Hangar 9 Hangar 9 P-51 Mustang ARF User manual

Specifications
Wingspan: ............................................................................................................ 65.5 in (1663.7 mm)
Fuselage Length: .................................................................................................. 55.75 in (1416 mm)
Wing Area: ...................................................................................................... 745 sq in (48.1 sq dm)
Weight (Approx.): ............................................................................................. 7–8.5 lb (3.2–3.9 kg)
Recommended Engines: ......................................................................................... 2-cycle: .60–.78
4-cycle: .72–1.00
• 90% prebuilt
• Great sport scale appearance
• Factory installed retracts
• Precovered in genuine UltraCote®
• Prepainted fiberglass cowl
WE GET PEOPLE FLYING
TM
TM
3953 HAN2375
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 3
Warning.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Additional Required Equipment ......................................................................................................... 4
Contents of Kit.................................................................................................................................... 5
Section 1: Hinging the Ailerons.......................................................................................................... 6
Section 2: Joining the Wing Halves.................................................................................................... 8
Section 3: Installing the Aileron Servos..............................................................................................10
Section 4: Installing the Aileron Control Horns and Linkages ............................................................13
Section 5: Installing the Retract Servo ...............................................................................................15
Section 6: Installing the Main Landing Gear Wheels and Fairings......................................................18
Section 7: Mounting the Wing to the Fuselage................................................................................. 20
Section 8: Installing the Tail Group (Horizontal and Vertical Fin)..................................................... 23
Section 9: Hinging the Elevators .................................................................................................... 27
Section 10: Installing the Rudder and Tail Wheel Assembly ........................................................... 29
Section 11: Installing the Elevator and Rudder Control Horns.......................................................... 32
Section 12: Assembling the Fuel Tank.............................................................................................. 34
Section 13: Mounting the Engine ..................................................................................................... 36
Section 14: Installing the Radio System........................................................................................... 38
Section 15: Installing the Rudder, Elevator, and Throttle Linkage ..................................................... 40
Section 16: Attaching the Cowl ........................................................................................................ 42
Section 17: Application of Decals and Scale Detailing..................................................................... 44
Section 18: Attaching the Canopy .................................................................................................... 46
Section 19: Balancing and Control Throw Recommendations.......................................................... 46
Preflight at the Field.......................................................................................................................... 47
AMA Safety Code.............................................................................................................................. 47
Table of Contents

3
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Hanger 9 P-51 Mustang ARF. This sport scale model warbird is intended for the modeler
wanting to experience the thrill of being a Fighter Ace in the European Theater during WW-II. The Hangar 9 P-51 is a low-wing,
high-performance plane. If this is your first attempt at flying this type of aircraft, please consult a more experienced pilot to help
in the setup and initial flights. Although this is an ARF (Almost Ready-to-Fly) kit, it does have some construction features that can
be challenging to the less experienced modeler. If you encounter difficulty in any construction sequence, please feel free to contact
one of our technicians—we stand ready to provide any assistance we can concerning the construction of your Hangar 9 P-51
.60-Size ARF. You can contact us at:
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
[phone]
www.horizonhobby.com
Warning
An R/C aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in open areas, preferably at
AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites, following all instructions included with your radio and engine.

4
Radio Equipment
5-channel radio system (minimum)
5 standard servos (JRPS537 recommended or equivalent)
1 low-profile retract servo (JRPS703)
Recommended JR™Systems
JR XF652
JR XP783
JR XP8103
PCM 10X
Engine Requirements
.60–.78 2-cycle engines
.72–1.00 4-cycle engines
Recommended 2-Cycle Engines:
MDS™.68 FS Pro
MDS .78 FS Pro
Recommended 4-Cycle Engines:
Saito™.72–1.00
Adhesives
Thin CA (cyanoacrylate) glue
Thick CA (cyanoacrylate) glue
CA remover/debonder
6-minute epoxy
30-minute epoxy
Pacer Z-42 Threadlock
Canopy glue (RC-56)
Drill
Drill Bits: 1/16", 1/8", 3/32", 5/32"
Hobby knife with #11 blade
Pliers
Side Cutters
Phillips screwdriver (small, medium)
Felt-tipped pen or pencil
Canopy scissors
Moto-tool w/cut-off wheel
Masking tape
(3M blue recommended)
Straight edge
Measuring device
(e.g., ruler, tape measure)
Wax paper
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
T-pins
Radio packing foam
Epoxy brushes
Mixing sticks for epoxy
90-degree triangle
Adjustable wrench
Hex wrench
JR 8103
MDS .68
(MDSE06800) MDS .78
(MDSE07800)
Saito .72
(SAIE072)
Parts
3.5" Red P-51 Spinner (CBA5073)
Propeller (consult your engines instruction manual)
18" servo extension (JRPA099) (4)
Large servo arm (JRPA212 ) (1 pk)
Additional Required Equipment (not included)
JR 10X
Saito 1.00
(SAIE100)
Tools/Supplies
Tools and Adhesives

5
Main Parts
A. Fuselage (HAN2377)
B. Wing Set w/Joiner (HAN2376) (retract not included)
C. Tail Set (HAN2378)
D. Fiberglass Cowl (HAN2380)
E. Canopy (HAN2381)
F. Belly Air Scoop (HAN2379)
G. Decal Set
H. Mechanical Retracts (HAN2382)
3
3
5
6
4
A
B
E
F
G
H
1
2
C
D
Other Parts
1. Main and tail wheels
2. Fuel tank
3. Scale details
4. Landing gear fairings
5. Pushrods
6. Wood parts
Contents of Kit

6
Part Needed
Right and left wing panels
Tools and Adhesives Needed
Instant thin CA glue
CA remover/debonder
Paper towels
T-pins (one for each hinge)
Caution: The control surfaces, including the ailerons,
elevators, and rudder come with the hinges installed,
but the hinges are not glued in place. The hinge is
constructed of a special material that allows the thin
CA to “wick” (penetrate) and distribute throughout the
hinge, securely bonding them to the wood structure.
It is imperative that you properly secure the hinges in
place per these instructions using high-quality thin
CA glue.
Step 1. Carefully remove the aileron from one of the wing
panels, noting the position of the hinges. The P-51 comes with
high-quality CA-type hinges.
Step 2. Remove each hinge from the wing panel and place a
T-pin in the center of each hinge as shown. Slide each hinge into
the wing panel until the T-pin is snug against the trailing edge of
the wing panel.
Step 3. Slide the aileron onto the wing until there is only a
slight gap between the wing panel and aileron. The hinge is now
centered in the wing panel and the aileron. You can now remove
the T-pins and snug the aileron up against the wing panel.
Step 3 photo
Step 4. Deflect the aileron and completely saturate the hinge
with thin CA glue. Be sure not to deflect the aileron too far; the
top of the aileron should just touch the top of the wing trailing
edge. When the hinge is glued in place, there should be no more
than a 1/32" gap maintained throughout the length of the aileron.
Section 1
Hinging the Ailerons CONTINUED

Step 5. Turn the wing panel over, deflect the aileron in the
opposite direction, and apply thin CA to the other side of the
hinges as in the previous step. Make sure the thin CA penetrates
completely into both the aileron and wing panel.
Step 6. Using CA remover/debonder and a paper towel,
remove any excess CA glue that has accumulated on the wing or
aileron surface.
Step 7. Repeat Steps 1-6 for the opposite wing and aileron.
Step 8. Allowing time for both ailerons to completely dry,
firmly grasp the wing and aileron and applying medium pressure
check that they are securely attached and cannot be pulled apart.
Use caution when gripping the wing and aileron as not to crush
the structure.
Step 9. Work the aileron up and down several times to “work
in” the hinges and check for proper movement.
7
Section 1
Hinging the Ailerons CONTINUED

Parts Needed
Right wing panel assembly
Left wing panel assembly
Wing joiner
Tools and Adhesives Needed
Ruler
Masking tape
30-minute epoxy
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
Step 1. Locate the wing joiner. Using a ruler and felt-tipped
pen or pencil, measure and mark the exact center of the joiner
as shown.
Step 2. Trial fit the wing joiner into one of the wing panels.
It should insert smoothly up to the line marked in Step 1.
Now slide the other wing panel onto the joiner until the two
panels meet. If the fit is too tight, it may be necessary to lightly
sand the wing joiner.
Step 2 photo
Step 3. Check for correct dihedral angle. Place the wing on a
large flat surface with one wing panel resting flat on the surface
the opposite wing panel should be 51/4" from the flat surface
(see illustration below). If necessary, sand the wing joiner until
the proper dihedral is achieved. There should be no gap at the
wing center joint. Once you are satisfied with the fit, separate the
wing panels and remove the wing joiner.
Note: Read through the remaining steps of this section
before proceeding to epoxy the wing panels together.
Hint: It is extremely important to use plenty of epoxy
when joining the wing panels together. It will also be
helpful to use wax paper under the wing center joint to
avoid gluing the wing to your worktop.
8
51/4''
Top of Wing
Section 2
Joining the Wing Halves CONTINUED

Step 4. Mix approximately 1 ounce of 30-minute epoxy. Using
an epoxy brush, apply a generous amount of epoxy to the wing
joiner cavity of one wing panel.
Step 5. Completely coat one half of the wing joiner with epoxy
up to the centerline made in Step 1. Insert the epoxy-coated
side of the joiner into the wing joiner cavity up to the mark on
the joiner.
Step 6. Apply a generous amount of epoxy to the other wing
panel joiner cavity.
Step 7. Apply epoxy to the exposed portion of the wing joiner
and to both wing roots.
Step 7 photo
Step 8. Carefully slide both wing panels together. Firmly press
both halves together, allowing the epoxy to run out. Use alcohol
and paper towels wipe off the excess epoxy. Check to make sure
there are no visible gaps between the two wing panels.
Step 9. Use masking tape to securely hold both wing halves
together. Place the wing assembly back onto the flat work surface
(covered with wax paper), and check the dihedral again as in
Step 3.
Step 10. Double-check the wing center joint for any gaps and
allow the epoxy to cure overnight.
9
Section 2
Joining the Wing Halves CONTINUED

Parts Needed
Wing assembly
Aileron servos w/mounting hardware (2)
Servo hatch screws (#2 x 3/8") (8)
18" servo wire extension (JRPA099) (2)
Large Servo Arm (JRPA212) (1 pkg.)
Tools and Adhesives Needed
Phillips screwdriver
Thin CA
Thick CA
Step 1. Locate the aileron hatch on the underside of the wing
panel. Using a sharp hobby knife carefully cut along the edges
of the hatch, then remove the hatch from the wing panel. Also
cut out the slot for the servo arm at this time. Locate the servo
lead extension exit holes on the top of the inboard portion of the
wing. Using a sharp hobby knife carefully cut away the covering
over the hole.
Note: The aileron servo will be mounted to the hatch.
Step 2. Install the recommended servo hardware (grommets
and eyelets) supplied with your radio system onto the aileron
servo. Temporarily install a long half servo arm (JRPA212) onto
the servo and test fit the servo to the hatch. The servo output
shaft and control arm should be centered in the slot of the hatch.
Once satisfied, mark the location for the servo mounting blocks.
Step 2 photos
Step 3. Locate the servo mounting blocks. Using a few drops
of thin CA, tack glue them in place on the marks made in the
previous step. Check the fit of the servo between the mounting
blocks. When satisfied with the fit, permanently glue the
mounting blocks in place by first wicking thin CA between the
mounting blocks and the hatch, and then using thick CA create
a fillet around the base. Let the CA completely dry before
proceeding to the next step.
10
Section 3
Installing the Aileron Servos CONTINUED

Step 4. Place the aileron servo between the mounting blocks
and using a felt-tipped pen mark the location of the four servo
mounting screws. Note that the servo must not touch the hatch
in order to isolate engine vibration.
Step 5.
Note: Before mounting the servo, we suggest that
you electronically center the aileron servos and install
the servo arm to avoid having to remove the servo to
mount the servo arm in subsequent steps.
Remove the servo and using a 1/16" drill bit, drill the four servo
mount screw holes marked in the previous step. Using the
screws supplied with your radio system, mount the servo to the
mounting blocks.
Step 6. Locate the aileron servo lead extension (18") (JRPA099)
and connect it to the aileron servo lead. Secure the connectors
by tying them in a knot or use a commercial connector that pre-
vents the servo lead connections from becoming disconnected.
Hint: It is always a good idea to secure the servo
connectors and servo extension together to prevent
the wires from becoming unplugged inside the wing.
Step 6 photo
Step 7. Locate the preinstalled string in the servo hatch opening
and tie it to the servo lead extension connector. Locate the other
end of the string in the exit hole you uncovered in Step 1 and
carefully fish the servo lead and extension through the wing.
Note: Tape the servo extension connector to the
topside of the wing to prevent the connector from
slipping back into the wing structure.
11
Section 3
Installing the Aileron Servos CONTINUED

Step 8. Place the servo hatch assembly back into the opening
and check the fit. Once satisfied with the fit, measure in from
each corner 1/4" and using a 1/16" drill bit, drill the four mount-
ing screw holes through the hatch and plywood tab underneath.
Step 9. Locate four #2 x 3/8" wood screws and using a Phillips
screwdriver secure the hatch to the wing.
Step 11. Repeat Steps 1 through 10 for the opposite
aileron servo.
12
Section 3
Installing the Aileron Servos CONTINUED

Parts Needed
Wing assembly
Control horn (2)
Horn back plate (2)
Mounting screws (6)
Aileron control wire (6" threaded on one end) (2)
Clevis (2)
Clevis keeper (2)
Wire keeper (2)
Tools and Adhesives Needed
Drill
Drill Bit: 1/16"
Pliers
Side cutters
Felt-tipped pen or pencil
Phillips screwdriver (small)
Triangle
Masking tape
Step 1. Locate the aileron control horn, back plate, and three
mounting screws.
Step 2. Place wing assembly upside down on a flat work
surface. Place a triangle on the aileron hinge line and slide it up
against the servo control arm as shown. Using a felt-tipped pen
or pencil, mark the leading edge of the aileron. This will be the
location for the center of the control horn.
Step 3. Place the aileron control horn on the mark made in
the previous step, aligning the center of the control horn on the
mark. Also align the clevis holes in the horn with the aileron
hinge line as show below and mark the location of the three
mounting screws.
Step 4. With the mounting hole locations marked, drill the
holes for the mounting screws using a 1/16" drill bit. Be sure to
drill straight through the aileron at a 90-degree angle to the flat
work surface not to the surface of the aileron.
13
Section 4
Installing the Aileron Control Horns & Linkages
CONTINUED

Step 5. Using a small Phillips screwdriver, attach the control
horn using the provided hardware.
Step 6. Locate the aileron control wire (6" threaded on one end)
and thread on a clevis a minimum of 12 turns. Attach the clevis
to the middle hole in the control horn. To hold the aileron at the
neutral position, place a piece of masking tape on the aileron to
secure it to the wing trailing edge. With the aileron at neutral and
aileron servo electronically centered mark the wire where it
crosses the aileron servo arm.
Step 7. Remove the clevis and wire from the control horn
and make a 90-degree bend at the mark made in the previous
step. Cut off the excess wire leaving 5/16" remaining after the
90-degree bend.
Step 8. Re-attach the clevis securing it to the horn using a
clevis keeper. Slide the other end of the wire through the aileron
servo arms outer most hole and secure it with a wire keeper
as shown.
Step 9. Repeat Steps 1 – 8 for the opposite aileron
control horn and linkage.
14
Section 4
Installing the Aileron Control Horns & Linkages
CONTINUED

Parts Needed
Wing assembly
Retract servo-mounting plate
Balsa retract servo rails (2)
Retract servo w/hardware
(rubber grommets and eyelets mounting screws)
Easy connector (2)
Tools and Adhesives Needed
6-minute epoxy
Drill
Drill Bit: 1/16"
Side cutters
Phillips screwdriver
Felt-tipped pen
Hobby knife
Note: The retract mechanism and retract control
wires for the P-51 come preinstalled from Hanger 9™.
Step 1. Locate the two balsa servo mounting rails. Trial fit these
into the wing center section as shown. It may be necessary to
open up the center notch in the rails to fit over the center root
ribs, trim away the balsa with a sharp hobby knife until the
desired fit is achieved. Do not glue in the rails at this time.
Step 2. Install the servo mounting hardware included with your
retract servo, (rubber grommets and eyelets). Locate the retract
servo mounting plate included with your kit and trial fit the servo
into the mounting plate.
Note: The Hangar 9 P-51 retract system is designed
to use a low-profile retract servo such as the JR NES703.
Step 3. Mark the location for the servo mounting screws using
a felt-tipped pen or pencil. Remove the retract servo from the
mounting plate and using a 1/16" drill bit, drill the holes for the
servo mounting screws. Temporarily mount the retract servo to
the mounting plate using the screws supplied with the servo.
15
Section 5
Installing the Retract Servo CONTINUED

Step 4. Trail fit the retract servo and mounting plate to the
retract servo rails temporarily installed in the wing assembly.
Position the servo output shaft as close to the center of the wing
as shown. Mark the location of the plate on the servo rails using
a felt-tipped pen or pencil. Remove the retract servo and plate
assembly and also remove the rails from the wing noting the
orientation of the rails in the wing.
Step 5. Remove the retract servo from the mounting plate.
Use thick CA and carefully glue the retract servo mounting
plate to the servo rails. Align the plate with the marks you made
on the rails. Allow the CA to fully dry before mounting to the
wing assembly.
Step 6. Mix approximately 1/2 ounce of 6-minute epoxy and
carefully glue in the retract servo mount assembly to the
wing assembly. Be sure to position the rails with the proper
orientation as noted in the previous step. Allow the epoxy to cure
completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6 photo
Step 7. Permanently mount the retract servo to the mounting
plate using the screws provided with your retract servo.
Step 8. If you have not already done so, remove the servo
wheel from the servo. Locate the two quick connects supplied in
the kit and mount them to the servo wheel as shown.
16
Section 5
Installing the Retract Servo CONTINUED

Step 9. Connect the retract servo to your radio system and
electronically move the servo to the extend position. Slide the
retract control wires through the quick connects as shown and
mount the servo wheel to the retract servo.
Step 10. With the retract servo in the extended gear position,
pull on the retract wires to manually extend the landing gear.
Tighten the set screws on the quick connects and clip off the
excess wire.
Step 10 photo
Step 11. Cycle the retract system several times and check to
make sure there is no binding, also check that the landing gear
locks in both the retracted and extended position.
17
Section 5
Installing the Retract Servo CONTINUED

Parts Needed
Wing assembly
Main landing gear wheels (2)
Large wheel collars and set screws (4)
Landing gear fairing (2)
Fairing mounting straps (4)
Small screws (8)
Small nuts (8)
Tools and Adhesives Needed
Flat screwdriver (small)
Hobby knife
Drill
Drill Bit: 3/32"
Ruler
Felt-tipped pen or pencil
Threadlock (Locktite Z-42)
Hex wrench
Step 1. Locate the large wheel collars and slide one onto the
landing gear wire as shown. Using threadlock on the setscrew,
secure the wheel collar in place.
Step 2. Slide the main landing gear wheel onto the wire and
secure the wheel in place with another wheel collar.
Step 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the other main landing
gear wheel.
Step 4. With both main wheels installed on the landing gear
check to make sure there is no binding of the wheels in the
wheel wells. This is best checked by hooking up the retract servo
to your radio system and operating the servo via the transmitter.
Note: If there is binding, it may be necessary to slightly
bend the main landing gear wire to free up the wheel.
Two pairs of pliers works well for this, using one pair to
hold the base of the wire without putting any pressure
on the retract mechanism.
Step 5. Locate the landing gear fairing, two mounting straps,
mounting screws, and nuts. Note that there is a left and right
fairing. The outside of the fairing has white and black trim that
matches the strips on the bottom of the wing.
18
Section 6
Installing the Main Landing Gear Wheels
and Fairings
CONTINUED

Step 6. With the landing gear retracted, fit the fairing to the
bottom of the wing as shown, lining up the trim colors on the
bottom of the wing. Secure the fairing in place with masking tape
and extend the landing gear. Use a felt-tipped pen to mark the
location of the wire on the fairing.
Step 7. Turn the fairing over and draw a line from the top to the
bottom. Measure in 2" from both the top and the bottom and
mark the location for the mounting straps.
Step 8. Position the mounting straps on their locations and use
a 3/32" drill bit to drill through the mounting block and fairing
as shown.
Step 9. With the landing gear extended, mount the fairing to
the landing gear using the mounting straps, #2 wood screws,
and nuts.
19
Section 6
Installing the Main Landing Gear Wheels
and Fairings
CONTINUED

Parts Needed
Fuselage
Wing assembly
Radiator scoop
Wing bolt plate
8-32 wing mounting bolts (2)
8-32 blind nuts (2)
Medium fuel tubing (1/2")
Tools and Adhesives Needed
6-minute epoxy
Thin CA
Masking tape
Felt-tipped pen or pencil
Hobby knife
9/64" hex driver
Slip-joint pliers
Step 1. Locate the predrilled holes in the fuselage wing mount
plate and install the blind nuts into these holes. Use a pair of
slip-joint pliers and a scrap piece of plywood as shown to press
in the blind nuts. Once the blind nuts are securely pressed in,
use a few drops of thin CA to glue them into place. Be sure not
to get any CA in the treads of the blind nuts.
Step 2. Locate the predrilled holes in the wing trailing edge and
use a sharp hobby knife to remove the covering as shown.
Step 3. Locate the plywood wing mounting plate. Align the
plate with the trailing edge of the wing and the center joint as
shown and mark the outline of the plate with a felt-tipped
pen/pencil. Use a sharp hobby knife to trim away the covering
1/16" inside the lines you just drew.
20
Section 7
Mounting the Wing to the Fuselage CONTINUED