MaJ. Woody

My Feedback: (28)

Hi Guys.
What are you using for control throws? I am particularly interested in the elevator throw. The instructions call for 5/8" up and down elevator for high rates and that just does not seem like much.
Thanks,
Dom

Chris Nicastro

My Feedback: (3)

I normally set up to 1 inch, or max throw, and then use 25% Expo so I get the feel of it on the stick. Rarely use the full range in flight but in the case of the Hellcat having extra up to help taxi is good. On the rudder you want max throw, you will use that for sure.

MaJ. Woody

My Feedback: (28)

Thanks Chris. I noticed the Ziroli Hellcat calls for 1" of elevator also. I think I will start there.
thanks for the reply!
Dom

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Nearly doubling the elevator throw is not a good plan. Top Flite does a good job with balance and throw calculations. I highly recommend you stick the the manual!

Planejaw

My Feedback: (53)

I set mine up with all throws as specified by Top Flite. I’ve only had one flight last fall and used low rates on the ailerons and elevator with high rates on rudder. Flew very smoothly and made a beautiful wheel landing. Warbirds can stall/spin easily with too much throw. If your balance is good, recommended throws (with expo) will work fine.

MaJ. Woody

My Feedback: (28)

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Bryan McLarty

Anyone found any good paint matches for the monokote? Preferably enamels.

MaJ. Woody

My Feedback: (28)

For the Blue, the Tamiya is pretty close. For the medium blue, What Home Depot mixed up for me is an exact match. You could use the numbers on the can to have some made.

MaJ. Woody

My Feedback: (28)

Did anyone cut a hole in the firewall to give the carb more air? It looks like there is only about 3/8" from the firewall to the back of the carb.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

As long as there is enough room for the choke plate to open, the engine will get enough air.

MaJ. Woody

My Feedback: (28)

Ok thanks. Plenty of clearance for the choke plate.

Bryan McLarty

Thanks for posting the paint info, Woody!

MaJ. Woody

My Feedback: (28)

No problem!

cgcrc

Hi Fellows:

Was wondering if someone could assist.
(Apologies if my question has been previously answered)

I am in the process of making a decision between the Top Flite Hellcat or Top Flite P-47D specifically with a Saito FG60R3 engine install.

(There are a lot of videos and info available with the P-47D install and performance which I have reviewed.)

Would anyone have a recent updated flight review and video of the Top Flite Hellcat with the Saito FG60R3.

(I have seen the Nitro House video with the Saito FG60R3 install but was wondering if a later video was published with the performance and flight results with this set up.)

Just wondering if the Saito FG60R3 has the power required for the Hellcat due to the overall weight and higher wing loading compared to the P-47D.

Is a 2 stroke a better combo for the Hellcat.

I will be flying primarily off a grass runway.

Best regards
Randy

cgcrc

Hi Fellows:

Just read posts #310 and #311 to answer my flight performance questions..... go figure....lol....
(Thank you for previously posting).

One other question....this too has been previously discussed......

Does anyone know if Top Flite will re stock the flat Monokote covering colours for the Hellcat at anytime in the near future.
It seems TOPQ0507 Insignia Blue is the only colour still available. The other two colours appear to be discontinued.

If this is the case I will take a closer look at the RTC version.

Thanks again.

Best regards
Randy

cgcrc

Hi Fellows:

I contacted Horizon Hobby tech dept., they advise the Monocote colours for the Hellcat will not be reproduced.

Looks like RTC is the way I will go.Fiberglass cloth, epoxy resin, primer and paint.
Just takes added time but I want to keep the finish light.

Best regards
Randy

Pb12

Hi Randy —

i don’t have ave much to add, but I am installing the fg-60r3 in my Hellcat. I am very early in the process though, having only just broken in the motor this weekend, and will be starting my assembly in the next week or two. I know a user named “knockoffs” on YouTube has one installed (and a build montage) but no madden video yet. I am anxious to see one as well!

michael

Pb12

Well, rats, looks like he went with a DLE 61cc for that build, he has done others with Saito Radials, but not his Hellcat....

Michael

Chris Nicastro

My Feedback: (3)

Remember to plan on adjusting the alignment of the 3 cylinders to the 3 cowl screws. When installed in the regular way the bolt pattern and engine match to block access to the screws. So unless you make the cowl screws radial, on the outside of the cowl, you may consider inverting the engine or another option...

I can’t stress enough what a monumental PITA it is when you have the 60R3 installed in this plane and you need to get the cowl off.

I posted photos but no video of ours flying. You won’t be disappointed. You will need to use the tank back pressure line from the engine for more reliable performance.

Chris Nicastro

My Feedback: (3)

If someone has a new-ish DLE 55RA and would like to trade up to a DLE 61 let me know. I need a 55RA for a P-40 build. Another option is a DLE 85 and I’ll pay up for it with the 61 and cash.

cgcrc

Hi Michael:

Thank you for your reply.

The only other YouTube I am aware of with the Saito FG 60 R3 is by "Nitro House", however install only...no flight reports.
I suppose just a matter of time depending on what part of the country he lives in and present weather conditions.

Good to hear you are going to pursue with the radial install. I will be interested to see and hear your progress as you move forward on the build.
(Chris is reporting good results with the radial combo, for those who have the engine, I think it will be a great radial engine choice.)

Stay in touch.

Best regards
Randy

cgcrc

Hi Chris:

Thank you for the info. and flight results.

I remember you commenting in a previous post on the alignment issue of the engine and cowl removal.

Question:
Just in case I missed it. (I reviewed your pics on post #311). Thanks...
Were there any other pics posted on the forum of the engine install and the difficulty re cowl removal?

I don't have my engine yet but will receive it shortly.
I also have the Top Flite P-47D (bubble canopy) in which I wanted to use the Saito FG60 R3. Once received I'll get a better idea of the install and if I will experience the same issue as the Hellcat.

Good to know (thanks for the reminder) re the muffler pressure.

Best regards
Randy

Chris Nicastro

My Feedback: (3)

No other pics that I’m aware of. I might have been the first to bring this issue up. It’s pretty evident once you see the problem now with the engine in hand and looking at the plane. I haven’t worked out any solutions to install the engine differently but I have bought some tools to extend drivers. Not perfect or easy to work with even with new tools.

I think the best solution is not using the stock cowl mounts. Redesign them to the radial style and save yourself a bunch of sanity.

cgcrc

Hi Chris:

Agreed, a redesign of the cowl mount may be the best solution.
I will be going with the RTC version of the model.
The cowl mods may be a little easier depending on what is involved.

This way I don't have to disturb the covered ARF version.

Best regards
Randy

Chris Nicastro

My Feedback: (3)

Cool, I’m looking forward to your build of the RTC, post pics!!