Trex700e

For me it would be either any Brian Taylor aircraft (maybe a corsair)   and then it would be a 17' lancaster and B-17!!   Watch this space!!!!

Snaba @ Yes the gold connectors work a dream and today I tested the Turnigy 50-65 350kv Motor with sucess. (but it was only on 3S) the connectors need real force to get them to come off!

As far as the cowl goes, i didnt want to stick mine in becasue this would mean i could never get to the motor. So I built the cowl by cutting out the sides top and bottom from the plan (traced the out line onto the wood) then sticking them together while on the model with the ply O ring to make sure it was all OK, and it was. I then added the triangular peices and so had (a rather square) cowl. I found the cowl easy to make almost rather too easy for my liking! I then sanded down the end so that it fitter (not perfectly) flush to the firewall. I then drilled into the balsa (NOT the fire wall) and epoxied in 5 3.5mm gold bullet connectors. The male on the firewall and the female ends on the cowl. These have worked a treat and hold the cowl on very firmly but it can be removed so i have total access to the motor.   I would advise that every one makes a removable cowl for that one time when you need to ajust the motor etc..   I didnt want to install £100 worth of unitract retracts into my first scratchbuilt model becasue 1) the model may not fly so well so that would be £100 busted                   2) Heavy landings in my biggest and heavist plane so far might just destory them                   3) i wanted to see If i could make my own struts in a more scale mannor.   So I bought the Hanger 9 60 size Mustang retracts. Of course these were set up for a mustang so the actuating rod had to be put on the other side of the retract. I removed the casing and reversed the said part with suprisingly litttle hassel. However, two peices of flat metal fell out and I dont know where they go back in. There is also a lot of slop in the retracts. When it came to installing the systems, they  slipped in nicly with out hassel. I connected them up to the servo (Hitech HS-75BB) and they work perfectly. I strongly suggest using these systems and for £20 they dont break the bank. I bought them from Galaxy models and hobbies in Ipswich. This is a fantastic model shop. They always have what you are looking for and are very helpful!   with the retracts working I started on the underside sheeting. I joined the wings together BEFORE each wing was complete. This has worked very well and i think it was a decision well made.    Well I just had to get the spitfire all rigged up and out in the garden for a photo shoot. I would upload some but do not know how to on this site.   This model is fantastic. I have had no major problems with it and it comes together like a dream! money well spent!   thanks Will 

you can hide the flap servos in the radiators in the underside of the wing. that is if you make them out of three balsa sides which is what I intent to do purely to keep the weight down.

Nice! looks just as good as tony's! let us know how the maiden goes!

did you use the metal unitracts mechanism? How many people actually wish they had fitted flaps?   do you sheet the underside of the wings then join them or the other way around?

Haw did every one do the wings, did you sheet the bottom then join them or the other way around?  

well remember that all of the fuselage sides are included in the CNC pack along with the sheet tail surfaces. All you have to do is add the decking so I think that the CNC is well worth it. And you get computer aided precision. There is yet a part that i have come across that is incorrect. 

Huge C,   Please keep me updated on the retracts. I am just getting to this stage and really would like to use servoless. i think eflite have some 60 size one out soon i may give them a go   Huge P,   Although i got the wood pack (I could tell you what it contained but i know i would forget something) it goes along the lines of 14x 2.4mm sheets 2x 6mm 2x 9mm 1x 12mm and some obechi wing spares ( i think 5mmx5mm). I was lucky and managed to get Tony Nijhuis him self to serve me at the slec UK tent so he was able to add wood for bits that might require extra (in case of mistakes) and so far i can tell you that i need some more 12mm.   but if i were you i would talk to Ian at Slec UK and he can prepare you a wood pack all for you but i would add some extra wood (mainly the 2.4mm sheeting and 12mm sheet).   thanks, Will

Hi,   Have you been able to test the retracts? what do you think of the quality?   I hear that E-flite are bringing out some 60 size servoless retracts soon. I am hoping to use the DSR-40 ones until the E-flite ones are out.   thanks, Will

thanks,   do you know if they can support the spitfires full weight?

If you look here: http://www.tonynijhuisdesigns.co.uk/Spitfire62.htm there is prices for everything and there is a CNC wood cut pack as well as the wood pack needed for completing the model. I bought mine at the Nationals in the Slec UK tent. they gave me all the wood and the CNC pack and plan and canopy for a little less then if you bought it all from the Tony Nijhuis website.   I am currently building mine and i am going electric after being totally convinced by John Ranson's electric aircraft: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMh5CXyb9_I    Im using the Turnigy 50-65 350Kv motor if that helps on a 6S 5000mAh Zippy.   so far i have been very impressed with the build and it is easy and very quick! but there is a lot of sanding to the eye so make sure you know the shape of the spitfire very well!   thanks Will

can you tell me what make your retracts are and where you got them from?   I am also looking for a set of retracts.   thanks, Will

Tony, That is one nice model and I cannot wait to see it at a few shows if you choose to public display it.. Do you have any plans for another large build?   Do you have anymore information on the B-36 being built in the UK like photos or anything?   Thanks Will

The retracts bearer extends beond W£ so that you dont have to fill it with somthing else. If you do not keep it extened then you will be  able to see right inside the wing!   Snaba, How did you do your flaps? I was thinking of doing the same idea but i guess you renefoced it with something becasue just the soft 2.4mm sheet wont be enough to with stand deployment at full speed!

Thanks all,   Yeah this thread has yielded some good results and the build thread is also very good thanks

I too am building the 63" spitfire and was wondering if i could find a build thread   No luck so far. can anyone help

I am currently building the Nijhuis spitfire of electric power   Its meant for a 0.61 IC but i have a 5065 turnigy to power it.   I wouldn't do air retracts if i were you. the plan shows mechanical retracts which you can buy form unitracts international. they will fit perfectly.   If you did go for an air system i dont know where you would put the air cylinder becasue the wings are only about 50mm tall and the fuse is quite compact. 

That looks great, I have a bit of foam lying around so maybe ill give the hurricane a go!   I am currently building tony's spitfire and thats a nice kit. I recomend it to anyone!