THE MAJOR TOPIC of conversation at
the local flying field lately has been 2.4
GHz and spread spectrum. The latest in RC
technology began hitting the shelf
approximately a year ago. First used in
conjunction with the smaller park flyer-type
models, AMA has approved this technology
for any size of AMA-legal RC model.
that includes the transmitter, receiver, charger, and switch harness.
A few immediately noticeable things are different from on my
traditional 72 MHz radio systems. The antenna on the transmitter is
extremely short—quite a departure from the telescoping antenna on
my other systems.
The 2.4 GHz receiver is smaller and lighter than a standard FM
or Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) receiver. Additionally, there are
two short antennas on the 2.4 GHz receiver instead of the standard
long lead found on 72 MHz receivers.
There are a few basic rules to follow when installing the 2.4
GHz receiver in a model. Its system’s wavelength is much shorter
than on conventional systems, so it is susceptible to signal loss. To
compensate for that, the R606FS receiver has two antennas. Futaba
calls this “Dual Antenna Diversity.” The receiver scans incoming
data and applies error correction while
seamlessly selecting the best reception from
between the two receiver antennas.
The antennas must be kept as straight as
possible and should be placed at 90° to each
other. However, the 90° is noncritical; it is
most important to keep them separated from
each other as much as possible.
The antennas should be kept away from
conductive materials such as carbon or
metal. Futaba recommends at least a halfinch
space. The receiver should be placed
away from the motor, ESC, and other noise
sources.
Since the transmitter and receiver are
uniquely linked to each other and shift
frequency every 2 milliseconds, there is no
need for a frequency pin. On the back of
the transmitter is an LED that shows when
the transmitter is in a power-down mode or
when a radio-frequency signal is being
transmitted. An LED on the receiver glows
green when fully linked to the transmitter.
As with 72 MHz systems, a range
check is critical to confirm proper system
operation before flight. The Futaba 2.4
GHz system has a power-down mode that
reduces radio-frequency power and
reduces the system’s range.
In that mode a proper range distance is
30-50 paces. This range check should be
performed with the engine/motor off and
again with the engine/motor on.
I was anxious to install my new system
on one of my RC Giants. I chose the
Fokker Eindecker because of all the
flying/landing wires, pull-pull cables, and
aluminum tape.
The Eindecker flew with a PCM
receiver because of the poor reception
using an FM receiver. No matter how I
placed the FM receiver, I could not get a
satisfactory range test, so I figured that
model would be an excellent trial for the
spread spectrum system.
I installed the new 2.4 GHz receiver
and was pleased with the range-test results.
Test flights with this system were flawless.
Spread spectrum is here to stay, and
these systems will continue to mature and
offer more functionality to the RC
modeler. I’m happy with my system’s
operation. Give it a try in your RC Giant.
The de Havilland D.H.2 is another
magnificent model from prolific builder Ed
Hirschfeld of Selden, New York. He built
the aircraft from 1/4-scale plans by Alan
Morgan. The model spans 80 inches, and a
Zenoah G-38 engine turns the 20 x 6
Zinger wood pusher propeller.
The D.H.2 is shown on its maiden
flight using the Futaba 2.4 GHz FASST
spread spectrum radio system. It has wires
galore but posed no problem for the radio
system.
Ed covered the D.H.2 with Solartex
material and hand painted all the insignia
using acrylic craft paint. The rotary engine
was constructed using 1/4-scale Gnome
engine cylinders available from Williams
Brothers Model Products. An interesting
fact is that torque applies force to the
pusher aircraft in the opposite direction
from that of typical tractor-type aircraft.
The D.H.2 was talented designer
Geoffrey de Havilland’s second design. It
was the first purpose-built fighter of World
War I since the Fokker Eindecker and the
Morane-Saulnier began as single-seat,
unarmed monoplane scouts.
Early air combat over the Western
Front indicated the need for a single-seat
fighter with forward-firing armament.
Since no reliable interrupter gear was
available to the British, Geoffrey de
Havilland designed the D.H.2 as a smaller,
single-seat development of the earlier twoseat
D.H.1 pusher design.
The engine was mounted in the rear of
the diminutive fuselage; it was a pusher
configuration to give a forward-firing
machine gun an unobstructed field of fire.
Since the synchronized interrupter gear of
Eindecker fame had not yet been
developed, the pusher arrangement was
one way to solve this issue.
The prototype D.H.2 was first flown
from Hendon Field in June 1915. It
possessed good maneuverability and an
excellent rate of climb. The aircraft was
armed with a single Lewis machine gun
and five drums of ammunition, which
could be positioned on one of three
flexible mountings in the cockpit.
Pilots quickly learned that the best
method to achieve a kill was to aim the
aircraft rather than the gun, so the gun was
fixed in the forward-firing center mount.
Higher authorities banned this
configuration until a clip was approved
that fixed the gun in place but could be
released if required.
The D.H.2’s top speed was roughly 93
mph. As development continued, more
power was sought from the Gnome
Monosoupape rotary engine. It was
rebored to increase power and would
occasionally shed its cylinders in flight
and sever tailbooms with fatal
consequences.
Newly built engines were installed in
all the D.H.2s flown to France by 24
Squadron RFC—the world’s first fighter
squadron—in late 1915. Although it was
unpopular because of limited speed and
range and a tendency to spin, the D.H.2
helped end the “Fokker Scourge” when the
Eindecker ruled the skies. Airco built
roughly 400 D.H.2s.
The Spad Build Continues: I have
included the latest photos of the Balsa
USA 1/4-scale Spad 13 under construction.
The fuselage is shown nearly completed.
Unlike many round World War I
fuselage shapes, the Spad’s nose section
is more streamlined and has contours that
use thin aircraft-grade plywood. The rear
part of the fuselage is typical of World
War I models. Make sure the formers are
installed properly so you don’t build a
“banana.”
The Spad’s wings are long and have an
extra set of interplane struts. Aligning the
wings properly is important, and take extra
care when building the struts. Once
soldered, they can be encapsulated for final
shape and finish.
The landing gear is wrapped and
soldered. A spreader bar is installed using
rubber bands, elastic, or bungee cord. The
elastic allows the gear to spread on lessthan-
perfect landings. The gear is also
finished with encapsulation.
For more information about this famous
World War I aircraft, visit the Balsa USA
Web site at www.balsausa.com.
That wraps up another column! Send me
some photos of your latest project so I can
share them with readers. Stay well and fly
safely.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 120,121,122,123
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 120,121,122,123
THE MAJOR TOPIC of conversation at
the local flying field lately has been 2.4
GHz and spread spectrum. The latest in RC
technology began hitting the shelf
approximately a year ago. First used in
conjunction with the smaller park flyer-type
models, AMA has approved this technology
for any size of AMA-legal RC model.
that includes the transmitter, receiver, charger, and switch harness.
A few immediately noticeable things are different from on my
traditional 72 MHz radio systems. The antenna on the transmitter is
extremely short—quite a departure from the telescoping antenna on
my other systems.
The 2.4 GHz receiver is smaller and lighter than a standard FM
or Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) receiver. Additionally, there are
two short antennas on the 2.4 GHz receiver instead of the standard
long lead found on 72 MHz receivers.
There are a few basic rules to follow when installing the 2.4
GHz receiver in a model. Its system’s wavelength is much shorter
than on conventional systems, so it is susceptible to signal loss. To
compensate for that, the R606FS receiver has two antennas. Futaba
calls this “Dual Antenna Diversity.” The receiver scans incoming
data and applies error correction while
seamlessly selecting the best reception from
between the two receiver antennas.
The antennas must be kept as straight as
possible and should be placed at 90° to each
other. However, the 90° is noncritical; it is
most important to keep them separated from
each other as much as possible.
The antennas should be kept away from
conductive materials such as carbon or
metal. Futaba recommends at least a halfinch
space. The receiver should be placed
away from the motor, ESC, and other noise
sources.
Since the transmitter and receiver are
uniquely linked to each other and shift
frequency every 2 milliseconds, there is no
need for a frequency pin. On the back of
the transmitter is an LED that shows when
the transmitter is in a power-down mode or
when a radio-frequency signal is being
transmitted. An LED on the receiver glows
green when fully linked to the transmitter.
As with 72 MHz systems, a range
check is critical to confirm proper system
operation before flight. The Futaba 2.4
GHz system has a power-down mode that
reduces radio-frequency power and
reduces the system’s range.
In that mode a proper range distance is
30-50 paces. This range check should be
performed with the engine/motor off and
again with the engine/motor on.
I was anxious to install my new system
on one of my RC Giants. I chose the
Fokker Eindecker because of all the
flying/landing wires, pull-pull cables, and
aluminum tape.
The Eindecker flew with a PCM
receiver because of the poor reception
using an FM receiver. No matter how I
placed the FM receiver, I could not get a
satisfactory range test, so I figured that
model would be an excellent trial for the
spread spectrum system.
I installed the new 2.4 GHz receiver
and was pleased with the range-test results.
Test flights with this system were flawless.
Spread spectrum is here to stay, and
these systems will continue to mature and
offer more functionality to the RC
modeler. I’m happy with my system’s
operation. Give it a try in your RC Giant.
The de Havilland D.H.2 is another
magnificent model from prolific builder Ed
Hirschfeld of Selden, New York. He built
the aircraft from 1/4-scale plans by Alan
Morgan. The model spans 80 inches, and a
Zenoah G-38 engine turns the 20 x 6
Zinger wood pusher propeller.
The D.H.2 is shown on its maiden
flight using the Futaba 2.4 GHz FASST
spread spectrum radio system. It has wires
galore but posed no problem for the radio
system.
Ed covered the D.H.2 with Solartex
material and hand painted all the insignia
using acrylic craft paint. The rotary engine
was constructed using 1/4-scale Gnome
engine cylinders available from Williams
Brothers Model Products. An interesting
fact is that torque applies force to the
pusher aircraft in the opposite direction
from that of typical tractor-type aircraft.
The D.H.2 was talented designer
Geoffrey de Havilland’s second design. It
was the first purpose-built fighter of World
War I since the Fokker Eindecker and the
Morane-Saulnier began as single-seat,
unarmed monoplane scouts.
Early air combat over the Western
Front indicated the need for a single-seat
fighter with forward-firing armament.
Since no reliable interrupter gear was
available to the British, Geoffrey de
Havilland designed the D.H.2 as a smaller,
single-seat development of the earlier twoseat
D.H.1 pusher design.
The engine was mounted in the rear of
the diminutive fuselage; it was a pusher
configuration to give a forward-firing
machine gun an unobstructed field of fire.
Since the synchronized interrupter gear of
Eindecker fame had not yet been
developed, the pusher arrangement was
one way to solve this issue.
The prototype D.H.2 was first flown
from Hendon Field in June 1915. It
possessed good maneuverability and an
excellent rate of climb. The aircraft was
armed with a single Lewis machine gun
and five drums of ammunition, which
could be positioned on one of three
flexible mountings in the cockpit.
Pilots quickly learned that the best
method to achieve a kill was to aim the
aircraft rather than the gun, so the gun was
fixed in the forward-firing center mount.
Higher authorities banned this
configuration until a clip was approved
that fixed the gun in place but could be
released if required.
The D.H.2’s top speed was roughly 93
mph. As development continued, more
power was sought from the Gnome
Monosoupape rotary engine. It was
rebored to increase power and would
occasionally shed its cylinders in flight
and sever tailbooms with fatal
consequences.
Newly built engines were installed in
all the D.H.2s flown to France by 24
Squadron RFC—the world’s first fighter
squadron—in late 1915. Although it was
unpopular because of limited speed and
range and a tendency to spin, the D.H.2
helped end the “Fokker Scourge” when the
Eindecker ruled the skies. Airco built
roughly 400 D.H.2s.
The Spad Build Continues: I have
included the latest photos of the Balsa
USA 1/4-scale Spad 13 under construction.
The fuselage is shown nearly completed.
Unlike many round World War I
fuselage shapes, the Spad’s nose section
is more streamlined and has contours that
use thin aircraft-grade plywood. The rear
part of the fuselage is typical of World
War I models. Make sure the formers are
installed properly so you don’t build a
“banana.”
The Spad’s wings are long and have an
extra set of interplane struts. Aligning the
wings properly is important, and take extra
care when building the struts. Once
soldered, they can be encapsulated for final
shape and finish.
The landing gear is wrapped and
soldered. A spreader bar is installed using
rubber bands, elastic, or bungee cord. The
elastic allows the gear to spread on lessthan-
perfect landings. The gear is also
finished with encapsulation.
For more information about this famous
World War I aircraft, visit the Balsa USA
Web site at www.balsausa.com.
That wraps up another column! Send me
some photos of your latest project so I can
share them with readers. Stay well and fly
safely.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 120,121,122,123
THE MAJOR TOPIC of conversation at
the local flying field lately has been 2.4
GHz and spread spectrum. The latest in RC
technology began hitting the shelf
approximately a year ago. First used in
conjunction with the smaller park flyer-type
models, AMA has approved this technology
for any size of AMA-legal RC model.
that includes the transmitter, receiver, charger, and switch harness.
A few immediately noticeable things are different from on my
traditional 72 MHz radio systems. The antenna on the transmitter is
extremely short—quite a departure from the telescoping antenna on
my other systems.
The 2.4 GHz receiver is smaller and lighter than a standard FM
or Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) receiver. Additionally, there are
two short antennas on the 2.4 GHz receiver instead of the standard
long lead found on 72 MHz receivers.
There are a few basic rules to follow when installing the 2.4
GHz receiver in a model. Its system’s wavelength is much shorter
than on conventional systems, so it is susceptible to signal loss. To
compensate for that, the R606FS receiver has two antennas. Futaba
calls this “Dual Antenna Diversity.” The receiver scans incoming
data and applies error correction while
seamlessly selecting the best reception from
between the two receiver antennas.
The antennas must be kept as straight as
possible and should be placed at 90° to each
other. However, the 90° is noncritical; it is
most important to keep them separated from
each other as much as possible.
The antennas should be kept away from
conductive materials such as carbon or
metal. Futaba recommends at least a halfinch
space. The receiver should be placed
away from the motor, ESC, and other noise
sources.
Since the transmitter and receiver are
uniquely linked to each other and shift
frequency every 2 milliseconds, there is no
need for a frequency pin. On the back of
the transmitter is an LED that shows when
the transmitter is in a power-down mode or
when a radio-frequency signal is being
transmitted. An LED on the receiver glows
green when fully linked to the transmitter.
As with 72 MHz systems, a range
check is critical to confirm proper system
operation before flight. The Futaba 2.4
GHz system has a power-down mode that
reduces radio-frequency power and
reduces the system’s range.
In that mode a proper range distance is
30-50 paces. This range check should be
performed with the engine/motor off and
again with the engine/motor on.
I was anxious to install my new system
on one of my RC Giants. I chose the
Fokker Eindecker because of all the
flying/landing wires, pull-pull cables, and
aluminum tape.
The Eindecker flew with a PCM
receiver because of the poor reception
using an FM receiver. No matter how I
placed the FM receiver, I could not get a
satisfactory range test, so I figured that
model would be an excellent trial for the
spread spectrum system.
I installed the new 2.4 GHz receiver
and was pleased with the range-test results.
Test flights with this system were flawless.
Spread spectrum is here to stay, and
these systems will continue to mature and
offer more functionality to the RC
modeler. I’m happy with my system’s
operation. Give it a try in your RC Giant.
The de Havilland D.H.2 is another
magnificent model from prolific builder Ed
Hirschfeld of Selden, New York. He built
the aircraft from 1/4-scale plans by Alan
Morgan. The model spans 80 inches, and a
Zenoah G-38 engine turns the 20 x 6
Zinger wood pusher propeller.
The D.H.2 is shown on its maiden
flight using the Futaba 2.4 GHz FASST
spread spectrum radio system. It has wires
galore but posed no problem for the radio
system.
Ed covered the D.H.2 with Solartex
material and hand painted all the insignia
using acrylic craft paint. The rotary engine
was constructed using 1/4-scale Gnome
engine cylinders available from Williams
Brothers Model Products. An interesting
fact is that torque applies force to the
pusher aircraft in the opposite direction
from that of typical tractor-type aircraft.
The D.H.2 was talented designer
Geoffrey de Havilland’s second design. It
was the first purpose-built fighter of World
War I since the Fokker Eindecker and the
Morane-Saulnier began as single-seat,
unarmed monoplane scouts.
Early air combat over the Western
Front indicated the need for a single-seat
fighter with forward-firing armament.
Since no reliable interrupter gear was
available to the British, Geoffrey de
Havilland designed the D.H.2 as a smaller,
single-seat development of the earlier twoseat
D.H.1 pusher design.
The engine was mounted in the rear of
the diminutive fuselage; it was a pusher
configuration to give a forward-firing
machine gun an unobstructed field of fire.
Since the synchronized interrupter gear of
Eindecker fame had not yet been
developed, the pusher arrangement was
one way to solve this issue.
The prototype D.H.2 was first flown
from Hendon Field in June 1915. It
possessed good maneuverability and an
excellent rate of climb. The aircraft was
armed with a single Lewis machine gun
and five drums of ammunition, which
could be positioned on one of three
flexible mountings in the cockpit.
Pilots quickly learned that the best
method to achieve a kill was to aim the
aircraft rather than the gun, so the gun was
fixed in the forward-firing center mount.
Higher authorities banned this
configuration until a clip was approved
that fixed the gun in place but could be
released if required.
The D.H.2’s top speed was roughly 93
mph. As development continued, more
power was sought from the Gnome
Monosoupape rotary engine. It was
rebored to increase power and would
occasionally shed its cylinders in flight
and sever tailbooms with fatal
consequences.
Newly built engines were installed in
all the D.H.2s flown to France by 24
Squadron RFC—the world’s first fighter
squadron—in late 1915. Although it was
unpopular because of limited speed and
range and a tendency to spin, the D.H.2
helped end the “Fokker Scourge” when the
Eindecker ruled the skies. Airco built
roughly 400 D.H.2s.
The Spad Build Continues: I have
included the latest photos of the Balsa
USA 1/4-scale Spad 13 under construction.
The fuselage is shown nearly completed.
Unlike many round World War I
fuselage shapes, the Spad’s nose section
is more streamlined and has contours that
use thin aircraft-grade plywood. The rear
part of the fuselage is typical of World
War I models. Make sure the formers are
installed properly so you don’t build a
“banana.”
The Spad’s wings are long and have an
extra set of interplane struts. Aligning the
wings properly is important, and take extra
care when building the struts. Once
soldered, they can be encapsulated for final
shape and finish.
The landing gear is wrapped and
soldered. A spreader bar is installed using
rubber bands, elastic, or bungee cord. The
elastic allows the gear to spread on lessthan-
perfect landings. The gear is also
finished with encapsulation.
For more information about this famous
World War I aircraft, visit the Balsa USA
Web site at www.balsausa.com.
That wraps up another column! Send me
some photos of your latest project so I can
share them with readers. Stay well and fly
safely.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 120,121,122,123
THE MAJOR TOPIC of conversation at
the local flying field lately has been 2.4
GHz and spread spectrum. The latest in RC
technology began hitting the shelf
approximately a year ago. First used in
conjunction with the smaller park flyer-type
models, AMA has approved this technology
for any size of AMA-legal RC model.
that includes the transmitter, receiver, charger, and switch harness.
A few immediately noticeable things are different from on my
traditional 72 MHz radio systems. The antenna on the transmitter is
extremely short—quite a departure from the telescoping antenna on
my other systems.
The 2.4 GHz receiver is smaller and lighter than a standard FM
or Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) receiver. Additionally, there are
two short antennas on the 2.4 GHz receiver instead of the standard
long lead found on 72 MHz receivers.
There are a few basic rules to follow when installing the 2.4
GHz receiver in a model. Its system’s wavelength is much shorter
than on conventional systems, so it is susceptible to signal loss. To
compensate for that, the R606FS receiver has two antennas. Futaba
calls this “Dual Antenna Diversity.” The receiver scans incoming
data and applies error correction while
seamlessly selecting the best reception from
between the two receiver antennas.
The antennas must be kept as straight as
possible and should be placed at 90° to each
other. However, the 90° is noncritical; it is
most important to keep them separated from
each other as much as possible.
The antennas should be kept away from
conductive materials such as carbon or
metal. Futaba recommends at least a halfinch
space. The receiver should be placed
away from the motor, ESC, and other noise
sources.
Since the transmitter and receiver are
uniquely linked to each other and shift
frequency every 2 milliseconds, there is no
need for a frequency pin. On the back of
the transmitter is an LED that shows when
the transmitter is in a power-down mode or
when a radio-frequency signal is being
transmitted. An LED on the receiver glows
green when fully linked to the transmitter.
As with 72 MHz systems, a range
check is critical to confirm proper system
operation before flight. The Futaba 2.4
GHz system has a power-down mode that
reduces radio-frequency power and
reduces the system’s range.
In that mode a proper range distance is
30-50 paces. This range check should be
performed with the engine/motor off and
again with the engine/motor on.
I was anxious to install my new system
on one of my RC Giants. I chose the
Fokker Eindecker because of all the
flying/landing wires, pull-pull cables, and
aluminum tape.
The Eindecker flew with a PCM
receiver because of the poor reception
using an FM receiver. No matter how I
placed the FM receiver, I could not get a
satisfactory range test, so I figured that
model would be an excellent trial for the
spread spectrum system.
I installed the new 2.4 GHz receiver
and was pleased with the range-test results.
Test flights with this system were flawless.
Spread spectrum is here to stay, and
these systems will continue to mature and
offer more functionality to the RC
modeler. I’m happy with my system’s
operation. Give it a try in your RC Giant.
The de Havilland D.H.2 is another
magnificent model from prolific builder Ed
Hirschfeld of Selden, New York. He built
the aircraft from 1/4-scale plans by Alan
Morgan. The model spans 80 inches, and a
Zenoah G-38 engine turns the 20 x 6
Zinger wood pusher propeller.
The D.H.2 is shown on its maiden
flight using the Futaba 2.4 GHz FASST
spread spectrum radio system. It has wires
galore but posed no problem for the radio
system.
Ed covered the D.H.2 with Solartex
material and hand painted all the insignia
using acrylic craft paint. The rotary engine
was constructed using 1/4-scale Gnome
engine cylinders available from Williams
Brothers Model Products. An interesting
fact is that torque applies force to the
pusher aircraft in the opposite direction
from that of typical tractor-type aircraft.
The D.H.2 was talented designer
Geoffrey de Havilland’s second design. It
was the first purpose-built fighter of World
War I since the Fokker Eindecker and the
Morane-Saulnier began as single-seat,
unarmed monoplane scouts.
Early air combat over the Western
Front indicated the need for a single-seat
fighter with forward-firing armament.
Since no reliable interrupter gear was
available to the British, Geoffrey de
Havilland designed the D.H.2 as a smaller,
single-seat development of the earlier twoseat
D.H.1 pusher design.
The engine was mounted in the rear of
the diminutive fuselage; it was a pusher
configuration to give a forward-firing
machine gun an unobstructed field of fire.
Since the synchronized interrupter gear of
Eindecker fame had not yet been
developed, the pusher arrangement was
one way to solve this issue.
The prototype D.H.2 was first flown
from Hendon Field in June 1915. It
possessed good maneuverability and an
excellent rate of climb. The aircraft was
armed with a single Lewis machine gun
and five drums of ammunition, which
could be positioned on one of three
flexible mountings in the cockpit.
Pilots quickly learned that the best
method to achieve a kill was to aim the
aircraft rather than the gun, so the gun was
fixed in the forward-firing center mount.
Higher authorities banned this
configuration until a clip was approved
that fixed the gun in place but could be
released if required.
The D.H.2’s top speed was roughly 93
mph. As development continued, more
power was sought from the Gnome
Monosoupape rotary engine. It was
rebored to increase power and would
occasionally shed its cylinders in flight
and sever tailbooms with fatal
consequences.
Newly built engines were installed in
all the D.H.2s flown to France by 24
Squadron RFC—the world’s first fighter
squadron—in late 1915. Although it was
unpopular because of limited speed and
range and a tendency to spin, the D.H.2
helped end the “Fokker Scourge” when the
Eindecker ruled the skies. Airco built
roughly 400 D.H.2s.
The Spad Build Continues: I have
included the latest photos of the Balsa
USA 1/4-scale Spad 13 under construction.
The fuselage is shown nearly completed.
Unlike many round World War I
fuselage shapes, the Spad’s nose section
is more streamlined and has contours that
use thin aircraft-grade plywood. The rear
part of the fuselage is typical of World
War I models. Make sure the formers are
installed properly so you don’t build a
“banana.”
The Spad’s wings are long and have an
extra set of interplane struts. Aligning the
wings properly is important, and take extra
care when building the struts. Once
soldered, they can be encapsulated for final
shape and finish.
The landing gear is wrapped and
soldered. A spreader bar is installed using
rubber bands, elastic, or bungee cord. The
elastic allows the gear to spread on lessthan-
perfect landings. The gear is also
finished with encapsulation.
For more information about this famous
World War I aircraft, visit the Balsa USA
Web site at www.balsausa.com.
That wraps up another column! Send me
some photos of your latest project so I can
share them with readers. Stay well and fly
safely.