MiniacRC
Well-known member
MINIACRC MIGHTY MINI P51B/C MUSTANG BUILD
About six years ago, the build video of the original FliteTest Mighty Mini P-51D Mustang was released on Youtube as part of a challenge between Josh Bixler and Peter Sripol: how fast can you go with one sheet of foamboard? Among other influences from the hobby community, this challenge inspired the inception of a long series of smaller DIY (do-it-yourself) swappable warbirds that have since dominated several flying fields across this nation.
Personally speaking, that build video was the principal inspiration for me to step with both feet into this unique hobby. After several years of working with the FT community and making wonderful friends at my local flying fields, I'm happy to present a small token of gratitude: a DIY 29"-span Mighty Mini P-51B Razorback Mustang, with publicly available free plans!
To obtain a quick taste of this Mustang in the air, check out the test flight of the first prototype, embedded below.
Model Specifications:
Wingspan: 29" , 737 mm | Propeller: 6x4, 2 or 3-blade |
Motor: 2205 2300+ KV (F pack) | ESC: 20 to 30 amp |
Servos: three to four 5-9g servos | Battery: 3S 800 to 1300 mAh |
All-up weight: 355 g , 12.5 oz | Dry weight: 275 g , 9.7 oz |
Free Plans and Build Guide:
Free plans for this build are attached below! The document contains both the full-sized plans (ANSI D 34" x 22" sheets) and the tiled plans (Letter 8.5" x 11" paper) for printing at home/work. Make sure to print these plans at a scale of 100%.
MiniacRC Mini P51B Mustang AIO PLANS.pdf
Solid black lines are meant for cutting and dashed red lines are for scoring. Regions filled with diagonal cyan lines are meant for bevel cuts, blue dotted areas are for removing paper
In addition to the plans, please also download the illustrated build guide, a document that outlines the materials and steps needed to go from printed plans to a flight-ready Mini P51 model.
MiniacRC Mini P51B Build Guide.pdf
Each page consists of images and descriptions that detail the nuances of specific build steps. The techniques involved in the construction of this model are not much different from those needed to build FliteTest design such as the Mini Alpha and the FT Mig 3. However, the length of the assembly process, coupled with the amount of molding, edge-beveling and sanding make it a strong intermediate build that requires the modeler to possess significant experience with foamboard and swappables.
The key to success for models as small as this one is patience. When sanding the trailing edge of the wing or molding the nose region together, it may be tempting to rush the process to save time! As experienced builders would attest, however, taking time and paying attention to each square inch of the pieces being glued together will contribute significantly toward the aesthetic appeal of the final product.
The builder is also encouraged to pay commensurate attention to the text and images in the build guide for the same purpose. If there is a part of the aircraft that it not clearly visible in the images contained in the build guide, feel free to consult the digital model linked above.
Flight Experience:
Once the wing and hatch are secured, the battery strapped in, and the recommended center of gravity (listed on the plans document) confirmed, you are ready to fly your Mini P-51B! Launching this model is a no-brainer. Simply hold the fuselage from the top or the bottom, apply 50% – 75% throttle, and give it a firm toss at about 30 degrees above horizontal. The Mustang should climb out in less than a few seconds and settle into a comfortable cruising attitude.
Once all the controls are trimmed, the P-51 will become a docile bird with a wide speed envelope. Before pushing the throttle stick all the way forward, try experimenting at the lower end. The 29" wingspan coupled with the relatively high-lift airfoils render a pleasant slow-flight experience with ample roll control.
The same proves to be true at the higher end. With the stock FliteTest F-pack setup, the Mini P-51B can pull up into an unlimited vertical climb and perform loops, rolls, half Cuban eights and more! The generous surface area of the rudder should also allow for stunning knife-edges and point-rolls in the hands of an experienced pilot. This P-51B loves long lines and graceful maneuvers as opposed to abrupt turns, but the structural integrity of the wing allows the model to sustain high g-forces in both directions.
When it is finally time to land, point your Mustang into the wing and gradually reduce throttle. If necessary, the model can break into a gentle glide on its approach. If you do not install landing gear, it is preferable to land on grass to avoid damaging the paper underneath the nose of the airplane.
Once you are comfortable with the handling characteristics of the model, feel free to move to the next level and attempt streamer combat, formation flight, etc., and please do share your flight reviews online for the benefit of other builders!
Thank you!
The only thing better than flying a model warbird – is flying many model warbirds in formation! I would strongly encourage you to check out other mini "swappables" designed by talented members of the FliteTest community such as Nic Lechner, Nathan Griffin and the 13th Squadron. To say that the amount of fun grows exponentially with the number of wingmen in the air is an understatement!
I truly hope that your experience with this design, from building to decorating to flying (to crashing to duct-taping to flying again), is fun-filled, educational and inspirational. As any FT community member would say, we love our community more than we do our planes, and we encourage you to share your experience with others, to inspire them to dream and create. Words are not enough to express my gratitude for the FliteTest family for the encouragement and support they provide for designers like myself to pursue this hobby in an economical and educational manner. Thank you for reading this write-up. Happy flying, and go make some memories!!!
Signing off once again - MiniacRC
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