10 MODEL AVIATION
Retractable Four-Star
Ryan Livingston (15881 McClellan Dr. A-12, Marshall MI
49068; E-mail: [email protected]) wanted to build a
model with retractable landing gear and decided to start his project
with a Sig Manufacturing Four-Star 120 kit.
He converted it to a tricycle landing-gear arrangement and
installed B&D Enterprises pneumatic retracts. Other modifications
include a custom-made fiberglass cowl, a side-mounted engine, and
a low-profile canopy. Ryan powers his custom model with an O.S.
.91 FX.
“The picture was taken after about two months of flying, which
have proven the model to be a real presence in the air and on the
ground,” he wrote.
Converted Edge
Michael Rosman (W362 S10130 Lewin Ln., Eagle WI 53119; Email:
[email protected]) converted this 30% LanierRC Edge
540T from a two-place replica to a single-place version.
He also redid the model’s covering. He made all the graphics on
the computer except the ones on the wing; Kirby’s Custom Graphics
did those. A Sachs 4.2 engine that turns a 24 x 10 propeller at 6,700
rpm powers the model.
“The airplane is a dream to fly,” wrote Michael. “It lands like a
trainer and does every 3-D maneuver out there. It is definitely the
best airplane I have owned to date.”
Michael thanks his dad Bill Rosman for his help with covering
and painting the model.
Salvage/Scratch P-38
H. Lee Trogdon (24779 Fink Rd., Albemarie NC 28001; E-mail:
[email protected]) began this profile P-38 project with a Sig 300S
wing that he salvaged from a trash barrel at the flying field. He
scratch-built the rest from balsa and plywood.
The elevator and rudder servos are mounted in the pods on the
sides of the booms, and the horizontal stabilizer is split in the middle
to allow the booms to be removed.
A Tower Hobbies .40 engine powers the model. It spans 58
inches, is 41 inches long, and weighs 4.5 pounds. It is covered with
Cream and White UltraCote.
Baby Boomer
Jerry Sciortino (25328 Brookside Dr., Seaford DE 19972)
covered his 1⁄4-scale Fly Baby with 21st Century Fabric and powers
it with a Saito 1.30 two-cylinder engine.
The model weighs 13 pounds and features a full-figure lady pilot
that Jerry’s wife prepared. The practice bomb slung on the bottom
of the Fly Baby appropriately bears the name “Baby Boomer.”
“In my attempts to add scale detail, I was lucky to find an owner
of a full-scale Fly Baby who allowed me to photograph and measure
his airplane,” wrote Jerry.
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:30 pm Page 10
October 2004 11
Super Stearman
Walt Carnes (2620 Knightsbridge Dr., Fort Wayne IN 46815; Email:
[email protected]) took 15 months to build this PT-17 “Super
Stearman” from Nick Ziroli Plans.
The model mounts a Quadra-Aerrow Q400 gas engine, with
spring starter, and weighs 24 pounds. Other features include a JR
XP8103S eight-channel radio system for guidance, Robart struts and
wheels, Fiberglass Specialties wheel pants and cowl, and a Goebel
instrument panel.
The PT-17 is covered with Koverall fabric and is painted with
2003 VW yellow paint and trimmed with VW red paint.
“It seems like the Stearman will fly forever on 24 ounces of
fuel,” wrote Walt.
Commemorative Flying Wing
Mark Wasilow (291 Santa Barbara, Irvine CA 92606; E-mail:
[email protected]) designed and built this racing/aerobatic
flying wing to commemorate the terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001.
This model is a spin-off of the old CL Combat airplane designs.
It spans 40 inches, has a wing area of 480 square inches, weighs 2.5
pounds, and features a 1-inch-thick symmetrical airfoil that Mark
designed. Using an O.S. Max SX-32, the model has been clocked by
a radar gun at speeds exceeding 150 mph.
“The wing is very docile at slow flight and lands very slow like a
trainer,” wrote Mark.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm
Profile Europa
James Morway (1105 Marion Dr., Holly MI 48442; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this profile Europa using Bob
Hunt’s Lost Foam wing-building system.
A Webra .32 engine fitted with a carbon-fiber tuned pipe powers
the model. It is covered with OZ film. All of the lettering and
graphics were airbrushed. The pilot figure depicts “Big Art”
Adamisin, who is James’s longtime friend.
“Since Europa is a moon of Jupiter, I think you catch the drift of
the paint job,” wrote James.
Martin P6M-2
David Plummer (14414 NE 14th Pl., Bellevue WA 98007; Email:
[email protected]) constructed this 1⁄16-scale Martin P6M-2
flying boat.
The model spans 77 inches, is 90 inches long, and weighs 17.5
pounds. It is powered by four Mega ACn 22/20/2 brushless motors,
and each is fitted with a 60A controller, driving WeMoTec HW609
fans. The fans produce a thrust of 6 pounds at full throttle.
“With the rather low thrust-to-weight ratio, I’m not sure the
model will get off the water, but I’ll give it a try,” wrote David.
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:39 pm Page 11
12 MODEL AVIATION
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
Smoothie and Flite Streak Trainer
Father and daughter Tom and Mindy Alberty (9943 Bayham,
Portage MI 49024) enjoy flying their Brodak Manufacturing CL
models. Mindy is 11 years old and has been flying with her dad for
two years.
Mindy’s Flite Streak Trainer is covered with MonoKote and is
powered by a Fox .15 engine. Tom’s Smoothie is also covered with
MonoKote, but it is powered by a Fox .35 engine.
“Both airplanes shown have accidentally flown inverted,” wrote
Tom. “Although the experience frayed our nerves, both airplanes
and pilots survived!”
Don’t Blink!
Ron Molaro (1366 73rd St., Brooklyn NY 11228; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this Patriot from a Great Planes kit. He
powers it with a Jett Engineering .50 engine.
Other features include Spring Air retracts, Bob Violett Models
wheels and brakes, and a Futaba radio-control system. Ron modified
the kit by adding a larger fuel tank and fully sheeting the wings. He
also added custom simulated intakes that were crafted from blocks
of solid balsa.
“The Patriot flies fast and tracks like an arrow,” wrote Ron. “If
you blink, you’ll miss it.”
Simulated Flight Photo
Jerome Sciortino (25328 Brookside Dr., Seaford DE 19973)
named his Top Flite 1⁄7-scale P-51D Mustang “Big Beautiful Doll.”
It is powered by a SuperTigre .90 engine and features Robart
mechanical retracts.
He decided to shoot the model in a simulated flight pose after
reading Mark Lanterman’s article “Capturing Models Digitally” in
the August 2003 MA. Jerome used a Nikon F-3 with a Vivitar 70-
210mm lens to take this photo.
“I am not too proud to learn a better way of taking pictures,”
wrote Jerome. “Thanks for the lesson!”
First Kit-Build
Michael Harris (5827 Elmwood Dr. NE, Albuquerque NM
87109; E-mail: [email protected]) submitted this photo of his first
kit-built model: a 40-size Great Planes F-15 Eagle.
He powers it with an O.S. .50 SX engine and uses Futaba radio
gear for guidance. The F-15 spans 47 inches and weighs 6 pounds.
The covering is Dove Gray MonoKote.
“I quickly found out why military jets are painted gray, as this
model’s camouflage in the sky works real well!” wrote Michael.
According to him, the model flies nicely and the landings aren’t
as tough as he thought they might be with this aircraft.
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:46 pm Page 12
October 2004 13
38 Special
Mitchell Heller (3110 Harrison, Glenview IL 60025; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this 38 Special from a Brodak kit.
The fuselage was primed with Brodak modeling dope and
painted with black acrylic auto paint. The wings were covered with
White MonoKote.
A Silver Fox tuned Fox .35 engine powers the model, and it flies
on 60-foot lines. This is a popular CL sport design, featuring a
profile fuselage.
Sorta-Scale Curtiss
Robert C. Johnson (69 Beaverbrook Rd., Burlington MA 01803;
E-mail: [email protected]) built this Sig Hog-Bipe and made
some minor changes to the nose and vertical fin so that it would
resemble a 1930s Curtiss shipboard fighter. He calls this a “Sorta-
Scale” transformation.
A Saito 80 engine swinging a 13 x 6 propeller powers Robert’s
biplane. It is covered with Coverite 21st Century Fabric.
“It is an absolute joy to fly, and it lands like a feather,” he wrote.
D.H.80A Puss Moth
Robert E. Thacker (1703 Calle Maria, San Clemente CA 92672)
built this de Havilland D.H.80A from a West Wings kit that he
purchased from Peck-Polymers.
Bob covered this 24-inch-span FF model with transparent
silkspan he had saved for more than 30 years! He attached the
material with two coats of Sig nitrate modeling dope. He fabricated
the windshields and windows from Clear Super MonoKote.
The model’s initial finished weight was 2.65 ounces, but Bob
had to put in an additional .5 ounce of lead to achieve the correct
balance for flying.
Proud of your latest building/flying effort? Share it with MA’s readers
and/or visitors to AMA’s Web site (www.modelaircraft.org)! Send us a
glossy color print or digital photo on CD-ROM (minimum 300 ppi) with an
appropriate description of the model, and we will publish or post the best
submissions.
No E-mailed photos, laser copies, ink-jet copies, or photocopies will be
accepted. Restrict content to the model with or without the owner/builder.
Inappropriate photos will not be published.
Supply your full address (and E-mail address if available) so that
interested parties may contact you directly. Send all submissions to Bob
Hunt, Box 68, Stockertown PA 18083, ATTN: Focal Point. Because of this
section’s popularity, it may be several months before your model is
featured.
Tale of Two Thunderbolts
Avey Shaw (52 Teed St., Huntington Station NY 11746) built
these two P-47 Thunderbolts and painted them to match.
He built the smaller P-47 from a Top Flite kit more than 15 years
ago and named it “Betty,” after his mother-in-law. He built the
larger model from Nick Ziroli plans and named it “Flex,” which is a
nickname he gave his nephew. It spans 72 inches and is powered by
a Quadra 35 engine.
“The 49 on the cowl represents how many RC aircraft I’ve built
to date,” wrote Avey.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:49 pm Page 13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/10
Page Numbers: 10,11,12,13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/10
Page Numbers: 10,11,12,13
10 MODEL AVIATION
Retractable Four-Star
Ryan Livingston (15881 McClellan Dr. A-12, Marshall MI
49068; E-mail: [email protected]) wanted to build a
model with retractable landing gear and decided to start his project
with a Sig Manufacturing Four-Star 120 kit.
He converted it to a tricycle landing-gear arrangement and
installed B&D Enterprises pneumatic retracts. Other modifications
include a custom-made fiberglass cowl, a side-mounted engine, and
a low-profile canopy. Ryan powers his custom model with an O.S.
.91 FX.
“The picture was taken after about two months of flying, which
have proven the model to be a real presence in the air and on the
ground,” he wrote.
Converted Edge
Michael Rosman (W362 S10130 Lewin Ln., Eagle WI 53119; Email:
[email protected]) converted this 30% LanierRC Edge
540T from a two-place replica to a single-place version.
He also redid the model’s covering. He made all the graphics on
the computer except the ones on the wing; Kirby’s Custom Graphics
did those. A Sachs 4.2 engine that turns a 24 x 10 propeller at 6,700
rpm powers the model.
“The airplane is a dream to fly,” wrote Michael. “It lands like a
trainer and does every 3-D maneuver out there. It is definitely the
best airplane I have owned to date.”
Michael thanks his dad Bill Rosman for his help with covering
and painting the model.
Salvage/Scratch P-38
H. Lee Trogdon (24779 Fink Rd., Albemarie NC 28001; E-mail:
[email protected]) began this profile P-38 project with a Sig 300S
wing that he salvaged from a trash barrel at the flying field. He
scratch-built the rest from balsa and plywood.
The elevator and rudder servos are mounted in the pods on the
sides of the booms, and the horizontal stabilizer is split in the middle
to allow the booms to be removed.
A Tower Hobbies .40 engine powers the model. It spans 58
inches, is 41 inches long, and weighs 4.5 pounds. It is covered with
Cream and White UltraCote.
Baby Boomer
Jerry Sciortino (25328 Brookside Dr., Seaford DE 19972)
covered his 1⁄4-scale Fly Baby with 21st Century Fabric and powers
it with a Saito 1.30 two-cylinder engine.
The model weighs 13 pounds and features a full-figure lady pilot
that Jerry’s wife prepared. The practice bomb slung on the bottom
of the Fly Baby appropriately bears the name “Baby Boomer.”
“In my attempts to add scale detail, I was lucky to find an owner
of a full-scale Fly Baby who allowed me to photograph and measure
his airplane,” wrote Jerry.
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:30 pm Page 10
October 2004 11
Super Stearman
Walt Carnes (2620 Knightsbridge Dr., Fort Wayne IN 46815; Email:
[email protected]) took 15 months to build this PT-17 “Super
Stearman” from Nick Ziroli Plans.
The model mounts a Quadra-Aerrow Q400 gas engine, with
spring starter, and weighs 24 pounds. Other features include a JR
XP8103S eight-channel radio system for guidance, Robart struts and
wheels, Fiberglass Specialties wheel pants and cowl, and a Goebel
instrument panel.
The PT-17 is covered with Koverall fabric and is painted with
2003 VW yellow paint and trimmed with VW red paint.
“It seems like the Stearman will fly forever on 24 ounces of
fuel,” wrote Walt.
Commemorative Flying Wing
Mark Wasilow (291 Santa Barbara, Irvine CA 92606; E-mail:
[email protected]) designed and built this racing/aerobatic
flying wing to commemorate the terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001.
This model is a spin-off of the old CL Combat airplane designs.
It spans 40 inches, has a wing area of 480 square inches, weighs 2.5
pounds, and features a 1-inch-thick symmetrical airfoil that Mark
designed. Using an O.S. Max SX-32, the model has been clocked by
a radar gun at speeds exceeding 150 mph.
“The wing is very docile at slow flight and lands very slow like a
trainer,” wrote Mark.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm
Profile Europa
James Morway (1105 Marion Dr., Holly MI 48442; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this profile Europa using Bob
Hunt’s Lost Foam wing-building system.
A Webra .32 engine fitted with a carbon-fiber tuned pipe powers
the model. It is covered with OZ film. All of the lettering and
graphics were airbrushed. The pilot figure depicts “Big Art”
Adamisin, who is James’s longtime friend.
“Since Europa is a moon of Jupiter, I think you catch the drift of
the paint job,” wrote James.
Martin P6M-2
David Plummer (14414 NE 14th Pl., Bellevue WA 98007; Email:
[email protected]) constructed this 1⁄16-scale Martin P6M-2
flying boat.
The model spans 77 inches, is 90 inches long, and weighs 17.5
pounds. It is powered by four Mega ACn 22/20/2 brushless motors,
and each is fitted with a 60A controller, driving WeMoTec HW609
fans. The fans produce a thrust of 6 pounds at full throttle.
“With the rather low thrust-to-weight ratio, I’m not sure the
model will get off the water, but I’ll give it a try,” wrote David.
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:39 pm Page 11
12 MODEL AVIATION
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
Smoothie and Flite Streak Trainer
Father and daughter Tom and Mindy Alberty (9943 Bayham,
Portage MI 49024) enjoy flying their Brodak Manufacturing CL
models. Mindy is 11 years old and has been flying with her dad for
two years.
Mindy’s Flite Streak Trainer is covered with MonoKote and is
powered by a Fox .15 engine. Tom’s Smoothie is also covered with
MonoKote, but it is powered by a Fox .35 engine.
“Both airplanes shown have accidentally flown inverted,” wrote
Tom. “Although the experience frayed our nerves, both airplanes
and pilots survived!”
Don’t Blink!
Ron Molaro (1366 73rd St., Brooklyn NY 11228; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this Patriot from a Great Planes kit. He
powers it with a Jett Engineering .50 engine.
Other features include Spring Air retracts, Bob Violett Models
wheels and brakes, and a Futaba radio-control system. Ron modified
the kit by adding a larger fuel tank and fully sheeting the wings. He
also added custom simulated intakes that were crafted from blocks
of solid balsa.
“The Patriot flies fast and tracks like an arrow,” wrote Ron. “If
you blink, you’ll miss it.”
Simulated Flight Photo
Jerome Sciortino (25328 Brookside Dr., Seaford DE 19973)
named his Top Flite 1⁄7-scale P-51D Mustang “Big Beautiful Doll.”
It is powered by a SuperTigre .90 engine and features Robart
mechanical retracts.
He decided to shoot the model in a simulated flight pose after
reading Mark Lanterman’s article “Capturing Models Digitally” in
the August 2003 MA. Jerome used a Nikon F-3 with a Vivitar 70-
210mm lens to take this photo.
“I am not too proud to learn a better way of taking pictures,”
wrote Jerome. “Thanks for the lesson!”
First Kit-Build
Michael Harris (5827 Elmwood Dr. NE, Albuquerque NM
87109; E-mail: [email protected]) submitted this photo of his first
kit-built model: a 40-size Great Planes F-15 Eagle.
He powers it with an O.S. .50 SX engine and uses Futaba radio
gear for guidance. The F-15 spans 47 inches and weighs 6 pounds.
The covering is Dove Gray MonoKote.
“I quickly found out why military jets are painted gray, as this
model’s camouflage in the sky works real well!” wrote Michael.
According to him, the model flies nicely and the landings aren’t
as tough as he thought they might be with this aircraft.
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:46 pm Page 12
October 2004 13
38 Special
Mitchell Heller (3110 Harrison, Glenview IL 60025; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this 38 Special from a Brodak kit.
The fuselage was primed with Brodak modeling dope and
painted with black acrylic auto paint. The wings were covered with
White MonoKote.
A Silver Fox tuned Fox .35 engine powers the model, and it flies
on 60-foot lines. This is a popular CL sport design, featuring a
profile fuselage.
Sorta-Scale Curtiss
Robert C. Johnson (69 Beaverbrook Rd., Burlington MA 01803;
E-mail: [email protected]) built this Sig Hog-Bipe and made
some minor changes to the nose and vertical fin so that it would
resemble a 1930s Curtiss shipboard fighter. He calls this a “Sorta-
Scale” transformation.
A Saito 80 engine swinging a 13 x 6 propeller powers Robert’s
biplane. It is covered with Coverite 21st Century Fabric.
“It is an absolute joy to fly, and it lands like a feather,” he wrote.
D.H.80A Puss Moth
Robert E. Thacker (1703 Calle Maria, San Clemente CA 92672)
built this de Havilland D.H.80A from a West Wings kit that he
purchased from Peck-Polymers.
Bob covered this 24-inch-span FF model with transparent
silkspan he had saved for more than 30 years! He attached the
material with two coats of Sig nitrate modeling dope. He fabricated
the windshields and windows from Clear Super MonoKote.
The model’s initial finished weight was 2.65 ounces, but Bob
had to put in an additional .5 ounce of lead to achieve the correct
balance for flying.
Proud of your latest building/flying effort? Share it with MA’s readers
and/or visitors to AMA’s Web site (www.modelaircraft.org)! Send us a
glossy color print or digital photo on CD-ROM (minimum 300 ppi) with an
appropriate description of the model, and we will publish or post the best
submissions.
No E-mailed photos, laser copies, ink-jet copies, or photocopies will be
accepted. Restrict content to the model with or without the owner/builder.
Inappropriate photos will not be published.
Supply your full address (and E-mail address if available) so that
interested parties may contact you directly. Send all submissions to Bob
Hunt, Box 68, Stockertown PA 18083, ATTN: Focal Point. Because of this
section’s popularity, it may be several months before your model is
featured.
Tale of Two Thunderbolts
Avey Shaw (52 Teed St., Huntington Station NY 11746) built
these two P-47 Thunderbolts and painted them to match.
He built the smaller P-47 from a Top Flite kit more than 15 years
ago and named it “Betty,” after his mother-in-law. He built the
larger model from Nick Ziroli plans and named it “Flex,” which is a
nickname he gave his nephew. It spans 72 inches and is powered by
a Quadra 35 engine.
“The 49 on the cowl represents how many RC aircraft I’ve built
to date,” wrote Avey.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:49 pm Page 13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/10
Page Numbers: 10,11,12,13
10 MODEL AVIATION
Retractable Four-Star
Ryan Livingston (15881 McClellan Dr. A-12, Marshall MI
49068; E-mail: [email protected]) wanted to build a
model with retractable landing gear and decided to start his project
with a Sig Manufacturing Four-Star 120 kit.
He converted it to a tricycle landing-gear arrangement and
installed B&D Enterprises pneumatic retracts. Other modifications
include a custom-made fiberglass cowl, a side-mounted engine, and
a low-profile canopy. Ryan powers his custom model with an O.S.
.91 FX.
“The picture was taken after about two months of flying, which
have proven the model to be a real presence in the air and on the
ground,” he wrote.
Converted Edge
Michael Rosman (W362 S10130 Lewin Ln., Eagle WI 53119; Email:
[email protected]) converted this 30% LanierRC Edge
540T from a two-place replica to a single-place version.
He also redid the model’s covering. He made all the graphics on
the computer except the ones on the wing; Kirby’s Custom Graphics
did those. A Sachs 4.2 engine that turns a 24 x 10 propeller at 6,700
rpm powers the model.
“The airplane is a dream to fly,” wrote Michael. “It lands like a
trainer and does every 3-D maneuver out there. It is definitely the
best airplane I have owned to date.”
Michael thanks his dad Bill Rosman for his help with covering
and painting the model.
Salvage/Scratch P-38
H. Lee Trogdon (24779 Fink Rd., Albemarie NC 28001; E-mail:
[email protected]) began this profile P-38 project with a Sig 300S
wing that he salvaged from a trash barrel at the flying field. He
scratch-built the rest from balsa and plywood.
The elevator and rudder servos are mounted in the pods on the
sides of the booms, and the horizontal stabilizer is split in the middle
to allow the booms to be removed.
A Tower Hobbies .40 engine powers the model. It spans 58
inches, is 41 inches long, and weighs 4.5 pounds. It is covered with
Cream and White UltraCote.
Baby Boomer
Jerry Sciortino (25328 Brookside Dr., Seaford DE 19972)
covered his 1⁄4-scale Fly Baby with 21st Century Fabric and powers
it with a Saito 1.30 two-cylinder engine.
The model weighs 13 pounds and features a full-figure lady pilot
that Jerry’s wife prepared. The practice bomb slung on the bottom
of the Fly Baby appropriately bears the name “Baby Boomer.”
“In my attempts to add scale detail, I was lucky to find an owner
of a full-scale Fly Baby who allowed me to photograph and measure
his airplane,” wrote Jerry.
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:30 pm Page 10
October 2004 11
Super Stearman
Walt Carnes (2620 Knightsbridge Dr., Fort Wayne IN 46815; Email:
[email protected]) took 15 months to build this PT-17 “Super
Stearman” from Nick Ziroli Plans.
The model mounts a Quadra-Aerrow Q400 gas engine, with
spring starter, and weighs 24 pounds. Other features include a JR
XP8103S eight-channel radio system for guidance, Robart struts and
wheels, Fiberglass Specialties wheel pants and cowl, and a Goebel
instrument panel.
The PT-17 is covered with Koverall fabric and is painted with
2003 VW yellow paint and trimmed with VW red paint.
“It seems like the Stearman will fly forever on 24 ounces of
fuel,” wrote Walt.
Commemorative Flying Wing
Mark Wasilow (291 Santa Barbara, Irvine CA 92606; E-mail:
[email protected]) designed and built this racing/aerobatic
flying wing to commemorate the terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001.
This model is a spin-off of the old CL Combat airplane designs.
It spans 40 inches, has a wing area of 480 square inches, weighs 2.5
pounds, and features a 1-inch-thick symmetrical airfoil that Mark
designed. Using an O.S. Max SX-32, the model has been clocked by
a radar gun at speeds exceeding 150 mph.
“The wing is very docile at slow flight and lands very slow like a
trainer,” wrote Mark.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm
Profile Europa
James Morway (1105 Marion Dr., Holly MI 48442; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this profile Europa using Bob
Hunt’s Lost Foam wing-building system.
A Webra .32 engine fitted with a carbon-fiber tuned pipe powers
the model. It is covered with OZ film. All of the lettering and
graphics were airbrushed. The pilot figure depicts “Big Art”
Adamisin, who is James’s longtime friend.
“Since Europa is a moon of Jupiter, I think you catch the drift of
the paint job,” wrote James.
Martin P6M-2
David Plummer (14414 NE 14th Pl., Bellevue WA 98007; Email:
[email protected]) constructed this 1⁄16-scale Martin P6M-2
flying boat.
The model spans 77 inches, is 90 inches long, and weighs 17.5
pounds. It is powered by four Mega ACn 22/20/2 brushless motors,
and each is fitted with a 60A controller, driving WeMoTec HW609
fans. The fans produce a thrust of 6 pounds at full throttle.
“With the rather low thrust-to-weight ratio, I’m not sure the
model will get off the water, but I’ll give it a try,” wrote David.
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:39 pm Page 11
12 MODEL AVIATION
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
Smoothie and Flite Streak Trainer
Father and daughter Tom and Mindy Alberty (9943 Bayham,
Portage MI 49024) enjoy flying their Brodak Manufacturing CL
models. Mindy is 11 years old and has been flying with her dad for
two years.
Mindy’s Flite Streak Trainer is covered with MonoKote and is
powered by a Fox .15 engine. Tom’s Smoothie is also covered with
MonoKote, but it is powered by a Fox .35 engine.
“Both airplanes shown have accidentally flown inverted,” wrote
Tom. “Although the experience frayed our nerves, both airplanes
and pilots survived!”
Don’t Blink!
Ron Molaro (1366 73rd St., Brooklyn NY 11228; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this Patriot from a Great Planes kit. He
powers it with a Jett Engineering .50 engine.
Other features include Spring Air retracts, Bob Violett Models
wheels and brakes, and a Futaba radio-control system. Ron modified
the kit by adding a larger fuel tank and fully sheeting the wings. He
also added custom simulated intakes that were crafted from blocks
of solid balsa.
“The Patriot flies fast and tracks like an arrow,” wrote Ron. “If
you blink, you’ll miss it.”
Simulated Flight Photo
Jerome Sciortino (25328 Brookside Dr., Seaford DE 19973)
named his Top Flite 1⁄7-scale P-51D Mustang “Big Beautiful Doll.”
It is powered by a SuperTigre .90 engine and features Robart
mechanical retracts.
He decided to shoot the model in a simulated flight pose after
reading Mark Lanterman’s article “Capturing Models Digitally” in
the August 2003 MA. Jerome used a Nikon F-3 with a Vivitar 70-
210mm lens to take this photo.
“I am not too proud to learn a better way of taking pictures,”
wrote Jerome. “Thanks for the lesson!”
First Kit-Build
Michael Harris (5827 Elmwood Dr. NE, Albuquerque NM
87109; E-mail: [email protected]) submitted this photo of his first
kit-built model: a 40-size Great Planes F-15 Eagle.
He powers it with an O.S. .50 SX engine and uses Futaba radio
gear for guidance. The F-15 spans 47 inches and weighs 6 pounds.
The covering is Dove Gray MonoKote.
“I quickly found out why military jets are painted gray, as this
model’s camouflage in the sky works real well!” wrote Michael.
According to him, the model flies nicely and the landings aren’t
as tough as he thought they might be with this aircraft.
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:46 pm Page 12
October 2004 13
38 Special
Mitchell Heller (3110 Harrison, Glenview IL 60025; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this 38 Special from a Brodak kit.
The fuselage was primed with Brodak modeling dope and
painted with black acrylic auto paint. The wings were covered with
White MonoKote.
A Silver Fox tuned Fox .35 engine powers the model, and it flies
on 60-foot lines. This is a popular CL sport design, featuring a
profile fuselage.
Sorta-Scale Curtiss
Robert C. Johnson (69 Beaverbrook Rd., Burlington MA 01803;
E-mail: [email protected]) built this Sig Hog-Bipe and made
some minor changes to the nose and vertical fin so that it would
resemble a 1930s Curtiss shipboard fighter. He calls this a “Sorta-
Scale” transformation.
A Saito 80 engine swinging a 13 x 6 propeller powers Robert’s
biplane. It is covered with Coverite 21st Century Fabric.
“It is an absolute joy to fly, and it lands like a feather,” he wrote.
D.H.80A Puss Moth
Robert E. Thacker (1703 Calle Maria, San Clemente CA 92672)
built this de Havilland D.H.80A from a West Wings kit that he
purchased from Peck-Polymers.
Bob covered this 24-inch-span FF model with transparent
silkspan he had saved for more than 30 years! He attached the
material with two coats of Sig nitrate modeling dope. He fabricated
the windshields and windows from Clear Super MonoKote.
The model’s initial finished weight was 2.65 ounces, but Bob
had to put in an additional .5 ounce of lead to achieve the correct
balance for flying.
Proud of your latest building/flying effort? Share it with MA’s readers
and/or visitors to AMA’s Web site (www.modelaircraft.org)! Send us a
glossy color print or digital photo on CD-ROM (minimum 300 ppi) with an
appropriate description of the model, and we will publish or post the best
submissions.
No E-mailed photos, laser copies, ink-jet copies, or photocopies will be
accepted. Restrict content to the model with or without the owner/builder.
Inappropriate photos will not be published.
Supply your full address (and E-mail address if available) so that
interested parties may contact you directly. Send all submissions to Bob
Hunt, Box 68, Stockertown PA 18083, ATTN: Focal Point. Because of this
section’s popularity, it may be several months before your model is
featured.
Tale of Two Thunderbolts
Avey Shaw (52 Teed St., Huntington Station NY 11746) built
these two P-47 Thunderbolts and painted them to match.
He built the smaller P-47 from a Top Flite kit more than 15 years
ago and named it “Betty,” after his mother-in-law. He built the
larger model from Nick Ziroli plans and named it “Flex,” which is a
nickname he gave his nephew. It spans 72 inches and is powered by
a Quadra 35 engine.
“The 49 on the cowl represents how many RC aircraft I’ve built
to date,” wrote Avey.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:49 pm Page 13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/10
Page Numbers: 10,11,12,13
10 MODEL AVIATION
Retractable Four-Star
Ryan Livingston (15881 McClellan Dr. A-12, Marshall MI
49068; E-mail: [email protected]) wanted to build a
model with retractable landing gear and decided to start his project
with a Sig Manufacturing Four-Star 120 kit.
He converted it to a tricycle landing-gear arrangement and
installed B&D Enterprises pneumatic retracts. Other modifications
include a custom-made fiberglass cowl, a side-mounted engine, and
a low-profile canopy. Ryan powers his custom model with an O.S.
.91 FX.
“The picture was taken after about two months of flying, which
have proven the model to be a real presence in the air and on the
ground,” he wrote.
Converted Edge
Michael Rosman (W362 S10130 Lewin Ln., Eagle WI 53119; Email:
[email protected]) converted this 30% LanierRC Edge
540T from a two-place replica to a single-place version.
He also redid the model’s covering. He made all the graphics on
the computer except the ones on the wing; Kirby’s Custom Graphics
did those. A Sachs 4.2 engine that turns a 24 x 10 propeller at 6,700
rpm powers the model.
“The airplane is a dream to fly,” wrote Michael. “It lands like a
trainer and does every 3-D maneuver out there. It is definitely the
best airplane I have owned to date.”
Michael thanks his dad Bill Rosman for his help with covering
and painting the model.
Salvage/Scratch P-38
H. Lee Trogdon (24779 Fink Rd., Albemarie NC 28001; E-mail:
[email protected]) began this profile P-38 project with a Sig 300S
wing that he salvaged from a trash barrel at the flying field. He
scratch-built the rest from balsa and plywood.
The elevator and rudder servos are mounted in the pods on the
sides of the booms, and the horizontal stabilizer is split in the middle
to allow the booms to be removed.
A Tower Hobbies .40 engine powers the model. It spans 58
inches, is 41 inches long, and weighs 4.5 pounds. It is covered with
Cream and White UltraCote.
Baby Boomer
Jerry Sciortino (25328 Brookside Dr., Seaford DE 19972)
covered his 1⁄4-scale Fly Baby with 21st Century Fabric and powers
it with a Saito 1.30 two-cylinder engine.
The model weighs 13 pounds and features a full-figure lady pilot
that Jerry’s wife prepared. The practice bomb slung on the bottom
of the Fly Baby appropriately bears the name “Baby Boomer.”
“In my attempts to add scale detail, I was lucky to find an owner
of a full-scale Fly Baby who allowed me to photograph and measure
his airplane,” wrote Jerry.
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:30 pm Page 10
October 2004 11
Super Stearman
Walt Carnes (2620 Knightsbridge Dr., Fort Wayne IN 46815; Email:
[email protected]) took 15 months to build this PT-17 “Super
Stearman” from Nick Ziroli Plans.
The model mounts a Quadra-Aerrow Q400 gas engine, with
spring starter, and weighs 24 pounds. Other features include a JR
XP8103S eight-channel radio system for guidance, Robart struts and
wheels, Fiberglass Specialties wheel pants and cowl, and a Goebel
instrument panel.
The PT-17 is covered with Koverall fabric and is painted with
2003 VW yellow paint and trimmed with VW red paint.
“It seems like the Stearman will fly forever on 24 ounces of
fuel,” wrote Walt.
Commemorative Flying Wing
Mark Wasilow (291 Santa Barbara, Irvine CA 92606; E-mail:
[email protected]) designed and built this racing/aerobatic
flying wing to commemorate the terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001.
This model is a spin-off of the old CL Combat airplane designs.
It spans 40 inches, has a wing area of 480 square inches, weighs 2.5
pounds, and features a 1-inch-thick symmetrical airfoil that Mark
designed. Using an O.S. Max SX-32, the model has been clocked by
a radar gun at speeds exceeding 150 mph.
“The wing is very docile at slow flight and lands very slow like a
trainer,” wrote Mark.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm
Profile Europa
James Morway (1105 Marion Dr., Holly MI 48442; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this profile Europa using Bob
Hunt’s Lost Foam wing-building system.
A Webra .32 engine fitted with a carbon-fiber tuned pipe powers
the model. It is covered with OZ film. All of the lettering and
graphics were airbrushed. The pilot figure depicts “Big Art”
Adamisin, who is James’s longtime friend.
“Since Europa is a moon of Jupiter, I think you catch the drift of
the paint job,” wrote James.
Martin P6M-2
David Plummer (14414 NE 14th Pl., Bellevue WA 98007; Email:
[email protected]) constructed this 1⁄16-scale Martin P6M-2
flying boat.
The model spans 77 inches, is 90 inches long, and weighs 17.5
pounds. It is powered by four Mega ACn 22/20/2 brushless motors,
and each is fitted with a 60A controller, driving WeMoTec HW609
fans. The fans produce a thrust of 6 pounds at full throttle.
“With the rather low thrust-to-weight ratio, I’m not sure the
model will get off the water, but I’ll give it a try,” wrote David.
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:39 pm Page 11
12 MODEL AVIATION
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
Smoothie and Flite Streak Trainer
Father and daughter Tom and Mindy Alberty (9943 Bayham,
Portage MI 49024) enjoy flying their Brodak Manufacturing CL
models. Mindy is 11 years old and has been flying with her dad for
two years.
Mindy’s Flite Streak Trainer is covered with MonoKote and is
powered by a Fox .15 engine. Tom’s Smoothie is also covered with
MonoKote, but it is powered by a Fox .35 engine.
“Both airplanes shown have accidentally flown inverted,” wrote
Tom. “Although the experience frayed our nerves, both airplanes
and pilots survived!”
Don’t Blink!
Ron Molaro (1366 73rd St., Brooklyn NY 11228; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this Patriot from a Great Planes kit. He
powers it with a Jett Engineering .50 engine.
Other features include Spring Air retracts, Bob Violett Models
wheels and brakes, and a Futaba radio-control system. Ron modified
the kit by adding a larger fuel tank and fully sheeting the wings. He
also added custom simulated intakes that were crafted from blocks
of solid balsa.
“The Patriot flies fast and tracks like an arrow,” wrote Ron. “If
you blink, you’ll miss it.”
Simulated Flight Photo
Jerome Sciortino (25328 Brookside Dr., Seaford DE 19973)
named his Top Flite 1⁄7-scale P-51D Mustang “Big Beautiful Doll.”
It is powered by a SuperTigre .90 engine and features Robart
mechanical retracts.
He decided to shoot the model in a simulated flight pose after
reading Mark Lanterman’s article “Capturing Models Digitally” in
the August 2003 MA. Jerome used a Nikon F-3 with a Vivitar 70-
210mm lens to take this photo.
“I am not too proud to learn a better way of taking pictures,”
wrote Jerome. “Thanks for the lesson!”
First Kit-Build
Michael Harris (5827 Elmwood Dr. NE, Albuquerque NM
87109; E-mail: [email protected]) submitted this photo of his first
kit-built model: a 40-size Great Planes F-15 Eagle.
He powers it with an O.S. .50 SX engine and uses Futaba radio
gear for guidance. The F-15 spans 47 inches and weighs 6 pounds.
The covering is Dove Gray MonoKote.
“I quickly found out why military jets are painted gray, as this
model’s camouflage in the sky works real well!” wrote Michael.
According to him, the model flies nicely and the landings aren’t
as tough as he thought they might be with this aircraft.
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:46 pm Page 12
October 2004 13
38 Special
Mitchell Heller (3110 Harrison, Glenview IL 60025; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this 38 Special from a Brodak kit.
The fuselage was primed with Brodak modeling dope and
painted with black acrylic auto paint. The wings were covered with
White MonoKote.
A Silver Fox tuned Fox .35 engine powers the model, and it flies
on 60-foot lines. This is a popular CL sport design, featuring a
profile fuselage.
Sorta-Scale Curtiss
Robert C. Johnson (69 Beaverbrook Rd., Burlington MA 01803;
E-mail: [email protected]) built this Sig Hog-Bipe and made
some minor changes to the nose and vertical fin so that it would
resemble a 1930s Curtiss shipboard fighter. He calls this a “Sorta-
Scale” transformation.
A Saito 80 engine swinging a 13 x 6 propeller powers Robert’s
biplane. It is covered with Coverite 21st Century Fabric.
“It is an absolute joy to fly, and it lands like a feather,” he wrote.
D.H.80A Puss Moth
Robert E. Thacker (1703 Calle Maria, San Clemente CA 92672)
built this de Havilland D.H.80A from a West Wings kit that he
purchased from Peck-Polymers.
Bob covered this 24-inch-span FF model with transparent
silkspan he had saved for more than 30 years! He attached the
material with two coats of Sig nitrate modeling dope. He fabricated
the windshields and windows from Clear Super MonoKote.
The model’s initial finished weight was 2.65 ounces, but Bob
had to put in an additional .5 ounce of lead to achieve the correct
balance for flying.
Proud of your latest building/flying effort? Share it with MA’s readers
and/or visitors to AMA’s Web site (www.modelaircraft.org)! Send us a
glossy color print or digital photo on CD-ROM (minimum 300 ppi) with an
appropriate description of the model, and we will publish or post the best
submissions.
No E-mailed photos, laser copies, ink-jet copies, or photocopies will be
accepted. Restrict content to the model with or without the owner/builder.
Inappropriate photos will not be published.
Supply your full address (and E-mail address if available) so that
interested parties may contact you directly. Send all submissions to Bob
Hunt, Box 68, Stockertown PA 18083, ATTN: Focal Point. Because of this
section’s popularity, it may be several months before your model is
featured.
Tale of Two Thunderbolts
Avey Shaw (52 Teed St., Huntington Station NY 11746) built
these two P-47 Thunderbolts and painted them to match.
He built the smaller P-47 from a Top Flite kit more than 15 years
ago and named it “Betty,” after his mother-in-law. He built the
larger model from Nick Ziroli plans and named it “Flex,” which is a
nickname he gave his nephew. It spans 72 inches and is powered by
a Quadra 35 engine.
“The 49 on the cowl represents how many RC aircraft I’ve built
to date,” wrote Avey.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm
10sig1.QXD 7/23/04 12:49 pm Page 13