Brodak P-40 ARF

[Dennis Leonhardi]

With regard to the Brodak ARF P-40: How many flights will the installed bellcrank and leadouts last?  So many of the ARFs seem to be good for just a couple ...  Thanks in advance!

Dennis

[Motorman]

7.5

[Steve Berry]

How many flights will the installed bellcrank and leadouts last?

All of them. 

Typically the bellcrank and leadouts will outlast the airframe. But I suspect what you really mean is how long will the total airframe last with the factory installed bellcrank and leadouts. My guess is exactly one less than wherever it's at when you decide "just one more flight today."

Steve

[Steve Helmick]

8.5 flights, unless the covering falls off first.  Steve

[Dennis Adamisin]

Dennyleo

All seriousness aside, what vintage P-40 do you have?  First batch from a different builder would be about 10-12 years old, had really questionable to BAD leadouts.  My Dad's P-40 from that batch failed one leadout without ever being flown.  All it had done was been stored RTF hanging from its leadouts.  The original batch also had issues with bad leading edge radii (had to cut back covering & sand then recover.  The leadout ends had what looked like a 1/4" long shiny silver crimping tube.  In the worst cases the leadout cable only went through & back one time.  If yours looks like this replace the leadouts before flight.

The more recent batch came from a different source with far better building and with attention to detail in areas like the leadouts.  Theses have outstanding woodwork with proper leading edge treatments.  The leadout ends are copper tubes with AMA style crimp.  These look like they should last a long time...

[Dave Harmon]

That's right Dennis.
The first batch of this ARF had a clear canopy.

I have one from the later mfgr that had stickers for the canopy windows....ugg....I replaced those stickers right away.
My P-40 has a ROJETT 51 and it flys very well.
My only complaint so far is the gear leg mounts were not reinforced and there was very little glue.
Mine broke on the first landing so I dug into the wing and rebuilt them both so the wire might bend but the structure won't come apart.
It's a good airplane.

[Ken Culbertson]

"just one more flight today."

Steve

The words that preceded most every crash I have ever had.

Ken

[Colin McRae]

I have a new P40 ARF. Got it in the air for the 1st time about 2 weeks ago. Only about 6 flights so far. No issues so far. I really like the model. Evolution 36NT engine on mine. I also decided to use aluminum landing gear, vs the kit design wing-mounted gear.

[john e. holliday]

Hope you replaced the control system.  My ARF Oriental lasted about 6 flights.