Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

rsv1cox Fri Aug 21, 2020 1:56 pm

The Fly-em series, probably the worst of all the control line plastic models with Aurora models probably being the best for detail, materials, and construction.

But they do fly, see youtube and can be a lot of fun. My problem is, I have never flown one, soon to be resolved with one of three P-40's that I have. Readying 20' lines and a stooge. I buy these on the cheap, like most of my models. If I crash one of these reconstructed models I haven't lost much. These seem to lose their tails with some regularity.

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010450

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010451

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010452

Neat way to store the handle

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010453

Got some more around somewhere, one P-51 hanging on the wall over the display case that I forgot to include.

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010454

Added another one this morning, a tail less ME-109 with the unique muffled engine. Seller wanted $39.95 BIN, I offered $35 and - sold. Seldom do I pay asking prices always making an offer, it's not the money, it's the game.

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things Testor46

Giggles over my reconstructed/painted tails. Smile

Has anyone here actually flown one of these?

Oldenginerod Fri Aug 21, 2020 6:25 pm

I have the P-40. Got it ready to fly a few weeks ago but haven't got around to it. Flew it lots as a kid. First thing to break was the spring starter first day I owned it. Next was the undecarriage on the first flight. Had to break it in/fly with a 6X3 prop as the original 3 blade wouldn't let it run. Too much load and snapped a big end off the rod.

Damaged parts replaced (bought half a spare plane) and engine has been run up a couple of times.
Original lines are only 12'. You'll be lucky to get a long enough run on that tiny tank to get airborne. If you do, you'll only get two or three laps, just round & round nose up. Mine has probably 20 degrees elevator movement max.

Still, it was my first and for all its faults I treasure it.

Rod.

rsv1cox Sat Aug 22, 2020 8:48 am

Thanks Rod.

I plan on substituting a 5/6" prop too, probably a Cox of some pitch. Maybe not nylon (Ken) but I have some new wood 6/3's that might work. Short time fuel tank appeals to me. Smile

I will build a tail assembly for the ME-109. I build it as a module, scuff the plastic and epoxy it on then lay a fillet of Testors red cement along the underside seam. Should hold. No problem matching the white paint on this one.

I never bought a plastic model airplane until I joined this forum, now I have almost as many of them as I do balsa. Sad

Only flew the PT-19 and the Cox Corsair.

rsv1cox Thu Aug 27, 2020 2:07 pm

Got the Testors 109 today. Better than expected. Unfueled/Unran muffled engine and a straight airframe. I suppose some kid bought it, painted the wingtips, cockpit frame, and spinner silver then broke the tail assembly off and lost interest.

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010459

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010461

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010460

Also made up lines for the BW airplane and built P-40. New 35' Dacron for the BW, old oil soaked, knotted together 17' Dacron lines probably from the 1950's for the P-40. Living on the edge with that plane. Son came over this morning with hopes of flying them but he was called away suddenly with a medical emergency involving a family member. Also got in another Varney F-3 coil belt drive locomotive. 20 + something now. Most didn't run when I got them.

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010463

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010462

Got to find a plan for that ME-109 so I can duplicate the tail assembly.

NEW222 Thu Aug 27, 2020 8:21 pm

Looks very nice Bob. Along with the rest of your collection.

getback Fri Aug 28, 2020 7:14 am

I see your still doing alot of train rebuilds , why you not sharing on here or is it for the train forum ? Good looking models ! Very Happy

rsv1cox Fri Aug 28, 2020 8:19 am

getback wrote:I see your still doing alot of train rebuilds , why you not sharing on here or is it for the train forum ? Good looking models !

Probably because model trains are boring to most people here and I bore enough already with my plastic model airplane threads. We are, including me after all mainly balsa builders.

Too bad though, model locomotives with their variety of models and locomotion's are challenging and interesting.

I do post over on the Model Train Forum. But they are a snarky group that like to maintain a superior "I know more than you do" attitude. Bunch of dweebs over there. But I hold my own and with threat of being banned cut them down to size every so often. Shows my dark side and I enjoy that. Smile

But......................

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things Varney22

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010464

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things P1010465

my latest. A Varney "Dockside". ebay purchase .99 cents plus $6.50 shipping.

fredvon4 Fri Aug 28, 2020 11:26 am

I enjoy all your posts...bears, tractor and car builds, trains, resurrecting basket case airplanes and tether cars....never ever think you are boring any of us...cuz it ain't so

rsv1cox Fri Aug 28, 2020 11:59 am

fredvon4 wrote:I enjoy all your posts...bears, tractor and car builds, trains, resurrecting basket case airplanes and tether cars....never ever think you are boring any of us...cuz it ain't so

Freddy, so happy to see you chime in here.

I hope everything is going wonderful for you and, when I mentioned dweebs over on the MTF I certainly wasn't including you. Smile

Bob

Sponsored content

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things

Re: Tail less Testors P-40's, pipe bombs and other things