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On P-51s,how long after engine shutdown would the hydraulic pressure drop allowing the main wheel doors to droop all the way down? Did the flaps droop also?
This is a consideration in model building.
Looking at photos, it seems that the wheel doors drop slowly but is it over a few hours time or a day or two?
There is a hydraulic "T" handle in the lower center console which is pulled after shutdown to release the pressure. It is at that point the flaps and gear doors drop. Seems every Mustang operator does it different, some taxi in with the flaps down, some up. It is prefered to have them up to prevent damage from loose gravel thrown up by the propwash. The main wheel doors are controlled by a sequencing valve and are shut after gear extention to provide undisturbed airflow into the scoop.
jim harley
Here is a WW2 bird with the doors down.
Is going to end up being a personal preference on how you want your mustang to look.
I think it's more operational - If I was crew chief I'd want everything down for maintenance and inspection. It's also a good idea to keep the system exercised ensuring that o rings and packings have fluid under pressure on them. Additionaly this would also reveal any "creap" in the system as first mentioned.
There is a hydraulic "T" handle in the lower center console which is pulled after shutdown to release the pressure. It is at that point the flaps and gear doors drop. Seems every Mustang operator does it different, some taxi in with the flaps down, some up. It is prefered to have them up to prevent damage from loose gravel thrown up by the propwash. The main wheel doors are controlled by a sequencing valve and are shut after gear extention to provide undisturbed airflow into the scoop.
jim harley
From WW2, P-51 A&B, Doors and flaps up
http://www.wwiivehicles.com/usa/air...ng/north-american-p-51a-p-51b-mustangs-01.jpg
I think a lot of it had to do with the work that was going to be done to it at the time the photo was taken. you never let too many places where birds or other critters could climb inside open. the flaps were down for ease of getting into the aircraft. after you laced into you G-pants put the heavy clothing on...thick boots...may west and chute you needed help climbing in. here is a link to bud andersons site where he has a ton of pics.
Photographs
Hey Grau...thats the way...in fact that is me in the backseat! we just arrived from Concord. way cool. I've seen some Mustangs with a step built into the left inboard flap, I am pretty sure this is a post war mod. The original "Step Here" stenciling points toward "elephant ear" fillet on the inboard trailing edge of the wing. This is weak spot that doesn't take long to start cracking if repeatedly stepped on. We load our passengers by using the left landing gear as a ladder onto the wing.
Jim Harley
On the Mustang? You sure about that?
Bill?
Edit - I seen some of your photos with a red "box" on the inboard portion of the flap - "Step Here" or "No Step?"
Thanks Bill, I figured if anyone is going to know for sure it would be you.
Just for the record folks - unless there is a step provision on the flap, you NEVER step on a flap - PERIOD!
The only mustang I ever got into belonged to Joe Thebault. I went up a stepstool at the training edge he had some antil slip tape along the inboard portion of the wing from I remember.