10 MODEL AVIATION
North American B-25
Terry Patrick (211 N. 70th Ave., Yakima WA 98908; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 118-inch-wingspan B-25 from
Nick Ziroli plans.
The model is powered by two Zenoah G-38 engines, weighs 43
pounds, and is equipped with Robart retracts. It carries and drops
five bombs, and the top turret rotates. The B-25 is painted with
Benjamin Moore house paint and features a JR 8103 radio system.
“On the landing approach, oil is released into the right engine,
simulating a hit by enemy antiaircraft fire,” wrote Terry.
Fokker D.VII
Jim Farrar (1091 Pintail Ct., Columbus IN 47201; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his Fokker from a Proctor Enterprises
kit and finished it in the scheme of pilot Oberleutnant Hasso von
Wedel, who flew with Jasta 24 in World War I.
The model is powered by a Laser 300v engine and controlled by
a JR XP8103 radio system. The covering is printed linen fabric with
a clear modeling-dope topcoat. Latex house paint was mixed to
match the original colors of the paint on the cowlings,
undercarriage, wheels, and struts.
“My model weighs 25.8 pounds and took 4 years of ‘off and on’
work to complete,” wrote Jim.
Nieuport Sesquiplane
Bill Beck (2301 N. Six Mile Rd., Sioux Falls SD 57110) asserts
that the above model is a Nieuport Type 17 sesquiplane—not a
biplane! If the bottom wing is half or less the area of the top wing,
the aircraft is a sesquiplane.
Bill built his 1⁄4-scale model from a Balsa USA kit that his kids
gave him on his 75th birthday. It is powered by an O.S. 160 Gemini
Twin which spins an 18 x 6 propeller. Covering is Solartex.
“The photo was taken on the maiden flight, and it flew well at a
good, stable scale speed,” wrote Bill.
Mexican P-47
Jesus A. Castro (1034 via Margarita, Rio Rico AZ 85648; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 60-size P-47 Thunderbolt from a Top
Flite kit and painted it with Mexican Air Force markings. Sonora
Models in Hermosillo, Mexico, custom-made the insignia and other
graphics.
The project took Jesus almost a full year to complete. The model is
covered with fiberglass and finished with Top Flite paints, and it is
powered by a Magnum 120 engine.
May 2005 11
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/focalpt/index.asp
Modified Delta Vortex
Joe McCary (1 Mercer Ln., Fredericksburg VA 22405) crafted
this modified version of Bruce Tharpe Models’ Delta Vortex.
He powers this colorful model with an O.S. 70 Ultimate with
pump. The engine is mounted on its side and draws fuel from a 17-
ounce tank that is mounted over the Vortex’s CG.
It weighs just less than 7 pounds and has a wing loading of less
than 12 ounces per square foot.
“In over 50 years of building and flying models of all types, I
can say that this is the most stable, most well-behaved flying
platform I have ever flown,” wrote Joe.
Swoose!
Ron Richard (Box 5963, Arcata CA 95521: E-mail:
[email protected]) built his unusual Swoose floatplane from Nick
Ziroli plans enlarged 15%. It spans 72 inches and weighs 13 pounds.
The wing is made from balsa-covered blue foam, and the model
is covered with MonoKote. A Saito 100 engine provides the power.
First Built-Up Model
Josh L. Hines (478 Heather St., Englewood OH 45322; E-mail:
[email protected]) reports that this is only his second model
airplane, but it is the first one he has built from a kit. He constructed
and covered his Great Planes Extra 300 during the winter of 2003-
2004.
An O.S. .46 FX engine provides the power, and a Futaba 9C
radio-control system performs guidance chores.
“I found out on this project that I get just as much enjoyment out
of building models as I do flying them,” wrote Josh.
Colorful Bearcat
R.M. (Bob) Kirkpatrick (5912 Standing Rock Dr., Austin TX
78730; E-mail: [email protected]) built his Grumman F8F
Bearcat from an Air-Kill Products RC Combat kit. It’s powered by a
SuperTigre G-15 engine.
All of the model’s external surfaces are covered with lightweight
fiberglass cloth and polyester resin. It is finished with Hobbypoxy
primer, Sig modeling dope for the colors, and a topcoat of
Superpoxy Clear. Bob applied the simulated panel lines and rivets
on the model using a Rapidograph technical pen.
12 MODEL AVIATION
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
Super Decathlon
Bradley P. Buchanan (2558 W. 1275 N., Layton UT 84041; Email:
[email protected]) built his Super Decathlon from a
Dynaflite kit.
It spans 89 inches and is powered by an O.S. 1.60 FX two-stroke
engine fitted with a J-Tec muffler and a 3-inch-diameter chrome
spinner. Brad uses a JR eight-channel radio with six Hitec servos for
guidance. Also fitted is a TME smoke pump.
The model is covered with orange and white Coverite to give it a
prototypical fabric look. Brad painted the cowling and the wheel
pants with LustreKote.
“Weighing just 14 pounds, this is a great-flying airplane that’s
easy to land and fun to put together,” he wrote.
Dad’s Mentor
Scott A. Hayden (137 Bullen St., Milford ME 04461; E-mail:
[email protected]) sent in this photo of a Beechcraft T-34
Mentor that his father Paul E. Hayden built from a Top Flite kit.
The T-34 is covered with MonoKote and powered by an O.S.
120 engine with pump. Robart Manufacturing made the landing gear
especially for this model. The entire cockpit is removable to allow
for easier detailing.
Enlarged Bill Winter RC Special
Russell M. Stiff’s (1008 Lakeridge Cir., Troutville VA 24175; Email:
[email protected]) enlarged version of Bill Winter’s
1947 RC Special was redesigned by John Hunton in 1988, with Bill
Winter’s help, to a 141% size. This 14-pound model spans 88
inches; the original spanned 63 inches.
It is covered with UltraCote and trimmed with Great Planes
White Vinyl Strype. The painted areas were done with Pactra Bright
Red Formula U polyurethane.
For power Russell chose a Saito 120 four-stroke with a Master
Airscrew Classic Series 16 x 8 propeller and a Tru-Turn 31⁄2-inch P-
51-style spinner. A Futaba TX6A radio with eight Futaba S3004
servos is used for guidance.
Henry’s Travel Air
Craig A. Chastney (5150 Meadowlake Ln., Dunwoody GA
30338; E-mail: [email protected]) submitted this photo of fellow
Atlanta R/C Club mate Henry Smollen with his scratch-built Travel
Air. The photo was taken immediately after the maiden flight.
An O.S. .61 powers Henry’s biplane, and Craig reports that it
“flies like a dream.”
Henry is respected by club members as one of the most
industrious and meticulous builders in the group. According to
Craig, “He joined the club and learned to fly at the age of 70—and
that was 20 years ago.”
May 2005 13
Goldberg Sailplane
Fred Ayers (104 Falkener Dr., Greensboro NC 27410; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his majestic Goldberg sailplane
from a Bob Holman short kit.
It is covered and finished with silk and modeling dope. An O.S.
.40 is used for power, and guidance is provided via a Futaba radiocontrol
system that employs four servos. One channel and servo are
used to deploy the single retractable wheel.
“This airplane climbs out like a free flight with no control inputs,
and it flies like a dream,” wrote Fred.
Head-Turning Ultimate Pitts
Craig Keyser (2450 South Mill Rd., Heber UT 84032; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 12-pound Ultimate Pitts from a
LanierRC kit. It spans 60.25 inches.
A Saito 180 four-stroke engine, swinging a 16 x 8 APC
propeller, powers this model. It is fitted with a TME Simple Smoker
system and controlled via a Futaba 7CAP radio system with eight
digital servos.
Craig used a Stan’s Fiber Tech cowl and wheel pants on the
Pitts, which he covered with MonoKote.
“It was a great airplane to build, and it’s a real head-turner at the
field,” he wrote.
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.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/focalpt/index.asp
Restored Piper Tomahawk
Rickey Sweigart (170 1st St. SW, Naples FL 34117; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this 1⁄4-scale Piper Tomahawk 18 years
ago from plans he obtained from Jim Messer Quality Plans.
According to Rickey, Reid Quality Models currently sells these
plans.
Rickey retrieved the model from storage recently and re-covered
it with Super MonoKote. He painted the cabin, cowl, and wingtips
with matching LustreKote paint. It spans 100 inches and weighs 19
pounds. A Quadra 35 Model 1 provides the power.
“I will improve the scale appearance over time,” wrote Rickey.
Grumman Duck
Robert Pease (21714 Sunset Dr., Astor FL 32102; E-mail:
[email protected]) co-built this Grumman J2F-6 Duck from
Cleveland plans that were enlarged 10%. The late Fred Strauss, who
passed away in February 2002, started constructing this model, and
Robert finished it.
The size increase yielded a 1⁄7-scale model that spans 65 inches,
has 1,322 square inches of wing area, and weighs 18 pounds. The
Duck is powered by a GMS 120 engine, and features include
retractable landing gear and full cockpit detail with sliding canopy.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/05
Page Numbers: 10,11,12,13
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/05
Page Numbers: 10,11,12,13
10 MODEL AVIATION
North American B-25
Terry Patrick (211 N. 70th Ave., Yakima WA 98908; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 118-inch-wingspan B-25 from
Nick Ziroli plans.
The model is powered by two Zenoah G-38 engines, weighs 43
pounds, and is equipped with Robart retracts. It carries and drops
five bombs, and the top turret rotates. The B-25 is painted with
Benjamin Moore house paint and features a JR 8103 radio system.
“On the landing approach, oil is released into the right engine,
simulating a hit by enemy antiaircraft fire,” wrote Terry.
Fokker D.VII
Jim Farrar (1091 Pintail Ct., Columbus IN 47201; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his Fokker from a Proctor Enterprises
kit and finished it in the scheme of pilot Oberleutnant Hasso von
Wedel, who flew with Jasta 24 in World War I.
The model is powered by a Laser 300v engine and controlled by
a JR XP8103 radio system. The covering is printed linen fabric with
a clear modeling-dope topcoat. Latex house paint was mixed to
match the original colors of the paint on the cowlings,
undercarriage, wheels, and struts.
“My model weighs 25.8 pounds and took 4 years of ‘off and on’
work to complete,” wrote Jim.
Nieuport Sesquiplane
Bill Beck (2301 N. Six Mile Rd., Sioux Falls SD 57110) asserts
that the above model is a Nieuport Type 17 sesquiplane—not a
biplane! If the bottom wing is half or less the area of the top wing,
the aircraft is a sesquiplane.
Bill built his 1⁄4-scale model from a Balsa USA kit that his kids
gave him on his 75th birthday. It is powered by an O.S. 160 Gemini
Twin which spins an 18 x 6 propeller. Covering is Solartex.
“The photo was taken on the maiden flight, and it flew well at a
good, stable scale speed,” wrote Bill.
Mexican P-47
Jesus A. Castro (1034 via Margarita, Rio Rico AZ 85648; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 60-size P-47 Thunderbolt from a Top
Flite kit and painted it with Mexican Air Force markings. Sonora
Models in Hermosillo, Mexico, custom-made the insignia and other
graphics.
The project took Jesus almost a full year to complete. The model is
covered with fiberglass and finished with Top Flite paints, and it is
powered by a Magnum 120 engine.
May 2005 11
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/focalpt/index.asp
Modified Delta Vortex
Joe McCary (1 Mercer Ln., Fredericksburg VA 22405) crafted
this modified version of Bruce Tharpe Models’ Delta Vortex.
He powers this colorful model with an O.S. 70 Ultimate with
pump. The engine is mounted on its side and draws fuel from a 17-
ounce tank that is mounted over the Vortex’s CG.
It weighs just less than 7 pounds and has a wing loading of less
than 12 ounces per square foot.
“In over 50 years of building and flying models of all types, I
can say that this is the most stable, most well-behaved flying
platform I have ever flown,” wrote Joe.
Swoose!
Ron Richard (Box 5963, Arcata CA 95521: E-mail:
[email protected]) built his unusual Swoose floatplane from Nick
Ziroli plans enlarged 15%. It spans 72 inches and weighs 13 pounds.
The wing is made from balsa-covered blue foam, and the model
is covered with MonoKote. A Saito 100 engine provides the power.
First Built-Up Model
Josh L. Hines (478 Heather St., Englewood OH 45322; E-mail:
[email protected]) reports that this is only his second model
airplane, but it is the first one he has built from a kit. He constructed
and covered his Great Planes Extra 300 during the winter of 2003-
2004.
An O.S. .46 FX engine provides the power, and a Futaba 9C
radio-control system performs guidance chores.
“I found out on this project that I get just as much enjoyment out
of building models as I do flying them,” wrote Josh.
Colorful Bearcat
R.M. (Bob) Kirkpatrick (5912 Standing Rock Dr., Austin TX
78730; E-mail: [email protected]) built his Grumman F8F
Bearcat from an Air-Kill Products RC Combat kit. It’s powered by a
SuperTigre G-15 engine.
All of the model’s external surfaces are covered with lightweight
fiberglass cloth and polyester resin. It is finished with Hobbypoxy
primer, Sig modeling dope for the colors, and a topcoat of
Superpoxy Clear. Bob applied the simulated panel lines and rivets
on the model using a Rapidograph technical pen.
12 MODEL AVIATION
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
Super Decathlon
Bradley P. Buchanan (2558 W. 1275 N., Layton UT 84041; Email:
[email protected]) built his Super Decathlon from a
Dynaflite kit.
It spans 89 inches and is powered by an O.S. 1.60 FX two-stroke
engine fitted with a J-Tec muffler and a 3-inch-diameter chrome
spinner. Brad uses a JR eight-channel radio with six Hitec servos for
guidance. Also fitted is a TME smoke pump.
The model is covered with orange and white Coverite to give it a
prototypical fabric look. Brad painted the cowling and the wheel
pants with LustreKote.
“Weighing just 14 pounds, this is a great-flying airplane that’s
easy to land and fun to put together,” he wrote.
Dad’s Mentor
Scott A. Hayden (137 Bullen St., Milford ME 04461; E-mail:
[email protected]) sent in this photo of a Beechcraft T-34
Mentor that his father Paul E. Hayden built from a Top Flite kit.
The T-34 is covered with MonoKote and powered by an O.S.
120 engine with pump. Robart Manufacturing made the landing gear
especially for this model. The entire cockpit is removable to allow
for easier detailing.
Enlarged Bill Winter RC Special
Russell M. Stiff’s (1008 Lakeridge Cir., Troutville VA 24175; Email:
[email protected]) enlarged version of Bill Winter’s
1947 RC Special was redesigned by John Hunton in 1988, with Bill
Winter’s help, to a 141% size. This 14-pound model spans 88
inches; the original spanned 63 inches.
It is covered with UltraCote and trimmed with Great Planes
White Vinyl Strype. The painted areas were done with Pactra Bright
Red Formula U polyurethane.
For power Russell chose a Saito 120 four-stroke with a Master
Airscrew Classic Series 16 x 8 propeller and a Tru-Turn 31⁄2-inch P-
51-style spinner. A Futaba TX6A radio with eight Futaba S3004
servos is used for guidance.
Henry’s Travel Air
Craig A. Chastney (5150 Meadowlake Ln., Dunwoody GA
30338; E-mail: [email protected]) submitted this photo of fellow
Atlanta R/C Club mate Henry Smollen with his scratch-built Travel
Air. The photo was taken immediately after the maiden flight.
An O.S. .61 powers Henry’s biplane, and Craig reports that it
“flies like a dream.”
Henry is respected by club members as one of the most
industrious and meticulous builders in the group. According to
Craig, “He joined the club and learned to fly at the age of 70—and
that was 20 years ago.”
May 2005 13
Goldberg Sailplane
Fred Ayers (104 Falkener Dr., Greensboro NC 27410; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his majestic Goldberg sailplane
from a Bob Holman short kit.
It is covered and finished with silk and modeling dope. An O.S.
.40 is used for power, and guidance is provided via a Futaba radiocontrol
system that employs four servos. One channel and servo are
used to deploy the single retractable wheel.
“This airplane climbs out like a free flight with no control inputs,
and it flies like a dream,” wrote Fred.
Head-Turning Ultimate Pitts
Craig Keyser (2450 South Mill Rd., Heber UT 84032; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 12-pound Ultimate Pitts from a
LanierRC kit. It spans 60.25 inches.
A Saito 180 four-stroke engine, swinging a 16 x 8 APC
propeller, powers this model. It is fitted with a TME Simple Smoker
system and controlled via a Futaba 7CAP radio system with eight
digital servos.
Craig used a Stan’s Fiber Tech cowl and wheel pants on the
Pitts, which he covered with MonoKote.
“It was a great airplane to build, and it’s a real head-turner at the
field,” he wrote.
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.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/focalpt/index.asp
Restored Piper Tomahawk
Rickey Sweigart (170 1st St. SW, Naples FL 34117; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this 1⁄4-scale Piper Tomahawk 18 years
ago from plans he obtained from Jim Messer Quality Plans.
According to Rickey, Reid Quality Models currently sells these
plans.
Rickey retrieved the model from storage recently and re-covered
it with Super MonoKote. He painted the cabin, cowl, and wingtips
with matching LustreKote paint. It spans 100 inches and weighs 19
pounds. A Quadra 35 Model 1 provides the power.
“I will improve the scale appearance over time,” wrote Rickey.
Grumman Duck
Robert Pease (21714 Sunset Dr., Astor FL 32102; E-mail:
[email protected]) co-built this Grumman J2F-6 Duck from
Cleveland plans that were enlarged 10%. The late Fred Strauss, who
passed away in February 2002, started constructing this model, and
Robert finished it.
The size increase yielded a 1⁄7-scale model that spans 65 inches,
has 1,322 square inches of wing area, and weighs 18 pounds. The
Duck is powered by a GMS 120 engine, and features include
retractable landing gear and full cockpit detail with sliding canopy.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/05
Page Numbers: 10,11,12,13
10 MODEL AVIATION
North American B-25
Terry Patrick (211 N. 70th Ave., Yakima WA 98908; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 118-inch-wingspan B-25 from
Nick Ziroli plans.
The model is powered by two Zenoah G-38 engines, weighs 43
pounds, and is equipped with Robart retracts. It carries and drops
five bombs, and the top turret rotates. The B-25 is painted with
Benjamin Moore house paint and features a JR 8103 radio system.
“On the landing approach, oil is released into the right engine,
simulating a hit by enemy antiaircraft fire,” wrote Terry.
Fokker D.VII
Jim Farrar (1091 Pintail Ct., Columbus IN 47201; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his Fokker from a Proctor Enterprises
kit and finished it in the scheme of pilot Oberleutnant Hasso von
Wedel, who flew with Jasta 24 in World War I.
The model is powered by a Laser 300v engine and controlled by
a JR XP8103 radio system. The covering is printed linen fabric with
a clear modeling-dope topcoat. Latex house paint was mixed to
match the original colors of the paint on the cowlings,
undercarriage, wheels, and struts.
“My model weighs 25.8 pounds and took 4 years of ‘off and on’
work to complete,” wrote Jim.
Nieuport Sesquiplane
Bill Beck (2301 N. Six Mile Rd., Sioux Falls SD 57110) asserts
that the above model is a Nieuport Type 17 sesquiplane—not a
biplane! If the bottom wing is half or less the area of the top wing,
the aircraft is a sesquiplane.
Bill built his 1⁄4-scale model from a Balsa USA kit that his kids
gave him on his 75th birthday. It is powered by an O.S. 160 Gemini
Twin which spins an 18 x 6 propeller. Covering is Solartex.
“The photo was taken on the maiden flight, and it flew well at a
good, stable scale speed,” wrote Bill.
Mexican P-47
Jesus A. Castro (1034 via Margarita, Rio Rico AZ 85648; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 60-size P-47 Thunderbolt from a Top
Flite kit and painted it with Mexican Air Force markings. Sonora
Models in Hermosillo, Mexico, custom-made the insignia and other
graphics.
The project took Jesus almost a full year to complete. The model is
covered with fiberglass and finished with Top Flite paints, and it is
powered by a Magnum 120 engine.
May 2005 11
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/focalpt/index.asp
Modified Delta Vortex
Joe McCary (1 Mercer Ln., Fredericksburg VA 22405) crafted
this modified version of Bruce Tharpe Models’ Delta Vortex.
He powers this colorful model with an O.S. 70 Ultimate with
pump. The engine is mounted on its side and draws fuel from a 17-
ounce tank that is mounted over the Vortex’s CG.
It weighs just less than 7 pounds and has a wing loading of less
than 12 ounces per square foot.
“In over 50 years of building and flying models of all types, I
can say that this is the most stable, most well-behaved flying
platform I have ever flown,” wrote Joe.
Swoose!
Ron Richard (Box 5963, Arcata CA 95521: E-mail:
[email protected]) built his unusual Swoose floatplane from Nick
Ziroli plans enlarged 15%. It spans 72 inches and weighs 13 pounds.
The wing is made from balsa-covered blue foam, and the model
is covered with MonoKote. A Saito 100 engine provides the power.
First Built-Up Model
Josh L. Hines (478 Heather St., Englewood OH 45322; E-mail:
[email protected]) reports that this is only his second model
airplane, but it is the first one he has built from a kit. He constructed
and covered his Great Planes Extra 300 during the winter of 2003-
2004.
An O.S. .46 FX engine provides the power, and a Futaba 9C
radio-control system performs guidance chores.
“I found out on this project that I get just as much enjoyment out
of building models as I do flying them,” wrote Josh.
Colorful Bearcat
R.M. (Bob) Kirkpatrick (5912 Standing Rock Dr., Austin TX
78730; E-mail: [email protected]) built his Grumman F8F
Bearcat from an Air-Kill Products RC Combat kit. It’s powered by a
SuperTigre G-15 engine.
All of the model’s external surfaces are covered with lightweight
fiberglass cloth and polyester resin. It is finished with Hobbypoxy
primer, Sig modeling dope for the colors, and a topcoat of
Superpoxy Clear. Bob applied the simulated panel lines and rivets
on the model using a Rapidograph technical pen.
12 MODEL AVIATION
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
Super Decathlon
Bradley P. Buchanan (2558 W. 1275 N., Layton UT 84041; Email:
[email protected]) built his Super Decathlon from a
Dynaflite kit.
It spans 89 inches and is powered by an O.S. 1.60 FX two-stroke
engine fitted with a J-Tec muffler and a 3-inch-diameter chrome
spinner. Brad uses a JR eight-channel radio with six Hitec servos for
guidance. Also fitted is a TME smoke pump.
The model is covered with orange and white Coverite to give it a
prototypical fabric look. Brad painted the cowling and the wheel
pants with LustreKote.
“Weighing just 14 pounds, this is a great-flying airplane that’s
easy to land and fun to put together,” he wrote.
Dad’s Mentor
Scott A. Hayden (137 Bullen St., Milford ME 04461; E-mail:
[email protected]) sent in this photo of a Beechcraft T-34
Mentor that his father Paul E. Hayden built from a Top Flite kit.
The T-34 is covered with MonoKote and powered by an O.S.
120 engine with pump. Robart Manufacturing made the landing gear
especially for this model. The entire cockpit is removable to allow
for easier detailing.
Enlarged Bill Winter RC Special
Russell M. Stiff’s (1008 Lakeridge Cir., Troutville VA 24175; Email:
[email protected]) enlarged version of Bill Winter’s
1947 RC Special was redesigned by John Hunton in 1988, with Bill
Winter’s help, to a 141% size. This 14-pound model spans 88
inches; the original spanned 63 inches.
It is covered with UltraCote and trimmed with Great Planes
White Vinyl Strype. The painted areas were done with Pactra Bright
Red Formula U polyurethane.
For power Russell chose a Saito 120 four-stroke with a Master
Airscrew Classic Series 16 x 8 propeller and a Tru-Turn 31⁄2-inch P-
51-style spinner. A Futaba TX6A radio with eight Futaba S3004
servos is used for guidance.
Henry’s Travel Air
Craig A. Chastney (5150 Meadowlake Ln., Dunwoody GA
30338; E-mail: [email protected]) submitted this photo of fellow
Atlanta R/C Club mate Henry Smollen with his scratch-built Travel
Air. The photo was taken immediately after the maiden flight.
An O.S. .61 powers Henry’s biplane, and Craig reports that it
“flies like a dream.”
Henry is respected by club members as one of the most
industrious and meticulous builders in the group. According to
Craig, “He joined the club and learned to fly at the age of 70—and
that was 20 years ago.”
May 2005 13
Goldberg Sailplane
Fred Ayers (104 Falkener Dr., Greensboro NC 27410; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his majestic Goldberg sailplane
from a Bob Holman short kit.
It is covered and finished with silk and modeling dope. An O.S.
.40 is used for power, and guidance is provided via a Futaba radiocontrol
system that employs four servos. One channel and servo are
used to deploy the single retractable wheel.
“This airplane climbs out like a free flight with no control inputs,
and it flies like a dream,” wrote Fred.
Head-Turning Ultimate Pitts
Craig Keyser (2450 South Mill Rd., Heber UT 84032; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 12-pound Ultimate Pitts from a
LanierRC kit. It spans 60.25 inches.
A Saito 180 four-stroke engine, swinging a 16 x 8 APC
propeller, powers this model. It is fitted with a TME Simple Smoker
system and controlled via a Futaba 7CAP radio system with eight
digital servos.
Craig used a Stan’s Fiber Tech cowl and wheel pants on the
Pitts, which he covered with MonoKote.
“It was a great airplane to build, and it’s a real head-turner at the
field,” he wrote.
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.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/focalpt/index.asp
Restored Piper Tomahawk
Rickey Sweigart (170 1st St. SW, Naples FL 34117; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this 1⁄4-scale Piper Tomahawk 18 years
ago from plans he obtained from Jim Messer Quality Plans.
According to Rickey, Reid Quality Models currently sells these
plans.
Rickey retrieved the model from storage recently and re-covered
it with Super MonoKote. He painted the cabin, cowl, and wingtips
with matching LustreKote paint. It spans 100 inches and weighs 19
pounds. A Quadra 35 Model 1 provides the power.
“I will improve the scale appearance over time,” wrote Rickey.
Grumman Duck
Robert Pease (21714 Sunset Dr., Astor FL 32102; E-mail:
[email protected]) co-built this Grumman J2F-6 Duck from
Cleveland plans that were enlarged 10%. The late Fred Strauss, who
passed away in February 2002, started constructing this model, and
Robert finished it.
The size increase yielded a 1⁄7-scale model that spans 65 inches,
has 1,322 square inches of wing area, and weighs 18 pounds. The
Duck is powered by a GMS 120 engine, and features include
retractable landing gear and full cockpit detail with sliding canopy.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/05
Page Numbers: 10,11,12,13
10 MODEL AVIATION
North American B-25
Terry Patrick (211 N. 70th Ave., Yakima WA 98908; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 118-inch-wingspan B-25 from
Nick Ziroli plans.
The model is powered by two Zenoah G-38 engines, weighs 43
pounds, and is equipped with Robart retracts. It carries and drops
five bombs, and the top turret rotates. The B-25 is painted with
Benjamin Moore house paint and features a JR 8103 radio system.
“On the landing approach, oil is released into the right engine,
simulating a hit by enemy antiaircraft fire,” wrote Terry.
Fokker D.VII
Jim Farrar (1091 Pintail Ct., Columbus IN 47201; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his Fokker from a Proctor Enterprises
kit and finished it in the scheme of pilot Oberleutnant Hasso von
Wedel, who flew with Jasta 24 in World War I.
The model is powered by a Laser 300v engine and controlled by
a JR XP8103 radio system. The covering is printed linen fabric with
a clear modeling-dope topcoat. Latex house paint was mixed to
match the original colors of the paint on the cowlings,
undercarriage, wheels, and struts.
“My model weighs 25.8 pounds and took 4 years of ‘off and on’
work to complete,” wrote Jim.
Nieuport Sesquiplane
Bill Beck (2301 N. Six Mile Rd., Sioux Falls SD 57110) asserts
that the above model is a Nieuport Type 17 sesquiplane—not a
biplane! If the bottom wing is half or less the area of the top wing,
the aircraft is a sesquiplane.
Bill built his 1⁄4-scale model from a Balsa USA kit that his kids
gave him on his 75th birthday. It is powered by an O.S. 160 Gemini
Twin which spins an 18 x 6 propeller. Covering is Solartex.
“The photo was taken on the maiden flight, and it flew well at a
good, stable scale speed,” wrote Bill.
Mexican P-47
Jesus A. Castro (1034 via Margarita, Rio Rico AZ 85648; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 60-size P-47 Thunderbolt from a Top
Flite kit and painted it with Mexican Air Force markings. Sonora
Models in Hermosillo, Mexico, custom-made the insignia and other
graphics.
The project took Jesus almost a full year to complete. The model is
covered with fiberglass and finished with Top Flite paints, and it is
powered by a Magnum 120 engine.
May 2005 11
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/focalpt/index.asp
Modified Delta Vortex
Joe McCary (1 Mercer Ln., Fredericksburg VA 22405) crafted
this modified version of Bruce Tharpe Models’ Delta Vortex.
He powers this colorful model with an O.S. 70 Ultimate with
pump. The engine is mounted on its side and draws fuel from a 17-
ounce tank that is mounted over the Vortex’s CG.
It weighs just less than 7 pounds and has a wing loading of less
than 12 ounces per square foot.
“In over 50 years of building and flying models of all types, I
can say that this is the most stable, most well-behaved flying
platform I have ever flown,” wrote Joe.
Swoose!
Ron Richard (Box 5963, Arcata CA 95521: E-mail:
[email protected]) built his unusual Swoose floatplane from Nick
Ziroli plans enlarged 15%. It spans 72 inches and weighs 13 pounds.
The wing is made from balsa-covered blue foam, and the model
is covered with MonoKote. A Saito 100 engine provides the power.
First Built-Up Model
Josh L. Hines (478 Heather St., Englewood OH 45322; E-mail:
[email protected]) reports that this is only his second model
airplane, but it is the first one he has built from a kit. He constructed
and covered his Great Planes Extra 300 during the winter of 2003-
2004.
An O.S. .46 FX engine provides the power, and a Futaba 9C
radio-control system performs guidance chores.
“I found out on this project that I get just as much enjoyment out
of building models as I do flying them,” wrote Josh.
Colorful Bearcat
R.M. (Bob) Kirkpatrick (5912 Standing Rock Dr., Austin TX
78730; E-mail: [email protected]) built his Grumman F8F
Bearcat from an Air-Kill Products RC Combat kit. It’s powered by a
SuperTigre G-15 engine.
All of the model’s external surfaces are covered with lightweight
fiberglass cloth and polyester resin. It is finished with Hobbypoxy
primer, Sig modeling dope for the colors, and a topcoat of
Superpoxy Clear. Bob applied the simulated panel lines and rivets
on the model using a Rapidograph technical pen.
12 MODEL AVIATION
Model Aviation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Focal Point
Super Decathlon
Bradley P. Buchanan (2558 W. 1275 N., Layton UT 84041; Email:
[email protected]) built his Super Decathlon from a
Dynaflite kit.
It spans 89 inches and is powered by an O.S. 1.60 FX two-stroke
engine fitted with a J-Tec muffler and a 3-inch-diameter chrome
spinner. Brad uses a JR eight-channel radio with six Hitec servos for
guidance. Also fitted is a TME smoke pump.
The model is covered with orange and white Coverite to give it a
prototypical fabric look. Brad painted the cowling and the wheel
pants with LustreKote.
“Weighing just 14 pounds, this is a great-flying airplane that’s
easy to land and fun to put together,” he wrote.
Dad’s Mentor
Scott A. Hayden (137 Bullen St., Milford ME 04461; E-mail:
[email protected]) sent in this photo of a Beechcraft T-34
Mentor that his father Paul E. Hayden built from a Top Flite kit.
The T-34 is covered with MonoKote and powered by an O.S.
120 engine with pump. Robart Manufacturing made the landing gear
especially for this model. The entire cockpit is removable to allow
for easier detailing.
Enlarged Bill Winter RC Special
Russell M. Stiff’s (1008 Lakeridge Cir., Troutville VA 24175; Email:
[email protected]) enlarged version of Bill Winter’s
1947 RC Special was redesigned by John Hunton in 1988, with Bill
Winter’s help, to a 141% size. This 14-pound model spans 88
inches; the original spanned 63 inches.
It is covered with UltraCote and trimmed with Great Planes
White Vinyl Strype. The painted areas were done with Pactra Bright
Red Formula U polyurethane.
For power Russell chose a Saito 120 four-stroke with a Master
Airscrew Classic Series 16 x 8 propeller and a Tru-Turn 31⁄2-inch P-
51-style spinner. A Futaba TX6A radio with eight Futaba S3004
servos is used for guidance.
Henry’s Travel Air
Craig A. Chastney (5150 Meadowlake Ln., Dunwoody GA
30338; E-mail: [email protected]) submitted this photo of fellow
Atlanta R/C Club mate Henry Smollen with his scratch-built Travel
Air. The photo was taken immediately after the maiden flight.
An O.S. .61 powers Henry’s biplane, and Craig reports that it
“flies like a dream.”
Henry is respected by club members as one of the most
industrious and meticulous builders in the group. According to
Craig, “He joined the club and learned to fly at the age of 70—and
that was 20 years ago.”
May 2005 13
Goldberg Sailplane
Fred Ayers (104 Falkener Dr., Greensboro NC 27410; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his majestic Goldberg sailplane
from a Bob Holman short kit.
It is covered and finished with silk and modeling dope. An O.S.
.40 is used for power, and guidance is provided via a Futaba radiocontrol
system that employs four servos. One channel and servo are
used to deploy the single retractable wheel.
“This airplane climbs out like a free flight with no control inputs,
and it flies like a dream,” wrote Fred.
Head-Turning Ultimate Pitts
Craig Keyser (2450 South Mill Rd., Heber UT 84032; E-mail:
[email protected]) built his 12-pound Ultimate Pitts from a
LanierRC kit. It spans 60.25 inches.
A Saito 180 four-stroke engine, swinging a 16 x 8 APC
propeller, powers this model. It is fitted with a TME Simple Smoker
system and controlled via a Futaba 7CAP radio system with eight
digital servos.
Craig used a Stan’s Fiber Tech cowl and wheel pants on the
Pitts, which he covered with MonoKote.
“It was a great airplane to build, and it’s a real head-turner at the
field,” he wrote.
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.
For more great Focal Point photos, go to: www.modelaircraft.org/mag/focalpt/index.asp
Restored Piper Tomahawk
Rickey Sweigart (170 1st St. SW, Naples FL 34117; E-mail:
[email protected]) built this 1⁄4-scale Piper Tomahawk 18 years
ago from plans he obtained from Jim Messer Quality Plans.
According to Rickey, Reid Quality Models currently sells these
plans.
Rickey retrieved the model from storage recently and re-covered
it with Super MonoKote. He painted the cabin, cowl, and wingtips
with matching LustreKote paint. It spans 100 inches and weighs 19
pounds. A Quadra 35 Model 1 provides the power.
“I will improve the scale appearance over time,” wrote Rickey.
Grumman Duck
Robert Pease (21714 Sunset Dr., Astor FL 32102; E-mail:
[email protected]) co-built this Grumman J2F-6 Duck from
Cleveland plans that were enlarged 10%. The late Fred Strauss, who
passed away in February 2002, started constructing this model, and
Robert finished it.
The size increase yielded a 1⁄7-scale model that spans 65 inches,
has 1,322 square inches of wing area, and weighs 18 pounds. The
Duck is powered by a GMS 120 engine, and features include
retractable landing gear and full cockpit detail with sliding canopy.
