70 MODEL AVIATION
Focal Point
Frank DiGiacomo (420 Groveland Dr., Michiana Shores IN
46360; e-mail: [email protected]) built his F4U-1D Corsair
from Radio Control Modeler plans.
It spans 34 inches and has a length of 25 inches. An Enya .90 is
used for power, and guidance is via a Futaba four-channel radio.
Frank covered the fuselage and tail feathers with light silk and dope,
and the wings are covered with Koverall and Sig dope.
“The prime coat is Rustoleum metallic and medium blue,” wrote
Frank. “Weathering and panel lines are via a wood-burning tool.”
Terry Overton (1480 W. Silverbell Rd., Lake Orion MI 48359; email:
[email protected]) designed his 1/6-scale de Havilland
D.H.87A from three-view drawings and photos.
He built the model using conventional construction techniques,
with balsa, plywood, and basswood. Covering is Solartex fabric,
except where the full-scale aircraft was metal; Terry used 21st
Century Film in those areas. He painted the functional cowl side
panels with 21st Century aerosol enamel.
The cockpit’s interior details include seats carved from pink
foam and painted with water-based acrylic enamel and a simulated
instrument panel. It features a digital image of a full-scale panel that
was reduced in size.
“[Performance is] very scale like with the RCV58 turning a 12 x
6 propeller,” wrote Terry. “Requires coordinated aileron and rudder
to make smooth level turns.”
Doug Morris (4406 Lane Ave. S., Jacksonville FL 32210)
designed and built this model of a Navy Blue Angels formation from
scratch. The four F-18s are fastened together using various
techniques.
Doug wrote:
“The airplane flies well after some trial and error trimming. I’ve
managed to do three consecutive loops using an LA-46 for power,
but I have since changed to an ST-51.
“I’m sure it will do some other stunts, but I hate to take too many
chances. I have a reputation for landing upside down and I would
not want to have to glue all those rudders back on.”
Diamond CL Project
Hornet Moth
Corsair
Vito Spano (130 Jensen Ave., Mamaroneck NY 10543; e-mail:
[email protected]) assembled this Great Planes P-51D Mustang
ARF and then converted it to electric power.
The Mustang spans 57 inches and turns a 13 x 8.5 propeller.
Power is provided by an E-flite Power 46 outrunner motor managed
by a Castle Creations Phoenix 60-amp ESC. The model’s
construction includes a stressed foam skin over a wood frame.
According to Vito, with glow power this Mustang was prone to a
short life because of fuel soaking. As an electric, he believes that it
should last much longer.
“[It’s a] great performer with plenty of power,” he wrote. “Looks
fantastic in low pass and victory rolls.”
Powerful P-51D
06sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/23/10 9:05 AM Page 70
June 2010 71
Joe Ziomek (101 Milano Dr., Islamorada FL 33036; e-mail:
[email protected]) converted this Balsa USA Excalibur kit to
an Ercoupe.
The kit fuselage was widened to 5 inches to match the cowl. The
O.S. 46FX engine was side-mounted to get the thrustline up high, to
match the scale airplane.
The cowl is matched die-molded fiberglass, and the canopy is
water clear. This hybrid is guided via a JR radio and five Hitec
servos. Covering is MonoKote.
“The twin rudders were a challenge, but by mounting an L-shape
bell crank in the rear of the body, the servo motion is turned 90° and
is a push/pull to the twin rudders,” wrote Joe.
Gary Goodrich (6408 Seminole Dr., Ocala FL 34472; e-mail:
[email protected]) built this Jasco Flamingo from
circa 1937 Roger Hammer plans.
The model spans 89 inches and is 57 inches long. Power is
supplied by an E-flite Power 32 outrunner motor with a faux Brown
Jr. engine over it. Covering is Transparent Blue MonoKote with
white trim.
“I came across partial original plans that looked interesting to
build,” wrote Gary. “I called the AMA Plans Service to see if they
could help me find the missing wing plans. Surprisingly, they had
the whole set right there.”
Lanny Coggin (649 Laramie Dr., Springfield TN 37172; e-mail:
[email protected]) built his 1/3-scale J-3 Cub from Robert
Neltz plans.
The model spans 12 feet, weighs 27 pounds, and is powered by
an XYZ 50cc gas engine with a 22 x 6 propeller. Lanny used the
instrument panel, decal, and fiberglass cowl with engine detail from
Balsa USA. Top Notch Products of Goodlettsville, Tennessee,
supplied the laser-cut wing-rib set. Covering is 21st Century Fabric.
According to Lanny, he spent 13 months building this J-3.
Following that, he wrote:
“On the second flight, had undetermined control problems and
the model broke in half. Spent another six months rebuilding. It now
has seven successful flights. My son is my pilot and said it flies
wonderful.”
Richard Haven (18982 Jean Rd., Mokena IL 60448) built this
Giant Stinger from a Lanier RC kit that is no longer available. It is
shown with his grandson, Hunter.
The airplane spans 84 inches and is covered with UltraCote.
Power is supplied by a Zenoah G-62 engine. According to Richard,
this is a great first Giant Scale or gas-engine project. The low wing
loading makes the model stable, and the plastic parts make it a quick
build. And the sturdy mechanical tail security system is a safety
feature.
“It handles well and is fun to fly,” wrote Richard.
Piper Cub
Vintage Flamingo
Excalrcoupe
Giant Stinger
See page 167 for submission guidelines
Focal Point
06sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/23/10 9:06 AM Page 71
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 70,71
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 70,71
70 MODEL AVIATION
Focal Point
Frank DiGiacomo (420 Groveland Dr., Michiana Shores IN
46360; e-mail: [email protected]) built his F4U-1D Corsair
from Radio Control Modeler plans.
It spans 34 inches and has a length of 25 inches. An Enya .90 is
used for power, and guidance is via a Futaba four-channel radio.
Frank covered the fuselage and tail feathers with light silk and dope,
and the wings are covered with Koverall and Sig dope.
“The prime coat is Rustoleum metallic and medium blue,” wrote
Frank. “Weathering and panel lines are via a wood-burning tool.”
Terry Overton (1480 W. Silverbell Rd., Lake Orion MI 48359; email:
[email protected]) designed his 1/6-scale de Havilland
D.H.87A from three-view drawings and photos.
He built the model using conventional construction techniques,
with balsa, plywood, and basswood. Covering is Solartex fabric,
except where the full-scale aircraft was metal; Terry used 21st
Century Film in those areas. He painted the functional cowl side
panels with 21st Century aerosol enamel.
The cockpit’s interior details include seats carved from pink
foam and painted with water-based acrylic enamel and a simulated
instrument panel. It features a digital image of a full-scale panel that
was reduced in size.
“[Performance is] very scale like with the RCV58 turning a 12 x
6 propeller,” wrote Terry. “Requires coordinated aileron and rudder
to make smooth level turns.”
Doug Morris (4406 Lane Ave. S., Jacksonville FL 32210)
designed and built this model of a Navy Blue Angels formation from
scratch. The four F-18s are fastened together using various
techniques.
Doug wrote:
“The airplane flies well after some trial and error trimming. I’ve
managed to do three consecutive loops using an LA-46 for power,
but I have since changed to an ST-51.
“I’m sure it will do some other stunts, but I hate to take too many
chances. I have a reputation for landing upside down and I would
not want to have to glue all those rudders back on.”
Diamond CL Project
Hornet Moth
Corsair
Vito Spano (130 Jensen Ave., Mamaroneck NY 10543; e-mail:
[email protected]) assembled this Great Planes P-51D Mustang
ARF and then converted it to electric power.
The Mustang spans 57 inches and turns a 13 x 8.5 propeller.
Power is provided by an E-flite Power 46 outrunner motor managed
by a Castle Creations Phoenix 60-amp ESC. The model’s
construction includes a stressed foam skin over a wood frame.
According to Vito, with glow power this Mustang was prone to a
short life because of fuel soaking. As an electric, he believes that it
should last much longer.
“[It’s a] great performer with plenty of power,” he wrote. “Looks
fantastic in low pass and victory rolls.”
Powerful P-51D
06sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/23/10 9:05 AM Page 70
June 2010 71
Joe Ziomek (101 Milano Dr., Islamorada FL 33036; e-mail:
[email protected]) converted this Balsa USA Excalibur kit to
an Ercoupe.
The kit fuselage was widened to 5 inches to match the cowl. The
O.S. 46FX engine was side-mounted to get the thrustline up high, to
match the scale airplane.
The cowl is matched die-molded fiberglass, and the canopy is
water clear. This hybrid is guided via a JR radio and five Hitec
servos. Covering is MonoKote.
“The twin rudders were a challenge, but by mounting an L-shape
bell crank in the rear of the body, the servo motion is turned 90° and
is a push/pull to the twin rudders,” wrote Joe.
Gary Goodrich (6408 Seminole Dr., Ocala FL 34472; e-mail:
[email protected]) built this Jasco Flamingo from
circa 1937 Roger Hammer plans.
The model spans 89 inches and is 57 inches long. Power is
supplied by an E-flite Power 32 outrunner motor with a faux Brown
Jr. engine over it. Covering is Transparent Blue MonoKote with
white trim.
“I came across partial original plans that looked interesting to
build,” wrote Gary. “I called the AMA Plans Service to see if they
could help me find the missing wing plans. Surprisingly, they had
the whole set right there.”
Lanny Coggin (649 Laramie Dr., Springfield TN 37172; e-mail:
[email protected]) built his 1/3-scale J-3 Cub from Robert
Neltz plans.
The model spans 12 feet, weighs 27 pounds, and is powered by
an XYZ 50cc gas engine with a 22 x 6 propeller. Lanny used the
instrument panel, decal, and fiberglass cowl with engine detail from
Balsa USA. Top Notch Products of Goodlettsville, Tennessee,
supplied the laser-cut wing-rib set. Covering is 21st Century Fabric.
According to Lanny, he spent 13 months building this J-3.
Following that, he wrote:
“On the second flight, had undetermined control problems and
the model broke in half. Spent another six months rebuilding. It now
has seven successful flights. My son is my pilot and said it flies
wonderful.”
Richard Haven (18982 Jean Rd., Mokena IL 60448) built this
Giant Stinger from a Lanier RC kit that is no longer available. It is
shown with his grandson, Hunter.
The airplane spans 84 inches and is covered with UltraCote.
Power is supplied by a Zenoah G-62 engine. According to Richard,
this is a great first Giant Scale or gas-engine project. The low wing
loading makes the model stable, and the plastic parts make it a quick
build. And the sturdy mechanical tail security system is a safety
feature.
“It handles well and is fun to fly,” wrote Richard.
Piper Cub
Vintage Flamingo
Excalrcoupe
Giant Stinger
See page 167 for submission guidelines
Focal Point
06sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 4/23/10 9:06 AM Page 71