IN MY LAST COLUMN I included
information about my great-flying 4.5-inch
wingspan cartoon-scale Fokker Dr.1 triplane
living room flyer. I wanted to design a
formable foe to complement the triplane, so I
thought that a Sopwith Camel, complete with Snoopy, would be
perfect match!
I found a good three-view drawing of the airplane. After
studying the three-view, I decided what changes I needed to make.
The great thing about designing a cartoon-scale model is that you
can add additional wing and tail area as necessary for flight
characteristics, while enhancing the cartoon-scale look.
When I had planned the wing and tail area that I thought would
work, I began thinking about the model’s structure. The openframework
skeleton airframe is the key to success. The skeleton
airframe is much lighter than a solid one, but has to be reinforced in
certain areas with carbon-fiber rod for strength.
I use Adobe Illustrator to draw my designs. The program takes
some time to master, but once you’ve done so, it is fun to use. After
drawing the outline of the model I decided how much of the
airframe would be open and how much would be solid foam.
I wanted to capture the great look of the real Sopwith Camel, so
I made the forward fuselage solid foam. This helped with the
model’s CG since it has such a short nose length.
80 MODEL AVIATION
Cartoon-scale Sopwith Camel
In calm winds or indoors, the two-channel airplane flies
surprisingly wel l for a micro Wright Flyer. It uses
differential thrust for control.
The Sopwith Camel with its pilot, Snoopy, uses a Plantraco
receiver and a 400 mg geared single-phase brushless motor.
Below: The 15-inch-wingspan RTF Gravity
Hobby 1903 Wright Flyer weighs 35
grams. The included display stand is a
nice touch!
Left: The author’s
cartoon-scale Sopwith
Camel weighs only 2.7
grams and features a
skeleton airframe design
to save weight.
Also included in this column:
• Gravity Hobby RTF Wright
Flyer
• BSD Micro RC SmiliE
• KIEF 2011
Joe Malinchak Micro-Flying | [email protected]
07sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 10:22 AM Page 80
July 2011 81
Riley and Jorja Wegryn-Jones display their RTF HobbyZone Champs at the 2010 JR
Indoor Electric Festival. Such micro RTF models have made it possible for kids to
experience the joys of RC flying.
Left: The Gravity Hobby Wright Flyer box includes
instructions, 27 MHz transmitter, and an extra set of
propellers.
BSD Micro RC’s new 13-inch-wingspan SmiliE is a great
addition to its growing line of kits. The model is quick,
maneuverable, and pulls tight loops.
After the details were drawn in, it was
time to print the airplane on Durobatics
foam and see if it would fly! I used a geared
single-phase brushless motor to save weight,
and the Plantraco two-channel receiver for
guidance. The completed model weighed 2.7
grams RTF with a 10 mAh Li-Poly cell.
It flew well on the first test flights. I get
roughly 2.5- to 4-minute flights. I plan to
make my next Camel prototype slightly
larger with an 8.5-inch wingspan so I can
add a machine gun light set that Tiny Brite
Lights made for me. It should be a
wonderful indoor flyer!
To get a Wright Flyer model to fly in any
scale is an accomplishment. Gravity Hobby
has not only done that with this beautiful
RTF two-channel model, but has also
created a 15-inch-wingspan version.
The RTF model comes with a 27 MHz
transmitter that also functions as a charger,
two extra propellers, and even a display
stand. Six AA batteries are needed for the
transmitter. The model’s wings, canard, and
rudders are constructed from foam, and the
fuselage is made from lightweight plastic.
Because the model uses differential
thrust for control, the wings have some
built-in dihedral for stability. Charging the
model’s 80 mAh Li-Poly cell takes roughly
45 minutes. The finished aircraft weighs
only 35 grams and I was excited to see how
it flies, because I am still working on my
Peanut Scale version of the 1909 military
Wright Flyer.
It flies surprisingly well for a micro
version of the Wright Flyer. On my first test
flight, the model required some right trim
which I accomplished by rotating the trim
knob on the transmitter. After I trimmed it
out, I was doing Figure 8s and some low
passes easily.
The model will fly for approximately 5
minutes or more on a charge and looks cool
in flight. After flying I attached it to the
included display stand, which is a nice
touch. This airplane put a smile on my face,
and at the advertised price of $39.90 it is a
micro RC best buy!
BSD Micro RC has released a great 13-
inch-wingspan kit called the SmiliE. The
model was designed by George Harris and
uses the AR6400 receiver and a SS Blue
motor direct drive to power a Tri-Turbo
propeller. The 18-gram RTF SmiliE gets 5-
minute-plus flight times on a 160 mAh Li-
Poly cell. It is fast and maneuverable, and
will pull very tight loops!
It is a quick build because George
minimized the number of parts and
optimized the construction method. The kit
includes laser-cut plywood and Depron
parts, pushrods, pre-bent landing gear,
wheels, and canopy decals. This is a great
addition to the wonderful line of kits that
07sig3.QXDBSD Micro RC offers. Please see the
company’s website in the “Sources” list for
more information.
KIEF 2011: Unfortunately, the Keystone
Indoor Electric Fly-In (KIEF) dome was
damaged and deflated during a winter snow
storm. It is unlikely to be repaired in time for
this year’s event; however, we are working
out the details for a new site that should be
finalized by the time you read this.
Please see the KIEF website for the latest
details on the 2011 event!
Cindy Malinchak wrote: “At the 2010 JR
Indoor Electric Festival, I watched 9-year-old
Riley, and 7-year-old Jorja Wegryn-Jones
having fun with their HobbyZone RTF
Champs. The two girls had a wonderful time
putting in many flights over the weekend.
“How wonderful it is that kids now have
the opportunity to learn how to fly RC model
aircraft with these new RTF micro RC
airplanes. Only a few years ago this would
not have been possible!
“I learned how to fly with micro RC
models and it has been a rewarding
experience.” MA
Sources:
Gravity Hobby.com
www.gravityhobby.com
Tiny Brite Lights
[email protected]
www.flightlights.net
BSD Micro RC, LLC
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Keystone Indoor Electric Fly
www.pafunfly.com_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 10:23 AM Page 81
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/07
Page Numbers: 80,81,82
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/07
Page Numbers: 80,81,82
IN MY LAST COLUMN I included
information about my great-flying 4.5-inch
wingspan cartoon-scale Fokker Dr.1 triplane
living room flyer. I wanted to design a
formable foe to complement the triplane, so I
thought that a Sopwith Camel, complete with Snoopy, would be
perfect match!
I found a good three-view drawing of the airplane. After
studying the three-view, I decided what changes I needed to make.
The great thing about designing a cartoon-scale model is that you
can add additional wing and tail area as necessary for flight
characteristics, while enhancing the cartoon-scale look.
When I had planned the wing and tail area that I thought would
work, I began thinking about the model’s structure. The openframework
skeleton airframe is the key to success. The skeleton
airframe is much lighter than a solid one, but has to be reinforced in
certain areas with carbon-fiber rod for strength.
I use Adobe Illustrator to draw my designs. The program takes
some time to master, but once you’ve done so, it is fun to use. After
drawing the outline of the model I decided how much of the
airframe would be open and how much would be solid foam.
I wanted to capture the great look of the real Sopwith Camel, so
I made the forward fuselage solid foam. This helped with the
model’s CG since it has such a short nose length.
80 MODEL AVIATION
Cartoon-scale Sopwith Camel
In calm winds or indoors, the two-channel airplane flies
surprisingly wel l for a micro Wright Flyer. It uses
differential thrust for control.
The Sopwith Camel with its pilot, Snoopy, uses a Plantraco
receiver and a 400 mg geared single-phase brushless motor.
Below: The 15-inch-wingspan RTF Gravity
Hobby 1903 Wright Flyer weighs 35
grams. The included display stand is a
nice touch!
Left: The author’s
cartoon-scale Sopwith
Camel weighs only 2.7
grams and features a
skeleton airframe design
to save weight.
Also included in this column:
• Gravity Hobby RTF Wright
Flyer
• BSD Micro RC SmiliE
• KIEF 2011
Joe Malinchak Micro-Flying | [email protected]
07sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 10:22 AM Page 80
July 2011 81
Riley and Jorja Wegryn-Jones display their RTF HobbyZone Champs at the 2010 JR
Indoor Electric Festival. Such micro RTF models have made it possible for kids to
experience the joys of RC flying.
Left: The Gravity Hobby Wright Flyer box includes
instructions, 27 MHz transmitter, and an extra set of
propellers.
BSD Micro RC’s new 13-inch-wingspan SmiliE is a great
addition to its growing line of kits. The model is quick,
maneuverable, and pulls tight loops.
After the details were drawn in, it was
time to print the airplane on Durobatics
foam and see if it would fly! I used a geared
single-phase brushless motor to save weight,
and the Plantraco two-channel receiver for
guidance. The completed model weighed 2.7
grams RTF with a 10 mAh Li-Poly cell.
It flew well on the first test flights. I get
roughly 2.5- to 4-minute flights. I plan to
make my next Camel prototype slightly
larger with an 8.5-inch wingspan so I can
add a machine gun light set that Tiny Brite
Lights made for me. It should be a
wonderful indoor flyer!
To get a Wright Flyer model to fly in any
scale is an accomplishment. Gravity Hobby
has not only done that with this beautiful
RTF two-channel model, but has also
created a 15-inch-wingspan version.
The RTF model comes with a 27 MHz
transmitter that also functions as a charger,
two extra propellers, and even a display
stand. Six AA batteries are needed for the
transmitter. The model’s wings, canard, and
rudders are constructed from foam, and the
fuselage is made from lightweight plastic.
Because the model uses differential
thrust for control, the wings have some
built-in dihedral for stability. Charging the
model’s 80 mAh Li-Poly cell takes roughly
45 minutes. The finished aircraft weighs
only 35 grams and I was excited to see how
it flies, because I am still working on my
Peanut Scale version of the 1909 military
Wright Flyer.
It flies surprisingly well for a micro
version of the Wright Flyer. On my first test
flight, the model required some right trim
which I accomplished by rotating the trim
knob on the transmitter. After I trimmed it
out, I was doing Figure 8s and some low
passes easily.
The model will fly for approximately 5
minutes or more on a charge and looks cool
in flight. After flying I attached it to the
included display stand, which is a nice
touch. This airplane put a smile on my face,
and at the advertised price of $39.90 it is a
micro RC best buy!
BSD Micro RC has released a great 13-
inch-wingspan kit called the SmiliE. The
model was designed by George Harris and
uses the AR6400 receiver and a SS Blue
motor direct drive to power a Tri-Turbo
propeller. The 18-gram RTF SmiliE gets 5-
minute-plus flight times on a 160 mAh Li-
Poly cell. It is fast and maneuverable, and
will pull very tight loops!
It is a quick build because George
minimized the number of parts and
optimized the construction method. The kit
includes laser-cut plywood and Depron
parts, pushrods, pre-bent landing gear,
wheels, and canopy decals. This is a great
addition to the wonderful line of kits that
07sig3.QXDBSD Micro RC offers. Please see the
company’s website in the “Sources” list for
more information.
KIEF 2011: Unfortunately, the Keystone
Indoor Electric Fly-In (KIEF) dome was
damaged and deflated during a winter snow
storm. It is unlikely to be repaired in time for
this year’s event; however, we are working
out the details for a new site that should be
finalized by the time you read this.
Please see the KIEF website for the latest
details on the 2011 event!
Cindy Malinchak wrote: “At the 2010 JR
Indoor Electric Festival, I watched 9-year-old
Riley, and 7-year-old Jorja Wegryn-Jones
having fun with their HobbyZone RTF
Champs. The two girls had a wonderful time
putting in many flights over the weekend.
“How wonderful it is that kids now have
the opportunity to learn how to fly RC model
aircraft with these new RTF micro RC
airplanes. Only a few years ago this would
not have been possible!
“I learned how to fly with micro RC
models and it has been a rewarding
experience.” MA
Sources:
Gravity Hobby.com
www.gravityhobby.com
Tiny Brite Lights
[email protected]
www.flightlights.net
BSD Micro RC, LLC
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Keystone Indoor Electric Fly
www.pafunfly.com_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 10:23 AM Page 81
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/07
Page Numbers: 80,81,82
IN MY LAST COLUMN I included
information about my great-flying 4.5-inch
wingspan cartoon-scale Fokker Dr.1 triplane
living room flyer. I wanted to design a
formable foe to complement the triplane, so I
thought that a Sopwith Camel, complete with Snoopy, would be
perfect match!
I found a good three-view drawing of the airplane. After
studying the three-view, I decided what changes I needed to make.
The great thing about designing a cartoon-scale model is that you
can add additional wing and tail area as necessary for flight
characteristics, while enhancing the cartoon-scale look.
When I had planned the wing and tail area that I thought would
work, I began thinking about the model’s structure. The openframework
skeleton airframe is the key to success. The skeleton
airframe is much lighter than a solid one, but has to be reinforced in
certain areas with carbon-fiber rod for strength.
I use Adobe Illustrator to draw my designs. The program takes
some time to master, but once you’ve done so, it is fun to use. After
drawing the outline of the model I decided how much of the
airframe would be open and how much would be solid foam.
I wanted to capture the great look of the real Sopwith Camel, so
I made the forward fuselage solid foam. This helped with the
model’s CG since it has such a short nose length.
80 MODEL AVIATION
Cartoon-scale Sopwith Camel
In calm winds or indoors, the two-channel airplane flies
surprisingly wel l for a micro Wright Flyer. It uses
differential thrust for control.
The Sopwith Camel with its pilot, Snoopy, uses a Plantraco
receiver and a 400 mg geared single-phase brushless motor.
Below: The 15-inch-wingspan RTF Gravity
Hobby 1903 Wright Flyer weighs 35
grams. The included display stand is a
nice touch!
Left: The author’s
cartoon-scale Sopwith
Camel weighs only 2.7
grams and features a
skeleton airframe design
to save weight.
Also included in this column:
• Gravity Hobby RTF Wright
Flyer
• BSD Micro RC SmiliE
• KIEF 2011
Joe Malinchak Micro-Flying | [email protected]
07sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 10:22 AM Page 80
July 2011 81
Riley and Jorja Wegryn-Jones display their RTF HobbyZone Champs at the 2010 JR
Indoor Electric Festival. Such micro RTF models have made it possible for kids to
experience the joys of RC flying.
Left: The Gravity Hobby Wright Flyer box includes
instructions, 27 MHz transmitter, and an extra set of
propellers.
BSD Micro RC’s new 13-inch-wingspan SmiliE is a great
addition to its growing line of kits. The model is quick,
maneuverable, and pulls tight loops.
After the details were drawn in, it was
time to print the airplane on Durobatics
foam and see if it would fly! I used a geared
single-phase brushless motor to save weight,
and the Plantraco two-channel receiver for
guidance. The completed model weighed 2.7
grams RTF with a 10 mAh Li-Poly cell.
It flew well on the first test flights. I get
roughly 2.5- to 4-minute flights. I plan to
make my next Camel prototype slightly
larger with an 8.5-inch wingspan so I can
add a machine gun light set that Tiny Brite
Lights made for me. It should be a
wonderful indoor flyer!
To get a Wright Flyer model to fly in any
scale is an accomplishment. Gravity Hobby
has not only done that with this beautiful
RTF two-channel model, but has also
created a 15-inch-wingspan version.
The RTF model comes with a 27 MHz
transmitter that also functions as a charger,
two extra propellers, and even a display
stand. Six AA batteries are needed for the
transmitter. The model’s wings, canard, and
rudders are constructed from foam, and the
fuselage is made from lightweight plastic.
Because the model uses differential
thrust for control, the wings have some
built-in dihedral for stability. Charging the
model’s 80 mAh Li-Poly cell takes roughly
45 minutes. The finished aircraft weighs
only 35 grams and I was excited to see how
it flies, because I am still working on my
Peanut Scale version of the 1909 military
Wright Flyer.
It flies surprisingly well for a micro
version of the Wright Flyer. On my first test
flight, the model required some right trim
which I accomplished by rotating the trim
knob on the transmitter. After I trimmed it
out, I was doing Figure 8s and some low
passes easily.
The model will fly for approximately 5
minutes or more on a charge and looks cool
in flight. After flying I attached it to the
included display stand, which is a nice
touch. This airplane put a smile on my face,
and at the advertised price of $39.90 it is a
micro RC best buy!
BSD Micro RC has released a great 13-
inch-wingspan kit called the SmiliE. The
model was designed by George Harris and
uses the AR6400 receiver and a SS Blue
motor direct drive to power a Tri-Turbo
propeller. The 18-gram RTF SmiliE gets 5-
minute-plus flight times on a 160 mAh Li-
Poly cell. It is fast and maneuverable, and
will pull very tight loops!
It is a quick build because George
minimized the number of parts and
optimized the construction method. The kit
includes laser-cut plywood and Depron
parts, pushrods, pre-bent landing gear,
wheels, and canopy decals. This is a great
addition to the wonderful line of kits that
07sig3.QXDBSD Micro RC offers. Please see the
company’s website in the “Sources” list for
more information.
KIEF 2011: Unfortunately, the Keystone
Indoor Electric Fly-In (KIEF) dome was
damaged and deflated during a winter snow
storm. It is unlikely to be repaired in time for
this year’s event; however, we are working
out the details for a new site that should be
finalized by the time you read this.
Please see the KIEF website for the latest
details on the 2011 event!
Cindy Malinchak wrote: “At the 2010 JR
Indoor Electric Festival, I watched 9-year-old
Riley, and 7-year-old Jorja Wegryn-Jones
having fun with their HobbyZone RTF
Champs. The two girls had a wonderful time
putting in many flights over the weekend.
“How wonderful it is that kids now have
the opportunity to learn how to fly RC model
aircraft with these new RTF micro RC
airplanes. Only a few years ago this would
not have been possible!
“I learned how to fly with micro RC
models and it has been a rewarding
experience.” MA
Sources:
Gravity Hobby.com
www.gravityhobby.com
Tiny Brite Lights
[email protected]
www.flightlights.net
BSD Micro RC, LLC
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Keystone Indoor Electric Fly
www.pafunfly.com_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 10:23 AM Page 81