April 2008 29
BY FRANK PISANO AS TOLD BY LEON SHULMAN
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
This angle nicely captures the B-26 Marauder’s powerful
character. This is the smaller of the two models presented.
THE YEAR IS 1943. Upon completion of the Air
Corps Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program, Leon
Shulman, a young Air Force pilot, has requested
assignment to fly an aircraft he has always admired:
the Martin B-26 Marauder. He is extremely eager to
pilot this bomber because of its high-performance
characteristics.
The B-26 has had some problems in younger, less
experienced pilots’ hands, but Leon goes ahead with
his request to be appointed to fly it. This airplane’s
reputation of having many flight accidents with
“low-time” pilots at the controls has prompted it to
be dubbed the “Widowmaker.”
Given his orders, Leon sets out to fulfill his
assigned duties with great anticipation. As time
passes, he becomes comfortable with the bomber.
Months later, and after several hundred hours of
Leon’s pilot time with the B-26, a new Marauder is
delivered from the Martin factory to his active
squadron.
Because of his accumulation of many successful
missions, Leon is given permission to have his B-
26’s nose painted with a name of his choice. He
decides to name it “Zomby,” after a FF contest
model he had designed before entering the service.
The maintenance crew is informed of Leon’s name
choice and carries out the request. However, when he
views the finished nose he sees that the crew had
painted “Zombie.” And so it remains.
Build this famed and
fabled World War II
bomber for twin
electric power
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:57 PM Page 29
30 MODEL AVIATION
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
The bridge in the background makes a nice backdrop to this landing
approach. Shooting a landing with a twin is fun and challenging.
The B-26 climbs out just after liftoff. Notice how the foam-board
wings bend slightly under the load, giving extra dihedral angle.
Fast-forward to recent times. Leon and I were given an Air Hogs
foam RC biplane that had seen better days. The choice was to
repair the model or scrap it and use the electronics in a new
design.
Since Leon and I are flying buddies and had worked together
on models, the answer became obvious. We would design and
build a B-26: the bomber Leon flew in World War II!
We wanted to design it as a profile model in keeping with our
Keep It Structurally Simple (KISS) guidelines. It was to be flown
primarily indoors, but we would also fly it outdoors during calm
weather.
Leon and I constructed the B-26 from Depron foam board and
used the electronic equipment from the tired Air Hogs bipe. We kept
the construction uncomplicated so the model could be built quickly
and flown realistically!
With experience gained with our earlier series of KISS designs,
the B-26 turned out to be an easy project. After we completed the
model and test-flew it successfully, we were amazed by the
performance the combination of construction and equipment had
produced.
Then we decided to go “first class” and built a second model
using other micro components that are presently available. We chose
a combination of a small receiver and two actuators: one for the
rudder and the other for the elevator.
Smaller (actuator) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 22 inches
Wing area: 63 square inches
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 35 grams, or 1.2 ounces; 1.5 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .29 ounce/square foot
Motors: Bob Selman orange pager; Bob Selman small
magnetic actuators
Propellers: Selman 21/4-inch yellow
Radio: Microbatics with ESC
Batteries: One-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 7 grams,
or .25 ounce
Construction: Depron—body, 6mm; wing/tail, 2mm;
nacelles, 3mm
Larger (servo) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 31.5 inches
Wing area: 120 square inches
Length: 25.5 inches
Weight: 96 grams, or 3.4 ounces; 3.9 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .21 ounce/square foot
Motors: Hobby Electronics #F832—5:1 gear ratio, 3
volts; Bluebird 303 servos
Propellers: GWS Direct Drive, 5.3 inches with shaft
adapters
Radio: Plantronics DSP4-SC with ESC
Batteries: Two-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 14
grams, or .5 ounce
Construction: Depron—body and nacelles, 6mm; tail
surfaces, 2mm; wing, 3mm
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:56 PM Page 30
April 2008 31
You can see the B-26’s motor
installation and movable
control surfaces. The ink
detailing adds scale flavor!
The MA staff thanks Leon and
all others who served in
World War II for their
sacrifice, courage, and service
to our country.
Mickey Paglialonga’s B-26 was built from the plans presented here. It has flown hundreds
of indoor “missions” at the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey.
Left: Leon Shulman
with his 1941 Zomby
FF model in Air Trails
magazine. Inset: An
official Air Corps
photo of a young
Lieutenant Leon
Shulman with the
full-scale B-26 that
he piloted in many
missions during
World War II.
Both equipment-variation versions can
be built from the plans shown. They are
good fliers. The choice of electronic
components is yours.
After we flew both versions of the B-26,
many of our fellow fliers wanted to build
similar models. Several of them asked for a
slightly larger variation that would use socalled
“regular” motors and equipment and
be more in tune with what they were used to
handling.
Leon and I scaled up the plans 140%,
built the new model, and installed a regular
receiver and two servos. Wow! What a fun
twin-engine airplane it turned out to be.
Tony Schiavone is one of the many
prolific modelers in our Metropolitan Sports
Squadron group, and he built the larger B-
26. We have flown both sizes of models in
formation and have performed maneuvers
including touch-and-gos, bringing forth lots
of oohs and aahs.
Tony was curious to know how the
performance would be affected if we added
flaps to the model. I told him how effective
the flaps were on the full-scale airplane and
how they improved its slow-speed
characteristics. Tony added fixed flaps to
his B-26 to test the idea’s practicality.
Rather than cut the wing TE and angle
the flap downward, as on the full-scale
aircraft, Tony wanted to keep it easy. He
simply added a similar section between the
fuselage and the engine nacelles by taping
each end onto the mating surfaces with
approximately a 25° angle, thus leaving the
Photos courtesy the author
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:53 PM Page 31
34 MODEL AVIATION
Need Lites? 21 Choices!
NEED MORE INFO?
See your hobby retailer or send a #10 S.A.S.E. to
229 E. ROLLINS RD., ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL 60073 USA
(847) 740-8726 FAX: (847) 740-8727
WWW.RAMRCandRAMTrack.com
$34.95 A - RAM 01 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 B - RAM 02 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$39.95 C - RAM 03 Landing lights, 4.8V (2)
$24.95 B - RAM 04 Rotating Beacon, adj.
$34.95 D - RAM 06 Sky Lights (18)
$29.95 A - RAM 14 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$19.95 A - RAM 15 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 C - RAM 16 Econo Landing Lights (2)
$29.95 C - RAM 186 Gun Flash (4), adj.
INCANDESCENT
B
A
B
A B
C
C
A
$34.95 B - RAM 23 Single Strobe, adj.
$49.95 B - RAM 42 Dual Strobe, adj.
XENON
$44.95 A - RAM 121 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$29.95 B - RAM 122 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$29.95 C - RAM 123 Landing Lites (2)
$39.95 A - RAM 124 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$34.95 A - RAM 125 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 A - RAM 132 Park Flyer Nav (3) to 48” to 12V
$19.95 C - RAM 161 ARF Nav. wireless (3) 4.5V
$29.95 A - RAM 174 Micro Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$29.95 A - RAM 175 Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$24.95 E - RAM 179 3 D Lites (18), 3 Colors
ULTRA BRITE LEDs
• Assembled in USA
since 1976
• Fits any R/C Plane or Heli
• 9 Volt, unless noted
wing to platform as-is. It worked fine, and
the modified version does fly slightly
slower. That is another avenue you can
take on this versatile version of this
popular design.
Leon and I are including plans for both
sizes of the B-26. Each set provides details
about the structure and equipment. Your
usual tools should be sufficient for
building the model since this is basically
an assembly project. The larger version is
made from 3mm and 6mm Depron, along
with other materials noted on the plans.
CONSTRUCTION
Cut all the required parts from Depron
foam board, as the plans indicate.
Glue the skid strip to the bottom of the
fuselage using five-minute epoxy. You can
make the skid follow the nose curve by
cutting several kerfs along its length in the
top of the strip. Hold this strip in place
with short pieces of masking tape until the
glue sets. Add the 1/64 plywood nose-turret
pieces to each side of the fuselage.
If you want scale markings on the B-
26, now is the time to apply them—before
assembling the parts. You can make the
lines with a Sharpie Fine Point marking
pen. These details add scale appeal. The
nose, windshield, turret, and rear turret are
painted with Tamiya flat-black acrylic
paint.
Crease the wing panels, as indicated, to
obtain the airfoil shape. Sand the center
wing edges to provide for the indicated
dihedral.
The stabilizer need not be cut in half;
you can fold it against a straightedge at the
centerline to achieve the slight dihedral
angle shown. If you are constructing the
first-class (Combat-ready?) version of the
B-26, you will have to cut the rudder and
elevator moving parts free at this time.
The hinges for the smaller variation of
the model are 1/4 x 3/8-inch strips of Du-
Bro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape (product
916). You will need two hinges for the
rudder and two for the elevator. For the
larger B-26, use the Du-Bro hinge tape as
you normally would. Run it the entire
length of the movable surface on one side
only.
Insert the stabilizer into its slot in the
fuselage. Glue it in place using fiveminute
epoxy.
Adhere the wings at the correct
dihedral angle using five-minute epoxy.
When the epoxy has cured, glue the wing
in position. Be careful to keep it aligned
properly on the fuselage.
Fit the top of the wing filler piece back
in place and glue it after the wing is
secure. Glue the nacelles to the wing
panels, as indicated by the alignment
marks, and add the stiffeners.
Position the receiver, as shown on the
plans, using double-stick tape and place
the battery using hook-and-loop fastener.
You will need to make a small hole under
the wing and above the receiver to pass the
motor wires through the fuselage.
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 34
On the Air Hogs version of the aircraft,
you will have to cut the motor wires to fit
through the fuselage hole. Be sure to splice
in similar wires so the “plus” is always to
the “plus” on the motor side and the
“minus” is always to the “minus” on the
other motor.
All motors should run counterclockwise
for the propellers we use. Leon and I used a
scavenged two-pin plug from a worn GWS
motor to connect to the controller.
Secure the motors to the inside of the
nacelles with double-stick tape or silicon
adhesive. On the larger B-26, use the servo
screws that were supplied with your servos
to mount the motors. If you are using
actuators/servos for the movable surfaces,
you will have to add control horns at this
time.
Assemble and fit the pushrods. Details
are shown on the plans. Check all surfaces
for alignment.
Flying: When flying in a limited space,
Leon and I learned that the fin/rudder on
the Air Hogs version might require
trimming (reduction of area) to achieve a
smaller turning radius. This was
noncritical, but being perfectionists we
experimented by test-flying and cutting
down the rudder slightly, by trial and error,
to see if we could effectively increase the
turning radius. (The Air Hogs version
depends only on the motor-speed change to
initiate and maintain a turn.)
Although we did notice a slight
improvement in the turn radius, we decided
that it was necessary only when flying in an
extraordinarily confined space.
The larger B-26 with servos flies
consistently well and is gentle and easy to
handle. Both versions of the airplane have
hundreds of flights logged with no mishaps.
Takeoffs and landings are a breeze, with no
bad tendencies. Transition from full power
to motor shut-down causes no problems,
with full controllability throughout the
flying range.
Leon and I have executed many
missions with these models. We have done
formation flying and touch-and-gos, and
we have taxied the airplanes back to their
parking ramps—just as we would the fullscale
B-26s!
Good luck, and enjoy flying this “popularscale”
twin-engine airplane with complete
confidence.
When you finish this simple, enjoyable
project, let us know about it. Maybe we’ll
produce another favorite in the near future;
our Air Force is very active and prolific.
As Leon says, “keep ’em flying.” MA
Frank Pisano
[email protected]
Leon Shulman
[email protected]
36 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 36
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/04
Page Numbers: 29,30,31,32,33,36
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/04
Page Numbers: 29,30,31,32,33,36
April 2008 29
BY FRANK PISANO AS TOLD BY LEON SHULMAN
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
This angle nicely captures the B-26 Marauder’s powerful
character. This is the smaller of the two models presented.
THE YEAR IS 1943. Upon completion of the Air
Corps Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program, Leon
Shulman, a young Air Force pilot, has requested
assignment to fly an aircraft he has always admired:
the Martin B-26 Marauder. He is extremely eager to
pilot this bomber because of its high-performance
characteristics.
The B-26 has had some problems in younger, less
experienced pilots’ hands, but Leon goes ahead with
his request to be appointed to fly it. This airplane’s
reputation of having many flight accidents with
“low-time” pilots at the controls has prompted it to
be dubbed the “Widowmaker.”
Given his orders, Leon sets out to fulfill his
assigned duties with great anticipation. As time
passes, he becomes comfortable with the bomber.
Months later, and after several hundred hours of
Leon’s pilot time with the B-26, a new Marauder is
delivered from the Martin factory to his active
squadron.
Because of his accumulation of many successful
missions, Leon is given permission to have his B-
26’s nose painted with a name of his choice. He
decides to name it “Zomby,” after a FF contest
model he had designed before entering the service.
The maintenance crew is informed of Leon’s name
choice and carries out the request. However, when he
views the finished nose he sees that the crew had
painted “Zombie.” And so it remains.
Build this famed and
fabled World War II
bomber for twin
electric power
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:57 PM Page 29
30 MODEL AVIATION
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
The bridge in the background makes a nice backdrop to this landing
approach. Shooting a landing with a twin is fun and challenging.
The B-26 climbs out just after liftoff. Notice how the foam-board
wings bend slightly under the load, giving extra dihedral angle.
Fast-forward to recent times. Leon and I were given an Air Hogs
foam RC biplane that had seen better days. The choice was to
repair the model or scrap it and use the electronics in a new
design.
Since Leon and I are flying buddies and had worked together
on models, the answer became obvious. We would design and
build a B-26: the bomber Leon flew in World War II!
We wanted to design it as a profile model in keeping with our
Keep It Structurally Simple (KISS) guidelines. It was to be flown
primarily indoors, but we would also fly it outdoors during calm
weather.
Leon and I constructed the B-26 from Depron foam board and
used the electronic equipment from the tired Air Hogs bipe. We kept
the construction uncomplicated so the model could be built quickly
and flown realistically!
With experience gained with our earlier series of KISS designs,
the B-26 turned out to be an easy project. After we completed the
model and test-flew it successfully, we were amazed by the
performance the combination of construction and equipment had
produced.
Then we decided to go “first class” and built a second model
using other micro components that are presently available. We chose
a combination of a small receiver and two actuators: one for the
rudder and the other for the elevator.
Smaller (actuator) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 22 inches
Wing area: 63 square inches
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 35 grams, or 1.2 ounces; 1.5 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .29 ounce/square foot
Motors: Bob Selman orange pager; Bob Selman small
magnetic actuators
Propellers: Selman 21/4-inch yellow
Radio: Microbatics with ESC
Batteries: One-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 7 grams,
or .25 ounce
Construction: Depron—body, 6mm; wing/tail, 2mm;
nacelles, 3mm
Larger (servo) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 31.5 inches
Wing area: 120 square inches
Length: 25.5 inches
Weight: 96 grams, or 3.4 ounces; 3.9 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .21 ounce/square foot
Motors: Hobby Electronics #F832—5:1 gear ratio, 3
volts; Bluebird 303 servos
Propellers: GWS Direct Drive, 5.3 inches with shaft
adapters
Radio: Plantronics DSP4-SC with ESC
Batteries: Two-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 14
grams, or .5 ounce
Construction: Depron—body and nacelles, 6mm; tail
surfaces, 2mm; wing, 3mm
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:56 PM Page 30
April 2008 31
You can see the B-26’s motor
installation and movable
control surfaces. The ink
detailing adds scale flavor!
The MA staff thanks Leon and
all others who served in
World War II for their
sacrifice, courage, and service
to our country.
Mickey Paglialonga’s B-26 was built from the plans presented here. It has flown hundreds
of indoor “missions” at the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey.
Left: Leon Shulman
with his 1941 Zomby
FF model in Air Trails
magazine. Inset: An
official Air Corps
photo of a young
Lieutenant Leon
Shulman with the
full-scale B-26 that
he piloted in many
missions during
World War II.
Both equipment-variation versions can
be built from the plans shown. They are
good fliers. The choice of electronic
components is yours.
After we flew both versions of the B-26,
many of our fellow fliers wanted to build
similar models. Several of them asked for a
slightly larger variation that would use socalled
“regular” motors and equipment and
be more in tune with what they were used to
handling.
Leon and I scaled up the plans 140%,
built the new model, and installed a regular
receiver and two servos. Wow! What a fun
twin-engine airplane it turned out to be.
Tony Schiavone is one of the many
prolific modelers in our Metropolitan Sports
Squadron group, and he built the larger B-
26. We have flown both sizes of models in
formation and have performed maneuvers
including touch-and-gos, bringing forth lots
of oohs and aahs.
Tony was curious to know how the
performance would be affected if we added
flaps to the model. I told him how effective
the flaps were on the full-scale airplane and
how they improved its slow-speed
characteristics. Tony added fixed flaps to
his B-26 to test the idea’s practicality.
Rather than cut the wing TE and angle
the flap downward, as on the full-scale
aircraft, Tony wanted to keep it easy. He
simply added a similar section between the
fuselage and the engine nacelles by taping
each end onto the mating surfaces with
approximately a 25° angle, thus leaving the
Photos courtesy the author
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:53 PM Page 31
34 MODEL AVIATION
Need Lites? 21 Choices!
NEED MORE INFO?
See your hobby retailer or send a #10 S.A.S.E. to
229 E. ROLLINS RD., ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL 60073 USA
(847) 740-8726 FAX: (847) 740-8727
WWW.RAMRCandRAMTrack.com
$34.95 A - RAM 01 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 B - RAM 02 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$39.95 C - RAM 03 Landing lights, 4.8V (2)
$24.95 B - RAM 04 Rotating Beacon, adj.
$34.95 D - RAM 06 Sky Lights (18)
$29.95 A - RAM 14 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$19.95 A - RAM 15 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 C - RAM 16 Econo Landing Lights (2)
$29.95 C - RAM 186 Gun Flash (4), adj.
INCANDESCENT
B
A
B
A B
C
C
A
$34.95 B - RAM 23 Single Strobe, adj.
$49.95 B - RAM 42 Dual Strobe, adj.
XENON
$44.95 A - RAM 121 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$29.95 B - RAM 122 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$29.95 C - RAM 123 Landing Lites (2)
$39.95 A - RAM 124 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$34.95 A - RAM 125 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 A - RAM 132 Park Flyer Nav (3) to 48” to 12V
$19.95 C - RAM 161 ARF Nav. wireless (3) 4.5V
$29.95 A - RAM 174 Micro Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$29.95 A - RAM 175 Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$24.95 E - RAM 179 3 D Lites (18), 3 Colors
ULTRA BRITE LEDs
• Assembled in USA
since 1976
• Fits any R/C Plane or Heli
• 9 Volt, unless noted
wing to platform as-is. It worked fine, and
the modified version does fly slightly
slower. That is another avenue you can
take on this versatile version of this
popular design.
Leon and I are including plans for both
sizes of the B-26. Each set provides details
about the structure and equipment. Your
usual tools should be sufficient for
building the model since this is basically
an assembly project. The larger version is
made from 3mm and 6mm Depron, along
with other materials noted on the plans.
CONSTRUCTION
Cut all the required parts from Depron
foam board, as the plans indicate.
Glue the skid strip to the bottom of the
fuselage using five-minute epoxy. You can
make the skid follow the nose curve by
cutting several kerfs along its length in the
top of the strip. Hold this strip in place
with short pieces of masking tape until the
glue sets. Add the 1/64 plywood nose-turret
pieces to each side of the fuselage.
If you want scale markings on the B-
26, now is the time to apply them—before
assembling the parts. You can make the
lines with a Sharpie Fine Point marking
pen. These details add scale appeal. The
nose, windshield, turret, and rear turret are
painted with Tamiya flat-black acrylic
paint.
Crease the wing panels, as indicated, to
obtain the airfoil shape. Sand the center
wing edges to provide for the indicated
dihedral.
The stabilizer need not be cut in half;
you can fold it against a straightedge at the
centerline to achieve the slight dihedral
angle shown. If you are constructing the
first-class (Combat-ready?) version of the
B-26, you will have to cut the rudder and
elevator moving parts free at this time.
The hinges for the smaller variation of
the model are 1/4 x 3/8-inch strips of Du-
Bro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape (product
916). You will need two hinges for the
rudder and two for the elevator. For the
larger B-26, use the Du-Bro hinge tape as
you normally would. Run it the entire
length of the movable surface on one side
only.
Insert the stabilizer into its slot in the
fuselage. Glue it in place using fiveminute
epoxy.
Adhere the wings at the correct
dihedral angle using five-minute epoxy.
When the epoxy has cured, glue the wing
in position. Be careful to keep it aligned
properly on the fuselage.
Fit the top of the wing filler piece back
in place and glue it after the wing is
secure. Glue the nacelles to the wing
panels, as indicated by the alignment
marks, and add the stiffeners.
Position the receiver, as shown on the
plans, using double-stick tape and place
the battery using hook-and-loop fastener.
You will need to make a small hole under
the wing and above the receiver to pass the
motor wires through the fuselage.
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 34
On the Air Hogs version of the aircraft,
you will have to cut the motor wires to fit
through the fuselage hole. Be sure to splice
in similar wires so the “plus” is always to
the “plus” on the motor side and the
“minus” is always to the “minus” on the
other motor.
All motors should run counterclockwise
for the propellers we use. Leon and I used a
scavenged two-pin plug from a worn GWS
motor to connect to the controller.
Secure the motors to the inside of the
nacelles with double-stick tape or silicon
adhesive. On the larger B-26, use the servo
screws that were supplied with your servos
to mount the motors. If you are using
actuators/servos for the movable surfaces,
you will have to add control horns at this
time.
Assemble and fit the pushrods. Details
are shown on the plans. Check all surfaces
for alignment.
Flying: When flying in a limited space,
Leon and I learned that the fin/rudder on
the Air Hogs version might require
trimming (reduction of area) to achieve a
smaller turning radius. This was
noncritical, but being perfectionists we
experimented by test-flying and cutting
down the rudder slightly, by trial and error,
to see if we could effectively increase the
turning radius. (The Air Hogs version
depends only on the motor-speed change to
initiate and maintain a turn.)
Although we did notice a slight
improvement in the turn radius, we decided
that it was necessary only when flying in an
extraordinarily confined space.
The larger B-26 with servos flies
consistently well and is gentle and easy to
handle. Both versions of the airplane have
hundreds of flights logged with no mishaps.
Takeoffs and landings are a breeze, with no
bad tendencies. Transition from full power
to motor shut-down causes no problems,
with full controllability throughout the
flying range.
Leon and I have executed many
missions with these models. We have done
formation flying and touch-and-gos, and
we have taxied the airplanes back to their
parking ramps—just as we would the fullscale
B-26s!
Good luck, and enjoy flying this “popularscale”
twin-engine airplane with complete
confidence.
When you finish this simple, enjoyable
project, let us know about it. Maybe we’ll
produce another favorite in the near future;
our Air Force is very active and prolific.
As Leon says, “keep ’em flying.” MA
Frank Pisano
[email protected]
Leon Shulman
[email protected]
36 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 36
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/04
Page Numbers: 29,30,31,32,33,36
April 2008 29
BY FRANK PISANO AS TOLD BY LEON SHULMAN
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
This angle nicely captures the B-26 Marauder’s powerful
character. This is the smaller of the two models presented.
THE YEAR IS 1943. Upon completion of the Air
Corps Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program, Leon
Shulman, a young Air Force pilot, has requested
assignment to fly an aircraft he has always admired:
the Martin B-26 Marauder. He is extremely eager to
pilot this bomber because of its high-performance
characteristics.
The B-26 has had some problems in younger, less
experienced pilots’ hands, but Leon goes ahead with
his request to be appointed to fly it. This airplane’s
reputation of having many flight accidents with
“low-time” pilots at the controls has prompted it to
be dubbed the “Widowmaker.”
Given his orders, Leon sets out to fulfill his
assigned duties with great anticipation. As time
passes, he becomes comfortable with the bomber.
Months later, and after several hundred hours of
Leon’s pilot time with the B-26, a new Marauder is
delivered from the Martin factory to his active
squadron.
Because of his accumulation of many successful
missions, Leon is given permission to have his B-
26’s nose painted with a name of his choice. He
decides to name it “Zomby,” after a FF contest
model he had designed before entering the service.
The maintenance crew is informed of Leon’s name
choice and carries out the request. However, when he
views the finished nose he sees that the crew had
painted “Zombie.” And so it remains.
Build this famed and
fabled World War II
bomber for twin
electric power
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:57 PM Page 29
30 MODEL AVIATION
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
The bridge in the background makes a nice backdrop to this landing
approach. Shooting a landing with a twin is fun and challenging.
The B-26 climbs out just after liftoff. Notice how the foam-board
wings bend slightly under the load, giving extra dihedral angle.
Fast-forward to recent times. Leon and I were given an Air Hogs
foam RC biplane that had seen better days. The choice was to
repair the model or scrap it and use the electronics in a new
design.
Since Leon and I are flying buddies and had worked together
on models, the answer became obvious. We would design and
build a B-26: the bomber Leon flew in World War II!
We wanted to design it as a profile model in keeping with our
Keep It Structurally Simple (KISS) guidelines. It was to be flown
primarily indoors, but we would also fly it outdoors during calm
weather.
Leon and I constructed the B-26 from Depron foam board and
used the electronic equipment from the tired Air Hogs bipe. We kept
the construction uncomplicated so the model could be built quickly
and flown realistically!
With experience gained with our earlier series of KISS designs,
the B-26 turned out to be an easy project. After we completed the
model and test-flew it successfully, we were amazed by the
performance the combination of construction and equipment had
produced.
Then we decided to go “first class” and built a second model
using other micro components that are presently available. We chose
a combination of a small receiver and two actuators: one for the
rudder and the other for the elevator.
Smaller (actuator) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 22 inches
Wing area: 63 square inches
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 35 grams, or 1.2 ounces; 1.5 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .29 ounce/square foot
Motors: Bob Selman orange pager; Bob Selman small
magnetic actuators
Propellers: Selman 21/4-inch yellow
Radio: Microbatics with ESC
Batteries: One-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 7 grams,
or .25 ounce
Construction: Depron—body, 6mm; wing/tail, 2mm;
nacelles, 3mm
Larger (servo) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 31.5 inches
Wing area: 120 square inches
Length: 25.5 inches
Weight: 96 grams, or 3.4 ounces; 3.9 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .21 ounce/square foot
Motors: Hobby Electronics #F832—5:1 gear ratio, 3
volts; Bluebird 303 servos
Propellers: GWS Direct Drive, 5.3 inches with shaft
adapters
Radio: Plantronics DSP4-SC with ESC
Batteries: Two-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 14
grams, or .5 ounce
Construction: Depron—body and nacelles, 6mm; tail
surfaces, 2mm; wing, 3mm
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:56 PM Page 30
April 2008 31
You can see the B-26’s motor
installation and movable
control surfaces. The ink
detailing adds scale flavor!
The MA staff thanks Leon and
all others who served in
World War II for their
sacrifice, courage, and service
to our country.
Mickey Paglialonga’s B-26 was built from the plans presented here. It has flown hundreds
of indoor “missions” at the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey.
Left: Leon Shulman
with his 1941 Zomby
FF model in Air Trails
magazine. Inset: An
official Air Corps
photo of a young
Lieutenant Leon
Shulman with the
full-scale B-26 that
he piloted in many
missions during
World War II.
Both equipment-variation versions can
be built from the plans shown. They are
good fliers. The choice of electronic
components is yours.
After we flew both versions of the B-26,
many of our fellow fliers wanted to build
similar models. Several of them asked for a
slightly larger variation that would use socalled
“regular” motors and equipment and
be more in tune with what they were used to
handling.
Leon and I scaled up the plans 140%,
built the new model, and installed a regular
receiver and two servos. Wow! What a fun
twin-engine airplane it turned out to be.
Tony Schiavone is one of the many
prolific modelers in our Metropolitan Sports
Squadron group, and he built the larger B-
26. We have flown both sizes of models in
formation and have performed maneuvers
including touch-and-gos, bringing forth lots
of oohs and aahs.
Tony was curious to know how the
performance would be affected if we added
flaps to the model. I told him how effective
the flaps were on the full-scale airplane and
how they improved its slow-speed
characteristics. Tony added fixed flaps to
his B-26 to test the idea’s practicality.
Rather than cut the wing TE and angle
the flap downward, as on the full-scale
aircraft, Tony wanted to keep it easy. He
simply added a similar section between the
fuselage and the engine nacelles by taping
each end onto the mating surfaces with
approximately a 25° angle, thus leaving the
Photos courtesy the author
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:53 PM Page 31
34 MODEL AVIATION
Need Lites? 21 Choices!
NEED MORE INFO?
See your hobby retailer or send a #10 S.A.S.E. to
229 E. ROLLINS RD., ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL 60073 USA
(847) 740-8726 FAX: (847) 740-8727
WWW.RAMRCandRAMTrack.com
$34.95 A - RAM 01 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 B - RAM 02 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$39.95 C - RAM 03 Landing lights, 4.8V (2)
$24.95 B - RAM 04 Rotating Beacon, adj.
$34.95 D - RAM 06 Sky Lights (18)
$29.95 A - RAM 14 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$19.95 A - RAM 15 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 C - RAM 16 Econo Landing Lights (2)
$29.95 C - RAM 186 Gun Flash (4), adj.
INCANDESCENT
B
A
B
A B
C
C
A
$34.95 B - RAM 23 Single Strobe, adj.
$49.95 B - RAM 42 Dual Strobe, adj.
XENON
$44.95 A - RAM 121 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$29.95 B - RAM 122 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$29.95 C - RAM 123 Landing Lites (2)
$39.95 A - RAM 124 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$34.95 A - RAM 125 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 A - RAM 132 Park Flyer Nav (3) to 48” to 12V
$19.95 C - RAM 161 ARF Nav. wireless (3) 4.5V
$29.95 A - RAM 174 Micro Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$29.95 A - RAM 175 Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$24.95 E - RAM 179 3 D Lites (18), 3 Colors
ULTRA BRITE LEDs
• Assembled in USA
since 1976
• Fits any R/C Plane or Heli
• 9 Volt, unless noted
wing to platform as-is. It worked fine, and
the modified version does fly slightly
slower. That is another avenue you can
take on this versatile version of this
popular design.
Leon and I are including plans for both
sizes of the B-26. Each set provides details
about the structure and equipment. Your
usual tools should be sufficient for
building the model since this is basically
an assembly project. The larger version is
made from 3mm and 6mm Depron, along
with other materials noted on the plans.
CONSTRUCTION
Cut all the required parts from Depron
foam board, as the plans indicate.
Glue the skid strip to the bottom of the
fuselage using five-minute epoxy. You can
make the skid follow the nose curve by
cutting several kerfs along its length in the
top of the strip. Hold this strip in place
with short pieces of masking tape until the
glue sets. Add the 1/64 plywood nose-turret
pieces to each side of the fuselage.
If you want scale markings on the B-
26, now is the time to apply them—before
assembling the parts. You can make the
lines with a Sharpie Fine Point marking
pen. These details add scale appeal. The
nose, windshield, turret, and rear turret are
painted with Tamiya flat-black acrylic
paint.
Crease the wing panels, as indicated, to
obtain the airfoil shape. Sand the center
wing edges to provide for the indicated
dihedral.
The stabilizer need not be cut in half;
you can fold it against a straightedge at the
centerline to achieve the slight dihedral
angle shown. If you are constructing the
first-class (Combat-ready?) version of the
B-26, you will have to cut the rudder and
elevator moving parts free at this time.
The hinges for the smaller variation of
the model are 1/4 x 3/8-inch strips of Du-
Bro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape (product
916). You will need two hinges for the
rudder and two for the elevator. For the
larger B-26, use the Du-Bro hinge tape as
you normally would. Run it the entire
length of the movable surface on one side
only.
Insert the stabilizer into its slot in the
fuselage. Glue it in place using fiveminute
epoxy.
Adhere the wings at the correct
dihedral angle using five-minute epoxy.
When the epoxy has cured, glue the wing
in position. Be careful to keep it aligned
properly on the fuselage.
Fit the top of the wing filler piece back
in place and glue it after the wing is
secure. Glue the nacelles to the wing
panels, as indicated by the alignment
marks, and add the stiffeners.
Position the receiver, as shown on the
plans, using double-stick tape and place
the battery using hook-and-loop fastener.
You will need to make a small hole under
the wing and above the receiver to pass the
motor wires through the fuselage.
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 34
On the Air Hogs version of the aircraft,
you will have to cut the motor wires to fit
through the fuselage hole. Be sure to splice
in similar wires so the “plus” is always to
the “plus” on the motor side and the
“minus” is always to the “minus” on the
other motor.
All motors should run counterclockwise
for the propellers we use. Leon and I used a
scavenged two-pin plug from a worn GWS
motor to connect to the controller.
Secure the motors to the inside of the
nacelles with double-stick tape or silicon
adhesive. On the larger B-26, use the servo
screws that were supplied with your servos
to mount the motors. If you are using
actuators/servos for the movable surfaces,
you will have to add control horns at this
time.
Assemble and fit the pushrods. Details
are shown on the plans. Check all surfaces
for alignment.
Flying: When flying in a limited space,
Leon and I learned that the fin/rudder on
the Air Hogs version might require
trimming (reduction of area) to achieve a
smaller turning radius. This was
noncritical, but being perfectionists we
experimented by test-flying and cutting
down the rudder slightly, by trial and error,
to see if we could effectively increase the
turning radius. (The Air Hogs version
depends only on the motor-speed change to
initiate and maintain a turn.)
Although we did notice a slight
improvement in the turn radius, we decided
that it was necessary only when flying in an
extraordinarily confined space.
The larger B-26 with servos flies
consistently well and is gentle and easy to
handle. Both versions of the airplane have
hundreds of flights logged with no mishaps.
Takeoffs and landings are a breeze, with no
bad tendencies. Transition from full power
to motor shut-down causes no problems,
with full controllability throughout the
flying range.
Leon and I have executed many
missions with these models. We have done
formation flying and touch-and-gos, and
we have taxied the airplanes back to their
parking ramps—just as we would the fullscale
B-26s!
Good luck, and enjoy flying this “popularscale”
twin-engine airplane with complete
confidence.
When you finish this simple, enjoyable
project, let us know about it. Maybe we’ll
produce another favorite in the near future;
our Air Force is very active and prolific.
As Leon says, “keep ’em flying.” MA
Frank Pisano
[email protected]
Leon Shulman
[email protected]
36 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 36
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/04
Page Numbers: 29,30,31,32,33,36
April 2008 29
BY FRANK PISANO AS TOLD BY LEON SHULMAN
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
This angle nicely captures the B-26 Marauder’s powerful
character. This is the smaller of the two models presented.
THE YEAR IS 1943. Upon completion of the Air
Corps Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program, Leon
Shulman, a young Air Force pilot, has requested
assignment to fly an aircraft he has always admired:
the Martin B-26 Marauder. He is extremely eager to
pilot this bomber because of its high-performance
characteristics.
The B-26 has had some problems in younger, less
experienced pilots’ hands, but Leon goes ahead with
his request to be appointed to fly it. This airplane’s
reputation of having many flight accidents with
“low-time” pilots at the controls has prompted it to
be dubbed the “Widowmaker.”
Given his orders, Leon sets out to fulfill his
assigned duties with great anticipation. As time
passes, he becomes comfortable with the bomber.
Months later, and after several hundred hours of
Leon’s pilot time with the B-26, a new Marauder is
delivered from the Martin factory to his active
squadron.
Because of his accumulation of many successful
missions, Leon is given permission to have his B-
26’s nose painted with a name of his choice. He
decides to name it “Zomby,” after a FF contest
model he had designed before entering the service.
The maintenance crew is informed of Leon’s name
choice and carries out the request. However, when he
views the finished nose he sees that the crew had
painted “Zombie.” And so it remains.
Build this famed and
fabled World War II
bomber for twin
electric power
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:57 PM Page 29
30 MODEL AVIATION
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
The bridge in the background makes a nice backdrop to this landing
approach. Shooting a landing with a twin is fun and challenging.
The B-26 climbs out just after liftoff. Notice how the foam-board
wings bend slightly under the load, giving extra dihedral angle.
Fast-forward to recent times. Leon and I were given an Air Hogs
foam RC biplane that had seen better days. The choice was to
repair the model or scrap it and use the electronics in a new
design.
Since Leon and I are flying buddies and had worked together
on models, the answer became obvious. We would design and
build a B-26: the bomber Leon flew in World War II!
We wanted to design it as a profile model in keeping with our
Keep It Structurally Simple (KISS) guidelines. It was to be flown
primarily indoors, but we would also fly it outdoors during calm
weather.
Leon and I constructed the B-26 from Depron foam board and
used the electronic equipment from the tired Air Hogs bipe. We kept
the construction uncomplicated so the model could be built quickly
and flown realistically!
With experience gained with our earlier series of KISS designs,
the B-26 turned out to be an easy project. After we completed the
model and test-flew it successfully, we were amazed by the
performance the combination of construction and equipment had
produced.
Then we decided to go “first class” and built a second model
using other micro components that are presently available. We chose
a combination of a small receiver and two actuators: one for the
rudder and the other for the elevator.
Smaller (actuator) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 22 inches
Wing area: 63 square inches
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 35 grams, or 1.2 ounces; 1.5 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .29 ounce/square foot
Motors: Bob Selman orange pager; Bob Selman small
magnetic actuators
Propellers: Selman 21/4-inch yellow
Radio: Microbatics with ESC
Batteries: One-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 7 grams,
or .25 ounce
Construction: Depron—body, 6mm; wing/tail, 2mm;
nacelles, 3mm
Larger (servo) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 31.5 inches
Wing area: 120 square inches
Length: 25.5 inches
Weight: 96 grams, or 3.4 ounces; 3.9 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .21 ounce/square foot
Motors: Hobby Electronics #F832—5:1 gear ratio, 3
volts; Bluebird 303 servos
Propellers: GWS Direct Drive, 5.3 inches with shaft
adapters
Radio: Plantronics DSP4-SC with ESC
Batteries: Two-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 14
grams, or .5 ounce
Construction: Depron—body and nacelles, 6mm; tail
surfaces, 2mm; wing, 3mm
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:56 PM Page 30
April 2008 31
You can see the B-26’s motor
installation and movable
control surfaces. The ink
detailing adds scale flavor!
The MA staff thanks Leon and
all others who served in
World War II for their
sacrifice, courage, and service
to our country.
Mickey Paglialonga’s B-26 was built from the plans presented here. It has flown hundreds
of indoor “missions” at the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey.
Left: Leon Shulman
with his 1941 Zomby
FF model in Air Trails
magazine. Inset: An
official Air Corps
photo of a young
Lieutenant Leon
Shulman with the
full-scale B-26 that
he piloted in many
missions during
World War II.
Both equipment-variation versions can
be built from the plans shown. They are
good fliers. The choice of electronic
components is yours.
After we flew both versions of the B-26,
many of our fellow fliers wanted to build
similar models. Several of them asked for a
slightly larger variation that would use socalled
“regular” motors and equipment and
be more in tune with what they were used to
handling.
Leon and I scaled up the plans 140%,
built the new model, and installed a regular
receiver and two servos. Wow! What a fun
twin-engine airplane it turned out to be.
Tony Schiavone is one of the many
prolific modelers in our Metropolitan Sports
Squadron group, and he built the larger B-
26. We have flown both sizes of models in
formation and have performed maneuvers
including touch-and-gos, bringing forth lots
of oohs and aahs.
Tony was curious to know how the
performance would be affected if we added
flaps to the model. I told him how effective
the flaps were on the full-scale airplane and
how they improved its slow-speed
characteristics. Tony added fixed flaps to
his B-26 to test the idea’s practicality.
Rather than cut the wing TE and angle
the flap downward, as on the full-scale
aircraft, Tony wanted to keep it easy. He
simply added a similar section between the
fuselage and the engine nacelles by taping
each end onto the mating surfaces with
approximately a 25° angle, thus leaving the
Photos courtesy the author
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:53 PM Page 31
34 MODEL AVIATION
Need Lites? 21 Choices!
NEED MORE INFO?
See your hobby retailer or send a #10 S.A.S.E. to
229 E. ROLLINS RD., ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL 60073 USA
(847) 740-8726 FAX: (847) 740-8727
WWW.RAMRCandRAMTrack.com
$34.95 A - RAM 01 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 B - RAM 02 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$39.95 C - RAM 03 Landing lights, 4.8V (2)
$24.95 B - RAM 04 Rotating Beacon, adj.
$34.95 D - RAM 06 Sky Lights (18)
$29.95 A - RAM 14 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$19.95 A - RAM 15 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 C - RAM 16 Econo Landing Lights (2)
$29.95 C - RAM 186 Gun Flash (4), adj.
INCANDESCENT
B
A
B
A B
C
C
A
$34.95 B - RAM 23 Single Strobe, adj.
$49.95 B - RAM 42 Dual Strobe, adj.
XENON
$44.95 A - RAM 121 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$29.95 B - RAM 122 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$29.95 C - RAM 123 Landing Lites (2)
$39.95 A - RAM 124 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$34.95 A - RAM 125 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 A - RAM 132 Park Flyer Nav (3) to 48” to 12V
$19.95 C - RAM 161 ARF Nav. wireless (3) 4.5V
$29.95 A - RAM 174 Micro Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$29.95 A - RAM 175 Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$24.95 E - RAM 179 3 D Lites (18), 3 Colors
ULTRA BRITE LEDs
• Assembled in USA
since 1976
• Fits any R/C Plane or Heli
• 9 Volt, unless noted
wing to platform as-is. It worked fine, and
the modified version does fly slightly
slower. That is another avenue you can
take on this versatile version of this
popular design.
Leon and I are including plans for both
sizes of the B-26. Each set provides details
about the structure and equipment. Your
usual tools should be sufficient for
building the model since this is basically
an assembly project. The larger version is
made from 3mm and 6mm Depron, along
with other materials noted on the plans.
CONSTRUCTION
Cut all the required parts from Depron
foam board, as the plans indicate.
Glue the skid strip to the bottom of the
fuselage using five-minute epoxy. You can
make the skid follow the nose curve by
cutting several kerfs along its length in the
top of the strip. Hold this strip in place
with short pieces of masking tape until the
glue sets. Add the 1/64 plywood nose-turret
pieces to each side of the fuselage.
If you want scale markings on the B-
26, now is the time to apply them—before
assembling the parts. You can make the
lines with a Sharpie Fine Point marking
pen. These details add scale appeal. The
nose, windshield, turret, and rear turret are
painted with Tamiya flat-black acrylic
paint.
Crease the wing panels, as indicated, to
obtain the airfoil shape. Sand the center
wing edges to provide for the indicated
dihedral.
The stabilizer need not be cut in half;
you can fold it against a straightedge at the
centerline to achieve the slight dihedral
angle shown. If you are constructing the
first-class (Combat-ready?) version of the
B-26, you will have to cut the rudder and
elevator moving parts free at this time.
The hinges for the smaller variation of
the model are 1/4 x 3/8-inch strips of Du-
Bro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape (product
916). You will need two hinges for the
rudder and two for the elevator. For the
larger B-26, use the Du-Bro hinge tape as
you normally would. Run it the entire
length of the movable surface on one side
only.
Insert the stabilizer into its slot in the
fuselage. Glue it in place using fiveminute
epoxy.
Adhere the wings at the correct
dihedral angle using five-minute epoxy.
When the epoxy has cured, glue the wing
in position. Be careful to keep it aligned
properly on the fuselage.
Fit the top of the wing filler piece back
in place and glue it after the wing is
secure. Glue the nacelles to the wing
panels, as indicated by the alignment
marks, and add the stiffeners.
Position the receiver, as shown on the
plans, using double-stick tape and place
the battery using hook-and-loop fastener.
You will need to make a small hole under
the wing and above the receiver to pass the
motor wires through the fuselage.
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 34
On the Air Hogs version of the aircraft,
you will have to cut the motor wires to fit
through the fuselage hole. Be sure to splice
in similar wires so the “plus” is always to
the “plus” on the motor side and the
“minus” is always to the “minus” on the
other motor.
All motors should run counterclockwise
for the propellers we use. Leon and I used a
scavenged two-pin plug from a worn GWS
motor to connect to the controller.
Secure the motors to the inside of the
nacelles with double-stick tape or silicon
adhesive. On the larger B-26, use the servo
screws that were supplied with your servos
to mount the motors. If you are using
actuators/servos for the movable surfaces,
you will have to add control horns at this
time.
Assemble and fit the pushrods. Details
are shown on the plans. Check all surfaces
for alignment.
Flying: When flying in a limited space,
Leon and I learned that the fin/rudder on
the Air Hogs version might require
trimming (reduction of area) to achieve a
smaller turning radius. This was
noncritical, but being perfectionists we
experimented by test-flying and cutting
down the rudder slightly, by trial and error,
to see if we could effectively increase the
turning radius. (The Air Hogs version
depends only on the motor-speed change to
initiate and maintain a turn.)
Although we did notice a slight
improvement in the turn radius, we decided
that it was necessary only when flying in an
extraordinarily confined space.
The larger B-26 with servos flies
consistently well and is gentle and easy to
handle. Both versions of the airplane have
hundreds of flights logged with no mishaps.
Takeoffs and landings are a breeze, with no
bad tendencies. Transition from full power
to motor shut-down causes no problems,
with full controllability throughout the
flying range.
Leon and I have executed many
missions with these models. We have done
formation flying and touch-and-gos, and
we have taxied the airplanes back to their
parking ramps—just as we would the fullscale
B-26s!
Good luck, and enjoy flying this “popularscale”
twin-engine airplane with complete
confidence.
When you finish this simple, enjoyable
project, let us know about it. Maybe we’ll
produce another favorite in the near future;
our Air Force is very active and prolific.
As Leon says, “keep ’em flying.” MA
Frank Pisano
[email protected]
Leon Shulman
[email protected]
36 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 36
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/04
Page Numbers: 29,30,31,32,33,36
April 2008 29
BY FRANK PISANO AS TOLD BY LEON SHULMAN
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
This angle nicely captures the B-26 Marauder’s powerful
character. This is the smaller of the two models presented.
THE YEAR IS 1943. Upon completion of the Air
Corps Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program, Leon
Shulman, a young Air Force pilot, has requested
assignment to fly an aircraft he has always admired:
the Martin B-26 Marauder. He is extremely eager to
pilot this bomber because of its high-performance
characteristics.
The B-26 has had some problems in younger, less
experienced pilots’ hands, but Leon goes ahead with
his request to be appointed to fly it. This airplane’s
reputation of having many flight accidents with
“low-time” pilots at the controls has prompted it to
be dubbed the “Widowmaker.”
Given his orders, Leon sets out to fulfill his
assigned duties with great anticipation. As time
passes, he becomes comfortable with the bomber.
Months later, and after several hundred hours of
Leon’s pilot time with the B-26, a new Marauder is
delivered from the Martin factory to his active
squadron.
Because of his accumulation of many successful
missions, Leon is given permission to have his B-
26’s nose painted with a name of his choice. He
decides to name it “Zomby,” after a FF contest
model he had designed before entering the service.
The maintenance crew is informed of Leon’s name
choice and carries out the request. However, when he
views the finished nose he sees that the crew had
painted “Zombie.” And so it remains.
Build this famed and
fabled World War II
bomber for twin
electric power
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:57 PM Page 29
30 MODEL AVIATION
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
The bridge in the background makes a nice backdrop to this landing
approach. Shooting a landing with a twin is fun and challenging.
The B-26 climbs out just after liftoff. Notice how the foam-board
wings bend slightly under the load, giving extra dihedral angle.
Fast-forward to recent times. Leon and I were given an Air Hogs
foam RC biplane that had seen better days. The choice was to
repair the model or scrap it and use the electronics in a new
design.
Since Leon and I are flying buddies and had worked together
on models, the answer became obvious. We would design and
build a B-26: the bomber Leon flew in World War II!
We wanted to design it as a profile model in keeping with our
Keep It Structurally Simple (KISS) guidelines. It was to be flown
primarily indoors, but we would also fly it outdoors during calm
weather.
Leon and I constructed the B-26 from Depron foam board and
used the electronic equipment from the tired Air Hogs bipe. We kept
the construction uncomplicated so the model could be built quickly
and flown realistically!
With experience gained with our earlier series of KISS designs,
the B-26 turned out to be an easy project. After we completed the
model and test-flew it successfully, we were amazed by the
performance the combination of construction and equipment had
produced.
Then we decided to go “first class” and built a second model
using other micro components that are presently available. We chose
a combination of a small receiver and two actuators: one for the
rudder and the other for the elevator.
Smaller (actuator) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 22 inches
Wing area: 63 square inches
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 35 grams, or 1.2 ounces; 1.5 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .29 ounce/square foot
Motors: Bob Selman orange pager; Bob Selman small
magnetic actuators
Propellers: Selman 21/4-inch yellow
Radio: Microbatics with ESC
Batteries: One-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 7 grams,
or .25 ounce
Construction: Depron—body, 6mm; wing/tail, 2mm;
nacelles, 3mm
Larger (servo) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 31.5 inches
Wing area: 120 square inches
Length: 25.5 inches
Weight: 96 grams, or 3.4 ounces; 3.9 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .21 ounce/square foot
Motors: Hobby Electronics #F832—5:1 gear ratio, 3
volts; Bluebird 303 servos
Propellers: GWS Direct Drive, 5.3 inches with shaft
adapters
Radio: Plantronics DSP4-SC with ESC
Batteries: Two-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 14
grams, or .5 ounce
Construction: Depron—body and nacelles, 6mm; tail
surfaces, 2mm; wing, 3mm
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:56 PM Page 30
April 2008 31
You can see the B-26’s motor
installation and movable
control surfaces. The ink
detailing adds scale flavor!
The MA staff thanks Leon and
all others who served in
World War II for their
sacrifice, courage, and service
to our country.
Mickey Paglialonga’s B-26 was built from the plans presented here. It has flown hundreds
of indoor “missions” at the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey.
Left: Leon Shulman
with his 1941 Zomby
FF model in Air Trails
magazine. Inset: An
official Air Corps
photo of a young
Lieutenant Leon
Shulman with the
full-scale B-26 that
he piloted in many
missions during
World War II.
Both equipment-variation versions can
be built from the plans shown. They are
good fliers. The choice of electronic
components is yours.
After we flew both versions of the B-26,
many of our fellow fliers wanted to build
similar models. Several of them asked for a
slightly larger variation that would use socalled
“regular” motors and equipment and
be more in tune with what they were used to
handling.
Leon and I scaled up the plans 140%,
built the new model, and installed a regular
receiver and two servos. Wow! What a fun
twin-engine airplane it turned out to be.
Tony Schiavone is one of the many
prolific modelers in our Metropolitan Sports
Squadron group, and he built the larger B-
26. We have flown both sizes of models in
formation and have performed maneuvers
including touch-and-gos, bringing forth lots
of oohs and aahs.
Tony was curious to know how the
performance would be affected if we added
flaps to the model. I told him how effective
the flaps were on the full-scale airplane and
how they improved its slow-speed
characteristics. Tony added fixed flaps to
his B-26 to test the idea’s practicality.
Rather than cut the wing TE and angle
the flap downward, as on the full-scale
aircraft, Tony wanted to keep it easy. He
simply added a similar section between the
fuselage and the engine nacelles by taping
each end onto the mating surfaces with
approximately a 25° angle, thus leaving the
Photos courtesy the author
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:53 PM Page 31
34 MODEL AVIATION
Need Lites? 21 Choices!
NEED MORE INFO?
See your hobby retailer or send a #10 S.A.S.E. to
229 E. ROLLINS RD., ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL 60073 USA
(847) 740-8726 FAX: (847) 740-8727
WWW.RAMRCandRAMTrack.com
$34.95 A - RAM 01 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 B - RAM 02 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$39.95 C - RAM 03 Landing lights, 4.8V (2)
$24.95 B - RAM 04 Rotating Beacon, adj.
$34.95 D - RAM 06 Sky Lights (18)
$29.95 A - RAM 14 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$19.95 A - RAM 15 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 C - RAM 16 Econo Landing Lights (2)
$29.95 C - RAM 186 Gun Flash (4), adj.
INCANDESCENT
B
A
B
A B
C
C
A
$34.95 B - RAM 23 Single Strobe, adj.
$49.95 B - RAM 42 Dual Strobe, adj.
XENON
$44.95 A - RAM 121 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$29.95 B - RAM 122 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$29.95 C - RAM 123 Landing Lites (2)
$39.95 A - RAM 124 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$34.95 A - RAM 125 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 A - RAM 132 Park Flyer Nav (3) to 48” to 12V
$19.95 C - RAM 161 ARF Nav. wireless (3) 4.5V
$29.95 A - RAM 174 Micro Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$29.95 A - RAM 175 Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$24.95 E - RAM 179 3 D Lites (18), 3 Colors
ULTRA BRITE LEDs
• Assembled in USA
since 1976
• Fits any R/C Plane or Heli
• 9 Volt, unless noted
wing to platform as-is. It worked fine, and
the modified version does fly slightly
slower. That is another avenue you can
take on this versatile version of this
popular design.
Leon and I are including plans for both
sizes of the B-26. Each set provides details
about the structure and equipment. Your
usual tools should be sufficient for
building the model since this is basically
an assembly project. The larger version is
made from 3mm and 6mm Depron, along
with other materials noted on the plans.
CONSTRUCTION
Cut all the required parts from Depron
foam board, as the plans indicate.
Glue the skid strip to the bottom of the
fuselage using five-minute epoxy. You can
make the skid follow the nose curve by
cutting several kerfs along its length in the
top of the strip. Hold this strip in place
with short pieces of masking tape until the
glue sets. Add the 1/64 plywood nose-turret
pieces to each side of the fuselage.
If you want scale markings on the B-
26, now is the time to apply them—before
assembling the parts. You can make the
lines with a Sharpie Fine Point marking
pen. These details add scale appeal. The
nose, windshield, turret, and rear turret are
painted with Tamiya flat-black acrylic
paint.
Crease the wing panels, as indicated, to
obtain the airfoil shape. Sand the center
wing edges to provide for the indicated
dihedral.
The stabilizer need not be cut in half;
you can fold it against a straightedge at the
centerline to achieve the slight dihedral
angle shown. If you are constructing the
first-class (Combat-ready?) version of the
B-26, you will have to cut the rudder and
elevator moving parts free at this time.
The hinges for the smaller variation of
the model are 1/4 x 3/8-inch strips of Du-
Bro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape (product
916). You will need two hinges for the
rudder and two for the elevator. For the
larger B-26, use the Du-Bro hinge tape as
you normally would. Run it the entire
length of the movable surface on one side
only.
Insert the stabilizer into its slot in the
fuselage. Glue it in place using fiveminute
epoxy.
Adhere the wings at the correct
dihedral angle using five-minute epoxy.
When the epoxy has cured, glue the wing
in position. Be careful to keep it aligned
properly on the fuselage.
Fit the top of the wing filler piece back
in place and glue it after the wing is
secure. Glue the nacelles to the wing
panels, as indicated by the alignment
marks, and add the stiffeners.
Position the receiver, as shown on the
plans, using double-stick tape and place
the battery using hook-and-loop fastener.
You will need to make a small hole under
the wing and above the receiver to pass the
motor wires through the fuselage.
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 34
On the Air Hogs version of the aircraft,
you will have to cut the motor wires to fit
through the fuselage hole. Be sure to splice
in similar wires so the “plus” is always to
the “plus” on the motor side and the
“minus” is always to the “minus” on the
other motor.
All motors should run counterclockwise
for the propellers we use. Leon and I used a
scavenged two-pin plug from a worn GWS
motor to connect to the controller.
Secure the motors to the inside of the
nacelles with double-stick tape or silicon
adhesive. On the larger B-26, use the servo
screws that were supplied with your servos
to mount the motors. If you are using
actuators/servos for the movable surfaces,
you will have to add control horns at this
time.
Assemble and fit the pushrods. Details
are shown on the plans. Check all surfaces
for alignment.
Flying: When flying in a limited space,
Leon and I learned that the fin/rudder on
the Air Hogs version might require
trimming (reduction of area) to achieve a
smaller turning radius. This was
noncritical, but being perfectionists we
experimented by test-flying and cutting
down the rudder slightly, by trial and error,
to see if we could effectively increase the
turning radius. (The Air Hogs version
depends only on the motor-speed change to
initiate and maintain a turn.)
Although we did notice a slight
improvement in the turn radius, we decided
that it was necessary only when flying in an
extraordinarily confined space.
The larger B-26 with servos flies
consistently well and is gentle and easy to
handle. Both versions of the airplane have
hundreds of flights logged with no mishaps.
Takeoffs and landings are a breeze, with no
bad tendencies. Transition from full power
to motor shut-down causes no problems,
with full controllability throughout the
flying range.
Leon and I have executed many
missions with these models. We have done
formation flying and touch-and-gos, and
we have taxied the airplanes back to their
parking ramps—just as we would the fullscale
B-26s!
Good luck, and enjoy flying this “popularscale”
twin-engine airplane with complete
confidence.
When you finish this simple, enjoyable
project, let us know about it. Maybe we’ll
produce another favorite in the near future;
our Air Force is very active and prolific.
As Leon says, “keep ’em flying.” MA
Frank Pisano
[email protected]
Leon Shulman
[email protected]
36 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 36
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/04
Page Numbers: 29,30,31,32,33,36
April 2008 29
BY FRANK PISANO AS TOLD BY LEON SHULMAN
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
This angle nicely captures the B-26 Marauder’s powerful
character. This is the smaller of the two models presented.
THE YEAR IS 1943. Upon completion of the Air
Corps Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program, Leon
Shulman, a young Air Force pilot, has requested
assignment to fly an aircraft he has always admired:
the Martin B-26 Marauder. He is extremely eager to
pilot this bomber because of its high-performance
characteristics.
The B-26 has had some problems in younger, less
experienced pilots’ hands, but Leon goes ahead with
his request to be appointed to fly it. This airplane’s
reputation of having many flight accidents with
“low-time” pilots at the controls has prompted it to
be dubbed the “Widowmaker.”
Given his orders, Leon sets out to fulfill his
assigned duties with great anticipation. As time
passes, he becomes comfortable with the bomber.
Months later, and after several hundred hours of
Leon’s pilot time with the B-26, a new Marauder is
delivered from the Martin factory to his active
squadron.
Because of his accumulation of many successful
missions, Leon is given permission to have his B-
26’s nose painted with a name of his choice. He
decides to name it “Zomby,” after a FF contest
model he had designed before entering the service.
The maintenance crew is informed of Leon’s name
choice and carries out the request. However, when he
views the finished nose he sees that the crew had
painted “Zombie.” And so it remains.
Build this famed and
fabled World War II
bomber for twin
electric power
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:57 PM Page 29
30 MODEL AVIATION
Leon’s B-26
MARAUDER
The bridge in the background makes a nice backdrop to this landing
approach. Shooting a landing with a twin is fun and challenging.
The B-26 climbs out just after liftoff. Notice how the foam-board
wings bend slightly under the load, giving extra dihedral angle.
Fast-forward to recent times. Leon and I were given an Air Hogs
foam RC biplane that had seen better days. The choice was to
repair the model or scrap it and use the electronics in a new
design.
Since Leon and I are flying buddies and had worked together
on models, the answer became obvious. We would design and
build a B-26: the bomber Leon flew in World War II!
We wanted to design it as a profile model in keeping with our
Keep It Structurally Simple (KISS) guidelines. It was to be flown
primarily indoors, but we would also fly it outdoors during calm
weather.
Leon and I constructed the B-26 from Depron foam board and
used the electronic equipment from the tired Air Hogs bipe. We kept
the construction uncomplicated so the model could be built quickly
and flown realistically!
With experience gained with our earlier series of KISS designs,
the B-26 turned out to be an easy project. After we completed the
model and test-flew it successfully, we were amazed by the
performance the combination of construction and equipment had
produced.
Then we decided to go “first class” and built a second model
using other micro components that are presently available. We chose
a combination of a small receiver and two actuators: one for the
rudder and the other for the elevator.
Smaller (actuator) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 22 inches
Wing area: 63 square inches
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 35 grams, or 1.2 ounces; 1.5 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .29 ounce/square foot
Motors: Bob Selman orange pager; Bob Selman small
magnetic actuators
Propellers: Selman 21/4-inch yellow
Radio: Microbatics with ESC
Batteries: One-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 7 grams,
or .25 ounce
Construction: Depron—body, 6mm; wing/tail, 2mm;
nacelles, 3mm
Larger (servo) B-26
Type: Semiscale, twin-motor, indoor/outdoor
Pilot skill: Beginner to expert
Wingspan: 31.5 inches
Wing area: 120 square inches
Length: 25.5 inches
Weight: 96 grams, or 3.4 ounces; 3.9 ounces with battery
Wing loading: .21 ounce/square foot
Motors: Hobby Electronics #F832—5:1 gear ratio, 3
volts; Bluebird 303 servos
Propellers: GWS Direct Drive, 5.3 inches with shaft
adapters
Radio: Plantronics DSP4-SC with ESC
Batteries: Two-cell, 250 mA Li-Poly—weight, 14
grams, or .5 ounce
Construction: Depron—body and nacelles, 6mm; tail
surfaces, 2mm; wing, 3mm
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:56 PM Page 30
April 2008 31
You can see the B-26’s motor
installation and movable
control surfaces. The ink
detailing adds scale flavor!
The MA staff thanks Leon and
all others who served in
World War II for their
sacrifice, courage, and service
to our country.
Mickey Paglialonga’s B-26 was built from the plans presented here. It has flown hundreds
of indoor “missions” at the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey.
Left: Leon Shulman
with his 1941 Zomby
FF model in Air Trails
magazine. Inset: An
official Air Corps
photo of a young
Lieutenant Leon
Shulman with the
full-scale B-26 that
he piloted in many
missions during
World War II.
Both equipment-variation versions can
be built from the plans shown. They are
good fliers. The choice of electronic
components is yours.
After we flew both versions of the B-26,
many of our fellow fliers wanted to build
similar models. Several of them asked for a
slightly larger variation that would use socalled
“regular” motors and equipment and
be more in tune with what they were used to
handling.
Leon and I scaled up the plans 140%,
built the new model, and installed a regular
receiver and two servos. Wow! What a fun
twin-engine airplane it turned out to be.
Tony Schiavone is one of the many
prolific modelers in our Metropolitan Sports
Squadron group, and he built the larger B-
26. We have flown both sizes of models in
formation and have performed maneuvers
including touch-and-gos, bringing forth lots
of oohs and aahs.
Tony was curious to know how the
performance would be affected if we added
flaps to the model. I told him how effective
the flaps were on the full-scale airplane and
how they improved its slow-speed
characteristics. Tony added fixed flaps to
his B-26 to test the idea’s practicality.
Rather than cut the wing TE and angle
the flap downward, as on the full-scale
aircraft, Tony wanted to keep it easy. He
simply added a similar section between the
fuselage and the engine nacelles by taping
each end onto the mating surfaces with
approximately a 25° angle, thus leaving the
Photos courtesy the author
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 3:53 PM Page 31
34 MODEL AVIATION
Need Lites? 21 Choices!
NEED MORE INFO?
See your hobby retailer or send a #10 S.A.S.E. to
229 E. ROLLINS RD., ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL 60073 USA
(847) 740-8726 FAX: (847) 740-8727
WWW.RAMRCandRAMTrack.com
$34.95 A - RAM 01 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 B - RAM 02 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$39.95 C - RAM 03 Landing lights, 4.8V (2)
$24.95 B - RAM 04 Rotating Beacon, adj.
$34.95 D - RAM 06 Sky Lights (18)
$29.95 A - RAM 14 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$19.95 A - RAM 15 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 C - RAM 16 Econo Landing Lights (2)
$29.95 C - RAM 186 Gun Flash (4), adj.
INCANDESCENT
B
A
B
A B
C
C
A
$34.95 B - RAM 23 Single Strobe, adj.
$49.95 B - RAM 42 Dual Strobe, adj.
XENON
$44.95 A - RAM 121 Flashing Nav. (3) to 94”
$29.95 B - RAM 122 Strobe, simulated, adj.
$29.95 C - RAM 123 Landing Lites (2)
$39.95 A - RAM 124 Big Nav. (3) to 168”
$34.95 A - RAM 125 Nav. (3) to 94”
$24.95 A - RAM 132 Park Flyer Nav (3) to 48” to 12V
$19.95 C - RAM 161 ARF Nav. wireless (3) 4.5V
$29.95 A - RAM 174 Micro Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$29.95 A - RAM 175 Heli, Nav. (3) LG (2) to 12V
$24.95 E - RAM 179 3 D Lites (18), 3 Colors
ULTRA BRITE LEDs
• Assembled in USA
since 1976
• Fits any R/C Plane or Heli
• 9 Volt, unless noted
wing to platform as-is. It worked fine, and
the modified version does fly slightly
slower. That is another avenue you can
take on this versatile version of this
popular design.
Leon and I are including plans for both
sizes of the B-26. Each set provides details
about the structure and equipment. Your
usual tools should be sufficient for
building the model since this is basically
an assembly project. The larger version is
made from 3mm and 6mm Depron, along
with other materials noted on the plans.
CONSTRUCTION
Cut all the required parts from Depron
foam board, as the plans indicate.
Glue the skid strip to the bottom of the
fuselage using five-minute epoxy. You can
make the skid follow the nose curve by
cutting several kerfs along its length in the
top of the strip. Hold this strip in place
with short pieces of masking tape until the
glue sets. Add the 1/64 plywood nose-turret
pieces to each side of the fuselage.
If you want scale markings on the B-
26, now is the time to apply them—before
assembling the parts. You can make the
lines with a Sharpie Fine Point marking
pen. These details add scale appeal. The
nose, windshield, turret, and rear turret are
painted with Tamiya flat-black acrylic
paint.
Crease the wing panels, as indicated, to
obtain the airfoil shape. Sand the center
wing edges to provide for the indicated
dihedral.
The stabilizer need not be cut in half;
you can fold it against a straightedge at the
centerline to achieve the slight dihedral
angle shown. If you are constructing the
first-class (Combat-ready?) version of the
B-26, you will have to cut the rudder and
elevator moving parts free at this time.
The hinges for the smaller variation of
the model are 1/4 x 3/8-inch strips of Du-
Bro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape (product
916). You will need two hinges for the
rudder and two for the elevator. For the
larger B-26, use the Du-Bro hinge tape as
you normally would. Run it the entire
length of the movable surface on one side
only.
Insert the stabilizer into its slot in the
fuselage. Glue it in place using fiveminute
epoxy.
Adhere the wings at the correct
dihedral angle using five-minute epoxy.
When the epoxy has cured, glue the wing
in position. Be careful to keep it aligned
properly on the fuselage.
Fit the top of the wing filler piece back
in place and glue it after the wing is
secure. Glue the nacelles to the wing
panels, as indicated by the alignment
marks, and add the stiffeners.
Position the receiver, as shown on the
plans, using double-stick tape and place
the battery using hook-and-loop fastener.
You will need to make a small hole under
the wing and above the receiver to pass the
motor wires through the fuselage.
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 34
On the Air Hogs version of the aircraft,
you will have to cut the motor wires to fit
through the fuselage hole. Be sure to splice
in similar wires so the “plus” is always to
the “plus” on the motor side and the
“minus” is always to the “minus” on the
other motor.
All motors should run counterclockwise
for the propellers we use. Leon and I used a
scavenged two-pin plug from a worn GWS
motor to connect to the controller.
Secure the motors to the inside of the
nacelles with double-stick tape or silicon
adhesive. On the larger B-26, use the servo
screws that were supplied with your servos
to mount the motors. If you are using
actuators/servos for the movable surfaces,
you will have to add control horns at this
time.
Assemble and fit the pushrods. Details
are shown on the plans. Check all surfaces
for alignment.
Flying: When flying in a limited space,
Leon and I learned that the fin/rudder on
the Air Hogs version might require
trimming (reduction of area) to achieve a
smaller turning radius. This was
noncritical, but being perfectionists we
experimented by test-flying and cutting
down the rudder slightly, by trial and error,
to see if we could effectively increase the
turning radius. (The Air Hogs version
depends only on the motor-speed change to
initiate and maintain a turn.)
Although we did notice a slight
improvement in the turn radius, we decided
that it was necessary only when flying in an
extraordinarily confined space.
The larger B-26 with servos flies
consistently well and is gentle and easy to
handle. Both versions of the airplane have
hundreds of flights logged with no mishaps.
Takeoffs and landings are a breeze, with no
bad tendencies. Transition from full power
to motor shut-down causes no problems,
with full controllability throughout the
flying range.
Leon and I have executed many
missions with these models. We have done
formation flying and touch-and-gos, and
we have taxied the airplanes back to their
parking ramps—just as we would the fullscale
B-26s!
Good luck, and enjoy flying this “popularscale”
twin-engine airplane with complete
confidence.
When you finish this simple, enjoyable
project, let us know about it. Maybe we’ll
produce another favorite in the near future;
our Air Force is very active and prolific.
As Leon says, “keep ’em flying.” MA
Frank Pisano
[email protected]
Leon Shulman
[email protected]
36 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 2/25/08 12:37 PM Page 36