1. VMA-M340U P51D Mustang 40 ARF - Big Beautiful Doll

 

1.1. VMA-M340U Mustang - Retract Ready - Cutouts or Not? New Fixed Gear Mounting Method.
Question: Is the #VMA-M340U P51D Mustang retract ready? Have there been different configurations and different fixed gear sets supplied in the kit?
 
Answer: Yes to both questions.
 
Better Answer: Yes the VMAR #VMA-M340U Mustang is retract ready. All except the earliest models made prior to mid 2003.
 
There have been a number of variations of the factory implementation of the retract cavities.
 
Mustangs made from mid 2003 to the summer of 2004 had the cavities cut out at the factory and lined with plastic inserts and a set of flat covers were provided that modelers could attach with ZAP or Pacer Dap-A-Goo (works best) if retracts were not being installed.  
 
Beginning summer 2004, the factory pre-installed the retract rails etc then they are covered over. Modelers who wish to install retracts can cut away the covering and install the plastic cavity inserts ONLY if they wish to install retracts. The plastic cavity inserts are included in the kit. We recommend Pacer Dap-A-Goo for installing the cavity inserts. Always test fit and test a small amount of any adhesive on any plastic and covering before proceeding.
 
When the VMAR Mustang 45-60 ARF was made retract ready, the fixed gear that comes with the kit were changed to allow the fixed gear to be bolted into a standard block mounting cavity that could later accomodate optional retracts. The instruction book may show wire fixed gear being fitted into slots in the wing. This is correct for models produced prior to mid 2003. Since mid 2003 the fixed gear uses a block mounting system with screws (4/wing) instead of the slots and clamps used in earlier production.
1.2. Cowl - Detailing - Strips applied in Checkerboard Pattern

Question: I have purchased a VMAR P51D Mustang with Big Beautiful Doll graphics. The cowl in the picture has a checkerboard pattern. How is this done?

Answer: The cowl comes pre-painted in a silver color with a roll of black and white strips that are used for the checkerboard pattern. The strips are rolled up and usually in the nose of the cowl when shipped or in the parts bag.

Better Answer: First lay out either the white or black strips in lines on the cowl. Just do one of the colors for now. Mask out what you want to keep of the first color and using a sharp knife cut away the excess. Now lay the second set of colored strips down into the cutout areas and again cut away the excess leaving a checkboard pattern of white and black squares.

1.3. VMA-M340U P51D Mustang 40-52ARF - Plastic Scoop and Fairing Placement

Question: I have a VMAR P51D 45-52 ARF. This ARF comes with what looks like an airscoop and another plastic plate like fairing. Where do these go and how do I attach them?

Answer: Both of these trim pieces go on the bottom of the wing. We recommend attaching the wing to the fuselage before applying the trim pieces.

Both pieces are to be centered over the wing joint seam.

The plate like fairing is to be applied near the leading edge of the wing with the flat face forward so that it butts up against the fuselage.

The air scoop is to be applied near the trailing edge of the wing with the scoop inlet facing forward and about 1/4" of overhanging flashing at the back of the scoop overlapping the fuselage. When correctly positioned and overhanging the fuselage at the back, the wing bolts will be accessible with the scoop remaining in place.

Dry mount both pieces and if necessary trim the fit with a sharp #11 blade.

Once dry fitting well, glue the trim pieces to the wing with Pacer Dap-A-Goo. This is a silicone like material that dries flexible and sticks well to the trim pieces and the covering. Apply the Dap-A-Goo to the trim pieces in a thin bead just inboard from the outer edge. Do not apply Dap-A-Goo to the flashing of the airscoop that overlaps on to the fuselage. Apply the fairing first. Wipe away any excess Dap-A-Goo and secure firmly with low tack masking tape. Then apply the scoop and secure with low tack masking tape. Let dry for several hours and then remove the tape by pealing it back upon itself. Do NOT pull the tape off at right angles to the surface to which it is stuck.