Phase3 Models Mustang P-51D User manual

1Kit Product Number PH107080
Phase3 Models
P.O. Box No. 74282
Kowloon Central, Hong Kong
China
P-51D MUSTANG EP FEATURES
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Check out our website for more information on this and other exciting Phase3 Models products!
WWW.PHASE3MODELS.COM
●Constructed of Durable EPP Foam
●Detailed Scale Panel Lines Molded into All Surfaces
●Bolt-On, Removable Wing with Ailerons
●Carbon Fiber Wing Spar and Fuselage Supports
●Easy-to-Remove Battery Access Hatch
●Accepts a Wide Range of Power Systems and Motor Mounting Styles
●Factory-Painted with Detailed Decal Sheet for Scale Appearance
●Includes a Complete Hardware Package
●Fast and Easy Assembly - Over 75 High-Resolution Digital Photos to Guide You
All Contents Copyright © 2006, Phase3 Models
Version 1.0 March 2006
Wing Span: 36 Inches (914mm) ●Wing Area: 216 Square Inches (13.9dm2) ●Length: 30.5 Inches (775mm)
Weight RTF: 17.7 Ounces (502gr) ●Wing Loading: 11.8 Ounces/Square Foot (36gr/dm2)
Functions: Ailerons, Elevator, Rudder and Throttle ●Radio Required: 4Channel or More w/3 Micro Servos and Micro Rx
Motor Required: KMS 31/09 Brushless Outrunner ●ESC Required: 18Amp Brushless
Battery Required: 3 Cell 900mAH LiPO
PLEASE REFER TO THE SEPARATE SHEET INCLUDED WITH YOUR KIT FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION
Made in China

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Thank you for purchasing the Phase3 Models P-51D Mustang EP. We're confident that the quality of your new airplane
meets and even exceeds your expectations. Before completing the final assembly of your new airplane, please carefully
read through this instruction manual in its entirety. Doing so will ensure your success the first time around!
This assembly manual is designed to guide you through the entire assembly process of your new airplane in the least amount of
time possible. Along the way you'll learn how to properly assemble your new airplane and also learn tips that will help you in the
future. We have listed some of our recommendations below. Please read through them before beginning assembly.
●Please read through each step before beginning assembly.
You should find the layout very complete and straightforward.
Our goal is to guide you through assembly without any of the
headaches and hassles that you might expect.
●There are check boxes next to each procedure. After you
complete a procedure, check off the box. This will help prevent
you from losing your place.
●Cover your work table with brown paper or a soft cloth, both to
protect the table and to protect the parts.
●Keep a couple of small bowls or jars handy to put the small
parts in after you open the accessory bags.
●We're all excited to get a new airplane in the air, but take your
time. This will ensure you build a straight, strong and great flying
airplane.
●If you come across this symbol ☞, it means that this is an
important point or an assembly hint.
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This R/C airplane is not a toy! If misused or abused, it can cause serious bodily injury and/or damage to property. Fly only in open
areas and preferably at a dedicated R/C flying site. We suggest having a qualified instructor carefully inspect your airplane before
its first flight. Please carefully read and follow all instructions included with this airplane, your radio control system and any other
components purchased separately.
SAFETY WARNING
OUR GUARANTEE
Phase3 Models guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This does not cover any
component parts damaged by use, misuse or modification. In no case shall Phase3 Models's liability exceed the original cost of the
purchased kit.
In that Phase 3 Models has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed for any damage
resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the final user-assembled product, the user accepts
all resulting liability.
Introduction ............................................................................................ 2
Safety Warning ...................................................................................... 2
Our Guarantee ...................................................................................... 2
Our Recommendations ......................................................................... 3
Lithium Polymer Battery Warnings - Please Read ............................... 4
Tools and Supplies Required ................................................................ 5
Important Information About EPP Foam .............................................. 5
Tips From the Pros ................................................................................ 5
Kit Contents ........................................................................................... 6
Fuselage Assembly ............................................................................... 7
Tail Wheel Installation ........................................................................... 9
Cockpit Deck Installation .................................................................... 11
Wing Assembly .................................................................................... 12
Wing Mounting .................................................................................... 14
Stabilizer Installation ........................................................................... 15
Motor Installation ................................................................................. 17
Control Systems Installation ............................................................... 19
Main Landing Gear Installation ........................................................... 22
Final Assembly .................................................................................... 23
Balance Point and Control Throws ..................................................... 25
Preflight Check and Safety ................................................................. 25
Replacement Parts ............................................................... Back Cover

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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
This section describes our recommendations to help you in deciding which types of accessories to purchase for your new P-51D
Mustang EP. Please read through this entire section very carefully. We have provided you with recommendations that, if
followed, will result in a great flying airplane. Failure to follow our recommendations may result in a poor flying airplane.
RECOMMENDED POWER SYSTEM
The P-51D Mustang EP can be flown using either a brushless direct drive Outrunner motor, a brushless direct drive radial-mounted
motor or even a brushed 370 gear drive motor. For the best flight characteristics, we suggest using a brushless direct drive
Outrunner motor. The combination listed below is lightweight and will provide ample power.
●KMS KBM 31/09 Brushless Outrunner Motor
●KMS 18Amp Brushless ESC
●Impulse Power 3C 900mAH LiPO Battery
●APC 9 x 6 Slow Flyer Propeller
●KMS Motor Adapter for Stick Mount
●Pro-Peak Quattro LiPO DC Charger
WHEN CHOOSING YOUR POWER SYSTEM, MAKE SURE TO CHOOSE AN ESC THAT IS RATED FOR THE AMOUNT OF
AMPERAGE YOUR MOTOR, PROPELLER AND FLIGHT BATTERY WILL DRAW.
TO CHARGE YOUR LIPO FLIGHT BATTERY, YOU MUST USE A LIPO-COMPATIBLE CHARGER. WE SUGGEST USING
THE PRO-PEAK QUATTRO LIPO CHARGER. NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE A LIPO BATTERY WITH ANY OTHER TYPE
OF CHARGER.
IF YOU USE A BRUSHLESS MOTOR, YOU MUST USE AN ESC DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR BRUSHLESS MOTORS.
ESC'S DESIGNED FOR USE WITH BRUSHED MOTORS WILL NOT WORK WITH BRUSHLESS MOTORS.
ALTERNATE POWER SYSTEM
●Phase3 370 Motor and Gear Box
●Phase3 10Amp ESC for 3 Cell LiPO
●Impulse Power 3C 900mAH LiPO Battery
●10 x 4.7 Slow Flyer Propeller
●Pro-Peak Quattro LiPO DC Charger
RECOMMENDED RADIO, RECEIVER AND SERVOS
You will need to use a 4 or more channel transmitter with a 4 or more channel
micro receiver. Ideally, the transmitter should feature dual rates. The receiver
should be as light as possible, preferably around 9 grams. We suggest using
the Cirrus MRX-4II FM Micro receiver.
The servos you use should be the lightest available, yet still have an ad-
equate amount of torque. We suggest using servos that weigh no more than
10 grams and have a torque rating of no less than 11 ounces per square inch. Cirrus CS301 or similar micro servos will work well.
IMPORTANT The MRX-4II receiver has a range of approximately 500 yards (~1/4 mile). Keep this in mind when flying the
airplane while using this receiver.
QTY. 1 Hitec Laser 6 FM Transmitter
QTY. 1 Cirrus MRX-4II FM Micro Receiver
QTY. 1 Cirrus Crystal for MRX-4II
QTY. 1 KMS KBM 31/09 Brushless Outrunner Motor
QTY. 1 KMS 18 Amp Brushless ESC
QTY. 3 Cirrus CS301 Micro Servos
QTY. 1 Impulse Power 3C 900mAH LiPO Flight Battery
QTY. 1 APC 9 x 6 Slow Flyer Propeller
QTY. 1 Pro-Peak Quattro LiPO Charger
QTY. 1 KMS Stick Mount Adapter for KMS Outrunner Motors
QTY. 1 Xtra 2mm Gold Connector Set
QTY. 1 Double-Sided Tape
QYT. 1 Hook and Loop Material
HERE'S A LIST OF WHAT WE USED TO FINISH THE P-51D MUSTANG EP SHOWN IN THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR ALL BRANDS OF LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERIES
Please read and understand the warnings listed in this section. Make sure to read any and all warnings
included in the packaging with your battery, too. If used improperly, lithium polymer batteries can be very
dangerous, so please follow these warnings and suggestions at all times.
●This product may explode or catch fire. Serious injury can result from misuse. Serious injury, loss of property, fire and death
can result from misuse of this product.
●All instructions, warnings and cautions must be followed at all times. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury or fire.
●Do NOT use this product before reading and understanding all directions and warnings.
●Do NOT overcharge. Maximum voltage for each pack must be followed.
●Do NOT over-discharge. NEVER discharge below minimum volts.
●Do NOT discharge at a rate greater than the maximum continuous discharge.
●Do NOT use or charge if the battery is hot.
●ONLY use a charger made for Lithium Polymer batteries.
●Do NOT charge at a rate higher than 1C. Example: if the battery’s rating is 340mAH, then the charger’s charge rate must be set
at 340mAH or less.
●Do NOT leave in direct sunlight or in a hot car or storage area.
●Do NOT get wet or expose to moisture.
●Do NOT short-circuit the battery.
●ONLY discharge and charge the battery outdoors or in a firesafe container.
●Do NOT charge with reverse polarity.
●Do NOT leave the battery connected when not in use.
●Do NOT operate or charge unattended.
●Do NOT solder to the battery directly and do not get the battery hot in any way.
LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY WARNINGS - PLEASE READ
CHARGING PRECAUTIONS FOR ALL BRANDS OF LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERIES
●Do NOT use the product if you do not understand the warnings and proper use of the product.
●Always let the battery cool and "rest" between uses and charging.
●To avoid over-discharging, only use a speed control that is made for LiPO batteries.
●We recommend the use of a firesafe container when charging or storing.
●Do NOT charge inside your car or inside your house.
●Inspect the battery before each use for swelling or other malformation. If the cell has ballooned, it MUST be discarded.
●Set the charger to 1C (charge at 1/2C or less for the first 5 cycles).
●Check polarity and then connect battery to charger.
●In use, do not over-discharge or exceed maximum discharge.
●When handling the battery, remember not to poke, bend or damage the cell. The cell outer casing is soft and can be damaged.
●Remember, the cells must never exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit for any reason.

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The P-51D Mustang EP is constructed of molded EPP foam. While we suggest using 5 minute epoxy for
assembly, you can use C/A to make building time quicker.
We don't suggest using any type of C/A accelerant or "Zip-Kicker" since these products can damage the
factory-applied paint.
Do not use any harsh solvents to clean the airframe, such as Acetone. Harsh solvents will damage the
factory-applied paint and most likely melt the foam. It is okay to use rubbing alcohol. If you want to add
more painted details to your airplane, use water-based acrylic paints and test on a scrap piece first.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT EPP FOAM
❑Pencil
❑T-Pins
❑Builder's Triangle
❑220 Grit Sandpaper with Sanding Block
❑Masking Tape
❑Rubber Bands
❑Paper Towels
❑Waxed Paper
❑Rubbing Alcohol
❑Epoxy Mixing Sticks
❑Epoxy Mixing Cups
❑Soldering Iron
❑Solder
❑Heat-Shrink Tubing (Assorted Sizes)
❑Thin and Thick C/A
❑5 Minute Epoxy
❑# 0 and #1 Phillips Head Screwdrivers
❑1.5mm Hex Wrench
❑Wire Cutters
❑Needle Nose Pliers
❑Z-Bend Pliers
❑Adjustable Wrench
❑Modeling Knife
❑Scissors
❑Electric or Hand Drill
❑Assorted Drill Bits
❑Airplane Stand
❑Ruler
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES REQUIRED
TIPS FROM THE PROS
Test-Fitting the Parts
Make sure to test-fit the parts together before applying glue. This will ensure that the parts fit properly before gluing them together.
Storage and Transport
We do not suggest storing your airplane in an extremely hot environment (like the back of your car in direct sunlight) for any length
of time. The extreme heat could damage the foam parts and possibly damage the fragile components of the radio control system
or the battery.
Cutting the Hinge Slots
When cutting the hinge slots in the control surfaces, hold a straight edge against the side of the control surface to keep it from flexing
and bending. Keeping the control surface straight will make it easier to cut the hinge slots along the centerline.
Gluing Smooth Surfaces
When gluing anything that has a smooth surface, like plastic or metal, roughen the gluing surface lightly with 220 grit sandpaper.
This will allow the glue to stick better.
Motor Downthrust
We suggest adding approximately 2º of motor downthrust. Follow the motor mounting section carefully, so that you don't overlook
this important step.
Elevator Center-Trim
We suggest that you center the elevator by holding a straight edge along the bottom of the elevator and adjusting the pushrod so
that the elevator is level with the bottom of the stabilizer. This will make the airplane trim better in flight. Follow the Balancing and
Control Throws section carefully, so that you don't overlook this important step.

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We have organized the parts as they come out of the box for easier identification during assembly. Before you begin assembly,
group the parts as we list them below. This will ensure that you have all of the parts before you begin assembly and it will also help
you become familiar with each part.
AIRFRAME ASSEMBLIES
❑(1) Left and Right Fuselage Halves with Rudder
❑(1) Wing with Ailerons
❑(1) Horizontal Stabilizer with Elevator Halves
❑(1) Cockpit Deck
MAIN LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY
❑(2) Prebent Landing Gear Wires
❑(2) Main Gear Wheels
❑(2) Landing Gear Mounting Brackets
❑(2) Wheel Retainers
❑(4) M1.5 x 4mm Wood Screws
AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM
❑(1) Pushrod Wire
❑(2) Prebent Aileron Torque Rods
❑(2) Control Horns
❑(2) Clevises
❑(6) C/A-Style Hinges
ELEVATOR AND RUDDER CONTROL SYSTEMS
❑(2) Pushrod Wires
❑(2) Pushrod Support Tubes
❑(1) Prebent Elevator Joiner Wire
❑(2) Control Horns with Backplates
❑(2) Clevises
❑(6) M2 x 16mm Wood Screws
❑(8) C/A-Style Hinges
TAIL WHEEL ASSEMBLY
❑(1) Prebent Tail Wheel Wire
❑(1) Tail Wheel
❑(1) Tail Wheel Mounting Bracket
❑(1) Wheel Retainer
KIT CONTENTS
❑(1) Dowel Mount
❑(1) Dowel Plate
❑(1) Wing-Screw Doubler Plate
❑(1) Hex Nut Mounting Plate
❑(1) M3 x 40mm Machine Screw
❑(1) M3 Hex Nut
MISCELLANEOUS WING PARTS
IF YOU FIND ANY PARTS MISSING OR DAMAGED, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR,
USING THE SEPARATE CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION SHEET PROVIDED WITH YOUR KIT.
CONTINUED

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FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY
MISCELLANEOUS FUSELAGE PARTS
❑(1) Clear Canopy
❑(1) Spinner
❑(1) Motor Mounting Stick
❑(1) Motor Mounting Plate
❑(1) Dowel Mount
❑(1) Dowel Plate
❑(1) Metal Plate
❑(1) Magnet
❑(1) Decal Set (Not Pictured)
❑Thin C/A
❑5 Minute Epoxy
❑Modeling Knife
❑Scissors
❑Electric or Hand Drill
❑1/8" (3.2mm) Drill Bit
❑Ruler
❑(1) Left and Right Fuselage Halves with Rudder
❑(2) Pushrod Support Tubes
❑(1) Hex Nut Mounting Plate
❑(1) M3 Hex Nut
❑220 Grit Sandpaper with Sanding Block
❑Rubber Bands
❑Paper Towels
❑Rubbing Alcohol
❑Epoxy Mixing Sticks
❑Epoxy Mixing Cups
YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING PARTS FROM THE KIT:
YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING TOOLS AND SUPPLIES:
STEP 1: INSTALLING THE PUSHROD SUPPORT TUBES
❑Using a pair of curved scissors, carefully cut away the flashing from
the edges of the fuselage sides that is left over from the molding process.
CONTINUED
PRO TIP Scissors work better than using sandpaper to sand the flashing away. Sandpaper will tear the foam and remove the
paint from areas that you don't want.
❑Using a 1/8" (3.2mm) drill bit, carefully drill a pushrod exit hole through
each fuselage half, using the molded slots as your guide.
IMPORTANT Angle the drill bit toward the side of the fuselage halves,
so that you make the hole at as shallow an angle as possible. This
will allow the pushrod to exit the fuselage as straight as possible and
therefore prevent binding.
❑Cut one pushrod support tube to a length of 11-1/2" (292mm) and one to a length of 9" (229mm).

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IMPORTANT Make sure to glue the longer pushrod support tube
into the fuselage half with the rudder.
❑Glue the one pushrod support tube into the hole that you drilled in
each fuselage half. Leave about 1/4" (6mm) of the pushrod support
tubes sticking out from the side of each fuselage half.
STEP 2: JOINING THE FUSELAGE HALVES
❑Test-fit the fuselage halves together. They should fit together with
few or no gaps between the two, and the outside edges of each half
should line up evenly.
☞If the fuselage halves don't fit together properly, carefully remove
any irregularities in the foam using 220 grit sandpaper with a sanding
block.
❑Mix a generous amount of 5 minute epoxy and apply a thin layer to the gluing surfaces on both fuselage halves.
❑Join the fuselage halves and secure them together firmly, using
rubber bands. Allow the epoxy to set up before proceeding.
WARNING Don't use masking tape to hold the fuselage sides
together, because the masking tape will pull away the paint when you
remove it.
STEP 3: INSTALLING THE WING MOUNTING PLATE
❑Press the 3mm hex nut into the wing mounting plate, then apply a
couple of drops of thin C/A to the hex nut to glue it into place.
PRO TIP To hold the fuselage halves together while the epoxy cures, we suggest using rubber bands. If put over the fuselage
sides carefully, they won't damage the foam or the paint. Don't use masking tape to hold the fuselage sides together, because the
masking tape will pull away the paint when you remove it.
❑Glue the mounting plate into the matching molded recess in the
fuselage.
IMPORTANT Remember to lightly sand the gluing surfaces of the
mounting plate, so that the glue will stick to it.
IMPORTANT During the next two procedures, be careful not to get any glue in the threads of the hex nut.

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TAIL WHEEL INSTALLATION
❑5 Minute Epoxy
❑Modeling Knife
❑Electric or Hand Drill
❑1/16" (1.6mm) Drill Bit
❑Ruler
❑Pencil
❑(1) Prebent Tail Wheel Wire
❑(1) Tail Wheel
❑(1) Tail Wheel Mounting Bracket
❑(1) Wheel Retainer
❑(2) C/A-Style Hinges
❑220 Grit Sandpaper with Sanding Block
❑Rubber Bands
❑Paper Towels
❑Rubbing Alcohol
❑Epoxy Mixing Sticks
❑Epoxy Mixing Cups
YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING PARTS FROM THE KIT:
YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING TOOLS AND SUPPLIES:
❑Cut the rudder from the fuselage along the molded hinge line, using
a sharp modeling knife and a straight edge ruler.
STEP 1: INSTALLING THE TAIL WHEEL ASSEMBLY
❑Sand a 45º bevel into each side of the leading edge of the rudder.
❑Drill a 1/16" (1.6mm) diameter hole in the leading edge of the rudder,
2" (51mm) up from the bottom of the rudder.
CONTINUED
❑Cut a shallow groove in the leading edge of the rudder from the hole
down to the bottom of the rudder.
IMPORTANT Be careful to make sure that you drill the hole perpendicular to the leading edge and be careful not to drill out
through the sides of the rudder. If the hole is not perpendicular to the leading edge, the tail wheel will not line up with the rudder.

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❑Slide the tail wheel mounting bracket over the end of the tail wheel
wire.
IMPORTANT Note the orientation of the tail wheel mounting bracket.
The mounting tab should face up, as shown.
❑Test-fit and glue the tail wheel wire into the hole you drilled. When
properly aligned, the tail wheel wire should rest within the groove and
the front edge of the tail wheel wire should be flush with the leading
edge of the rudder.
STEP 2: HINGING THE RUDDER
❑Carefully cut two hinge slots in the leading edge of the rudder and
the corresponding locations in the fuselage. Cut one hinge slot 1/2"
(13mm) down from the top of the rudder and the other hinge slot 1/2"
(13mm) up from the top of the tail wheel wire.
IMPORTANT Make sure that you cut the hinge slots on the
centerline.
❑Apply a thin layer of 5 minute epoxy to one half of each hinge, then
slide the hinges halfway into the rudder, making sure that the hinges
are centered and straight. Allow the epoxy to set up before continuing.
IMPORTANT Even though C/A-style hinges are included, because
they're being glued directly into foam, we've found that using 5 minute
epoxy to glue them into place works better than C/A.
❑After the epoxy sets up, apply a thin layer of 5 minute epoxy to the
exposed half of each hinge and to the tail wheel mounting bracket slot in
the bottom of the fuselage. Hinge the rudder to the fuselage and push
the tail wheel mounting bracket into position. Hold the assembly in place
until the epoxy sets up.
❑After the epoxy sets up, pivot the rudder right and left several times
to ensure free hinge movement.
❑Slide the tail wheel onto the tail wheel wire, then firmly push the
wheel retainer onto the wire, to hold the tail wheel in place.