AMA Plans Service Showcase
A jet-style RC trainer without trainer looks
The path to success in RC flying starts with a good, reliable, stable, easy-to-fly trainer. The trouble is that most trainers actually look like trainers — not very exciting. Wouldn't it be nice if trainers looked more like World War II fighters or modern jet fighters?
Jeff Troy felt that way when he designed the Tamecat, which was featured as a construction article in the June 1990 Model Aviation. His 66-inch wingspan creation was a basic flight-trainer/sport model inspired by the shape and character of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat.
Disguised beneath that sleek exterior was an aircraft powered by a .40–.50 two-stroke or .46–.61 four-stroke engine, and it was easy to build and fly. A constant-chord wing and a practical upright-mounted engine didn't seem to detract from the jet-like appearance.
The long nose moment arm added to the illusion while allowing the RC equipment to be mounted in the spacious aft fuselage for balance. The twin fins and tricycle landing gear completed the aesthetic package.
Beginners finally had a model they could really enjoy looking at while learning to fly. That concept holds up today, and the Tamecat would be right at home at any RC field.
Full-size plans for this model — number 654E — are available from the AMA Plans Service (see the advertisement on page 127). When you order the plans, which are printed on four sheets, you will also receive a bill of materials.
You can find the construction article for the Tamecat (or any other favorite Model Aviation design) by searching AMA's Digital Archives, a members-only feature of the AMA website: www.modelaircraft.org.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
