P-40 or P-51

[Terry Bolin]

I am considering a P-40 (1st choice) or a P-51 kit from RSM. Both by Pat Johnston. Has anyone built these kits and would you post a picture please?
Do you have any dislikes about either kit or plane? Thanks! Terry

[Mark Scarborough]

I cant speak directly, not having built either of them, but I have talked to Pat a lot. Perhaps he could give you his insight on the designs and how he feels about them. He is pretty open about his designs.

[Terry Bolin]

Mark, How would I contact Pat?
Thanks, T

[Mark Scarborough]

You could try email at
 patsplans   at   yahoo dot com

or if your a member over at the  Brotherhood of the ring forum he frequents that as well.
I will let him know to watch for a message from you,,
hes a great guy!

[Pat Johnston]

Terry,
Both planes are great flyers.  The main difference is that the RSM Mustang is larger by about 50 square inched than the RSM P-40.  Also the P-40 has my thicker airfoil while the P-51 was requested by Eric Rule to be built around the Charles Mackey "Lark" airfoil.  Both airfoils are good, but the thicker P-40 airfoil has a little more lifting potential, I believe.  That being said, It would take a top notch pilot to tell the difference when the planes are flown within normal flight envelopes.  Also as a new offering, I just finished a design for a new 40/46 size Mustang which is the same size as the P-40 (about 560 squares).  I have a laser to cut parts for short kits if desired.  Of course, I can supply plans to anything I have.  Feel free to get in touch at the E-mail Mark listed.
Pat Johnston
Design Staff
Skunk Works

[James Mills]

Terry,

At one time I had a copy of Pat' P-40 plans (full body), beautiful set of plans.  I put them in the wrong van at one the St. Louis contest a couple of years ago .  I don't know that you could go wrong either way.

James

[Terry Bolin]

Thanks guys for the info. I have decided to go with the p-40 since I want to use a Brodak 40 and The P-51 would need more than that to perform well. I have a Gift cert. from Christmas that is just burning me up!
Take care!