Staggerwing Beech
A Schoolyard Scale, Golden Age classic
Walter Beech and T.A. "Ted" Wells designed the full-scale Beechcraft Staggerwing as a passenger aircraft for business executives. Its uncommon wing arrangement, with the top wing staggered aft of the bottom wing, provided pilots with maximum visibility.
The Staggerwing’s speed and handling led to its entry in air racing, where it won several events. It was also used as a bomber during the Spanish Civil War and saw service in World War II as an air ambulance and liaison aircraft.
Dave Haught’s 32-inch-wingspan scale model features stick-and-tissue construction, with stringers and formers used for the fuselage. The wings are basic rib construction with laminated wingtips for strength. The aircraft was finished using standard covering, giving the builder several color choices.
Model features:
- Stick-and-tissue fuselage with stringers and formers
- Rib-constructed wings with laminated wingtips
- Finished with standard covering (multiple color options)
- Designed without landing gear for a cleaner look; bottom wing reinforced for belly landings (landing gear can be added during the build)
- Removable top wing for access to radio equipment
- Originally designed around a Cox .049 glow engine but can accept an electric power system
- Engine-powered version has about a 10-ounce flying weight, yielding snappy, responsive flight while allowing pilots to stretch the glide path
This model gives builders many options; it can be completed as a civilian, racing, or military aircraft. Its classic, unconventional design evokes the 1930s and 1940s.
The Staggerwing Beech was featured in a construction article in the April 1991 Model Aviation (MA). AMA members can access the magazine’s digital archives on the Academy’s website to read more about it. It’s AMA Plans Service listing 684B, available for $10 plus shipping and handling. See page 175 or go to www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx for ordering information.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
