poster
-
Posts : 10528
Join date : 2013-01-18
Age : 67
Location : julian , NC
Update - Built the other two
After building the Mustang, I felt like I needed to have all three from this series in the hangar. The Cosmic Wind & Hurricane were easier since I have original kits to copy parts from.
I built the Cosmic Wind first. I omitted the gear on this one also. The wing mounted gear is wrong for a Cosmic Wind anyway, the originals had fuse mounted gear. I had a roll of transparent orange Monokote on hand, and this seemed like a good place to use it.
I decided to put the gear on the Hurricane, just to get the right "look". Covering & markings again are all Monokote. I think this one took longer to cover than to build. I was fresh out of stunt tanked Bees, so it got a standard Babe Bee.
I built the Cosmic Wind first. I omitted the gear on this one also. The wing mounted gear is wrong for a Cosmic Wind anyway, the originals had fuse mounted gear. I had a roll of transparent orange Monokote on hand, and this seemed like a good place to use it.
I decided to put the gear on the Hurricane, just to get the right "look". Covering & markings again are all Monokote. I think this one took longer to cover than to build. I was fresh out of stunt tanked Bees, so it got a standard Babe Bee.
duaneh- Gold Member
- Posts : 227
Join date : 2019-04-06
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Wow duaneh Two more Beautiful models , the Hurricane really catches my eye ! Nice job I know you want hear that covering looks Amazing ,Cause it does
getback- Top Poster
-
Posts : 10528
Join date : 2013-01-18
Age : 67
Location : julian , NC
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Winners!!!!!
You caught that unusual turtle-deck slope on the Hurricane perfectly.
Bob
You caught that unusual turtle-deck slope on the Hurricane perfectly.
Bob
rsv1cox- Top Poster
-
Posts : 11493
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Just. Slack-jawed. Beautiful!
_________________
Never enough time to build them all...always enough time to smash them all!
944_Jim- Diamond Member
-
Posts : 2057
Join date : 2017-02-08
Age : 59
Location : NE MS
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
duaneh wrote:
I used the over-under style monokote hinges. I find this is an easy way to get free-running hinges.
Duane,
I like the close set leafs of hinge material, but...
I'm confused. I thought Monokote had adhesive on one side. I can see the first part sticking, but how to you glue the opposite side to the elevator? Or does Monokote come without adhesive, and Stix-it is the adhesive to secure it to the stab and elevator?
I just can't figure this one out. Doh!
Last edited by 944_Jim on Tue Jan 04, 2022 8:35 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Fixing)
_________________
Never enough time to build them all...always enough time to smash them all!
944_Jim- Diamond Member
-
Posts : 2057
Join date : 2017-02-08
Age : 59
Location : NE MS
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Jim imagine a 8 inch by 1/2 strip of mono, times 2. Then the two are ironed to each other one up and one down and only over lapped by 1/4 inch leaving 1/4 inch each long side with adhesive unused. Then the 8inches is sliced into 8 1 inch tabs than can be attached over and under with the hinge line no adhesive
fredvon4- Top Poster
-
Posts : 4032
Join date : 2011-08-26
Age : 69
Location : Lampasas Texas
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Thanks Fred,
I could never get that one figured out. Makes sense now.
I could never get that one figured out. Makes sense now.
Last edited by 944_Jim on Wed Jan 05, 2022 10:37 am; edited 1 time in total
_________________
Never enough time to build them all...always enough time to smash them all!
944_Jim- Diamond Member
-
Posts : 2057
Join date : 2017-02-08
Age : 59
Location : NE MS
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Exactly. Thank you Fred for explaining it better than I could have.
For these small models, I overlap the mono by about 1/8". Use a piece of glass as a work surface when ironing the strips together, as one strip will be adhesive side down. The mono will not stick to glass.
For these small models, I overlap the mono by about 1/8". Use a piece of glass as a work surface when ironing the strips together, as one strip will be adhesive side down. The mono will not stick to glass.
duaneh- Gold Member
- Posts : 227
Join date : 2019-04-06
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
That hinge does look really good never have tried it do you use a trim Iron or reg size to mate the monakote ?
getback- Top Poster
-
Posts : 10528
Join date : 2013-01-18
Age : 67
Location : julian , NC
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
I just use the tip of the regular iron. A trim iron would work as well, but it's usually sitting on the shelf when I need it, and I'm too impatient to plug it in and wait for it to heat up.
duaneh- Gold Member
- Posts : 227
Join date : 2019-04-06
That's a lotta red
Wow, it's been over a year already since this project. Time sure gets away from you.
I was at the St. Charles, IL swap last weekend, and stumbled on a partially built kit of the Top Flite Junior Ace Mustang. The wing was built, and the tailfeathers were glued onto the fuse. The plans and decals were still in the box, as was a Babe Bee!
The bad news is that I still don't have a full kit, the good news is I don't have to feel guilty about finishing this one. I decided to take a break from the usual military markings, and did it up as Paul Mantz's Bendix racer.
I was at the St. Charles, IL swap last weekend, and stumbled on a partially built kit of the Top Flite Junior Ace Mustang. The wing was built, and the tailfeathers were glued onto the fuse. The plans and decals were still in the box, as was a Babe Bee!
The bad news is that I still don't have a full kit, the good news is I don't have to feel guilty about finishing this one. I decided to take a break from the usual military markings, and did it up as Paul Mantz's Bendix racer.
duaneh- Gold Member
- Posts : 227
Join date : 2019-04-06
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Absolutely stunning, that will be a real winner. It looks terrific just sitting there.
Ken Cook- Top Poster
- Posts : 5688
Join date : 2012-03-27
Location : pennsylvania
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Swap meet / what's that lol haven't had one here in years ! Oh and the plane looks Fantastic !! Did you fly any of the others ? Yea the years go by like weeks it seems ?!?!
getback- Top Poster
-
Posts : 10528
Join date : 2013-01-18
Age : 67
Location : julian , NC
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Eric, yes, I have flown all 3 of these. I like the Cosmic Wind best, although I really can't say why. It and the Mustang fly exactly the same. The Hurricane is heavier because it has landing gear, and this shows up in the flying.
I am lucky in that I can get to several swaps. I am located in the middle of IL, it is 3 hours to either Chicago or St. Louis. Both have multiple clubs that hold swap meets.
I am lucky in that I can get to several swaps. I am located in the middle of IL, it is 3 hours to either Chicago or St. Louis. Both have multiple clubs that hold swap meets.
duaneh- Gold Member
- Posts : 227
Join date : 2019-04-06
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
That's Great duaneh Well there is a swap meet 40 miles from me in March bee there at 8.00am would hurt me ! Oh well I need to build and crash what i got first !! Use to bee one 15 miles from every Feb. but no more ?! That is alot better than 3 hrs.
getback- Top Poster
-
Posts : 10528
Join date : 2013-01-18
Age : 67
Location : julian , NC
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
[quote="duaneh"]There were 3 airplanes in the Top Flite Junior Aces series, the P-51, Hurricane, and Cosmic Wind. I built the Hurri and Cosmic Wind some (gulp) half century ago. Ken’s post a few weeks back made me decide to complete the trifecta. This presented a small problem in that I don’t have a kit or plans for the P-51. However, I do have a Cosmic Wind kit, and it is essentially the same airplane, uses the same wing. So, I copied the kit wing parts. For the fuse, I simply found a drawing of the full size P-51B, and blew it up on a copy machine to the size I needed.
Hello duaneh
Great job on the Top Flite junior aces designed by Dave Platt for top flite. I really liked your model of the red P-51 Bendix winning racer that was owned by Paul Mantz. I saved your thread pictures for inspiration. I liked the change in the leading edge of the mustang wing is a good idea. Thanks for posting your plan on Outerzone. I had been looking for a P-51 TF plan. I like 1/2a models. Here is a link to a Scientific Little Bipe original version designed by A. Spampani that I built. After a search for a plan I was able to acquire a kit box that had the plan from Gordon Von Tighem.
https://stunthanger.com/smf/12-a-building/scientific-little-bipe-first-version/
Juan
Hello duaneh
Great job on the Top Flite junior aces designed by Dave Platt for top flite. I really liked your model of the red P-51 Bendix winning racer that was owned by Paul Mantz. I saved your thread pictures for inspiration. I liked the change in the leading edge of the mustang wing is a good idea. Thanks for posting your plan on Outerzone. I had been looking for a P-51 TF plan. I like 1/2a models. Here is a link to a Scientific Little Bipe original version designed by A. Spampani that I built. After a search for a plan I was able to acquire a kit box that had the plan from Gordon Von Tighem.
https://stunthanger.com/smf/12-a-building/scientific-little-bipe-first-version/
Juan
F4D Phantom II- Gold Member
- Posts : 245
Join date : 2019-04-08
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Welcome back, Juan,
It's been a while since we've seen anything from you here. I love your Lil Bipe! Have you had a chance to fly it yet? I'm sure the guys here would love to see pictures. I'm not sure if SH non-members can see pictures over there as guests. Sparky (the Admin on SH) had it locked down pretty tight for a while.
Thanks for "re-appearing" here.
It's been a while since we've seen anything from you here. I love your Lil Bipe! Have you had a chance to fly it yet? I'm sure the guys here would love to see pictures. I'm not sure if SH non-members can see pictures over there as guests. Sparky (the Admin on SH) had it locked down pretty tight for a while.
Thanks for "re-appearing" here.
_________________
Never enough time to build them all...always enough time to smash them all!
944_Jim- Diamond Member
-
Posts : 2057
Join date : 2017-02-08
Age : 59
Location : NE MS
Re: Top Flite Junior Aces Mustang Clone
Ex E Lant Job . I Love the Color .
akjgardner- Diamond Member
-
Posts : 1653
Join date : 2014-12-28
Age : 65
Location : Greensberg Indiana
Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Similar topics
» Top FLite Mustang
» Flite Test Mustang
» My Junior machinist project
» MVVS Junior 2cc
» Cipolla Junior?
» Flite Test Mustang
» My Junior machinist project
» MVVS Junior 2cc
» Cipolla Junior?
Page 1 of 2
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum