The Phoenix Spitfire ARF 50-61cc 1:4 3/4 scale

This large scale Phoenix Spitfire ARF is constructed of laser cut balsa and ply and covered with a printed heat shrink film, that has many scale details. Complete with air retracts and a detailed cockpit that slides and operable side doors.

This page is a collection of all the information I can find, from the manufacturer and distributor as well as reading all the forum comments I can find. If you have purchased this model then I would love to hear your comments! You can contact me here 

Up and away! Have a good flight!

Features

• Construction: Laser cut balsa and ply.
• Covering: High quality iron on, with a matt finish and printed scale details.
• Landing gear: Electric with CNC machined aluminum struts.
• Wheels: Main 4.5"(115 mm) diameter and tail 1.8" (47 mm) diameter.
• Wing: Two piece with aluminum tube.
• Flaps: Split type.
• Landing gear cover plates: Fiberglass.
• Cowl: Fiberglass.
• Spinner: Plastic 6" (150 mm) diameter.
• Motor mount for electric version: Plywood construction.
• Engine mount for gas version: Plywood with aluminum standoffs.
• Cockpit: Detailed with instrument panel and painted pilot bust.
• Canopy: Two piece with ability to slide open.
• Cockpit doors: Hinged and open-able

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Specifications

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Photo Gallery

Landing gear in down position.

Cockpit canopy in open position.

One wing removed.

Landing gear and flap down.

Nose and plastic spinner

Canopy closed.

Pilot door down and canopy in rear position

Door open and canopy back.

Hatch removed.

Air cooler intake.

Landing gear down

Inside hatch area.

3/4 front view.

Flying by with landing gear retracted.

In a roll.

Fly by.

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Parts Included

• Completely finished and covered wings ( 2-panels)
•  Completely finished and covered fuselage
• Completely finished and covered  tail plane
  
• Fiberglass cowl
• Electric retracts 
• Wheels-Main 4.5"(115 mm) diameter and tail 1.8" (47 mm) diameter.
• Tank 24 oz(750cc)
• Complete hardware package( All metric)
• Manual
• Spinner: 6" (150mm) diameter plastic
• Injection molded cockpit details
• Painted pilot bust.

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Extras Required

There is very few extras to buy! With electric retracts included, the Phoenix Spitfire ARF is a REAL bargain! All the  items listed here are from manufacturers or suppliers that I have used in the past, with good results, and I do recommend you consider them for this project.

• Radio: A minimum of 6 channels are required. 8 channels are prefered to allow a separate channel for the separate aileron and elevator servos, with mixing function. If 6 channels are used then two "Y" leads must be used. 
• Servos: Nine (9) standard size, high torque (Min of 100 oz. ins)- (2-elevator, 2-flap,1-rudder, 2-aileron, 1-throttle (Gas version only), 1-air valve control for retracts
• Receiver battery: 6.0V NiMH, 2400mAh

Electric version

• Brushless Motor: Great Planes Rimfire 50 cc or equivalent
• ESC: Castle Creations Edge 160 HV or equivelant
• Lipo battery: Two (2) 6S 5000mA
• Propeller: 22" x 8"-26" x 10"

Gas version

• Engine: 50-61cc gas 2-stroke
• Fuel tank: If a replacement tank is desired then a 24 oz Dubro (DUBQ0224) with gasoline conversion kit (DUBQ0675) can be considered.

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Videos

This is the only video of the Phoenix Spitfire ARF. It  is of very good quality but the opening shot of a roll is maybe slowed down!

This is the official Phoenix Models video and as this model is still relatively new, I could find no more videos!

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Books

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Manual of the Phoenix Spitfire ARF

Before I buy a new plane, I find it very useful to take a look at the manual. Many questions can be answered by a quick scan.

This manual is easy to read and written in excellent English. There are no photographs, but a ton of clear 3D and 2D drawings, that will take you step by step through the assembly process.

Click here to take a look.

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Pros

• Great value for money! Pneumatic retracts are included in the sub $700 price.
• Sold by Tower Hobbies. Tower have been in business for a long time and have an enviable reputation for after sales service.
• Spare parts are stocked by Tower
• Finished cockpit with sliding canopy and operable side doors.
• This is a completely finished ARF-no foam! 
• Wing is in two parts, making transportation easier.
• Fast field set-up

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Cons

• Not perfectly to scale. In fact it is hard to understand which mark of Spitfire is modeled.
• Wheel diameter looks on the small side.
• The finish is fuel proof but be careful of some solvents such as-CA glue,CA accelerator,CA debonder and acetone, especially on the printed areas of the covering. Always check in an inconspicuous spot to be sure. 

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Modifications

At this point,I can see no mods necessary. This may change as time goes by and more people have experience with the Phoenix Spitfire ARF. I will keep this up to date.

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Review Notes of the Phoenix Spitfire ARF 50-61cc

I was just checking the Tower Hobbies site and came across this review by a flyer from Frisco Texas. This is the first review i have been able to locate and it looks very favourable!

★★★★★★★★★★4 out of 5 stars.· Oct 5 2017  Phoenix Spitty

Great looking model. Went together well. Well worth the price. Flies well, lands easily. I think a DLE 55 RA would work as well (or better than the DLE 61). I used 61 with Pitts muffler and still had to chop up the cowl. Added 1 pound of weight up front - probably could have gotten by with a bit less weight. Retracts solid -- 3 flights so far - no major complaints. Oh, the spinner is plastic and vibrated badly, I threw it away and will buy a Dave Brown aluminum.

# Product Likes Price

✔ Yes, I recommend this product.

• There has been some criticism of the shape and the fact that it is not a particular mark of Spitfire.
• The wheels are on the small side.
• Many like the value for money, when compared to it's competitors.
• The plastic spinner is not very robust and I recommend it be replaced with an aluminum one.

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Purchasing

Price=$699.99 

Click or tap here to visit the Tower Hobbies website

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