Tower Hobbies P-51 MUSTANG MKII EP Rx-R Instruction Manual

MKII EP Rx-R

®

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

WARR ANTY

date of purchase. This
warranty does not cover any
component parts damaged by
use or modication. 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 nal
assembly or material used for nal assembly, no
liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage
resulting from the use by the user of the nal user-assembled
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:

Hobby Services • 3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1 • Champaign IL 61822 • USA

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.

LENGTH

34 in [ 864 mm ]

WINGSPAN

40 in [1016 mm]

WING AREA

282 sq in [18.2 dm2]

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL

BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION.

IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE

ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

WEIGHT

30 –34 oz [850–964g]

WING LOADING

15.3 – 17.2 oz/ ft2 [46.7–52.5 g/dm2]

RADIO

4-Channel minimum required

5–6 if optional aps/retracts are used

TOWER HOBBIES

Champaign, Illinois

[phone] ext. 6

[e-mail]

®

v1.1© 2016 Towe r H o bbi es .® A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

Radio Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Battery and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Optional Flaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Optional Retracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Required Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

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

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

BEFORE ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

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

OPTIONAL FLAP INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

INSTALL THE FIXED LANDING GEAR (Optional) . . . . .9

OPTIONAL RETRACT INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

As a new owner of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), you
are responsible for the operation of this vehicle and the safety
of those around you. Please contact your local authorities
to  nd out the latest rules and regulations.

In the United States, please visit:

knowbeforeyou y.org faa.gov/uas

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  y at AMA clubs.

Though joining the AMA provides many bene ts, one of the

primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not
limited to  ying at contests or on the club  eld. It even applies
to  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.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. [phone]

Fax [phone]

Or via the Internet at: www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT: Two of the most important things you can do
to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid
 ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid  ying near or over
groups of people.

Check the Controls & Control Direction . . . . . . . . . . 10

Check the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Propeller & Spinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

APPLY THE DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Charge the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

FLYING THE P-51 MUSTANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Find a Suitable Flying Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Perform a Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Monitor Your Flight Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Take Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ROG Take Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Flying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

AFTER EACH FLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

REPAIRING YOUR MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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 injur y 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 un 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  rst-class

condition.

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

 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  own this

type of model before, we recommend that you get the
assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for
your  rst  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.

2

8.

While this kit has been  ight tested to exceed normal use,

if the plane will be used for extremely high stress  ying,
such as racing, or if a motor larger than the one included
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.

Optional Flaps

❍ (2) TOWM5500 Tower Hobbies servo (for optional

 aps)

❍ (1) TOWA6116 Y-Harness

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality,
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the
quality and  yability of your  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

Radio Components

A transmitter and receiver with 4-channels minimum
(6-channel for optional retracts and  aps) is required. The

Tactic TTX650 6-channel or Futaba 6J 6-channel radio system

are great low-cost radio systems perfect for the P-51 Mustang
EP Series ARF.

❍ TACJ2650 Tactic TTX650 6-channel SLT Computer

Transmitter

OR

❍ FUTK6000 Futaba 6J 6-channel S-FHSS System

Battery and Charger

A 3S 1800mAh – 2200mAh LiPo battery is required to power
the P-51 Mustang ARF.

❍ ElectriFly 3S 1800mAh 30C (GPMP0855)
❍ ElectriFly 3S 2200mAh 30C (GPMP0861)
❍ FlightPower 3S 1800mAh 50C (FPWP5183)
❍ FlightPower 3S 2200mAh 30C (FPWP3223)
❍ FlightPower 3S 2200mAh 50C (FPWP5223)

Most modelers may already have a suitable LiPo charger,
but for those that do not, the Duratrax Onyx 235 AC/DC
Advanced Peak Charger (DTXP4235) is one of the suitable
chargers recommended. The Onyx charger is perfect for
3S batteries used with the P-51 Mustang ARF and may be
powered either by an external DC power source (such as
a 12V battery), or a 110V AC outlet. The Onyx also has an
adjustable charge rate to charge your batteries in as little
as a half-hour or less (depending on the condition of your
batteries and the manufacturer’s speci ed charge rate). The
Onyx can also charge large batteries and batteries other than
LiPo. So it is a versatile charger you can grow into. The 235
also has an LCD digital display screen, so you can see how
much capacity it took to recharge the battery (required for
monitoring the condition of your batteries and calculating
how long your plane can  y).

Optional Retracts

❍ (1-set) Electric Retracts (FLZA6603)
❍ (1-set) Retract Gear Covers (See included parts list.)
❍ (1) TOWA6116 Y-Harness

Required Tools

❍ #1 Phillip Screwdriver ❍ CG Machine (GPMR2400)
❍ Scissors ❍ String
❍ Pliers, ❍ Adjustable Wrench

regular and ❍ #11 Knife Blades
needle-nose

❍ Hobby Knife

Adhesives

❍ Pro Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
❍ 2 oz. Build-It CA+ Medium (TOWR3801)

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].

Please see the included parts list for your speci c P-51.

Order No. Description

GPMA3177
FLZA6214
TOWG2000
TOWM5500
FLZA6218
TOWA6075
TOWA6115
TOWA6116
TOWA6117

Propeller 10x7
Prop Adapter (3mm)
Motor 30-35-1000
Servo
30amp ESC
Fixed Landing Gear
Wing Bolt
Y-Harness
Fixed Landing Gear Mount

KIT INSPECTION

If any parts are missing or damaged, consult Tower Hobb ies
Order Assistance. (See phone numbers below.)

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

Toll Free Order Assistance . . . . .800 637-6050

Fax Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217 398-7721

E-mail: [e-mail]

3

CONTENTS

2

11

1

3

1. Fuselage

2. Canopy Hatch

3. Spinner

4. Propeller

4

6

5

10

7

5. Propeller Adapter

6. Fixed Landing Gear w/ Covers

7. Horizontal Stabilizer

8

9

9. Tail Wheel

10. Wing

11. Cowl

8. Foam Plugs

4

BEFORE ASSEMBLY

1. Read the Motor Safety Precautions section on page

❏

13 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. Set the wing aside
and begin the fuselage assembly.

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

1. Remove the canopy hatch. This is held on by three

❏

small magnets under the base of the canopy and a molded
tab at the front edge. To remove the hatch, pull up the rear
of the hatch.

4. Slide the stabilizer into the opening in the fuselage.

❏

When you install the stabilizer, slide the right side of the
stabilizer into the left side of the fuselage. Be sure to key the
stab to the slots in the fuselage. Position the stab so that it
is centered and the holes in the bottom of the fuselage are
aligned with the holes in the stabilizer.

2. At the back of the fuselage you will see the opening

❏

for the stabilizer. Look closely and you will see alignment
notches that help locate the stab position.

3. On the bottom of the stabilizer you will  nd the raised

❏

alignment keys. These match up with the alignment notches.

5. Partially install the two foam plugs into the holes in the

❏

bottom of the fuselage. When you do this be sure the painted
end of the plug is outside of the fuselage. These two plugs
lock the stab to the fuselage. Once they are installed, the
tail cannot be removed without risk of breaking them, so be
sure you follow these instructions carefully. You will notice
that each of the plugs has an end that is angled. When the
plug is positioned properly the angle will be in line with the
bottom of the fuselage.

6. When you are satis ed that you have the plugs positioned

❏

properly, insert them into the fuselage and through the
stabilizer, locking the stabilizer in place.

5

channel of the receiver or use separate channels for each
servo if preferred. Also, plug the rudder, elevator and ESC
into the receiver. Install the receiver in fuselage and tape
the receiver antennas in position as recommended by the
radio manufacturer.

2. Separate the hook side from the loop side of the

❏

remaining adhesive-backed hook and loop material. Stick
the hook side to the fuselage and the loop side to the back
of your battery pack. To prepare your other battery packs,
you may purchase more Great Planes hook and loop material
(GPMQ4480) from Tower Hobbies.

7. Remove the nylon Faslink from the end of the elevator

❏

pushrod by rotating the Faslink until it unsnaps from the long
part of the pushrod and rotates around the L-bend. Install the
pushrod wire into the outermost hole in the elevator control
horn and secure it with the Faslink as shown.

RADIO SETUP

1. Cut a 1” (25mm) piece of adhesive-backed hook and

❏

loop material and stick the loop side (fuzzy side) to the
back of the receiver. Stick the hook side of the material just
behind the servo lead opening. Route the included aileron

Y-harness through the fuselage and plug it into the aileron

3. Attach the wing to the fuselage with a 4 mm x 50mm

❏

machine screw.

WARNING:

switch on the transmitter  rst with the throttle stick in the
low position before plugging in the LiPo battery. Always
unplug the LiPo battery before switching off the transmitter.

4. Using your radio, center the elevator and rudder servos,

❏

and trims on your transmitter. Make sure that the elevator
and rudder servo arms are 90° to the servo case when they
are centered. If they are not centered, remove the servo arm
retaining screw and reposition the arm on the splined shaft.
Reinstall the servo arm and the retaining screw.

Make sure the propeller is not installed. Always

6

5. With the servos centered, check to make sure that the

❏

control surfaces are centered. If they need to be adjusted,
loosen the locking screw on the pushrod connector and
adjust the  ight control until it is centered. When you are
satis ed, tighten the locking screw to hold the pushrod wires
in position. For added security, we recommend removing the
locking screws, applying a drop of thread locking compound
to the threads and re-installing the locking screws.

OPTIONAL FLAP INSTALLATION

6. Using your radio, center the aileron servos. Check to see

❏

that the ailerons are also centered. If they need adjustment,
loosen the locking screw and adjust the ailerons until they
are centered at zero de ection. Tighten the set screw of the
screw lock pushrod connector. Again, use threadlocker on
the threads.

1. Using a sharp hobby knife cut the end of the  aps loose

❏

from the wing.

2. Cut a slot in the center of the  ap control horn recess on

❏

the bottom of the wing. Do not cut through the top of the  ap.

7

3. Use CA to glue the control horn in the slot with the quick

❏

connector towards the wing root.

4. Use a sharp hobby knife to cut the  ap servo opening.

❏

The foam over the opening is approximately ¼” (6mm) thick.

6. Insert the nut in the opening in the  ap servo recess.

❏

Gently shake the wing to guide the nut and string to the
opening in the top center of the wing.

7. Attach the  ap servo lead to the string and carefully

❏

pull it through the wing and out of the opening. Tip: Tie the
string to the retract cable and use a piece of masking tape
to position the string at the end of the connector.

8. Connect a Y-harness to the  ap servo lead.

❏

5. To assist in pulling the  ap servo leads through the

❏

wing, tie a small nut (not included) to a string.

9. Plug the  ap servo into the  ap channel on the receiver.

❏

Switch on the transmitter and then receiver. Check that the
servo arm is as shown with the  ap control on the transmitter
set to  aps up.

8

10. Use CA, Canopy glue or thin double-sided tape (not

❏

included) to secure the  ap servo in the wing.

11. Insert the z-bend of the  ap pushrod in the outer hole

❏

of the  ap servo arm. Move the  ap and insert the other
end of the  ap pushrod in the quick connector on the  ap
control horn.

12. With the radio system on, set the  ap control on the

❏

transmitter to the  ap up position. Position the  ap so that
it is aligned with the trailing edge of the wing and tighten
the screw in the quick connector against the  ap pushrod.
Repeat for the other  ap servo and linkage.

13. Operate the  aps to make sure nothing binds and that

❏

they both have the correct amount of throw.

1. Install the main landing gear legs by  tting them

❏

into the slots in the bottom of the wing so that the wheel
faces inboard.

2. Use the included hex wrench to remove the lower set

❏

screw. Insert the tail gear wire, apply a drop of threadlocker
to the set screw and reinstall it, tightening it against the  at
spot on the tail gear wire.

OPTIONAL RETRACT INSTALLATION

INSTALL THE FIXED LANDING

GEAR (Optional)

This airplane is supplied with  xed landing gear but this should

only be used if you have an asphalt or concrete runway. Any
length of grass will be too much resistance for the wheels to
roll on. Landing gear is not necessary for take off or landing.

The airplane is easily hand launched and lands very well on

its belly in grass.

1. To assist in pulling the retract lead wires through the

❏

wing, tie a small nut (not included) to a string.

9

2. Insert the nut in the opening in the retract recess. Gently

❏

shake the wing to guide the nut and string to the opening in
the top center of the wing.

6. Snap the optional retract landing gear covers onto the

❏

landing gear wires.

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY

Check the Controls & Control Direction

WARNI NG : Do not install the propeller!

1. Turn on the transmitter, center the trims, and move the

❏

throttle stick all the way down. Attach a charged battery.

2. With the transmitter and receiver still on, check to make

❏

sure that all of the control surfaces are correctly centered
so that they are at zero de ection. Check to see that the
locking screws on the pushrod connectors are tight and
that the servo arm locking screws are installed. Make sure
that the nylon Faslinks are also installed properly and are
holding the pushrods securely.

3. Attach the retract lead to the string and carefully pull it

❏

through the wing and out of the opening. Tip: Tie the string to
the retract cable and use a piece of masking tape to position
the string at the end of the connector.

4. Remove the  xed landing gear mount and attach the

❏

retract with the four 2.5 x 8mm  at head screws.

5. Connect the two retract cables with a Y-harness and

❏

plug it into the retract channel on the receiver. Check that
the retracts operate smoothly.

RUDDER

MOVES RIGHT

FULL THROTTLE

3. Make certain that the control surfaces and the throttle

❏

respond in the correct direction as shown in the diagram.
If any of the controls respond in the wrong direction, use
the servo reversing in the transmitter to reverse the servos
connected to those controls. Be certain the control surfaces
have remained centered. Adjust if necessary. To arm the
motor, move the throttle stick to full, listen for the beeps,
then move it back to OFF. If the motor turns clockwise
when viewed from the front of the plane, remove the cowl
and switch any two wires going from the ESC to the motor.

Then, reinstall the cowl.

10

RIGHT AILERON MOVES UP

LEFT AILERON MOVES DOWN

ELEVATOR MOVES DOWN

Check the Control Throws

Install the Propeller & Spinner

The control throws are limited by the travel of the servos and

the mechanical set up of the pushrods. You can change the
control throw using the end-points or ATV feature of your
radio, or you can change the mechanical linkage to increase
or decrease the amount of control movement in relation to
the amount of servo movement. Keep in mind that changing
the throws mechanically is preferred to changing them using
your radio’s end-point adjustment. End points should be
used to “ ne-tune” to get the proper throws.

Hold a ruler up to the control surface while it is at zero throw
(neutral). Move the transmitter stick to the limit and measure
the amount of linear control throw. If your radio does not have
dual rates, we recommend setting the throws at the HIGH
rate setting. NOTE: The throws are measured at the widest
part of the elevators, rudder and ailerons.

If the control throws are too high, you can move the pushrod
connectors on the servo arms inward (toward the output
shaft) to decrease total travel.

IMPORTANT! Unplug the motor battery!

1. Remove the prop nut and prop washer from the prop

❏

adapter. Slide the prop adapter onto the motor shaft as shown.

These are the recommended control surface throws:

HIGH RATE LOW RATE

Up

1/4"

ELEVATOR

RUDDERAILERONS

[6 mm]

12 °

Right

11/ 16 "

[17 mm]

18°

Up

1/2"

[13 mm]

23°

Down

1/4"

[6 mm]

12 °

Left

11/ 16 "

[17 mm]

18°

Down

1/2"

[13 mm]

23°

DownOPTIONAL FLAPS

Up

1/8"

[3mm]

6°

Right

1/2"

[13 m m]

14°

Up

3/8"

[10 m m]

18°

1" [25 mm] 24°

Down

1/8"

[3mm]

6°

Left

1/2"

[13 m m]

14°

Down

3/8"

[10 m m]

18°

IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT!

Now that you have the throws set, be sure to set the
failsafe on the radio!

2. Fit the spinner backplate to the prop adapter. Fit the

❏

propeller, prop washer, and prop nut. Position the propeller
so that the trailing edge of each blade touches the alignment
pin. Tighten the prop nut.

3. Install the spinner using the two screws included in the

❏

spinner parts bag.

11

Balance the Model (C.G.)

WARNING! DO NOT plug the motor battery into the ESC.

1. At this stage the model should be in ready-to- y condition

❏

with all of the systems in place including the motor, propeller,
spinner, radio system, battery and battery hatch.
landing gear will have a slight effect on the C.G. position.

2. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to accurately

❏

mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on both sides of the
fuselage. The C.G. is located 3" [76mm] back from the
leading edge of the wing at the wing root where the wing
meets the fuselage.

NOTE:

The

4. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the battery

❏

pack must be shifted forward or weight must be added to
the nose to balance. If the nose drops, the model is “nose
heavy” and the battery pack must be shifted aft or weight
must be added to the tail to balance.

5. Using a felt-tip pen, mark the position of the battery

❏

pack in the battery compartment. This will help eliminate trim
changes or unwanted surprises each time that you change
the battery. When using different capacity batteries, you
may have to re-balance your plane and place an additional
mark in the battery compartment. If you plan to  y the model
with and without landing gear, make separate marks to help
you know where to place the battery to balance correctly in
each con guration.

6. If additional weight is required, use Great Planes

❏

(GPMQ4485) “stick-on” lead. A good place to add stick-on
nose weight is to the motor box under the cowl (don’t attach
weight to the cowl—it is not intended to support weight).
Begin by placing increasing amounts of weight on the top
of the cowl over the  rewall until the model balances. Once
you have determined the amount of weight required, it can
be permanently attached by removing the cowl and installing
the weight.

IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any weight,
recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.

APPLY THE DECALS

This is where your model should balance for the  rst  ights.
Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the C.G. up
to 1/4" [6mm] forward or 1/4" [6mm] back to change the
 ying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward may improve
the smoothness and stability, but the model may then
require more speed for takeoff and make it more dif cult
to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes the model
more maneuverable, but could also cause it to become too
dif cult to control. In any case, start at the recommended
balance point and do not at any time balance the model
outside the speci ed range.

3. With all parts of the model installed (ready to  y) and a

❏

battery pack in place (do not connect it), place your  ngers
on the marks you made and balance the model.

1. Be certain the model is clean and free from oily

❏

 ngerprints and dust. Prepare a dishpan or small bucket
with a mixture of liquid dish soap and warm water – about

½ teaspoon of soap per gallon of water. Submerse one of

the decals in the solution and peel off the paper backing.
Note: Even though the decals have a “sticky-back” and are
not the water transfer type, submersing them in soap and
water allows accurate positioning and reduces air bubbles
underneath.

2. Position the decal on the model where desired. Holding the

❏

decal down, use a paper towel to wipe most of the water away.

3. Use a piece of soft balsa or something similar to

❏

squeegee the remaining water from under the decal. Apply
the rest of the decals the same way.

12

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

No matter if you  y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or
if you  y somewhere on your own, you should always have
your name, address, telephone number, AMA number and
FAA number on or inside your model. It is required at all AMA
R/C club  ying sites and AMA sanctioned  ying events and
simply a “good idea” even if  ying somewhere else. Fill out the
identi cation tag on page 15 and place it on or in your model.

Charge the Battery

Be certain to refer to the instructions that accompany the
charger to properly and safely charge the battery that goes
in the model and powers the motor and controls.

When discharging the battery, DO NOT attempt to fully
discharge the battery pack by repeatedly running the motor
to the ESC’s low voltage cutoff. This will drastically shorten
the life of your Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries and could
cause the individual cells to become imbalanced.

MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

● WARNING: Once the motor batteries are connected

the electric motor can start at any time. Make sure the

fail safe is set on your radio to prevent the motor from

starting if the signal is lost.

● WARNING: Read the entire instruction sheet included

with your motor batteries. Failure to follow the instructions

could cause permanent damage to the battery and its
surroundings and cause bodily harm!

● WARNING: Get help from an experienced pilot when

learning to operate electric motors.

● ALWAYS keep these items away from the prop: loose

clothing, shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose
objects such as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall
out of shirt or jacket pockets into the prop.

● ALWAYS keep your face and body as well as all

spectators away from the plane of rotation of the
propeller as you start and run the engine.

● ALWAYS wear safety glasses when operating the motor.

● ALWAYS remove the propeller if the motor batteries will

be connected when working on your plane.

● ALWAYS remove the motor batteries when charging.

● ALWAYS follow the charging instructions included with

your charger for charging LiPo batteries. LiPo batteries

can cause serious damage if misused.

● ALWAYS unplug the motor batteries  rst.

● ALWAYS use a LiPo approved charger.

● ALWAYS set the charger’s output volts to match the

battery volts.

● ALWAYS charge a LiPo battery in a  reproof location.

● ALWAYS charge through the “charge” lead.

● ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

● ALWAYS remove the batteries from the plane after a

crash. Set them aside in a safe location for at least 20
minutes. If the batteries are damaged in the crash they
could catch  re. If the battery starts to swell, quickly
move the battery to a safe location, preferably outside.
Place it in a bucket, covering the battery with sand.
Never use water to try and put out a LiPo  re.

● NEVER operate the motor in an area of loose gravel

or sand; the propeller may throw such material in your
face or eyes.

● NEVER touch the motor during or right after operation.

The motor gets HOT!

● NEVER switch off the transmitter with the motor

batteries plugged in.

● NEVER use a NiCd/NiMH peak charger to charge a

LiPo battery.

● NEVER charge in excess of 4.20v per cell unless the

battery is rated for a higher voltage.

● NEVER charge through the “discharge” lead.

● NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C unless the

battery is rated for a higher charge rate.

● NEVER trickle charge a LiPo battery.

● NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 150

degrees F (65° C).

● NEVER disassemble or modify the pack wiring in any

way or puncture the cells.

● NEVER discharge below 2.7V per cell.

● NEVER place the battery or charger on combustible

materials or leave it unattended during charge or
discharge.

● NEVER charge the batteries in the plane.

FLYING THE P-51 MUSTANG

While the P-51 is fairly easy to  y, it is not a trainer. If you have
never  own a model aircraft before, it is strongly suggested
that you learn to  y with the assistance of an experienced
R/C pilot.

Find a Suitable Flying Site

Find a  ying site clear of buildings, trees, power lines and other
obstructions. Until you know how much area will be required
and have mastered  ying your P-51, a site at least the size
of two or three football  elds should be adequate—a  ying
 eld speci cally intended for R/C planes is best. Don’t  y
within six miles of R/C  ying  elds and never  y near people.

13

Perform a Range Check

Take Off

As a precaution, an operational ground range test should be
performed before the  rst  ight each time out. Performing a
range test is a good way to detect problems that could cause
loss of control such as low batteries, defective or damaged
radio components or radio interference. This usually requires
an assistant and should be done at the actual  ying site you
will be using.

First, put the throttle stick in the low position and turn on the
transmitter. Then, install the fully charged battery into the
fuselage. Connect the battery and install the hatch.

Remember, use care not to “bump” the throttle stick.
Otherwise, the propeller will turn, possibly causing damage
or injury.

Begin walking away from the model operating the controls in
a predictable pattern (for example: Up, then down elevator.
Right, then left aileron. Right, then left rudder). While moving
the control surfaces, also vary motor rpm. Have your assistant
alert you if the controls fail to respond or if they move suddenly
or erratically. You should be able to maintain control up to a
distance of approximately 100' [30m].

If the controls respond erratically or if anything else seems
wrong, make certain all the servo wires are securely connected
to the receiver and that the transmitter batteries are fully
charged. If you cannot  nd a mechanical problem with the
model, it is slightly possible that there is radio interference
somewhere in the area. One option would be to try another
range check at an alternate  ying site.

Monitor Your Flight Time

Monitor and limit your  ight time using a timer such as the one
on your wrist watch. When the batteries are getting low you
will usually notice a performance drop before the ESC cuts
off motor power, so when you notice the plane  ying slower
you should land. Often (but not always!), power can be brie y
restored after the motor cuts off by holding the throttle stick
all the way down for a few seconds, then moving it up again.

To avoid an unexpected dead-stick landing on your  rst  ight,

set your timer to a conservative 5 minutes. When the alarm
sounds you should land your model.

When you learn how much  ight time you are getting you
can adjust your timer accordingly. Always be conservative so
the motor won’t quit unexpectedly and you will have enough
battery to land under power. We recommend that you do
not use more than 80% of the battery capacity to ensure a
longer battery life.

Until you have become comfortable with  ying your P-51,
do not  y if the wind speed is greater than 10 mph [16
kilomoters/hr].

One  nal check before takeoff: always double-check the
 ight control response to your inputs from the transmitter
before every  ight. Be certain the ailerons, elevator and
rudder respond correctly and that none of the controls has
inadvertently become reversed.

If the surface is smooth (such as pavement or blacktop)
the P-51 can take off from the ground. But most grass is
probably too tall, so if  ying from grass the model will have
to be hand launched.

ROG Take Off

If taking off from the ground, place the model on your “runway”
with the nose pointing directly into the wind—this will reduce
the ground speed that must be reached and automatically
provide “heading assist” making steering and takeoff easier.
Slowly advance the throttle, adding rudder correction as
needed to keep the model rolling straight. When the plane
becomes “light” continue to apply throttle until you are at
full-power—all this will happen in a few seconds. When

suf cient liftoff speed has been reached, gradually apply
“up” elevator allowing the model to leave the ground. Do not
“yank” up on the stick—rather, be smooth and allow the plane

to establish a gentle climb.

Once you have reached a safe  ying speed at a comfortable

altitude (approximately 50' [15m]), work the controls as

necessary to establish a gentle turn away from the runway,

and bring the optional retractable landing gear up.

Flying

One thing to remember is that, when the plane is  ying away

from you, moving the aileron stick to the right will make

the plane bank to your right. However, when the model is

 ying toward you, moving the aileron stick to the right will

make the plane move to your left. Of course, the plane is

still responding the same way, it’s just that your orientation

has reversed. This must be kept in mind while learning to

 y (and is also a good reason to take  ight lessons from an

experienced pilot!).

To establish a turn, “up” elevator (pulling back on the stick)

is usually required along with aileron input to get the model

into a bank. To stop the turn, apply a small amount of

opposite aileron.

Once you get the plane into the air and have climbed to a

comfortable altitude, the  rst “order of business” will be to
“trim” the model for straight-and-level  ight. The model  ies

best at approximately 3/4-throttle. Adjust the trims on the

transmitter to make minor control surface adjustments as

necessary until the plane will  y straight without any control

inputs. Often, your assistant can reach over and adjust the

trims for you.

14

Remember to keep the model high enough to give yourself
time to make corrections, but don’t let it get too far away.
Otherwise, it will be dif cult to detect its attitude and which
way it is going.

One  nal check before landing: see how the model will react
when it’s time to land and you reduce the throttle. To do this,
while still at altitude, cut the motor power. The model should
establish a gentle, downward glide path. This is how the
model will react when it’s actually time to land. Add power
and climb back up to your original altitude.

Practice a few of these “climb and glides” to judge how far
out you will need to be when it’s time to land.

If optional  aps have been installed, slow the plane and lower
the  aps. Check to see if it climbs with  aps. If it does, a
small amount of down elevator can be mixed in.

Landing

To land,  y down-wind past the landing area. Gently turn

into the wind, and reduce the throttle so that the airplane
initiates a descending glide path. If optional  aps have been
installed, lower them now. If necessary, add power to extend
the glide path to reach the runway. As the model approaches
and loses altitude, gradually and proportionally add “up”
elevator to control the glide path and altitude. Continue to
apply elevator until the model touches down at which time
you should be holding full, or nearly full, up elevator. This will
cause the airplane to slow and settle to the ground.

CAUTION: If, during a rough landing, the propeller be­comes jammed and cannot rotate, the battery and speed
control will become very hot if you attempt to add power.
Immediately move the throttle down to stop the motor. If
you fail to do this, the motor, speed control and/or battery
will be damaged.

AFTER EACH FLIGHT

Disconnect the battery and remove it from the airplane. Then,

turn off the transmitter. Allow the battery to cool before

recharging, or allow the motor to cool before installing another

battery for the next  ight. Inspect the airplane to make sure

nothing has become loose or damaged.

REPAIRING YOUR MODEL

If your model becomes damaged, it can be repaired using

regular medium CA. Spare parts are available – please see

the parts list earlier in this manual for more details of what is

available and how to get new parts. CA debonder (GPMR6039)

is available if you ever need to dissolve the CA adhesive you

used to build or repair this model.

Have a ball! But always stay in control

and  y in a safe manner.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

This model belongs to:

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone Number

AMA Number

FAA Number

15

© 2016 Towe r H o bbi es .® A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.

v1.1

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