July 2003 47
A SUMMARY OF this review of the Sig Manufacturing
Company Antoinette electric model kit would read, “The Sig kit of
the Antoinette builds into a beautiful Scale model that is also a
great-flying airplane. You will enjoy the experience of building
and flying it.” If that seems enthusiastic, it is because I am.
This is an all-balsa-and-plywood-construction design that
allows the modeler to build a slow-flying airplane with a
lightweight structure; modern lightweight receivers, servos, and
batteries; and the excellent GWS-designed power plant. The
Antoinette is a good compromise between weight and strength and
does not sacrifice flying ability to achieve a scale appearance.
The Antoinette is not for a beginning modeler with no
experience building and flying. There are other slow-flyer kits on
the market that are fine trainers for those starting out, such as the
GWS PicoStik (which is also sold under various other names). It is
a simple, rugged, nice-flying model that will enable the novice to
acquire the skills to successfully fly the Antoinette. It is also easily
reparable for the small “woopsies” that will inevitably happen.
The following is a paragraph from the excellent assembly
manual, and it is sound advice.
“This kit is not intended for beginning modelers. However,
most intermediate modelers with average building skills will find
the Antoinette easy to build and fly. These instructions assume that
you are aware of the importance of using the correct type and
amount of glue, how to make proper wood joints, and how to fly
RC [Radio Control] models.”
Construction: The assembly manual contains comprehensive
directions, and following them exactly will enable the airplane to
be built and flown successfully. Everything needed to build and fly
the model is provided, except for the propulsion system, the radiocontrol
system, various cyanoacrylate (CyA) glues, Sig Stix-It to
David Adams
P r o d u c t R e v i e w
[email protected]
Sig Manufacturing 1909 Antoinette
Pros:
• Beautiful Scale model, great slow-flying airplane
• Excellent assembly manual with well-thought-out
construction sequence
• Lightweight, laser-cut, all-balsa-and-plywood, glued
construction, design
• Rigging is easy to do, great-looking
• Outstanding flying tips in instruction manual
• Excellent flight stability
• Harmonized control responses
• Small, easy-to-make touches that add to airplane’s looks
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor light, goodlooking
Cons:
• I would prefer lightweight, scale plastic wheel with rubber
tire.
• Front curved part of fuselage skid could be stronger to
prevent breaking.
• I didn’t care for the LiteSpan covering (may change with
more practice using the material).
• No materials for fuel tank are included in kit.
• No materials for radiators are included in kit.
• Extra materials needed for scale motor not included.
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor (I don’t like
vacuum-formed parts.)
The Sig Antoinette kit contains everything you will need to build up the model to look just like this!
48 MODEL AVIATION
attach the covering, and a selection of modeler’s tools.
Although many suitable microsize RC components on the
hobby market will perform well in the Antoinette, Sig does make
specific recommendations and mention manufacturers that have
worked well for them.
Sig recommends using various types of its own brand of CyAs,
and they certainly make building the model enjoyable and quick
when employed as called for in the instructions. The model can be
built in a couple of days when using CyA. However, it can be
assembled using more traditional hobby glues such as Sig-Ment if
that is your preference. Be sure to apply good practices, such as
pregluing and filleting joints for maximum strength.
The kit’s wooden parts are laser-cut and fit perfectly. It is a
welcome change from the model-airplane kits of my youth that
were ink-printed parts on rock-hard balsa. In the past, the
procedure to get the parts ready to build, which seemed to be
followed each time I built a model, was frustrating. First, the parts
were cut out with a razor blade. Second, all of the parts that were
broken in the first step were glued back together. The model could
be completed after the parts were repaired.
That is just a faded memory with the Antoinette’s laser-cut
parts. They need minor touch-ups with sandpaper to remove any
balsa left from bridges to hold the parts in place in the wooden
sheet. As recommended in the manual, I marked the parts before
removing them from the sheet so I could easily identify them
later.
Before starting the building process, at least look through the
assembly manual if you don’t read it thoroughly. Its writers
carefully thought out the sequence of construction, and they lead
the modeler through the steps in a smooth manner. The basic
construction is straightforward, with no complex structures or
unpleasant surprises. Glue one part to another in the sequence
presented, and you will have success and enjoy the feeling that
comes with a successful effort.
The wheels were interesting to construct. With many parts and
a little glue you get nice, scalelike wheels that track true and look
great. I had some misgivings concerning my ability to make the
rubber tires look good, but the modelers at Sig present a technique
that works flawlessly.
The only problem I had with the kit was the result of my
unskilled use of the supplied LiteSpan. This was my first covering
job with this material, and I didn’t produce the wrinkle-free
covering job I would have had I used silk, silkspan, or tissue
paper. Although the instructions mention not to worry about
wrinkles in the covering since the full-scale Antoinette had
wrinkles, I would still have preferred a smoother look.
The instructions warned about the potential hazard of warping
the LiteSpan when tightening it with heat. Even though I was
trying to be careful, I managed to warp the horizontal tail when
applying the covering. I straightened everything during assembly
by substituting carpet thread for the elastic rigging cord on the tail
surfaces. I successfully pulled the tail straight by carefully using
CyA to tack the tread in place.
I have only one thought about the airplane rigging: by all
means do it! It is fun and only takes a couple of easy hours to rig
everything. Resist the impulse to build and fly the model without
the rigging; it is a part of its character. Following the directions
Simulated engine, fuel tank, and rigging detail are visible. Adds
much to realism but doesn’t take too much extra work.
Laser-cut parts sheets were well done, and the parts literally fell
from the sheets. Only slight sanding was required.
The Antoinette parts as they come from the box are nicely
packaged in polybags. The instructions were neatly rolled.
Although larger than many electric indoor models, it is stable
and easy to fly and can be flown in gyms and small parks.
Photos courtesy the author
exactly will give you a great-looking
rigging job that allows the wings to be
mounted or removed in less than a minute
without tools.
I have always thought that one of the
features that gave the Antoinette a unique
look was its motor, fuel tank, and pilot
seemingly sitting on top of the fuselage.
The motor is well worth the small amount
of work required. Although I don’t
normally care for little vacuum-formed
parts, following these assembly-manual
directions resulted in a light, realistic
motor.
The manual suggests paint colors for
the motor, but I used some artist’s acrylic
paints that I had available, which worked
well. (I would like to have more pictures
of the full-scale motor to help with the
detailing process.)
No materials for the “fake” fuel tank
were included in the kit. I used some 1⁄32
balsa I had in my scrap box. Other
materials that are extremely lightweight
can be used if available. Using artist’s
acrylic paints, I painted the fuel tank to
make it look as if light is reflecting from a
metal cylinder, and I added some straps
and a fuel cap. It’s a great scale look with
little work.
The radiators along the side of the
fuselage were to be made from balsa
scraps that were rounded and painted to
look like metal tubes. I would pay a little
July 2003 49
extra to have the rounded balsa strips
included in the kit.
I have not added the fuselage side
radiators since my Antoinette’s weight
was projected to come out on the heavy
side of the suggested range. I think this is
because I painted the fuselage with several
coats of acrylic paint inside and outside
using a heavy-handed brush technique. I
wanted to evaluate the model’s flying
qualities before adding any more weight.
Since the airplane flew beautifully, the
radiators are on the building board.
I installed the radio per the assembly
instructions with no problems. I used a
GWS microreceiver, two Hitec HS-50
52 MODEL AVIATION
servos, a GWS 5-amp motor controller,
and a seven-cell 280 mAh NiMH battery
for power. Resist the urge to use an eightcell
pack; that will greatly reduce the
GWS motor’s life because of overheating.
The airplane flies scalelike with the
seven-cell battery pack.
The supplied nylon cord used for the
pull-pull control system works well, and
the Antoinette’s wooden control wheel
attached to the elevator servo arm adds
realism. The pilot’s hands are glued to the
control wheels, and his arm moves as if
he does all of the flying.
My ready-to-fly Antoinette weighs 81⁄2
ounces without the battery. The weight
range Sig gives for the model is 71⁄2-8
ounces. I probably gained the weight with
the paint and by using too much glue.
Keep in mind that this is a big model, and
a target weight of 8 ounces is excellent.
When using the 280 mAh battery, I
needed to add a slight amount of nose
weight to balance the model at the
recommended point. With the 500 mAh
battery, the center of gravity comes out
perfect without extra nose weight.
Flying: The flying tips in the instruction
manual are written well, easy to follow,
and should allow the experienced modeler
to easily achieve flying success. I have
seen video of the original Sig model
flying, and the word I would use to
describe it is “stately.” It performed
perfect takeoffs, touch-and-gos, and
landings, and I was expecting my
Antoinette to fly equally well. It does.
After finishing the Antoinette, the first
calm day arrived and there wasn’t a
photographer present. Filled with
confidence, I performed a few taxi
maneuvers in the street in front of my
house. The airplane handled agreeably, so
I applied a little more power and it lifted
off. I immediately throttled back, and it
settled smoothly back down to the street.
Reading the flying instructions later, I
learned that this was the recommended
procedure for the first flight.
Applying power again, I let the
airplane climb to an altitude of
approximately 15 feet where I made a
racetrack pattern up and down the street.
The Antoinette required just a click of uptrim
and was flying nicely. The wind was
dead calm, and the model seemed to fly
slightly faster than that speed. After a
minute or so I throttled back and made a
descending turn into my driveway, where
the airplane made a nice landing. My first
impression was of stable, controllable
flight characteristics, and it was a real joy
to fly.
I flew several more times later that day
when I had a photographer available. On
the first flight the motor (dummy
version—not electric) fell off just as the
airplane lifted off. There is a small rubber
band between two hooks to hold the motor
in place that should not have failed, but
for some reason it did that time. The
rubber band did not break, and it has
worked flawlessly since then. The model
looked so incomplete in flight without the
motor that I landed it, added the motor,
and back into the air it went.
In the air, stability is excellent, control
responses feel right and are coordinated,
the Antoinette responds well to the
throttle when used as an altitude control,
and landings can be made at low
airspeeds. Wheel landings are easy to
execute. I have not tried aerobatics yet,
and I don’t expect much more than a mild
wingover to occur.
The only problem I have noted is that
if I try to land with power off (not
recommended by Sig) and miss the
altitude required to begin the flare, I tend
to knock the front part of the fuselage skid
off. Landing correctly with a little power
Contact information:
Sig Manufacturing Inc.
Box 520
Montezuma IA 50171
(641) 623-5154
Fax: (641) 623-3922
[email protected]
www.sigmfg.com
Specifications:
Stock number: SIGRC91
Wingspan: 50 inches
Wing area: 509 square inches
Weight: 71⁄2-8 ounces (without battery)
Length: 47 inches
Radio required: Three-channel
microsystem with two servos
Products used/manufacturers
referred to in this review:
GWS radio system:
Horizon Hobby Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Hitec RCD Inc.
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
on prevents this, but I am going to
reinforce the skid with a bamboo skewer
to add strength with flexibility. I can also
remove some nose weight with this
modification.
You need to have a tape of Those
Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
movie theme song playing in the
background when you fly this aircraft. As
the Antoinette is flying along, it is easy to
imagine that this delightful model is the
full-scale version. The pros far outweigh
the cons; I love the way this airplane looks
on the ground and in flight. I highly
recommend it. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/07
Page Numbers: 47,48,49,52,54
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/07
Page Numbers: 47,48,49,52,54
July 2003 47
A SUMMARY OF this review of the Sig Manufacturing
Company Antoinette electric model kit would read, “The Sig kit of
the Antoinette builds into a beautiful Scale model that is also a
great-flying airplane. You will enjoy the experience of building
and flying it.” If that seems enthusiastic, it is because I am.
This is an all-balsa-and-plywood-construction design that
allows the modeler to build a slow-flying airplane with a
lightweight structure; modern lightweight receivers, servos, and
batteries; and the excellent GWS-designed power plant. The
Antoinette is a good compromise between weight and strength and
does not sacrifice flying ability to achieve a scale appearance.
The Antoinette is not for a beginning modeler with no
experience building and flying. There are other slow-flyer kits on
the market that are fine trainers for those starting out, such as the
GWS PicoStik (which is also sold under various other names). It is
a simple, rugged, nice-flying model that will enable the novice to
acquire the skills to successfully fly the Antoinette. It is also easily
reparable for the small “woopsies” that will inevitably happen.
The following is a paragraph from the excellent assembly
manual, and it is sound advice.
“This kit is not intended for beginning modelers. However,
most intermediate modelers with average building skills will find
the Antoinette easy to build and fly. These instructions assume that
you are aware of the importance of using the correct type and
amount of glue, how to make proper wood joints, and how to fly
RC [Radio Control] models.”
Construction: The assembly manual contains comprehensive
directions, and following them exactly will enable the airplane to
be built and flown successfully. Everything needed to build and fly
the model is provided, except for the propulsion system, the radiocontrol
system, various cyanoacrylate (CyA) glues, Sig Stix-It to
David Adams
P r o d u c t R e v i e w
[email protected]
Sig Manufacturing 1909 Antoinette
Pros:
• Beautiful Scale model, great slow-flying airplane
• Excellent assembly manual with well-thought-out
construction sequence
• Lightweight, laser-cut, all-balsa-and-plywood, glued
construction, design
• Rigging is easy to do, great-looking
• Outstanding flying tips in instruction manual
• Excellent flight stability
• Harmonized control responses
• Small, easy-to-make touches that add to airplane’s looks
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor light, goodlooking
Cons:
• I would prefer lightweight, scale plastic wheel with rubber
tire.
• Front curved part of fuselage skid could be stronger to
prevent breaking.
• I didn’t care for the LiteSpan covering (may change with
more practice using the material).
• No materials for fuel tank are included in kit.
• No materials for radiators are included in kit.
• Extra materials needed for scale motor not included.
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor (I don’t like
vacuum-formed parts.)
The Sig Antoinette kit contains everything you will need to build up the model to look just like this!
48 MODEL AVIATION
attach the covering, and a selection of modeler’s tools.
Although many suitable microsize RC components on the
hobby market will perform well in the Antoinette, Sig does make
specific recommendations and mention manufacturers that have
worked well for them.
Sig recommends using various types of its own brand of CyAs,
and they certainly make building the model enjoyable and quick
when employed as called for in the instructions. The model can be
built in a couple of days when using CyA. However, it can be
assembled using more traditional hobby glues such as Sig-Ment if
that is your preference. Be sure to apply good practices, such as
pregluing and filleting joints for maximum strength.
The kit’s wooden parts are laser-cut and fit perfectly. It is a
welcome change from the model-airplane kits of my youth that
were ink-printed parts on rock-hard balsa. In the past, the
procedure to get the parts ready to build, which seemed to be
followed each time I built a model, was frustrating. First, the parts
were cut out with a razor blade. Second, all of the parts that were
broken in the first step were glued back together. The model could
be completed after the parts were repaired.
That is just a faded memory with the Antoinette’s laser-cut
parts. They need minor touch-ups with sandpaper to remove any
balsa left from bridges to hold the parts in place in the wooden
sheet. As recommended in the manual, I marked the parts before
removing them from the sheet so I could easily identify them
later.
Before starting the building process, at least look through the
assembly manual if you don’t read it thoroughly. Its writers
carefully thought out the sequence of construction, and they lead
the modeler through the steps in a smooth manner. The basic
construction is straightforward, with no complex structures or
unpleasant surprises. Glue one part to another in the sequence
presented, and you will have success and enjoy the feeling that
comes with a successful effort.
The wheels were interesting to construct. With many parts and
a little glue you get nice, scalelike wheels that track true and look
great. I had some misgivings concerning my ability to make the
rubber tires look good, but the modelers at Sig present a technique
that works flawlessly.
The only problem I had with the kit was the result of my
unskilled use of the supplied LiteSpan. This was my first covering
job with this material, and I didn’t produce the wrinkle-free
covering job I would have had I used silk, silkspan, or tissue
paper. Although the instructions mention not to worry about
wrinkles in the covering since the full-scale Antoinette had
wrinkles, I would still have preferred a smoother look.
The instructions warned about the potential hazard of warping
the LiteSpan when tightening it with heat. Even though I was
trying to be careful, I managed to warp the horizontal tail when
applying the covering. I straightened everything during assembly
by substituting carpet thread for the elastic rigging cord on the tail
surfaces. I successfully pulled the tail straight by carefully using
CyA to tack the tread in place.
I have only one thought about the airplane rigging: by all
means do it! It is fun and only takes a couple of easy hours to rig
everything. Resist the impulse to build and fly the model without
the rigging; it is a part of its character. Following the directions
Simulated engine, fuel tank, and rigging detail are visible. Adds
much to realism but doesn’t take too much extra work.
Laser-cut parts sheets were well done, and the parts literally fell
from the sheets. Only slight sanding was required.
The Antoinette parts as they come from the box are nicely
packaged in polybags. The instructions were neatly rolled.
Although larger than many electric indoor models, it is stable
and easy to fly and can be flown in gyms and small parks.
Photos courtesy the author
exactly will give you a great-looking
rigging job that allows the wings to be
mounted or removed in less than a minute
without tools.
I have always thought that one of the
features that gave the Antoinette a unique
look was its motor, fuel tank, and pilot
seemingly sitting on top of the fuselage.
The motor is well worth the small amount
of work required. Although I don’t
normally care for little vacuum-formed
parts, following these assembly-manual
directions resulted in a light, realistic
motor.
The manual suggests paint colors for
the motor, but I used some artist’s acrylic
paints that I had available, which worked
well. (I would like to have more pictures
of the full-scale motor to help with the
detailing process.)
No materials for the “fake” fuel tank
were included in the kit. I used some 1⁄32
balsa I had in my scrap box. Other
materials that are extremely lightweight
can be used if available. Using artist’s
acrylic paints, I painted the fuel tank to
make it look as if light is reflecting from a
metal cylinder, and I added some straps
and a fuel cap. It’s a great scale look with
little work.
The radiators along the side of the
fuselage were to be made from balsa
scraps that were rounded and painted to
look like metal tubes. I would pay a little
July 2003 49
extra to have the rounded balsa strips
included in the kit.
I have not added the fuselage side
radiators since my Antoinette’s weight
was projected to come out on the heavy
side of the suggested range. I think this is
because I painted the fuselage with several
coats of acrylic paint inside and outside
using a heavy-handed brush technique. I
wanted to evaluate the model’s flying
qualities before adding any more weight.
Since the airplane flew beautifully, the
radiators are on the building board.
I installed the radio per the assembly
instructions with no problems. I used a
GWS microreceiver, two Hitec HS-50
52 MODEL AVIATION
servos, a GWS 5-amp motor controller,
and a seven-cell 280 mAh NiMH battery
for power. Resist the urge to use an eightcell
pack; that will greatly reduce the
GWS motor’s life because of overheating.
The airplane flies scalelike with the
seven-cell battery pack.
The supplied nylon cord used for the
pull-pull control system works well, and
the Antoinette’s wooden control wheel
attached to the elevator servo arm adds
realism. The pilot’s hands are glued to the
control wheels, and his arm moves as if
he does all of the flying.
My ready-to-fly Antoinette weighs 81⁄2
ounces without the battery. The weight
range Sig gives for the model is 71⁄2-8
ounces. I probably gained the weight with
the paint and by using too much glue.
Keep in mind that this is a big model, and
a target weight of 8 ounces is excellent.
When using the 280 mAh battery, I
needed to add a slight amount of nose
weight to balance the model at the
recommended point. With the 500 mAh
battery, the center of gravity comes out
perfect without extra nose weight.
Flying: The flying tips in the instruction
manual are written well, easy to follow,
and should allow the experienced modeler
to easily achieve flying success. I have
seen video of the original Sig model
flying, and the word I would use to
describe it is “stately.” It performed
perfect takeoffs, touch-and-gos, and
landings, and I was expecting my
Antoinette to fly equally well. It does.
After finishing the Antoinette, the first
calm day arrived and there wasn’t a
photographer present. Filled with
confidence, I performed a few taxi
maneuvers in the street in front of my
house. The airplane handled agreeably, so
I applied a little more power and it lifted
off. I immediately throttled back, and it
settled smoothly back down to the street.
Reading the flying instructions later, I
learned that this was the recommended
procedure for the first flight.
Applying power again, I let the
airplane climb to an altitude of
approximately 15 feet where I made a
racetrack pattern up and down the street.
The Antoinette required just a click of uptrim
and was flying nicely. The wind was
dead calm, and the model seemed to fly
slightly faster than that speed. After a
minute or so I throttled back and made a
descending turn into my driveway, where
the airplane made a nice landing. My first
impression was of stable, controllable
flight characteristics, and it was a real joy
to fly.
I flew several more times later that day
when I had a photographer available. On
the first flight the motor (dummy
version—not electric) fell off just as the
airplane lifted off. There is a small rubber
band between two hooks to hold the motor
in place that should not have failed, but
for some reason it did that time. The
rubber band did not break, and it has
worked flawlessly since then. The model
looked so incomplete in flight without the
motor that I landed it, added the motor,
and back into the air it went.
In the air, stability is excellent, control
responses feel right and are coordinated,
the Antoinette responds well to the
throttle when used as an altitude control,
and landings can be made at low
airspeeds. Wheel landings are easy to
execute. I have not tried aerobatics yet,
and I don’t expect much more than a mild
wingover to occur.
The only problem I have noted is that
if I try to land with power off (not
recommended by Sig) and miss the
altitude required to begin the flare, I tend
to knock the front part of the fuselage skid
off. Landing correctly with a little power
Contact information:
Sig Manufacturing Inc.
Box 520
Montezuma IA 50171
(641) 623-5154
Fax: (641) 623-3922
[email protected]
www.sigmfg.com
Specifications:
Stock number: SIGRC91
Wingspan: 50 inches
Wing area: 509 square inches
Weight: 71⁄2-8 ounces (without battery)
Length: 47 inches
Radio required: Three-channel
microsystem with two servos
Products used/manufacturers
referred to in this review:
GWS radio system:
Horizon Hobby Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Hitec RCD Inc.
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
on prevents this, but I am going to
reinforce the skid with a bamboo skewer
to add strength with flexibility. I can also
remove some nose weight with this
modification.
You need to have a tape of Those
Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
movie theme song playing in the
background when you fly this aircraft. As
the Antoinette is flying along, it is easy to
imagine that this delightful model is the
full-scale version. The pros far outweigh
the cons; I love the way this airplane looks
on the ground and in flight. I highly
recommend it. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/07
Page Numbers: 47,48,49,52,54
July 2003 47
A SUMMARY OF this review of the Sig Manufacturing
Company Antoinette electric model kit would read, “The Sig kit of
the Antoinette builds into a beautiful Scale model that is also a
great-flying airplane. You will enjoy the experience of building
and flying it.” If that seems enthusiastic, it is because I am.
This is an all-balsa-and-plywood-construction design that
allows the modeler to build a slow-flying airplane with a
lightweight structure; modern lightweight receivers, servos, and
batteries; and the excellent GWS-designed power plant. The
Antoinette is a good compromise between weight and strength and
does not sacrifice flying ability to achieve a scale appearance.
The Antoinette is not for a beginning modeler with no
experience building and flying. There are other slow-flyer kits on
the market that are fine trainers for those starting out, such as the
GWS PicoStik (which is also sold under various other names). It is
a simple, rugged, nice-flying model that will enable the novice to
acquire the skills to successfully fly the Antoinette. It is also easily
reparable for the small “woopsies” that will inevitably happen.
The following is a paragraph from the excellent assembly
manual, and it is sound advice.
“This kit is not intended for beginning modelers. However,
most intermediate modelers with average building skills will find
the Antoinette easy to build and fly. These instructions assume that
you are aware of the importance of using the correct type and
amount of glue, how to make proper wood joints, and how to fly
RC [Radio Control] models.”
Construction: The assembly manual contains comprehensive
directions, and following them exactly will enable the airplane to
be built and flown successfully. Everything needed to build and fly
the model is provided, except for the propulsion system, the radiocontrol
system, various cyanoacrylate (CyA) glues, Sig Stix-It to
David Adams
P r o d u c t R e v i e w
[email protected]
Sig Manufacturing 1909 Antoinette
Pros:
• Beautiful Scale model, great slow-flying airplane
• Excellent assembly manual with well-thought-out
construction sequence
• Lightweight, laser-cut, all-balsa-and-plywood, glued
construction, design
• Rigging is easy to do, great-looking
• Outstanding flying tips in instruction manual
• Excellent flight stability
• Harmonized control responses
• Small, easy-to-make touches that add to airplane’s looks
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor light, goodlooking
Cons:
• I would prefer lightweight, scale plastic wheel with rubber
tire.
• Front curved part of fuselage skid could be stronger to
prevent breaking.
• I didn’t care for the LiteSpan covering (may change with
more practice using the material).
• No materials for fuel tank are included in kit.
• No materials for radiators are included in kit.
• Extra materials needed for scale motor not included.
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor (I don’t like
vacuum-formed parts.)
The Sig Antoinette kit contains everything you will need to build up the model to look just like this!
48 MODEL AVIATION
attach the covering, and a selection of modeler’s tools.
Although many suitable microsize RC components on the
hobby market will perform well in the Antoinette, Sig does make
specific recommendations and mention manufacturers that have
worked well for them.
Sig recommends using various types of its own brand of CyAs,
and they certainly make building the model enjoyable and quick
when employed as called for in the instructions. The model can be
built in a couple of days when using CyA. However, it can be
assembled using more traditional hobby glues such as Sig-Ment if
that is your preference. Be sure to apply good practices, such as
pregluing and filleting joints for maximum strength.
The kit’s wooden parts are laser-cut and fit perfectly. It is a
welcome change from the model-airplane kits of my youth that
were ink-printed parts on rock-hard balsa. In the past, the
procedure to get the parts ready to build, which seemed to be
followed each time I built a model, was frustrating. First, the parts
were cut out with a razor blade. Second, all of the parts that were
broken in the first step were glued back together. The model could
be completed after the parts were repaired.
That is just a faded memory with the Antoinette’s laser-cut
parts. They need minor touch-ups with sandpaper to remove any
balsa left from bridges to hold the parts in place in the wooden
sheet. As recommended in the manual, I marked the parts before
removing them from the sheet so I could easily identify them
later.
Before starting the building process, at least look through the
assembly manual if you don’t read it thoroughly. Its writers
carefully thought out the sequence of construction, and they lead
the modeler through the steps in a smooth manner. The basic
construction is straightforward, with no complex structures or
unpleasant surprises. Glue one part to another in the sequence
presented, and you will have success and enjoy the feeling that
comes with a successful effort.
The wheels were interesting to construct. With many parts and
a little glue you get nice, scalelike wheels that track true and look
great. I had some misgivings concerning my ability to make the
rubber tires look good, but the modelers at Sig present a technique
that works flawlessly.
The only problem I had with the kit was the result of my
unskilled use of the supplied LiteSpan. This was my first covering
job with this material, and I didn’t produce the wrinkle-free
covering job I would have had I used silk, silkspan, or tissue
paper. Although the instructions mention not to worry about
wrinkles in the covering since the full-scale Antoinette had
wrinkles, I would still have preferred a smoother look.
The instructions warned about the potential hazard of warping
the LiteSpan when tightening it with heat. Even though I was
trying to be careful, I managed to warp the horizontal tail when
applying the covering. I straightened everything during assembly
by substituting carpet thread for the elastic rigging cord on the tail
surfaces. I successfully pulled the tail straight by carefully using
CyA to tack the tread in place.
I have only one thought about the airplane rigging: by all
means do it! It is fun and only takes a couple of easy hours to rig
everything. Resist the impulse to build and fly the model without
the rigging; it is a part of its character. Following the directions
Simulated engine, fuel tank, and rigging detail are visible. Adds
much to realism but doesn’t take too much extra work.
Laser-cut parts sheets were well done, and the parts literally fell
from the sheets. Only slight sanding was required.
The Antoinette parts as they come from the box are nicely
packaged in polybags. The instructions were neatly rolled.
Although larger than many electric indoor models, it is stable
and easy to fly and can be flown in gyms and small parks.
Photos courtesy the author
exactly will give you a great-looking
rigging job that allows the wings to be
mounted or removed in less than a minute
without tools.
I have always thought that one of the
features that gave the Antoinette a unique
look was its motor, fuel tank, and pilot
seemingly sitting on top of the fuselage.
The motor is well worth the small amount
of work required. Although I don’t
normally care for little vacuum-formed
parts, following these assembly-manual
directions resulted in a light, realistic
motor.
The manual suggests paint colors for
the motor, but I used some artist’s acrylic
paints that I had available, which worked
well. (I would like to have more pictures
of the full-scale motor to help with the
detailing process.)
No materials for the “fake” fuel tank
were included in the kit. I used some 1⁄32
balsa I had in my scrap box. Other
materials that are extremely lightweight
can be used if available. Using artist’s
acrylic paints, I painted the fuel tank to
make it look as if light is reflecting from a
metal cylinder, and I added some straps
and a fuel cap. It’s a great scale look with
little work.
The radiators along the side of the
fuselage were to be made from balsa
scraps that were rounded and painted to
look like metal tubes. I would pay a little
July 2003 49
extra to have the rounded balsa strips
included in the kit.
I have not added the fuselage side
radiators since my Antoinette’s weight
was projected to come out on the heavy
side of the suggested range. I think this is
because I painted the fuselage with several
coats of acrylic paint inside and outside
using a heavy-handed brush technique. I
wanted to evaluate the model’s flying
qualities before adding any more weight.
Since the airplane flew beautifully, the
radiators are on the building board.
I installed the radio per the assembly
instructions with no problems. I used a
GWS microreceiver, two Hitec HS-50
52 MODEL AVIATION
servos, a GWS 5-amp motor controller,
and a seven-cell 280 mAh NiMH battery
for power. Resist the urge to use an eightcell
pack; that will greatly reduce the
GWS motor’s life because of overheating.
The airplane flies scalelike with the
seven-cell battery pack.
The supplied nylon cord used for the
pull-pull control system works well, and
the Antoinette’s wooden control wheel
attached to the elevator servo arm adds
realism. The pilot’s hands are glued to the
control wheels, and his arm moves as if
he does all of the flying.
My ready-to-fly Antoinette weighs 81⁄2
ounces without the battery. The weight
range Sig gives for the model is 71⁄2-8
ounces. I probably gained the weight with
the paint and by using too much glue.
Keep in mind that this is a big model, and
a target weight of 8 ounces is excellent.
When using the 280 mAh battery, I
needed to add a slight amount of nose
weight to balance the model at the
recommended point. With the 500 mAh
battery, the center of gravity comes out
perfect without extra nose weight.
Flying: The flying tips in the instruction
manual are written well, easy to follow,
and should allow the experienced modeler
to easily achieve flying success. I have
seen video of the original Sig model
flying, and the word I would use to
describe it is “stately.” It performed
perfect takeoffs, touch-and-gos, and
landings, and I was expecting my
Antoinette to fly equally well. It does.
After finishing the Antoinette, the first
calm day arrived and there wasn’t a
photographer present. Filled with
confidence, I performed a few taxi
maneuvers in the street in front of my
house. The airplane handled agreeably, so
I applied a little more power and it lifted
off. I immediately throttled back, and it
settled smoothly back down to the street.
Reading the flying instructions later, I
learned that this was the recommended
procedure for the first flight.
Applying power again, I let the
airplane climb to an altitude of
approximately 15 feet where I made a
racetrack pattern up and down the street.
The Antoinette required just a click of uptrim
and was flying nicely. The wind was
dead calm, and the model seemed to fly
slightly faster than that speed. After a
minute or so I throttled back and made a
descending turn into my driveway, where
the airplane made a nice landing. My first
impression was of stable, controllable
flight characteristics, and it was a real joy
to fly.
I flew several more times later that day
when I had a photographer available. On
the first flight the motor (dummy
version—not electric) fell off just as the
airplane lifted off. There is a small rubber
band between two hooks to hold the motor
in place that should not have failed, but
for some reason it did that time. The
rubber band did not break, and it has
worked flawlessly since then. The model
looked so incomplete in flight without the
motor that I landed it, added the motor,
and back into the air it went.
In the air, stability is excellent, control
responses feel right and are coordinated,
the Antoinette responds well to the
throttle when used as an altitude control,
and landings can be made at low
airspeeds. Wheel landings are easy to
execute. I have not tried aerobatics yet,
and I don’t expect much more than a mild
wingover to occur.
The only problem I have noted is that
if I try to land with power off (not
recommended by Sig) and miss the
altitude required to begin the flare, I tend
to knock the front part of the fuselage skid
off. Landing correctly with a little power
Contact information:
Sig Manufacturing Inc.
Box 520
Montezuma IA 50171
(641) 623-5154
Fax: (641) 623-3922
[email protected]
www.sigmfg.com
Specifications:
Stock number: SIGRC91
Wingspan: 50 inches
Wing area: 509 square inches
Weight: 71⁄2-8 ounces (without battery)
Length: 47 inches
Radio required: Three-channel
microsystem with two servos
Products used/manufacturers
referred to in this review:
GWS radio system:
Horizon Hobby Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Hitec RCD Inc.
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
on prevents this, but I am going to
reinforce the skid with a bamboo skewer
to add strength with flexibility. I can also
remove some nose weight with this
modification.
You need to have a tape of Those
Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
movie theme song playing in the
background when you fly this aircraft. As
the Antoinette is flying along, it is easy to
imagine that this delightful model is the
full-scale version. The pros far outweigh
the cons; I love the way this airplane looks
on the ground and in flight. I highly
recommend it. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/07
Page Numbers: 47,48,49,52,54
July 2003 47
A SUMMARY OF this review of the Sig Manufacturing
Company Antoinette electric model kit would read, “The Sig kit of
the Antoinette builds into a beautiful Scale model that is also a
great-flying airplane. You will enjoy the experience of building
and flying it.” If that seems enthusiastic, it is because I am.
This is an all-balsa-and-plywood-construction design that
allows the modeler to build a slow-flying airplane with a
lightweight structure; modern lightweight receivers, servos, and
batteries; and the excellent GWS-designed power plant. The
Antoinette is a good compromise between weight and strength and
does not sacrifice flying ability to achieve a scale appearance.
The Antoinette is not for a beginning modeler with no
experience building and flying. There are other slow-flyer kits on
the market that are fine trainers for those starting out, such as the
GWS PicoStik (which is also sold under various other names). It is
a simple, rugged, nice-flying model that will enable the novice to
acquire the skills to successfully fly the Antoinette. It is also easily
reparable for the small “woopsies” that will inevitably happen.
The following is a paragraph from the excellent assembly
manual, and it is sound advice.
“This kit is not intended for beginning modelers. However,
most intermediate modelers with average building skills will find
the Antoinette easy to build and fly. These instructions assume that
you are aware of the importance of using the correct type and
amount of glue, how to make proper wood joints, and how to fly
RC [Radio Control] models.”
Construction: The assembly manual contains comprehensive
directions, and following them exactly will enable the airplane to
be built and flown successfully. Everything needed to build and fly
the model is provided, except for the propulsion system, the radiocontrol
system, various cyanoacrylate (CyA) glues, Sig Stix-It to
David Adams
P r o d u c t R e v i e w
[email protected]
Sig Manufacturing 1909 Antoinette
Pros:
• Beautiful Scale model, great slow-flying airplane
• Excellent assembly manual with well-thought-out
construction sequence
• Lightweight, laser-cut, all-balsa-and-plywood, glued
construction, design
• Rigging is easy to do, great-looking
• Outstanding flying tips in instruction manual
• Excellent flight stability
• Harmonized control responses
• Small, easy-to-make touches that add to airplane’s looks
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor light, goodlooking
Cons:
• I would prefer lightweight, scale plastic wheel with rubber
tire.
• Front curved part of fuselage skid could be stronger to
prevent breaking.
• I didn’t care for the LiteSpan covering (may change with
more practice using the material).
• No materials for fuel tank are included in kit.
• No materials for radiators are included in kit.
• Extra materials needed for scale motor not included.
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor (I don’t like
vacuum-formed parts.)
The Sig Antoinette kit contains everything you will need to build up the model to look just like this!
48 MODEL AVIATION
attach the covering, and a selection of modeler’s tools.
Although many suitable microsize RC components on the
hobby market will perform well in the Antoinette, Sig does make
specific recommendations and mention manufacturers that have
worked well for them.
Sig recommends using various types of its own brand of CyAs,
and they certainly make building the model enjoyable and quick
when employed as called for in the instructions. The model can be
built in a couple of days when using CyA. However, it can be
assembled using more traditional hobby glues such as Sig-Ment if
that is your preference. Be sure to apply good practices, such as
pregluing and filleting joints for maximum strength.
The kit’s wooden parts are laser-cut and fit perfectly. It is a
welcome change from the model-airplane kits of my youth that
were ink-printed parts on rock-hard balsa. In the past, the
procedure to get the parts ready to build, which seemed to be
followed each time I built a model, was frustrating. First, the parts
were cut out with a razor blade. Second, all of the parts that were
broken in the first step were glued back together. The model could
be completed after the parts were repaired.
That is just a faded memory with the Antoinette’s laser-cut
parts. They need minor touch-ups with sandpaper to remove any
balsa left from bridges to hold the parts in place in the wooden
sheet. As recommended in the manual, I marked the parts before
removing them from the sheet so I could easily identify them
later.
Before starting the building process, at least look through the
assembly manual if you don’t read it thoroughly. Its writers
carefully thought out the sequence of construction, and they lead
the modeler through the steps in a smooth manner. The basic
construction is straightforward, with no complex structures or
unpleasant surprises. Glue one part to another in the sequence
presented, and you will have success and enjoy the feeling that
comes with a successful effort.
The wheels were interesting to construct. With many parts and
a little glue you get nice, scalelike wheels that track true and look
great. I had some misgivings concerning my ability to make the
rubber tires look good, but the modelers at Sig present a technique
that works flawlessly.
The only problem I had with the kit was the result of my
unskilled use of the supplied LiteSpan. This was my first covering
job with this material, and I didn’t produce the wrinkle-free
covering job I would have had I used silk, silkspan, or tissue
paper. Although the instructions mention not to worry about
wrinkles in the covering since the full-scale Antoinette had
wrinkles, I would still have preferred a smoother look.
The instructions warned about the potential hazard of warping
the LiteSpan when tightening it with heat. Even though I was
trying to be careful, I managed to warp the horizontal tail when
applying the covering. I straightened everything during assembly
by substituting carpet thread for the elastic rigging cord on the tail
surfaces. I successfully pulled the tail straight by carefully using
CyA to tack the tread in place.
I have only one thought about the airplane rigging: by all
means do it! It is fun and only takes a couple of easy hours to rig
everything. Resist the impulse to build and fly the model without
the rigging; it is a part of its character. Following the directions
Simulated engine, fuel tank, and rigging detail are visible. Adds
much to realism but doesn’t take too much extra work.
Laser-cut parts sheets were well done, and the parts literally fell
from the sheets. Only slight sanding was required.
The Antoinette parts as they come from the box are nicely
packaged in polybags. The instructions were neatly rolled.
Although larger than many electric indoor models, it is stable
and easy to fly and can be flown in gyms and small parks.
Photos courtesy the author
exactly will give you a great-looking
rigging job that allows the wings to be
mounted or removed in less than a minute
without tools.
I have always thought that one of the
features that gave the Antoinette a unique
look was its motor, fuel tank, and pilot
seemingly sitting on top of the fuselage.
The motor is well worth the small amount
of work required. Although I don’t
normally care for little vacuum-formed
parts, following these assembly-manual
directions resulted in a light, realistic
motor.
The manual suggests paint colors for
the motor, but I used some artist’s acrylic
paints that I had available, which worked
well. (I would like to have more pictures
of the full-scale motor to help with the
detailing process.)
No materials for the “fake” fuel tank
were included in the kit. I used some 1⁄32
balsa I had in my scrap box. Other
materials that are extremely lightweight
can be used if available. Using artist’s
acrylic paints, I painted the fuel tank to
make it look as if light is reflecting from a
metal cylinder, and I added some straps
and a fuel cap. It’s a great scale look with
little work.
The radiators along the side of the
fuselage were to be made from balsa
scraps that were rounded and painted to
look like metal tubes. I would pay a little
July 2003 49
extra to have the rounded balsa strips
included in the kit.
I have not added the fuselage side
radiators since my Antoinette’s weight
was projected to come out on the heavy
side of the suggested range. I think this is
because I painted the fuselage with several
coats of acrylic paint inside and outside
using a heavy-handed brush technique. I
wanted to evaluate the model’s flying
qualities before adding any more weight.
Since the airplane flew beautifully, the
radiators are on the building board.
I installed the radio per the assembly
instructions with no problems. I used a
GWS microreceiver, two Hitec HS-50
52 MODEL AVIATION
servos, a GWS 5-amp motor controller,
and a seven-cell 280 mAh NiMH battery
for power. Resist the urge to use an eightcell
pack; that will greatly reduce the
GWS motor’s life because of overheating.
The airplane flies scalelike with the
seven-cell battery pack.
The supplied nylon cord used for the
pull-pull control system works well, and
the Antoinette’s wooden control wheel
attached to the elevator servo arm adds
realism. The pilot’s hands are glued to the
control wheels, and his arm moves as if
he does all of the flying.
My ready-to-fly Antoinette weighs 81⁄2
ounces without the battery. The weight
range Sig gives for the model is 71⁄2-8
ounces. I probably gained the weight with
the paint and by using too much glue.
Keep in mind that this is a big model, and
a target weight of 8 ounces is excellent.
When using the 280 mAh battery, I
needed to add a slight amount of nose
weight to balance the model at the
recommended point. With the 500 mAh
battery, the center of gravity comes out
perfect without extra nose weight.
Flying: The flying tips in the instruction
manual are written well, easy to follow,
and should allow the experienced modeler
to easily achieve flying success. I have
seen video of the original Sig model
flying, and the word I would use to
describe it is “stately.” It performed
perfect takeoffs, touch-and-gos, and
landings, and I was expecting my
Antoinette to fly equally well. It does.
After finishing the Antoinette, the first
calm day arrived and there wasn’t a
photographer present. Filled with
confidence, I performed a few taxi
maneuvers in the street in front of my
house. The airplane handled agreeably, so
I applied a little more power and it lifted
off. I immediately throttled back, and it
settled smoothly back down to the street.
Reading the flying instructions later, I
learned that this was the recommended
procedure for the first flight.
Applying power again, I let the
airplane climb to an altitude of
approximately 15 feet where I made a
racetrack pattern up and down the street.
The Antoinette required just a click of uptrim
and was flying nicely. The wind was
dead calm, and the model seemed to fly
slightly faster than that speed. After a
minute or so I throttled back and made a
descending turn into my driveway, where
the airplane made a nice landing. My first
impression was of stable, controllable
flight characteristics, and it was a real joy
to fly.
I flew several more times later that day
when I had a photographer available. On
the first flight the motor (dummy
version—not electric) fell off just as the
airplane lifted off. There is a small rubber
band between two hooks to hold the motor
in place that should not have failed, but
for some reason it did that time. The
rubber band did not break, and it has
worked flawlessly since then. The model
looked so incomplete in flight without the
motor that I landed it, added the motor,
and back into the air it went.
In the air, stability is excellent, control
responses feel right and are coordinated,
the Antoinette responds well to the
throttle when used as an altitude control,
and landings can be made at low
airspeeds. Wheel landings are easy to
execute. I have not tried aerobatics yet,
and I don’t expect much more than a mild
wingover to occur.
The only problem I have noted is that
if I try to land with power off (not
recommended by Sig) and miss the
altitude required to begin the flare, I tend
to knock the front part of the fuselage skid
off. Landing correctly with a little power
Contact information:
Sig Manufacturing Inc.
Box 520
Montezuma IA 50171
(641) 623-5154
Fax: (641) 623-3922
[email protected]
www.sigmfg.com
Specifications:
Stock number: SIGRC91
Wingspan: 50 inches
Wing area: 509 square inches
Weight: 71⁄2-8 ounces (without battery)
Length: 47 inches
Radio required: Three-channel
microsystem with two servos
Products used/manufacturers
referred to in this review:
GWS radio system:
Horizon Hobby Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Hitec RCD Inc.
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
on prevents this, but I am going to
reinforce the skid with a bamboo skewer
to add strength with flexibility. I can also
remove some nose weight with this
modification.
You need to have a tape of Those
Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
movie theme song playing in the
background when you fly this aircraft. As
the Antoinette is flying along, it is easy to
imagine that this delightful model is the
full-scale version. The pros far outweigh
the cons; I love the way this airplane looks
on the ground and in flight. I highly
recommend it. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/07
Page Numbers: 47,48,49,52,54
July 2003 47
A SUMMARY OF this review of the Sig Manufacturing
Company Antoinette electric model kit would read, “The Sig kit of
the Antoinette builds into a beautiful Scale model that is also a
great-flying airplane. You will enjoy the experience of building
and flying it.” If that seems enthusiastic, it is because I am.
This is an all-balsa-and-plywood-construction design that
allows the modeler to build a slow-flying airplane with a
lightweight structure; modern lightweight receivers, servos, and
batteries; and the excellent GWS-designed power plant. The
Antoinette is a good compromise between weight and strength and
does not sacrifice flying ability to achieve a scale appearance.
The Antoinette is not for a beginning modeler with no
experience building and flying. There are other slow-flyer kits on
the market that are fine trainers for those starting out, such as the
GWS PicoStik (which is also sold under various other names). It is
a simple, rugged, nice-flying model that will enable the novice to
acquire the skills to successfully fly the Antoinette. It is also easily
reparable for the small “woopsies” that will inevitably happen.
The following is a paragraph from the excellent assembly
manual, and it is sound advice.
“This kit is not intended for beginning modelers. However,
most intermediate modelers with average building skills will find
the Antoinette easy to build and fly. These instructions assume that
you are aware of the importance of using the correct type and
amount of glue, how to make proper wood joints, and how to fly
RC [Radio Control] models.”
Construction: The assembly manual contains comprehensive
directions, and following them exactly will enable the airplane to
be built and flown successfully. Everything needed to build and fly
the model is provided, except for the propulsion system, the radiocontrol
system, various cyanoacrylate (CyA) glues, Sig Stix-It to
David Adams
P r o d u c t R e v i e w
[email protected]
Sig Manufacturing 1909 Antoinette
Pros:
• Beautiful Scale model, great slow-flying airplane
• Excellent assembly manual with well-thought-out
construction sequence
• Lightweight, laser-cut, all-balsa-and-plywood, glued
construction, design
• Rigging is easy to do, great-looking
• Outstanding flying tips in instruction manual
• Excellent flight stability
• Harmonized control responses
• Small, easy-to-make touches that add to airplane’s looks
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor light, goodlooking
Cons:
• I would prefer lightweight, scale plastic wheel with rubber
tire.
• Front curved part of fuselage skid could be stronger to
prevent breaking.
• I didn’t care for the LiteSpan covering (may change with
more practice using the material).
• No materials for fuel tank are included in kit.
• No materials for radiators are included in kit.
• Extra materials needed for scale motor not included.
• Vacuum-formed parts to make scale motor (I don’t like
vacuum-formed parts.)
The Sig Antoinette kit contains everything you will need to build up the model to look just like this!
48 MODEL AVIATION
attach the covering, and a selection of modeler’s tools.
Although many suitable microsize RC components on the
hobby market will perform well in the Antoinette, Sig does make
specific recommendations and mention manufacturers that have
worked well for them.
Sig recommends using various types of its own brand of CyAs,
and they certainly make building the model enjoyable and quick
when employed as called for in the instructions. The model can be
built in a couple of days when using CyA. However, it can be
assembled using more traditional hobby glues such as Sig-Ment if
that is your preference. Be sure to apply good practices, such as
pregluing and filleting joints for maximum strength.
The kit’s wooden parts are laser-cut and fit perfectly. It is a
welcome change from the model-airplane kits of my youth that
were ink-printed parts on rock-hard balsa. In the past, the
procedure to get the parts ready to build, which seemed to be
followed each time I built a model, was frustrating. First, the parts
were cut out with a razor blade. Second, all of the parts that were
broken in the first step were glued back together. The model could
be completed after the parts were repaired.
That is just a faded memory with the Antoinette’s laser-cut
parts. They need minor touch-ups with sandpaper to remove any
balsa left from bridges to hold the parts in place in the wooden
sheet. As recommended in the manual, I marked the parts before
removing them from the sheet so I could easily identify them
later.
Before starting the building process, at least look through the
assembly manual if you don’t read it thoroughly. Its writers
carefully thought out the sequence of construction, and they lead
the modeler through the steps in a smooth manner. The basic
construction is straightforward, with no complex structures or
unpleasant surprises. Glue one part to another in the sequence
presented, and you will have success and enjoy the feeling that
comes with a successful effort.
The wheels were interesting to construct. With many parts and
a little glue you get nice, scalelike wheels that track true and look
great. I had some misgivings concerning my ability to make the
rubber tires look good, but the modelers at Sig present a technique
that works flawlessly.
The only problem I had with the kit was the result of my
unskilled use of the supplied LiteSpan. This was my first covering
job with this material, and I didn’t produce the wrinkle-free
covering job I would have had I used silk, silkspan, or tissue
paper. Although the instructions mention not to worry about
wrinkles in the covering since the full-scale Antoinette had
wrinkles, I would still have preferred a smoother look.
The instructions warned about the potential hazard of warping
the LiteSpan when tightening it with heat. Even though I was
trying to be careful, I managed to warp the horizontal tail when
applying the covering. I straightened everything during assembly
by substituting carpet thread for the elastic rigging cord on the tail
surfaces. I successfully pulled the tail straight by carefully using
CyA to tack the tread in place.
I have only one thought about the airplane rigging: by all
means do it! It is fun and only takes a couple of easy hours to rig
everything. Resist the impulse to build and fly the model without
the rigging; it is a part of its character. Following the directions
Simulated engine, fuel tank, and rigging detail are visible. Adds
much to realism but doesn’t take too much extra work.
Laser-cut parts sheets were well done, and the parts literally fell
from the sheets. Only slight sanding was required.
The Antoinette parts as they come from the box are nicely
packaged in polybags. The instructions were neatly rolled.
Although larger than many electric indoor models, it is stable
and easy to fly and can be flown in gyms and small parks.
Photos courtesy the author
exactly will give you a great-looking
rigging job that allows the wings to be
mounted or removed in less than a minute
without tools.
I have always thought that one of the
features that gave the Antoinette a unique
look was its motor, fuel tank, and pilot
seemingly sitting on top of the fuselage.
The motor is well worth the small amount
of work required. Although I don’t
normally care for little vacuum-formed
parts, following these assembly-manual
directions resulted in a light, realistic
motor.
The manual suggests paint colors for
the motor, but I used some artist’s acrylic
paints that I had available, which worked
well. (I would like to have more pictures
of the full-scale motor to help with the
detailing process.)
No materials for the “fake” fuel tank
were included in the kit. I used some 1⁄32
balsa I had in my scrap box. Other
materials that are extremely lightweight
can be used if available. Using artist’s
acrylic paints, I painted the fuel tank to
make it look as if light is reflecting from a
metal cylinder, and I added some straps
and a fuel cap. It’s a great scale look with
little work.
The radiators along the side of the
fuselage were to be made from balsa
scraps that were rounded and painted to
look like metal tubes. I would pay a little
July 2003 49
extra to have the rounded balsa strips
included in the kit.
I have not added the fuselage side
radiators since my Antoinette’s weight
was projected to come out on the heavy
side of the suggested range. I think this is
because I painted the fuselage with several
coats of acrylic paint inside and outside
using a heavy-handed brush technique. I
wanted to evaluate the model’s flying
qualities before adding any more weight.
Since the airplane flew beautifully, the
radiators are on the building board.
I installed the radio per the assembly
instructions with no problems. I used a
GWS microreceiver, two Hitec HS-50
52 MODEL AVIATION
servos, a GWS 5-amp motor controller,
and a seven-cell 280 mAh NiMH battery
for power. Resist the urge to use an eightcell
pack; that will greatly reduce the
GWS motor’s life because of overheating.
The airplane flies scalelike with the
seven-cell battery pack.
The supplied nylon cord used for the
pull-pull control system works well, and
the Antoinette’s wooden control wheel
attached to the elevator servo arm adds
realism. The pilot’s hands are glued to the
control wheels, and his arm moves as if
he does all of the flying.
My ready-to-fly Antoinette weighs 81⁄2
ounces without the battery. The weight
range Sig gives for the model is 71⁄2-8
ounces. I probably gained the weight with
the paint and by using too much glue.
Keep in mind that this is a big model, and
a target weight of 8 ounces is excellent.
When using the 280 mAh battery, I
needed to add a slight amount of nose
weight to balance the model at the
recommended point. With the 500 mAh
battery, the center of gravity comes out
perfect without extra nose weight.
Flying: The flying tips in the instruction
manual are written well, easy to follow,
and should allow the experienced modeler
to easily achieve flying success. I have
seen video of the original Sig model
flying, and the word I would use to
describe it is “stately.” It performed
perfect takeoffs, touch-and-gos, and
landings, and I was expecting my
Antoinette to fly equally well. It does.
After finishing the Antoinette, the first
calm day arrived and there wasn’t a
photographer present. Filled with
confidence, I performed a few taxi
maneuvers in the street in front of my
house. The airplane handled agreeably, so
I applied a little more power and it lifted
off. I immediately throttled back, and it
settled smoothly back down to the street.
Reading the flying instructions later, I
learned that this was the recommended
procedure for the first flight.
Applying power again, I let the
airplane climb to an altitude of
approximately 15 feet where I made a
racetrack pattern up and down the street.
The Antoinette required just a click of uptrim
and was flying nicely. The wind was
dead calm, and the model seemed to fly
slightly faster than that speed. After a
minute or so I throttled back and made a
descending turn into my driveway, where
the airplane made a nice landing. My first
impression was of stable, controllable
flight characteristics, and it was a real joy
to fly.
I flew several more times later that day
when I had a photographer available. On
the first flight the motor (dummy
version—not electric) fell off just as the
airplane lifted off. There is a small rubber
band between two hooks to hold the motor
in place that should not have failed, but
for some reason it did that time. The
rubber band did not break, and it has
worked flawlessly since then. The model
looked so incomplete in flight without the
motor that I landed it, added the motor,
and back into the air it went.
In the air, stability is excellent, control
responses feel right and are coordinated,
the Antoinette responds well to the
throttle when used as an altitude control,
and landings can be made at low
airspeeds. Wheel landings are easy to
execute. I have not tried aerobatics yet,
and I don’t expect much more than a mild
wingover to occur.
The only problem I have noted is that
if I try to land with power off (not
recommended by Sig) and miss the
altitude required to begin the flare, I tend
to knock the front part of the fuselage skid
off. Landing correctly with a little power
Contact information:
Sig Manufacturing Inc.
Box 520
Montezuma IA 50171
(641) 623-5154
Fax: (641) 623-3922
[email protected]
www.sigmfg.com
Specifications:
Stock number: SIGRC91
Wingspan: 50 inches
Wing area: 509 square inches
Weight: 71⁄2-8 ounces (without battery)
Length: 47 inches
Radio required: Three-channel
microsystem with two servos
Products used/manufacturers
referred to in this review:
GWS radio system:
Horizon Hobby Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
Hitec RCD Inc.
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
on prevents this, but I am going to
reinforce the skid with a bamboo skewer
to add strength with flexibility. I can also
remove some nose weight with this
modification.
You need to have a tape of Those
Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
movie theme song playing in the
background when you fly this aircraft. As
the Antoinette is flying along, it is easy to
imagine that this delightful model is the
full-scale version. The pros far outweigh
the cons; I love the way this airplane looks
on the ground and in flight. I highly
recommend it. MA
