the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this
WARRANTY.....Top Flite
®
Models guarantees this kit to be
free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this
product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused
condition to the place of purchase.
warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modifi cation. In
no case shall Top Flite’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit.
Further, Top Flite reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Top Flite has no control over the fi nal assembly or material used for fi nal
assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from
the use by the user of the fi nal user-assembled product. By the act of using the userassembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
Top Flite Models Champaign, ILTelephone (217) 398-8970, Ext. 5airsupport@top-fl ite.com
To make a warranty claim send the defective
part or item to Hobby Services at the address:
Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information
as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed
description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of
the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.
Radio: 6+ channel with 8 servos
Engine: .60 – .91 cu in [10 – 15cc] two-stroke,
Following the great success of the .60-sized Top Flite
P-51 Mustang kit comes the same beautiful model
in ARF form! The sky is the limit for the amount of
additional detail that could be added during the
building process to make the P-51 Mustang ARF a
model even the most serious scale-minded builder
could appreciate. The model assembles in as little as
15 to 20 hours with time-consuming painting tasks
expertly complete out of the box.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections
to the P-51 Mustang ARF visit the Top Flite web site
at www.top-fl ite.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the P-51 Mustang ARF. If there is new technical
information or changes to this model a “tech notice”
box will appear in the upper left corner of the page.
AMA
We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model
Aeronautics) and a local R/C club. The AMA is the
governing body of model aviation and membership
is required to fl y at AMA clubs. Though joining the
AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the primary
reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is
not limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It
even applies to fl ying at public demonstrations and
air shows. Failure to comply with the Safety Code
(excerpts printed in the back of the manual) may
endanger insurance coverage. Additionally, training
2
programs and instructors are available at AMA club
sites to help you get started the right way. There are
over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the country.
Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone
number below:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at:
http://www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you
can do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby
are to avoid fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid
fl ying near or over groups of people.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL,
YOURSELF & OTHERS.
FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your P-51 Mustang ARF should not be considered
a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that
functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of
its performance capabilities, the P-51 Mustang ARF, if not
assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause
injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.
2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as
doing so may result in an unsafe or unfl yable model.
In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly from
the photos. In those instances the written instructions
should be considered as correct.
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in
fi rst-class condition, and a correctly sized engine
and components (servos, servo extension, etc.)
throughout the building process.
5. You must correctly install all R/C and other
components so that the model operates correctly on
the ground and in the air.
6. You must check the operation of the model before
every fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and
that the model has remained structurally sound. Be sure
to check clevises or other connectors often and replace
them if they show any signs of wear or fatigue.
7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not
fl own this type of model before, we recommend that
you get the assistance of an experienced pilot in your
R/C club for your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member
of a club, your local hobby shop has information
about clubs in your area whose membership includes
experienced pilots.
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the P-51
Mustang ARF that may require planning or decision
making before starting to build. Order numbers are
provided in parentheses.
BUILDING STAND
❏ Futaba S136G Compact Retract
Servo (FUTM0670)
❏ Futaba S3003 Servo Standard (FUTM0031)
❏ Hobbico
A .60 to .91 cu in [10 to 15cc] two-stroke or .90 to 1.20
[15 to 20cc] four-stroke engine is required. An O.S.®
FS-91 Surpass™ II four-stroke engine installation is
shown in this manual.
8. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed
normal use, if the plane will be used for extremely
high stress fl ying, such as racing, or if an engine
larger than one in the recommended range is used,
the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce
the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but
ultimately the quality and fl yability of your fi nished
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.
Remember: Take your time and follow the
instructions to end up with a well-built model that
is straight and true.
A building stand or cradle comes in very handy
during the build. We use the Robart Super Stand II
(ROBP1402) for most of our projects in R&D, and it
can be seen in pictures throughout this manual.
RADIO EQUIPMENT
A 6-channel radio system such as a Futaba® 6EXAS
with a standard receiver and six standard size servos
with a minimum torque of 44 oz-in [3.2 kg-cm] are
required for the control surfaces of the P-51 Mustang
ARF. The included mechanical retracts require a
180° retract servo. If you will be installing optional
pneumatic retracts, a micro servo will be required
to operate the air valve. One standard torque servo
such as an S3003 is required for the throttle. Two 24"
[610mm] servo extensions (aileron servos) and two Yharnesses (aileron and fl ap servos) are also required.
A receiver battery pack with a minimum capacity
of 1000mAh is recommended. Order numbers are
provided as follows:
The P-51 Mustang ARF includes mechanical retracts.
Optional pneumatic retracts can also be installed.
Part numbers are provided below.
❏ Robart
w/3/16" wire (ROBQ0005)
®
605HD 90° main landing gear
❏ Robart 188VR standard air control kit (ROBQ2302)
❏ Robart 190 air line quick disconnects (ROBQ2395)
SCALE COMPETITION
Though the Top Flite P-51 Mustang ARF may not have
the same level of detail as an “all-out” scratch-built
competition model, it is a scale model nonetheless
and is therefore eligible to compete in the Fun Scale
class in AMA competition (we receive many favorable
reports of Top Flite models in scale competition!). To
receive the fi ve points for scale documentation, the only
proof required that a full-size aircraft of this type in your
paint/markings scheme did exist is a single sheet such
as a kit box cover from a plastic model, a photo, or a
profi le painting, etc. If the photo is in black and white
other written documentation of color must be provided.
Contact the AMA for a rule book with full details.
If you would like photos of the full-size P-51D Mustang
for scale documentation, or if you would like to study
the photos to add more scale details, photo packs are
available from:
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Telephone: (714) 979-8058
Fax: (714) 979-7279
E-mail: www.bobsairdoc.com
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions You
Must Make” section, following is the list of hardware
and accessories required to fi nish the P-51 Mustang
ARF. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
❏ R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] - HCAQ1000,
or 1/2" [13mm] - HCAQ1050)
❏ 3' [900mm] Standard silicone fuel
tubing (GPMQ4131)
ADHESIVES & BUILDING SUPPLIES
In addition to common household tools (screwdrivers,
drill, etc.), this is the “short list” of the most important
items required to build the P-51 Mustang ARF. We
recommend Great Planes Pro™ CA and Epoxy glue.
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
❏ Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❏ Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.4mm],
3/16" [4.8mm]
❏ 8-32 Tap and drill set (GPMR8103)
❏ Silver solder w/fl ux (STAR2000)
❏ #1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
Here is a list of optional tools that will help you build
the P-51 Mustang ARF.
❏ Top Flite MonoKote
❏ Top Flite Hot Sock
®
sealing iron (TOPR2100)
™
iron cover (TOPR2175)
❏ Top Flite Trim Seal Tool (TOPR2200)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)
❏ 1/2 oz. [15g] Thick Pro CA- (GPMR6013)
❏ Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ Small metal fi le
❏ Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)
❏ 2 oz. [57g] Spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
❏ 4 oz. [113g] Aerosol CA activator (GPMR6034)
❏ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
❏ CA debonder (GPMR6039)
❏ Epoxy brushes 6, (GPMR8060)
❏ Mixing sticks (GPMR8055)
❏ Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
❏ Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0630)
❏ Compressed air 10 oz (TAEC1060)
❏ Microballoons (TOPR1090)
❏ Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set (GPMM1000)
❏ Ernst charge receptacle Futaba J (ERNM3001)
❏ Rotary tool such as Dremel
®
❏ Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8020)
❏ Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)
❏ Hobby Heat
❏ Dead Center
❏ Great Planes clevis installation tool (GPMR8030)
❏ X-Acto
®
X-tra Hands double clip (XACR4214)
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
• There are two types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number
and a length. For example #6 x 3/4" [19mm].
This is a number six screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long.
Machine Screws are designated by a number,
threads per inch, and a length. For example 4-40 x
3/4" [19mm].
This is a number four screw that is 3/4" [19mm] long
with forty threads per inch.
• When you see the term test fi t in the instructions,
it means that you should fi rst position the part on
the assembly without using any glue, then slightly
modify or custom fi t the part as necessary for the
best fi t.
• Whenever the term glue is written you should rely
upon your experience to decide what type of glue to use.
When a specifi c type of adhesive works best for that
step, the instructions will make a recommendation.
• Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use either 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6-minute
epoxy. When 30-minute epoxy is specifi ed it is
highly recommended that you use only 30-minute
(or 45-minute) epoxy, because you will need the
working time and/or the additional strength.
• Photos and sketches are placed before the step
they refer to. Frequently you can study photos in
following steps to get another view of the same parts.
KIT INSPECTION
Before starting to build, inspect the parts to make
sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are
missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you
need assistance with assembly, contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts,
use the part names exactly as they are written in the
“Kit Contents” list on this page.
Top Flite Product Support
3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
Telephone: (217) 398-8970
Fax: (217) 398-7721
E-mail: airsupport@top-fl ite.com
KIT CONTENTS
1. Fiberglass Air Scoop
2. Right Aileron
3. Right Flap
4. Right Wing Panel
5. Fuselage
6. Elevator Joiner Wire
7. Tail Wheel
8. Tail Wheel Wire
9. Right Elevator
10. Rudder
11. Horizontal Stabilizer
12. Left Elevator
13. Left Flap
14. Left Wing Panel
15. Left Aileron
16. Right Machine Guns
17. Right Strut Cover
18. Fuel Tank
19. Fiberglass Cowl
20. Right ABS Exhaust Stack
21. Engine Mount Halves
22. Spinner
23. Belly Pan
24. Left ABS Exhaust Stack
25. Canopy
26. Dummy Radio & Battery
27. Seat Back
28. Pilot Figure
29. Instrument Panel
30. Left Strut Cover
31. Left Machine Guns
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
To order replacement parts for the Top Flite
P-51 Mustang ARF, use the order numbers in the
Replacement Parts List that follows. Replacement
parts are available only as listed. Not all parts are
available separately (an aileron cannot be purchased
separately, but is only available with the wing kit).
Replacement parts are not available from Product
Support, but can be purchased from hobby shops
or mail order/Internet order fi rms. Hardware items
(screws, nuts, bolts) are also available from these
outlets. If you need assistance locating a dealer to
purchase parts, visit www.top-fl ite.com and click
on “Where to Buy.” If this kit is missing parts, contact
Product Support.
5
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
Order Number Description How to purchase
Missing Pieces .................. Contact Product Support
Instruction Manual ............ Contact Product Support
Full-Size Plans ..................................... Not Available
Contact your hobby supplier to purchase these items:
TOPA1725 Fuselage Set
TOPA1726 Wing Set
TOPA1727 Tail Set (Elevators and Stabilizers)
TOPA1728 Cowl
TOPA1729 Cockpit Kit
TOPA1730 Decal
TOPA1731 Canopy
TOPA1732 Spinner
TOPA1733 Air Scoop
TOPA1734 Dummy Exhaust
TOPA1735 Landing Gear Struts
TOPA1736 Landing Gear Doors
TOPQ7950 Retracts Landing Gear
major parts of the kit from the box and inspect for
damage. If any parts are damaged or missing, contact
Product Support at the address or telephone number
listed in the “Kit Inspection” section on page 5.
❏ 2. Carefully remove the tape and separate all the
control surfaces. Use a covering iron with a covering
sock on medium/high heat to tighten the covering
if necessary. Apply pressure over sheeted areas to
thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.
ASSEMBLE THE WING
HINGE THE AILERONS & FLAPS
in the wing TE. Push the fl ap up against the wing
so that the fl ap LE and the wing TE edge touch. If
the two surfaces cannot touch, carefully deepen the
hinge point pockets in the wing panel with a 3/16"
[4.8mm] drill bit as necessary. When satisfi ed, defl ect
the fl ap down at least 1-1/4" [32mm] which will cause
the pivot pins in the hinge points to align themselves
in the center of the fl ap LE radius. Work the fl ap up
and down to ensure smooth movement.
❏ ❏ 1. Test fi t the included hinge points into the pre-
drilled pockets in the fl ap. Press the hinge points into
the pockets with the tabs on the hinge points aligned
parallel with the hinge line on the fl ap. Push the hinge
points as far deep as they can fi t into the pockets in
the fl ap. Work the hinge up and down in the pocket. Be
sure that the hinges move freely inside the pocket. If
there is any interference, use a hobby knife to slightly
enlarge the pocket as necessary.
❏ ❏ 3. Remove the fl ap from the wing panel and pull
the hinge points from the pockets. Coat the center of
each hinge point with petroleum jelly or oil. This will
prevent epoxy from sticking to the pivoting portion of
the hinges.
Before performing steps 4 and 5, have denatured alcohol
and some paper towel pieces ready for epoxy cleanup.
You can do the right wing fi rst so your work
matches the photos the fi rst time through, or you
can work on them together.
❏ ❏ 2. Fit the fl ap to the wing panel by inserting
the other ends of the hinge points into the pockets
7
❏ ❏ 4. Mix up a batch of 30-minute epoxy. Use a
toothpick or something similar to coat the insides
of the hinge point pockets in the fl ap and the wing
panel. Wipe away any excess epoxy from around the
pockets using a paper towel dampened with alcohol.
❏ ❏ 6. Coat the other end of each hinge point up to
LE of the fl ap. Slowly join the fl ap to the wing while
wiping away any excess epoxy that squeezes out of
the pockets. When the fl ap is all the way against the
wing panel, defl ect it downward and check the LE
for excess epoxy. Pull the fl ap away from the wing
approximately 1/64" [0.4mm] so that the LE does not
bind against the wing TE when the fl ap is defl ected.
When satisfi ed, set the wing aside and allow the
epoxy to cure undisturbed.
❏ ❏ 8. Drill a 3/32" [2.4mm] hole 1/2" [13mm] deep
in the center of each hinge slot in the wing panel and
aileron. Use a sharp hobby knife to carefully cut away
the covering just around each hinge slot.
❏ ❏ 5. Coat one end of each hinge point with epoxy up
to the tabs. Insert the hinges into the pockets in the fl ap.
Use a clean toothpick to scrape out any excess epoxy
that may have squeezed out of the pocket.
❏ ❏ 7. Cut the included 2" x 9" [51 x 229mm] piece
of CA hinge material into 3/4" x 1" [19 x 25mm]
individual hinges. Use a hobby knife or scissors to
trim the corners from each hinge to make them easier
to insert into the hinge slots.
8
❏ ❏ 9. Fit a CA hinge into each hinge slot in the wing
panel. If the hinges are diffi cult to install, use a hobby
knife to slightly enlarge the slots. Push a pin (T-pins
work well for this) through the middle of each hinge to
keep them centered.
MOUNT THE SERVOS
Before completing this section, confi rm that the
servos that you will be using will properly fi t between
the servo mounting block locations on the aileron
and fl ap servo hatch covers. Make adjustments as
necessary for your brand servos. The block locations
shown in this section will fi t a standard size Futaba
brand servo.
❏ ❏ 3. Attach a 24" [610mm] servo extension to
each aileron servo and secure the connector using
tape or heat shrink tubing (not included). Center the
servos with your radio system and install the servo
arm to the servo perpendicular to the servo case as
shown. Be sure to reinstall the servo arm screw into
the servo.
❏ ❏ 1. Use epoxy to glue the 5/16" x 3/4" x 3/4"
[8 x 19 x 19mm] hardwood servo mounting blocks
to the inside of the aileron servo hatch cover. Be
sure that the blocks are aligned over the rectangles
with the grain direction perpendicular to the covers
as shown. Allow the epoxy to cure undisturbed.
❏ ❏ 10. Fit the aileron to the hinges and center it
between the wing tip and the fl ap. Remove the pins
from the hinges and position the aileron against the
TE of the wing panel. The hinge gap between the
aileron and wing should only be wide enough to allow
a small line of light through. When satisfi ed, apply 6
drops of thin CA glue to the center of each hinge on
both sides. When the CA has dried, gently pull on the
aileron to confi rm that it is securely glued in place.
❏ 11. Repeat steps 1-10 for the left wing panel.
❏ ❏ 2. Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm
included with the aileron servo. Enlarge the outer hole
of the remaining arm with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit.
9
❏ ❏ 4. Place a piece of paper folded several times,
between the servo and the servo hatch cover to raise
the servo off of the servo hatch. Position the servo
against the underside of the aileron servo hatch cover
between the mounting blocks. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm]
holes through the mounting tabs on the servo case
into the blocks. Thread a servo mounting screw
(included with the servo) into each hole and back it
out. Remove the piece of paper and apply a drop of
thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. When the
CA has dried, install the servo onto the hatch cover
using the hardware supplied with the servo.
❏ ❏ 7. Mount the fl ap servo and hatch cover in the
same way. The fl ap servo does not require a servo
lead extension.
❏ 8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 for the left wing panel. Make
note that the fl ap servo arm will be mounted on the
root rib side of the left wing panel so that when the
fl ap servos are joined together using a Y-harness,
they will both move in the same direction.
❏ ❏ 5. Use the string taped inside the aileron servo
hatch to pull the servo lead through the wing ribs.
❏ ❏ 6. Thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screw
into each hatch mounting hole and back it out. Apply
a drop of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood.
Install the aileron hatch cover to the wing as shown
using four #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping screws.
INSTALL THE AILERON & FLAP PUSHRODS
❏ ❏ 1. Thread a 2-56 nut and a metal clevis 15
complete turns onto a 4" [152mm] pushrod. Slide a
silicone clevis retainer onto the clevis and connect
the clevis to the outer hole of a nylon control horn.
10
❏ ❏ 2. Position the control horn over the plywood
plate in the aileron (if you cannot see it, hold the aileron
at a shallow angle in good lighting or use a small pin
to puncture the covering) using the position of the
servo arm as a guide. Align the holes in the control
horn directly over the aileron hinge line and mark the
location of the control horn mounting holes.
❏ ❏ 3. At the marks, drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through
the plywood plate. Do not drill all the way through
the aileron! Thread a #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] self-tapping
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