Radio Control Giants
Sal Calvagna [[email protected]]
The Polikarpov I-16's wing fillets are finished
Also included in this column:
- The Spad 13’s first flight
- Pete Dubree and his Top Flite P-47
- The Gross family builds Giant Scale models
- Reid’s Quality Models 40% Cub plans
Since last month’s column, I was able to complete the large wing fillets on the 1/4-scale Polikarpov I-16. I sanded the initial, heavy layer of finishing resin mixed with microballoons and gave the fillets a second, lighter skim coat. The 1/32-inch aircraft-grade plywood saddles, blue foam material, and finishing resin/microballoons worked well together in constructing the fillets. As you can see in the photo, the fillet transitions well into the wing and the aircraft-grade plywood saddle provides a ding-resistant edge that will survive transport. The next step is to prepare the sheeted fuselage and wing for fiberglass. Stay tuned for more about the Russian “Rat” in upcoming columns.
Spad 13 Flight
In a number of issues some months back, I featured a “work-in-progress” series on the construction of the Balsa USA 1/4-scale Spad 13. Winter has passed, the weather has improved, and I am happy to report that the Spad made its maiden flight under the control of builder/flier Lou Cetrangelo of Saint James, New York.
The model is powered by a 50cc four-stroke ZDZ gas engine swinging a 22 x 10 propeller. The Spad leapt into the air with this power/propeller combination, and the distinctive sound of the four-stroke gas engine was music to my ears. All five of my senses were convinced that I was watching the “real” thing. For anyone contemplating an engine selection for a 1/4-scale World War I model, a 50cc four-stroke ignition power plant makes an excellent choice. For more information about the Spad, visit the Balsa USA web site (see sources). Nice job, Lou!
Blast From the Past
Nearly 25 years ago I was a civilian member of the Prop Nuts model-airplane club on Clark Air Base in the Philippines. It was there that my love affair with Giant gasoline-powered RC models began.
Imagine my surprise when I received an E-mail from one of the former club members: Pete Dubree of San Antonio, Texas. Pete retired from the Air Force in 1988 and eventually settled in San Antonio where he loves to build and fly Giant gas-powered models. Pete is currently a member of the Alamo Radio Control Society (ARCS).
His latest project is a Top Flite P-47 Razorback powered by an XYZ 50cc two-stroke ignition gas engine driving a Zoar 22 x 8 propeller. The model spans slightly more than 85 inches and weighs 20 pounds. Pete re-engineered the P-47 kit so that the wing comes apart in halves for easier transport. He made a removable spar/dihedral brace for the wing halves and constructed the belly pan as a separate assembly. Pete added pegs to the front of the belly pan and bolts on the rear for installation. As our vehicles shrink in size to improve gas mileage, an innovation such as this will certainly assist modelers. Nice work, Pete — I’m happy to see that you are still modeling after all these years. It was great to hear from you!
It's a Family Affair
As a father of a 12-year-old son, I know how difficult it can be to get youngsters involved with model aviation. We have to compete with PlayStation, PSP, Xbox, Wii, and myriad other computerized distractions. When I see a father and his two sons at the field flying Giant Scale models, I know there's hope for the rest of us.
I’m referring to the Gross family of Mastic Beach, New York: Mike Sr. and his two sons, Michael and Marshall. I happened to catch all three at our local field, preparing for the maiden flights of their respective models. Mike Sr. had just completed a Ziroli Corsair, Mike Jr. a Ziroli Zero, and Marshall had his Yellow Aircraft International Spitfire. All are avid Giant Scale enthusiasts and consummate builders with an eye for detail. They built their models during the past winter and were about to test-fly them when I showed up.
I was eager to photograph their maiden flights and happy to include a few in this column. Mike’s Corsair is powered by a Quadra 65, Mike Jr. installed a 3W-75 in his Zero, and Marshall has a 3W-55 in the Spitfire. All three flights were successful and, with some minor adjustments here and there, each aircraft should provide years of enjoyment.
Reid's Quality Models 40% Cub Plans
Dave Reid of Reid's Quality Models in Phelps, New York, has released his newest creation: a 40% J-3 Piper Cub designed and drawn by Jim Messer. The plans come in three sheets of detailed drawings and a full-color, 37-page photo instruction manual. It includes a CD with 183 detailed construction photos.
The airplane has a 14-foot, two-piece wing; a 108-inch fuselage; and it weighs 42 pounds ready to fly. The prototype was powered with a DA-100 swinging a 27 x 10 propeller, but an engine as "small" as the Zenoah GT-80 would be fine. Dave warns that this is not a beginner's airplane, but anyone who has built a Giant Scale model should have no trouble.
The wings are constructed utilizing a building fixture that can be made from scrap wood. The prototype Cub is covered in Ceconite and painted with Behr latex paint. Dave even supplies the correct paint-mixing code for Cub Yellow in Behr paint (available at The Home Depot) in the construction manual.
A fiberglass cowl is available for $42.95 plus $8.50 shipping. Plans are shipped rolled via the U.S. Postal Service. The price is $89.95 delivered in the U.S. Out-of-country orders are shipped folded, and shipping is extra.
Reid's Quality Models accepts Visa, MasterCard, and money orders. For more information about the 40% Cub or the company's other offerings, please visit its web site.
That's all. See you next month. MA
Sources:
- Balsa USA
(906) 863-6421 www.balsausa.com
- RC Showcase (ZDZ four-stroke engine)
(301) 374-2197 www.rcshowcase.com
- Top Flite (P-47 Thunderbolt)
www.top-flite.com/airplanes/topa0415.html
- Southeast RC Engine (XYZ engine)
(904) 463-1098 www.southeastrcengines.com/see_002.htm
- Nick Ziroli Plans
(631) 467-4765 www.ziroliplans.com
- Yellow Aircraft International
(781) 935-9868 www.yellowaircraft.com
- Reid's Quality Models
(315) 548-3779 www.reidsmodels.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
