Sometime in the late '80s, I was given a model of a Mustang. At the time, I was a teenager and had no idea what it was. I had never heard of Sterling Models. This was the first 'scale' warbird I had ever flown and the first with flaps. It did not have retracts. It was painted a dull grey, as I recall. After a short period, it was either sold or given to someone else who showed an interest in it. Perhaps they recognized it as the piece of radio control history that it was.
This kit ( FS-10 ) was produced in the early 1960s. There were models in competitions in 1962, so it predates that. It was still in production as of the 1975 catalog, but sometime before 1983, it was discontinued.
The markings are completely fictitious, with tail number 886414. However, if you flip those numbers around ( 414886 ), you have the serial of a P-51D-15 model. I'm not sure why Sterling ( or Phil Breittling sp? ) didn't choose a real subject. Just two airframes later ( 414888 ) is the famous "Glamorous Glen III", flown by Chuck Yeager.
While the model is very "stand-off" scale for a D model, it looks better as an H model. The kit doesn't specify but, I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be modeled after the H model, with how the landing gear looks, the missing leading edge extension and the smaller dorsal fin.
The top airplane is a D model, while the bottom is an H model.
The instructions are printed on the plans.
The balance point for radio control is shown exactly 1-1/8" behind that for the control line setup. The wing plans are on the other side of the sheet.
I'm going to build the kit as stock as possible, right down to the sewn hinges and brass sheet landing gear doors. All I need to do is find a Veco S7 2-3/4" spinner, T29D clunk fuel tank and some period 3.5" wheels.
I have this kit and it seems to fly better well. I started flying it just a few weeks ago. I up dated it with new hinges and servos. It has a 91 satio 4cycle. It weights 10lbs 2ozs with no fuel. The only change I would do is bend the landing gear wire forward to reduce nose overs on landing and take offs. You should use the flaps on landing to help slow the speed. I fly off pavement and without flaps the roll out is long.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your build.
I think ours had a K&B 61 in it. It was a good flying airplane, very honest. Without retracts, it just didn't look right and I found it boring at the time. But then, I didn't know it was a classic! Is there a place where we can see pictures or video of your model?
DeleteDo you know where i can ger plans for 66inch sterling mustang?
DeleteCan anyone tell me what the value is for this plane? I have one still in its original box.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, it's hard to say. On one hand, hardly anyone is into these vintage models any more. But then, there's people like me, who are trying to find one. So, it's whatever one is willing to pay. I think you might reasonably get $150-200 US on Ebay, from someone who is genuinely interested.
DeleteI'm Building one now with retracts.Hope it flies good, functional flaps, new style hinges.Sanding and sheeting now. Engine is a Magnum .61 two stroke.
ReplyDeleteI'm Building one now with retracts.Hope it flies good, functional flaps, new style hinges.Sanding and sheeting now. Engine is a Magnum .61 two stroke.
ReplyDeleteGreat! Be sure to take pictures/video and let us know where we can see it.
DeleteI have many many hours on mine. I added the Leading edge flair to the fuselage and kept the Vertical stab fin. Crashed it many times. OS-60 with retracts. I converted it to Tricycle gear years ago. Still fly-able after 50 years.
ReplyDeleteVcaststinVbobsbu Elizabeth Lambert https://www.loreleingonzalez.com/profile/Anchoring-Script-For-Sports-Day-Pdf-Download-NEW/profile
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Hi Wells, just picked up on your site, as I was researching the Sterling P51 Mustang. I have come across a complete kit of parts In box with retracts. Unfortunately we are in the UK, are you interested in it ?
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