FT Spitfire - Build

by FliteTest | May 22, 2013 | (111) Posted in How To

FTScratchBuild-Advanced

 


Introducing the FT Spitfire, the 10th installment in the Swappable Series. This build is similar to all of our previous foam board scratch builds with an optional removable wing design.

This scratch build is available as a speed build kit in our store, and the free plans are available below as well!

The speed build kit features a throw gauge and right angle that will assist in the assembly!

The wing on this Supermarine Spitfire swappable has a large under camber wing tip that keeps the plane from tip stalls.Like some of our previous swappable designs like the Baby Blender, FT Cruiser and FT 3D, the FT Spitfire features a folding fuselage with notches that will help you achieve true proportions and square lines.
Join in the discussion, share your builds and see more photos of this build in our forum post HERE!

FREE Build Plans:
FT Spitfire - Swappable  [ FULL SIZE ]
FT Spitfire - Swappable [ TILED ]


Equipment used in this build:
FT Control Horns
Power Pack C
EMAX ES08A II Servo
BLHELI SERIES 30amp ESC
Linkage Stoppers
Push Rods


 



- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

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COMMENTS

flyzonefan on May 22, 2013
Great!
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RoyBro on May 22, 2013
I stuck by the computer, waiting for the plans. And now they're printing on the big 36" plotter at work. Very nice!
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eminz on May 1, 2018
i've no 3D printer. How can i get it?
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Spitfirepilot19 on June 10, 2018
You don't 3D print this, it's a foamboard design.
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miko on May 22, 2013
Are the full size plans supposed to have a third page?
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Spitfirepilot19 on June 10, 2018
No, everything you need is on two pages.
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Res7 on May 22, 2013
Shipping is still a bit expensive to Australia.
Can you please supply the shipping dimensions and weight for the single and double kits, so I can try to source alternative shipping?
I know you guys are very busy with vids, builds, manufacture, etc. so if I find a cheaper way to ship and increase your sales I'll definitely share.
Thanks for all your hard work and growing the hobby so successfully.
Cheers.
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Rightcoastbias on May 24, 2013
Print it and build it. Take the money you would have spent on shipping and buy your mom a day at the spa.
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gr1999 on June 13, 2013
It only cost me 36$ for the foam. the plans are free an its only gonna cost me another 100 or so to get the electronics

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IcyBird on February 11, 2014
$36?!? What kind of foam are you using, I got my foam for $3

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gr1999 on February 11, 2014
I live in NZ so the foamboard costs alot more here due to shipping costs and shops wanting to make a profit.
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IcyBird on February 15, 2014
Oh that stinks
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John M. on July 19, 2014
How thick is the foam ? I'm from germany and i cant find a shop where i can buy it...
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Lemoñz on October 14, 2014
i live in NZ too and had the same problem, so i tried using old election/real estate signs, i reckon it quite a bit heavier but it still seems to work
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Dylanbrown on July 21, 2015
I plan on using the: NTM Prop Drive Series 28-26A 1200kv / 250w, and I'd like to use a spinner. Does anyone know of a link to the one they used and/or the size for the prop.

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kiwilightweight on January 28, 2016
I'm a scratch builder and am considering importing the foam in medium quantities... interested in testing the market... Talked to the manufacturer in the US (yes, amazingly it's made in the US) about importing.
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Hooter on August 8, 2016
Hi, I live in New Zealand and get my 5mm foamboard from PSP plastics. $25 for a1200 x 2400mm sheet (8x 4 ft) I get at least 3 aircraft from a full sheet.
I live in Auckland. 027 6882828
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ryan.thomas on August 14, 2017
What category is it under? I also live in auckland. Thanks
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ryan.thomas on August 14, 2017
were are (or did) you get the electronics. am interested as i live in NZ. Thanks
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kenton on May 22, 2013
Is it possible for you guys to add a visible note on the full size plans that states people are authorized to print them. We tried taking plans for the Cruiser to Kinkos and they would not print it because it has FliteTest's logo but does not state that it is free use. I'm sure we will have the same issue with these as well since they do not have any release statement on them.
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Nitroneo on May 23, 2013
No where on the documents is there a copyright sign or a registered trademark sign. Confront Kinko's and ask what constitutes a Copyright, and then call their branch office if you don't get the results you want. Stand up for your rights as a customer, or just order the speed build kit and support Flitetest versus supporting Kinko's and their bad customer service.
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jamvanderloeff on June 25, 2013
In many countries you get copyright protection automatically without needing to have a copyright notice, so a note would be useful.
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Rightcoastbias on May 22, 2013
Printing with 5 sheets of Adams foam board and an Exacto blade ready. Lets do this!

Thank you FT for expanding the world of RC aircraft in a way never before possible!

Gabe
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FlyingMonkey on May 22, 2013
While the Spitfire isn't my favorite plane, I am once again in awe of the time and effort that clearly goes into these designs. Well done gentlemen.
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eagle4 on May 22, 2013
how is the battery mounted on the underside of the powerpod? just velcro? How would the 1300kv blue wonder motor go with this?
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tekgeek on May 29, 2013
if you have any of the other swappable planes you should already have the power pod done
the battery attaches to the bottom of the power pod which is inserted into the frame of this plane

check out the building of the other swappables and the power pod itself you will get the idea
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pajonate on May 22, 2013
Guys, this is amazing. I am amazed that you have put free plans online. That's rare with the other designers. I know it lowers your income, but it promotes you as big contributors to the hobby.

Thanks for sharing.
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tekgeek on May 29, 2013
these guys get paid by you watching their videos as well so tell everyone to check them out

I wish they would sell the electronics so I wouldn't have to scour the internet for parts
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pajonate on May 29, 2013
I agree, and they should be paid for us watching their videos. At least we learn things about the hobby that these explorers are discovering for us. Sometimes we agree and accept, sometimes not, but that is normal, I think.
May amazement was that they would go and share their design even when they have a kits for sale. No other hobby vendor is doing so, or at least I am not aware of another one.
Again, kudos to them, to their lively and humorous, but yet educative videos, and free plans for the folks who want to build planes.
I don't think they will sell electronics at larger scale (at least not anytime soon), because it requires a lot of logistics and space, and much bigger organization. Maybe they will assemble some electronic kits for their setups, which will be nice, since it will remove the doubt of what to purchase for which kit.
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jerimiah85 on May 23, 2013
DONE! Many paper cuts and 4 hrs later maiden I. The am :) thanks
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knife-edge on July 30, 2013
Just wondering, but did you use a 3s or 4s. They recommend a 4s but I don't think that's what they are using on the show. Thanks
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jerimiah85 on July 30, 2013
I used a 3cell 2200 40c for the spitfire . but since posting on this article ive used smaller battery's all the way down to a 850 3cell spinning an 8038 prop on a 1300 kv bell motor due to the fact its a light plane and by far the best handling. to sum this up try things and see what works friend. Happy flying
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knife-edge on July 31, 2013
Thanks, I think that ill go with either a 2200 3s or a 1300 3s, but time will tell. Anyways thanks for the help. It is greatly appreciated.
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sailorJohn on May 23, 2013
Great build , glue burns excluded.
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Villalji on May 23, 2013
Great job as usual, I can see the mods coming from the community: flaps, aero brakes, landing gear retracts, mini machine guns...
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turbo80 on May 23, 2013
Really a great video with many tips and tricks. A must see !
Thanks to David and Josh for their advices.
I'm looking forward to testing this legendary aircraft.
Hey Chad, this is your turn to show us how to paint on foam with an airbrush to get a warbird look to our planes. Please, hurry up ;)
Josh, I know you're a passionate but could you talk a little bit slower because it is very difficult to understand everything for a little Frenchie like me :(

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tramsgar on May 23, 2013
Very nice, the poster board part and wing build seemed a lot easier than on previous models. Thanks, guys!
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ronnie.burchfield. on May 23, 2013
where can i buy the spinner ?
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jerimiah85 on May 23, 2013
is the 2 1/2 you want for this plane. http://www.hobbypartz.com/spinners1.html
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Willsonman on May 23, 2013
You should probably include the link to the Accessory Pack for that NTM motor. None of the NTM motors come with the needed hardware and have to be purchased separately.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__16719__NTM_Prop_Drive_28_Series_Accessory_Pack.html
Hope it saves someone some aggravation!
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zbowman on July 25, 2013
Ordered the NTM motors for mine and a friends. Definitely didn't see this message until going through here again and trying to make sure I got the right motor. These motors are completely reversed from what I'm used to using (have a bixler 1.1). Have a link to how a prop drive motor should mate up to the power pack? Seems like the completely wrong motor for this application.
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Willsonman on July 26, 2013
Once you get the accessory pack that is linked above its all the same connections. The bullet connectors may be different from what is on your ESC so keep that in mind. 3 wires from the motor to the ESC then to the battery. Connecting the ESC to the Rx of course helps.
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Ballsy on May 23, 2013
Great video guys. I'm sooo going to slope this plane next month :)
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bradcd on May 23, 2013
The tiled plans file will not download pages 1 and 2. Printing pages 3 to 24 but I sure like to get pages 1 and 2...lol Eager to build. Keep up great job.

Brad
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bradcd on May 23, 2013
I went to my second pc and it downloaded fine there. Bring on the foam.
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kk4gt on May 23, 2013
Could someone tell a 75 year old neebie how to set up the printer to print these plans. Do you use size, or Poster, cutmarks, overlap 0.005 in or tile only large pages. Should I print this Potrait or landscape. Thank you for any help.
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Villalji on May 24, 2013
If you use the tiled version just print it as it comes, only make sure it is at 100% scale. For the Full Size you need to select poster, overlap and cutting marks is optional, I typically don't use those to save paper. In this case you can set the scale to 100% to get normal size, but you can also scale it down or up for a smaller or bigger model, but surely this is not what you want. good luck, and let us know how it goes.
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Ivanlopezvergara on June 5, 2013
Hi. It is easier if you copy the file to a usb stick and go to a printer facility to make them print it in a large plotter, by doing it you will receive two large plan sheets. You can print in in black and white to save money, but take care to mark the red and blue lines to follow the instructions.
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sailorJohn on May 23, 2013
What minwax clear did chad recommend fast dry spray????
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tyoho on May 28, 2013
I too would like to know!
Don't just trow out a line like "it changes the whole line of dollar tree foamboard ... now they're water proof" and then leave us hanging.
If it locks the paper to the foam and makes it water proof, it would be "the best stuff ever"
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kk4gt on May 24, 2013
Thank you Villalji for the helpful tips on printing, worked perfect. Also thank you to flite test for helping me find a new hobby, I have been reading your articles and watching your shows for months and now I have flown my first plane without crashing every time I launch. You are an inspiration to us senior citizens. kk4gt
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Revj Vegas on May 24, 2013
Just a request ... could you also put the scale on the tiled plans so that when printed one can check to make sure the size is correct coming out the printer.

Thanks so much!
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Rickster on May 24, 2013
Great build Video, David is a great addition for sure. David Bobble Head Dolls should be on the to do list.
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thejosh108 on May 24, 2013
just took mine out to fly.... 25mph wind and STILL amazing airplane David! so stable!
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miko on May 24, 2013
I bought the foam board from Target (the stuff at my dollar store was far from flat). Unfortunately it's only 28" long, rather than the 30" needed for the main fuselage. Is it possible to add on a 2" piece (hot glue?), or do I need to get the longer stuff?
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rcspaceflight on May 28, 2013
You could always scale the plans down to 90% of the original size. 90% of 30 inches is 27. And having a 90% scale version should fly the same.
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dzeanfly on May 26, 2013
Marvellous build !
I wonder what is the final weight of the spitfire ?
Because in France, I can't find exactly the same foam board as you guys... :(
I build the wing and it already weights 135 grams.
For information I use "carton mousse".
Thanks for your answers.
See you !
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Ivanlopezvergara on June 5, 2013
Hi, I have the same problem in Mexico. The available foam board is a littlte heavier and thicker (5 mm), so I ended up with 750 gr. I am using a larger motor to have more trust. I had to adjunt a little the cutting to bend the pod.
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Ivanlopezvergara on June 5, 2013
I ended with a final total weight with 2200mA of 950 gr
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jaffattila on November 20, 2013
Hi,

I have used so called "KAPA" board made in germany or austria. Kapa line is the lightest version, but still 635g/m2 5mm version. I have the final weight with 2200mAh turnigy lipo 3s 850g. I have re-placed the rudder and elevator servos much closer to the CG point, and also lightened up by cutting out some foam from non structural places. I am still thinking to rebuild the plane using 3mm kapa line 570g/m2 or cutting out some holes in structural surfaces than cover the holes with some lighter material. Do somebody knows that, what is the exact weight of the FT spit made from the original material or did somebody built it using depron with coverage? I read that, the original FT spitfire weight is 420g without the battery, but I am not sure whether is it with everything else (powerpod and all the servos)?
Thanks and congrat for the great design for you guys. Attila from Finland.
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mungral on May 27, 2013
very nice build. mine will be ready to fly by this weekend.

any Aussies out there having trouble finding cheap foam board?,
Just use 3mm Corflute from Bunnings. $8.90 for a 1200x900 sheet
makes the plane a little bit heavier but not by much.
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PTFT on July 7, 2013
Here is a source for foamboard in Brisbane. http://www.foamboards.com.au/store
They ship with a minimum 5 sheet order or you can go in to Fix-a-Frame at 1230 Logan Rd Mt Gravatt, Brisbane QLD 4122.

They have various sizes, I got two 1m x 1.5m sheets of 5mm for $39.
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mudman1959 on May 27, 2013
So what about some other airplanes? A P51 or maybe a Corsair... A P47... The possibilities are endless. You already have a twin... with a bit of a redesign, you could do a P38... Just an idea.
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danield on May 28, 2013
how about landing gear plans or kit?????????
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eagle4 on May 29, 2013
It'd be awesome if on the plans there was a scale guide/legend, just so people know if they are printing stuff at the correct scale. Just a thought.
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Fly'n-V on June 2, 2013
Just curious if the referenced "How to Airbrush" video article is being released soon?

Order kit - check
Order electronics - check
Receive packages - check
Build - in progress
Paint- ??? Hope the link at end of build video becomes real....

Keep up all the hard work guys! We love your site and series!
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eisbot on June 2, 2013
First and foremost, thank you for providing the plans for free!
However I find the formatting of the PDFs could be improved. If the PDF was structured with the size of the foam board in mind it would be helpful. I.E. 1 sheet of the PDF equaled 1 foam board. They could still be tiled, but it would be much more user friendly to do the layout from the plans.
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renemarson on June 4, 2013
Great job. Beautiful model. Congratulations. Now a question: How to cut the foam to make the same way the foam scratch build of you? Sorry because I'm using google translator. I'm from Brazil.
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Ivanlopezvergara on June 5, 2013
Excellent plans. It is better to print them in a large plotter. If you are not planing to use a spinner or heavy motor do not place the rudder and elev servos until you finish and balance the plane. I just finish mine and I have to use too much nose weight than I either move those servos or use a larger motor.
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Ivanlopezvergara on June 5, 2013
How do you avoid breaking the prop while landing with no landing gear?
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wizard122 on June 10, 2013
So I have built most of the swappable plans how do keep the edges of the to board sealed it keeps coming apart please help.
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gr1999 on June 10, 2013
What Size do you print the Plans? Is is A3 or what??

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tmaster on June 24, 2013
This is my attempt. thank you guys:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BykhaR4LEs
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hhins on July 10, 2013
Please excuse my ignorance here, I'm probably just confused but the under camber tips would seem to produce more lift than the wing root (opposite of what you want) how does that prevent tip stall?
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2fttnk on July 12, 2013
Very nice I love it but can anyone help me to find the cg (centre of gravity) or give me a place to start
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rcflyer729 on July 15, 2013
if i use the Suppo 2208/14 1450kv Brushless Motor (Park 370 equiv.) what type of battery should i use? thanks
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zbowman on July 25, 2013
FT guys help. That NTM prop drive motor seems completely wrong to mate up to the firewall on the power pod. Shouldn't it need a motor like the suppo with a standard mounting configuration?
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knife-edge on July 30, 2013
You have to get the motor adapter kit from hobbyking. It is like $2 and switches which side you mount the prop on.
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Flyrian on July 28, 2013
The Spitfire looks great! Would love to get more Warbirds.
Does anybody know how thick the foam should be? Do I have to use 6 or 3 mm Depron?
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knife-edge on July 30, 2013
They recommend a 1300mah 4s, but is that what they are really flying with or are they using a 1300mah 3s? I want the same speed that they have in the show on both this and the baby blender, but I don't know what battery is used.
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Omran on August 1, 2013
Hi I have plotter when print full size it come very small can help me I need size of all part please

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raptor3dpilot on August 28, 2013
Just purchased my first FliteTest kit, the FT Spitfire. I'm planning on building it with my son and teaching him to fly it. Has anyone tried using FoamTac instead of hot glue? I'm going to make this entire build out of FoamTac because since it get's pretty hot in Vegas, the hot glue tends to melt if I leave it in the car or direct sunlight. It will also save a ton of weight. All of my RCP planes are hot glued, so this is my first build using the FoamTac.
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-Gijs- on September 1, 2013
Hi FT Team, Hi Josh, Hi Josh, Hi David!

Great shows, i love your vid's. I'm very happy with my bixler 2 but what your doing with the foamboard is even more fun., or so it seems.
I' want to built a spitfire but run into the folowing: what size of paper are used for the plans and what size of foamboard is required? 3 or 5 mm and A3 size board's? I would have ordered the speedkit for the first build but shipping to the netherlands is more expensive than the kit it selve so a scratchbuild is beter. But i can't find these references so please help.

Keep having fun at what you do, so we can to!

Greetings,
Gijs
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Nathan_116 on September 16, 2013
David, this is a great design, it GUI missed the main feature of the spitfire, that would be the radiator/air scoop under the left side wing(looking at the front of the plane) adding this would make this plane a million times better. Also, learn to add removable landing gear, just because you don't like it doesn't mean the rest of us don't, and this company is based on whatthenviewers want. Also, split flaps would seal the deal.
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Jose on October 20, 2013
Hi guys, I´m starting building a FT Spitfire, but just one question , how thin is the foam board that you are using to build this plane ? Thank you for doing a good job with FliteTest. I´m so inspired watching your videos . Bye
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fantasy776 on January 15, 2014
I got mine from dollar tree for of course $1.00 24x30. You'll need 4 sheets if you need the power module too. It's 5mm thick and is made by Adams.
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Yogenh on November 7, 2013
I made one and love it. It is a good flier. I do plan on making some of the other planes on here.

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beemerdon on December 26, 2013
Mine is all together and ready for paint. I bought the kit from Flite Test and I am simply amazed at how well everything fits! David, you did a most excellent job figuring out all the cuts, especially the piece for the turtle deck and the way the wings join together with the dihedral. Great job, and I hope to be in the air in a week or so. Thanks!
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jussi on January 3, 2014
Why not have a Fockewulf or Messerchmitt in your opinions to build? I liked the Spitfire, wery good plane, and wery good to fly.

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shadi on January 28, 2014
Hello, I want to tell you that your show is great even if it is simple, but useful for learning, my question is, Is it possible to buy the reciver and the remote control and all the electronic devices and shipped it by DHL for example to the West Bank - near Israel .

My respect for you
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beemerdon on February 9, 2014
I finally got to maiden my FT Spitfire yesterday and it is fantastic! I built it from your kit and it was easy to put together and looks great. I love the wing design with the flat bottom, dihedral, and the under-cambers at the ends. It flies quite well with a 2212/10 using 3S batteries and lands like a feather floating in. If you do any more warbirds I am definitely IN! Thanks.

Don
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newgalileu on February 13, 2014
built my spitfire and I use 3s 2200 battery in it. I doubt how to find the GC. Where should the GC it exactly?
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Martin01 on February 22, 2014
I belive it must be wingspar
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EMMANUEL on March 11, 2014
hola soy nuevo en esto gracias por los planos me son de mucha ayuda, pero que sucede si le coloco un motor de 2215 - 740 kv??

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n3o on March 21, 2014
Can i ask, what is the weight of the finished plane ?
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andrewhull279 on April 4, 2014
Hey guys,

I'm having a problem opening the pdf plans, I get a message in Adobe saying that the file is damaged and could not be repaired... Am I missing a trick here?

Regards
Andrew
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chlguy on May 2, 2014
FINALLY got my plane in the air today. 3 successful flights, upgraded to a 4cell battery and it did MUCH better. 3rd flight and a gust caught it on landing and a short sommersault. delaminated the skin on the left wingtip and broke the prop. Oh well, $3 and a little glue and we're back in the air tomorrow. Excited to see what it'll do with the new 9x6 we put on it. :-)
Here's the 3rd flight video and the first FPV from a MUVI cam mounted in the cockpit.

1st FPV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdtUs35a86k
3rd Ground View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BAHjR9j34k
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jdlowe on January 4, 2015
do you recomend the 9x6? im using an 8x4, which is better for this plane?
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F14 pilot on May 30, 2014
Hey, thats cool i got mine to hover vertically in the back yard using the same motor as in the durafly MK 24 spitfire and the durafly P51 Prop and a zippy 2200 mAh 30C 11.1V battery and a HK "blue" 35 AMP esc.
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Damig on June 19, 2014
I know someday I will understand what that means......:: >>durafly MK 24 spitfire and the durafly P51 Prop and a zippy 2200 mAh 30C 11.1V battery and a HK "blue" 35 AMP esc<<<

looks like code. I am n00b and the motor, specs, prop, weight, ESC, zippy and blue is way above my pay grade. :-)

Thanks, Scott aka Miggy
"... and yes I did lose a few brain cells in the 60's, and yes, I saw Jimi play live.."
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Damig on June 19, 2014
(why long sleeves or arm covers? like printers sleeves?)
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jimcunderwood on July 9, 2014
Just wanted to share. Honey I shrunk the FT Spitfire. Half Size only 238g total with battery.. 22in wing span.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B60uA7a-uRTacjlBVGxJbEpvZHM/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B60uA7a-uRTaLW9kN1JFZlYzRG8/edit?usp=sharing



FT rules. Love these guys.
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egebora98 on July 15, 2014
Which foam board type did you use in this video?
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nmira10 on August 16, 2014
how do i get build plans

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nmira10 on August 16, 2014
my build plans are to small
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nmira10 on August 16, 2014
what do i do

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fxfoley on September 5, 2014
I have built the FT Flyer and FT Delta. I can handle them OK. I am a novis flyer so my question is: Which of these two will be easier to fly. Mustang or Spitfire???
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adampc on October 14, 2014
Would be very nice if the lines on the plans could be a little bit bolder because I have a hard time sometimes to distinguish the colours. Thanks!
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jdlowe on January 4, 2015
its the printer. On my laserjet the lines were hard to see but on my cannon colored printer it came out fantastic

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vwflat4 on May 20, 2015
It would be nice if the fuse was shifted 1/2 inch up or down to get one side of the body off of that paper joint.
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whiteram on November 10, 2014
Great Build Guys!. My first one...took some time but love how it came out.
Any chance you could throw up a link to the 2.25 spinner used?
Thanks a bunch!...will be doing another!
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Cscottb84 on November 10, 2014
Has anyone had any luck with printing plans on a Plotter or using a printer at Staples? So you can have on long/wide plans instead of having multiple sheets of paper? I want to build a larger size spitfire (150%) SO, can i just download the "normal" size Spitfire plan and open it in PFD and change the print size? And print it on a Plotter so it prints out on one nice long and wide paper?
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ebomb on January 3, 2015
When I use a normal printer I'm I printing out the (tiled) copy plans?
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jdlowe on January 4, 2015
what size prop should i get? i built it and im using a 8x4 prop and it just seems way too tiny. i havnt had a chance to fly it tho, its been to windy and cold. Im using a NTM 302W 1400kv 28mm motor
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epp static on January 21, 2015
Can you guys out there tell me the weight of your spit builds. Mine comes out at 1lb 12oz(UK) without the battery.
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Gianly87 on February 8, 2015
it's a good motor this: D2822/14 Brushless Outrunner 1450kv?
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dikshant on February 17, 2015
i have a emax cf2805 kv= 2840 (max cell capacity the company gives is 2s ) can it be used for the spitfire plane .and can i suppy it the power of a 3s battery ,the company provised that the model weight must be 200-300gms
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zeyad on February 22, 2015
what is the name of the using foam plz ?
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thamersly on February 26, 2015
I have a 150g motor. Do you think I could get a 300% scale version of the plans to fly? I know that most models don't scale very well so I'm just wondering if 300% is too far to scale this design.
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chobson303 on April 4, 2015
Maidened a FT-Spitfire today. An Amazing Plane. I flew her in 10 mile per hour gusts. She flew great, but I cut the flight short before I did something stupid and crashed. Now she'll live to fly another day. Great Plane!!!
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awesomedirt5 on April 4, 2015
I've just finished my build, but my battery is only a 3s 1100mah, so i cant get the right cg, i know that my plane came out as 696 grams at the end of the build. Does any one suggest a battery weight that might work, i was thinking of getting a 2650mah 3s from hobby king that weighs around 100 grams more than the recommended battery. has anyone else ended up with a similar weight to 696 grams? (I only had Elmers foam board at the start of the build)
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DanH97 on June 24, 2015
2200 2s would be best buddy
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Blackbird on April 9, 2015
Hey Guys. I bought your speed kit Spitfire and it turned out GREAT! I put a E-flite Park 480 1020k outrunner motor in it with a 2200 battery. Awesome... My next project is to build a Blackbird version of it using black foam core. You might want to offer a black version of your planes too. I have the wings done and it looks stealthy. I'll send you photos when finished.
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davetheman101 on December 11, 2015
What size of paper should I print the plans on
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yanto on April 28, 2015
My name introductions; yanto of Indonesia
I just joined, I was puzzled to Dowland image plane where because I want to make
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chetw77cruiser on May 2, 2015
Good day everyone. I have been involved with making/flying the FT planes for less than a month and I was hooked from day one. I have built the Storch, blunt nose versa wing, the Bloody Wonder V2, and I even built a couple of the BJ-J3 Cub designs. The FT Spitfire takes the cake. I finished building the Spitfire from plans/scratch just a few days ago and was able to maiden it today. Being that this is a war-bird, I was a bit intimidated when I readied it for flight. The moment came, throttled it up, and gave it a toss. To my amazement, it settled into a nice level flight. Very little trimming was needed to keep it level and tracking true. Once I stopped shaking and settled into flying, this was the most fun I have had in the last month of flying. The FT Spitfire is a hoot, especially when this is the first time for flying loops, roles, and other nonsense maneuvers. Low speed maneuverability is also one of the great properties that this planes pulls off without a hitch.

So far I have been through three batteries and have not had a single problem, even with some wind and at 8100 ft altitude. The FT team has really outdone themselves with this addition to the hanger. Well, batteries are charged, tome to get airborne again.

Thank you guys for a great plane.
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Hooter on August 10, 2016
Hi, I have just finished the Bj-j3 Cub and now waiting for the weather to play the game. Took the Cub details to my local model shop and they supplied a motor and 3 cell 11.1v lipos 1800 amp. The swappable concept is brilliant and I asume that power plant to get the Cub around will do to get the Spitfire in the air, possibly with a prop change. Are you using the same for each. Trying to analyse all of the motor and electronic information is mind boggling, coupled with manufacturers each having a different way way of lableing their engines........my head hurts !
Cheers, Rod.
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vwflat4 on May 20, 2015
I have been building DTFB planes for over a year now, and of the different models I have built, this was one of the most satisfying to build, like others I was a bit hesitant before the maiden, but it took off good, and flew very well. With the controls settings that David and Josh david put in, it flys great. Would be nice to have one section, or at the end, where they go over all the Control surfaces, survo arms, and tx rates. This would make final tuning of the newly built plane much easier. I'm running the HK donkey 1100kv motor with a 2200 3S, and 9x5 prop. Now the 2200 is a tight fit under the wing, I do get about 10 min of flight (moderate paced) out of it.

On the fist day, the plane flew great with the first 2 batteries, but I wanted to do "ONE MORE" flight. On landing I missed the parked trailer and the tree, but caught the right wing mid way on a light pole. The wing ripped out of the fuse(as its a tight fit), causing more damage to the fuse than the wing. Wing was fine (dented), but the fuse, needed gift card reinforcements and hot glue to fix it, but it still flies GREAT!!!
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fbsully993 on May 29, 2015
on the FT flyer to keep the BBQ sticks in i just put a rubber band from one side to the other
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DanH97 on June 24, 2015
Hey guys i just finished building this badboy and the ESC seems to get quite hot because i can see there is no vent hole whatsoever. Is this ok? im running 3s 25c batt, 30amp ESC, 1180kv Emaxx GT2215/09 and 10x4.7 props
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hydra on July 7, 2015
Do you have the plan of ft spitfire and versa wing in cad ? Thanks

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zozo on July 9, 2015
hello, I am almost done with my spitfire (first build) and I am looking for an engine which and I would like to put a spinner on it as well. Would Turnigy D2836/8 1100KV Brushless Outrunner Motor engine work http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=18969
also does any of you recommend Turnigy Turbo Spinner (51mm) Black for it? Thanks in advance.

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davetheman101 on December 11, 2015
If I take the plans to a print shop what size do I ask for them to print it .
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RCMasterx on January 12, 2016
Just tell them to use whatever size paper is needed to print at 100%. Make sure when they are done, that you check behind them and measure the scale legend at the top of the plan, i.e. 1"=1" or 1cm=1cm. If that doesn't measure to match, you plane won't fit together correctly. Make sure you check and then the next set will be a breeze to get done. :)
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TRIGGERskater on December 30, 2015
Would like to see this converted to a Mini (Like the Corsair and Mustang) .... Top looking plane
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RCMasterx on January 12, 2016
I agree!
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madyury on March 13, 2016
folks, can you, PLEASE, make a mini Spitfire.
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Travos on April 23, 2016
I haven't done it on the spitfire specifically, but other Ft planes I have just scaled the plans down and everything works fine, you just have to build a scale powerpod and firewall and be mindful of any a or b folds as the original plans are for the thickness of the stock foamboard. All you have to do is widen the channels a tad though. Or alternatively you could iron the foamboard like nerdnic is doing to get nice and thin mini foam.
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Travos on April 23, 2016
I should mention in order to scale plans, just download the full plans, open in adobe, and in the print dialogue choose poster and show cut marks and pick a scale size. The rest is just putting the plans together and cutting them out.
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sagar139 on May 15, 2016
I had built spitfire using same plan same scale using flute board and foam board, its wt. 780gm with power pod+ battery, i have used avionic 1200kv motor, 8x6sf prop,
the problem is its not taking off even after running 50m.
any advice??


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blurie on May 17, 2016
Hey FT, you guys are amazing.
I can't seem to open the full version PDF, the tiled works fine, tho.

Also, I have a laser cutter, but I've been advised to avoid cutting foam board as the material is known to be damaging to the laser lens, could you guys confirm this?

Thanks!
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PIWIFB on June 9, 2016
Morning all, can anybody tell me what size paper to print the full size plans on and also how many and what size sheets of foamboard do you need.
thx

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dedger2 on February 5, 2017
I use standard 8X11 paper that you can get at any stationary store or Wally world and I use the 20"X30" Foam board also bought at Wally world. Here they carry two brands of Foam board, Ross the cheap stuff that I cover with poly Urethane finish two coats each side or Elmer's foam board its slightly more per sheet but its better by far to work with and the paper doesn't separate from the foam as easily and no need to coat before you start your project. Hope this helps, I use craft paper to make templates out of the plans that way if I want to build another plane I don't have to print, tape, cut and glue the plans again much easier with templates the second time around. Happy flying.....
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Hooter on July 19, 2016
Hi. I have recently returned to areomodelling after a 25 year break. The advancement of electric power and foamboard is head spinning stuff. I have just built the B3-3J Piper Cub but are having issues casting off my old scratch build habits. The under camber wing tips to stop tip stalling is brilliant.
I want to move on and make the Spitfire....
Now, can someone please explain why the wings on these foam board planes do not have a smooth camber over the top of the wing. The construction method consists of a couple of scored lines which results in 3 flats that constitute the upper part of the wing. There is a method shown of how to make a smooth symmetrical wing. Is it possible use this just on the top of the wing and have the bottom flat. I thinking that the Spitfire would look that tiny bit better with a curved upper wing surface.
Thoughts and ideas please.
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balkanbear on September 13, 2016
Thanks for the How-to and plans FT! This was a lot of fun to build. I built this from locally available materials (6mm depron, no paper laminated to the outside) and it turned out quite nice! Due to the difference in material thickness, modifications were necessary here and there to compensate. Light ply was added in place of the foam ones so landing gear could be added. Another slight modification was on the on the top forward and aft fuselage: I added rigid foam insulation, shaped with sand paper, to (eg. in place of) the paper "turtle deck" as you call it. Since the insulation is light, it added very little weight but made a good surface on which to stick aluminum tape and added some strength due to no laminated paper on the depron. The entire plane was covered with aluminum foil tape similar to the "Metal Mustang" article on this web site. I wish I would have covered the plane before assembly however. Overall, I'd have to say that there was some weight added with the spars, gear and aluminum tape but upon maiden flight, the plane took off quite well- not quite as well as the FT-Storch (3meter takeoff!). Electronics: 2250mah 25C Zippy, Turnigy 2836/9 950kv, FrSky 2.4Ghz tx/rx, and 4 9g servos.
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dedger2 on March 22, 2017
I built the Spitfire and it turned out awesome and flies great. The only problem I am having is that every time I have belly landed in the grass the prop catches the grass and rips the firewall out of the plane no matter how I reinforce it. My only option is to put a landing gear on it and or build the swappable pod out of 1/16" or 1/8" reinforced plywood. Am using a 2836-8 Turigy motor with a 9X6 APC prop.
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DIY hack on March 27, 2017
Where can i download the prints of ft spitfire?
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Neil in UK on April 25, 2017
Great Build, modified to have wheels, looks the real part
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DFi on June 6, 2017
A great Plane. Btw nerdnics canopy ( printed in 135%) fits perfect after rising the sidewalls about 2cm. Mine is a year old now and still flies great.
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Abhilash.v on June 8, 2017
I love the spitfire.....but i really request you guys to introduce the mini version of this..will be very helpful ..thank you
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Nom'z on December 27, 2017
I love spitfire it's it's so fire ;)
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gonz147 on February 1, 2018
hi. the prints aren't available any more.
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Hemn hamadameen on February 3, 2018
Hello
I buld plan do emax2213 935kv or sunnsky 2212 -13- 980 kv will work for thes plan .my plan with batrry 800g .
sorry for my langu...
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JOSEKAISER on July 10, 2018
Hi, What is the spinner diameter? could you give me the
link where is that model? Thanks

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stephen.guest@hotmail.co.uk on July 16, 2018

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Steveacer on August 12, 2018
Just ripped a wing off doing stunts, so now builing another with an aluminium strip in the wings
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detoeuf albert on February 1, 2019

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detoeuf albert on February 21, 2019

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detoeuf albert on February 21, 2019

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Bashir Abdullah AK on March 31, 2019
How much mm thickness of the foam board used?
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Abhishekgyani on November 7, 2019
How should I print the plans? Should I print plans using A4 size paper? Guide me please..what are the dimensions of full plans sheet?
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Desthy Yap on September 10, 2021
hi there flite test,
desthy here from the Philippines. so sad that your kits are not available here in our country but nonetheless, many of my buddies build your planes using our local foambard, hand cut and really flies well. I myself have your ft3d, se5, mini scout and the ft scout.. I plan to add your spitfire in my hangar coz I saw the video and it looks and flies nice. Just a couple of questions though, what is the wing area of the plane, and the recommended auw? I plan to use 1500mah 3s pack, 2216 1100kv motor driving a gws hyper drive 10x6prop and planning to keep the plane under 700g. thanks!
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FT Spitfire - Build

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