Tower Hobbies P-51D Mustang Instruction Manual

Tower
Hobbies®
guarantees
this kit to be
free from defects
in both material and
workmanship at the

WARRANTY

date of purchase. This
warranty does not cover any
component parts damaged by
use or modification. In no case
shall Tower Hobbies’ liability exceed
the original cost of the purchased kit.
Further, Tower Hobbies reserves the right to
change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Tower Hobbies has no control over the final
assembly or material used for final assembly, no
liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage
resulting from the use by the user of the final user­assembled product. By the act of using the user-assembled
product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

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.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at
the address below:

(OBBY3ERVICESs.!POLLO$R3UITEs#HAMPAIGN),s53!

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5PON RECEIPT OFTHE PACKAGE THE

problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.

303 in2 [15.2 dm2]

LENGTH

34 in [864 mm]

WINGSPAN

40 in [1016 mm]

WING AREA

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL

BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION.

IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE

ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

WEIGHT

29.7–32 oz [840–905 g]

WING LOADING

14.1–15.2 oz/ft2 [43–46 g/dm2]

RADIO

4-Channel minimum required

TOWER HOBBIES

Champaign, Illinois

[phone] ext. 5

TOWA2000 Mnl 1.1

©2010 Tower Hobbies

®

®

®

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

REQUIRED ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Optional Tools and Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Battery & Charger Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

KIT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

KIT CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ASSEMBLE THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

RADIO SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

INSTALL THE LANDING GEAR (Optional) . . . . . . . . 7

INSTALL THE PROPELLER AND SPINNER . . . . . . . . . 8

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Check the Controls & Control Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Check the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Balance the Model (C.G.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

APPLY THE DECALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Charge the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

LITHIUM BATTERY HANDLING & USAGE. . . . . . . . 11

FLYING THE P-51 MUSTANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Find a Suitable Flying Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Perform a Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Monitor Your Flight Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Take Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

ROG Take Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Flying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

AFTER EACH FLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

REPAIRING YOUR MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

IMPORTANT: Two of the most important things you can do

to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid fl y-
ing near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups
of people.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF

& OTHERS.....FOLLOW THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Mustang 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,
this model, 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 motor and components
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.

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 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:

INTRODUCTION

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Ph. [phone]
Fx. [phone]

Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org

2

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.

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.

REQUIRED ITEMS

■ Screwdrivers – Phillips & Flat

■ Scissors

■ Pliers, regular & needle-nose

■ Felt-Tipped Pen (TOPQ2510)

Optional Tools and Supplies

■ PRO™ Threadlocker (GPMR6060)

■ 1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)

■ CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

■ 2 oz. [60g] Foam Safe CA Activator (GPMR6035)

■ CA debonder (GPMR6039)

■ #11 Hobby knife w/ 5 blades (EXLR9018)

■ #11 blades (5-pack, EXLR0011)

■ Masking tape

■ Great Planes Stick-on lead weights (GPMQ4485)

■ Great Planes 4-Step Prop Reamer, standard (GPMQ5005)

■ 1/4″ [6.4mm] drill bit

Battery & Charger Recommendations

The following batteries and chargers are recommended for

this model.

Batteries

■ Flyzone™ 1800mAh 11.1V LiPo Battery (HCAA3840)

■ SuperTigre® 1800mAh 11.1V 15C LiPo Battery (SUPP1050)

■ SuperTigre 2100mAh 11.1V 15C LiPo Battery (SUPP1060)

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts are available from Tower Hobbies for your
P-51. Our order assistance representatives are ready to answer
your questions or to place your order. Call us at [phone].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order

Number

TOWA6070
TOWA6071
TOWA6072
TOWA6073
TOWA6074
TOWA6075
TOWA6076
TOWM5500
TOWA6077
TOWA6078
TOWA6079
TOWA6080
TOWA6081
TOWG2000

Description

Wing Set
Fuselage
Horizontal Stabilizer Set
Cowl
Hatch
Landing Gear Set
Decals
Servo
Wing Joiner Tube Set
T ail Wheel Set
Belly Scoop
Nylon Wing bolt 2 pcs.
Spinner
Motor

KIT INSPECTION

Before assembly, match the parts in the photo on page 4 with
the parts in the kit. Check off each part as they are located. If
any parts are missing or damaged, consult Tower Hobbies

Order Assistance. (See phone numbers below.)

Note: All parts are one per kit unless otherwise stated.

Tower Hobbies

P.O. Box 9078
Champaign, IL 61826-9078

Toll Free Orders Only . . . . . . 800 637-4989

Toll Free Order Assistance. . .800 637-6050

Non-Toll Free Ordering. . . . . 217 398-3636

Fax Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 356-6608

Toll Free Fax Ordering . . . . .800 637-7303

Chargers

■ Great Planes ElectriFly™ Triton EQ™ AC/DC Charger

(GPMM3155)

OR

■ Great Planes® ElectriFly PolyCharge4™ LiPo battery

charger (GPMM3015)

WITH

■ Great Planes ElectriFly Equinox™ LiPo cell balancer

(GPMM3160)

REQUIRED ITEMS

3

KIT CONTENTS

2

1

3

1. Fuselage and Motor

2. Canopy / Hatch

3. Spinner

4. Prop

4

10

6

5

8

9

5. Main Landing Gear

6. Belly Scoop

7. Horizontal Tail

8. Wings

7

9. Wing Tubes

10. Prop Adapter

ASSEMBLE THE WING

1. Read the Lithium Battery Handling and Usage section

❏

on page 11 of this manual. Charge the battery pack following
the instructions that came with your charger.

2. Remove all of the components from the plastic packaging

❏

and lay them out on your work surface.

KIT CONTENTS

3. Locate both halves of the wing along with the long and

❏

short tubes.

4

4. Insert the short tube into the forward-most hole in the

❏

wing, and then insert the long tube into the rearward most hole.

Slide the other wing half onto the tubes until the wing halves fi t
tight against each other.