Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/05
Page Numbers: 72,73
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Focal Point

Grasshopper

  • Builder: Ed Holt (5707 Sierra Vista Dr., Riverbank, CA 95367)
  • Model: E-flite Piper L-4 250 ARF
  • Power: RimFire 250 motor
  • ESC/Prop: Great Planes Silver Series 12-amp ESC; APC-E 6 x 5 propeller
  • Dimensions/Weight: 38.2 in. span; 23.7 in. length; approx. 9 oz. flying weight

"I had to reinforce the landing gear due to the rough field," wrote Ed.

My Favorite Airplane

  • Builder: Vincent Pollizzotto (1605 Twin Ledge Ct., La Vergne, TN 37086; e-mail: [email protected])
  • Model: P-51 Mustang (Sport Aviation Co. Ltd.)
  • Engine: O.S. FS-70 Surpass
  • Radio: Futaba FASST

"It has a sister ship, Dallas Doll. They both fly fast, and as if on a rail. Great model; too bad it is not produced any longer.

"I don't use a standard muffler. I use a brass tube with a pressure tap. I get more RPM and a great four‑cycle sound with a Graupner 12.5 x 6 propeller."

Oldies and Collectors

  • Builder: James Waugh (Box 818, West Ossipee, NH 03890; e-mail: [email protected])
  • Model: 1975–1980 Prather Panther ARF
  • Construction: Fiberglass/epoxy fuselage; foam-core balsa-and-plywood wing
  • Engine: Originally Enya .60; currently Ross .60
  • Radio: Futaba FG Series
  • Dimensions/Weight: 63 in. span; 65 in. fuselage; 9 lb.

"This does not fit the intent of 'new built,' but I thought this would be of interest to the 'oldies and collectors'!" he wrote.

"This model was finished by Cliff Fox of Montgomery, Pennsylvania, who was a prolific modeler, an illustrator for Lycoming engines, and builder of models of his own 'unique' style including his 'lifting body, stealth design Futura.'"

Pinion Variant

  • Builder: Matt Knowles (1000 S. Gilbert St. #168, Hemet, CA 92543; e-mail: [email protected])
  • Origin: Built from a modified Kool Kanary that his father constructed from Leon Shulman plans
  • Modifications/Construction: Modified lower wing of the Kool Kanary; scratch-built fuselage and empennage; covered with MonoKote
  • Engine: Old C.F. Lee–modified K&B .61
  • Dimensions/Weight: 62.5 in. span; 9 lb.

"Really the only new components are the glue, covering, fuel tank, landing gear, and radio system," wrote Matt. "Everything else, including the Ken doll pilot figure, are from pre‑1991."

Henschel Hs 132 V-1A

  • Builder: Tony Kameen (11045 Silver Run, Moreno Valley, CA 92557)
  • Method: Built using only three-views
  • Power: 90 mm WeMoTec fan with Screamer motor
  • Radio: Airtronics RD8000
  • ESC: Phoenix 80
  • Dimensions: 45 in. span; 55 in. length

"In its final form, the ship will have flaps and retracts. In the first version I have mounts for the retracts, but I am using a fixed gear to save weight. So far I've done some engine runs and runway tests. Looks like it will go well."

Fokker Eindecker

  • Builder: Bill Kirby (2818 Fisk Rd., Howell, MI 48843; e-mail: [email protected])
  • Kit: SR Batteries kit
  • Power: Zenoah G-26 engine turning an 18 x 8 Zinger propeller
  • Radio/Servos: Futaba FASST radio system with Hitec servos
  • Covering/Markings: Covered with Coverite; Polish Air Service vintage markings (circa 1920s)
  • Dimensions/Weight: 100 in. span; 15.5 lb. (without fuel)

"The pilot is from Aces of Iron finished with acrylics and clear plastic sheet for the goggle lenses," wrote Bill. "This took a lot of time … almost as much as jewelling the cowl and forward fuselage."

Black 12

  • Builder: Daniel Mitchell (1027 Bradley Sq., Sparks, NV 89434; e-mail: [email protected])
  • Model: Early-1940s MiG-3 (from his own plans)
  • Construction: All wood except fiberglass-and-foam wing fillets; approx. 60% of the fuselage is planked; vacuum-formed gun ports, exhaust stacks, oil cooler intakes, and canopy
  • Power: SuperTigre G-20 turning an 18 x 8 propeller
  • Radio/Retracts: Futaba five-channel radio system; Spring Air retracts
  • Dimensions/Weight: 67 in. span; 10½ lb.

"A SuperTigre G-20 turns the 18 x 8 propeller. This combination pulls the plane with authority.

"Even at our 5,000‑foot airfield elevation, this scale warbird has very gratifying vertical performance. All the scale stuff creates gobs of 'built‑in headwind,' so it glides like a brick.

"Almost no trim changes were required on first flight and it is very well behaved throughout the speed range. It looks very aggressive in a low‑level, high‑speed pass."

Uproar

  • Builder: Peter Moore (9040 SW 91st Cir., Ocala, FL 34481; e-mail: [email protected])
  • Model: Tower Hobbies Uproar (converted for electric power)
  • Modifications: Replaced spars with lighter wood; altered fuel-tank compartment to accommodate a battery
  • Power: AXI 2820/10 motor; Jeti 40-amp ESC; Thunder Power 4200 mAh battery pack
  • Radio: Hitec
  • Dimensions/Weight: 48 in. span; 2¾ lb.

"The plane flies beautifully," wrote Peter. "It has plenty of power and will perform any maneuver the pilot is capable of."

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.