HAPPY NEW year
to all. I hope that
with the presidential
elections behind us,
we can focus our
attention back on
building and flying
RC Giants.
Safety concerns
are magnified when
building and flying
the larger, heavier
models. This month
I’ll include
information about a great tool that you can use when starting and
running your engine.
On a different subject, it may or may not take a village to raise a
child, but it sure helps when a few talented modelers use their time
to help hone the skills of a young modeler. The story of 12-year-old
Alex Davis is a great example of how talented RC pilots banding
together can positively influence our youth.
Unless you are fortunate enough to have someone assist you when
starting your giant RC model, you should use some sort of safety
device that will keep it from lurching forward during start-up.
Many members in my club favor the method of using two spikes
driven into the ground with a heavy-duty, soft rope strung loosely
between them. The rope is wrapped over and around the tail feathers
so that the model is restrained from rolling forward.
Another method incorporates two upright supports that rest
against the horizontal stabilizer. One such device is called the RC
restraint stand, and it’s available from the Jack Knife Machine Shop.
(See the Sources list for the Web site.) Take a look and see which
Giant-model safety restraint
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Giants Sal Calvagna
Also included in this column:
• Alex Davis: 3-D pilot
extraordinaire
• Bob Allen’s de Havilland
Chipmunk
• 1/3-scale S.E.5a
Mitch Epstein’s 1/3-scale Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a is powered
by a Zenoah G-62 gas engine.
Above: Bob Allen’s
Chipmunk, finished
in Canadian military
colors, features a
variety of extras and
tedious rivet work.
The 19-pound Dynaflite Chipmunk is a
stable model to pilot. The U.S. Engines
41cc gasser pulls with authority.
Twelve-year-old Alex Davis, a remarkable 3-D pilot, regularly
performs aerobatics with John Sabini’s 39% Krill Katana.
size would be appropriate for your RC Giant. When building and
flying large models, think safety.
Twelve-year-old Alex Davis of Sayville, New York, was introduced
to RC modeling at the ripe old age of 4 by his father, Chuck. Fast
forward eight years, and Alex is flying one of the finest aerobatic
models available today. A picture shows Alex with a 39% Krill
Katana that has been flown in competition by well-known aerobatic
competitor Yuri Higuchi and is owned by John Sabini.
In recent years, Alex’s RC interests have leaned toward 3-D
aerobatics. At a recent event, Alex amazed all present with his flying
ability. He performed Torque Rolls, Rolling Circles, Waterfalls,
Harriers, and other 3-D aerobatic maneuvers with the poise and
confidence of expert pilots many years his senior. It was a true joy to
watch young Alex on the flightline, putting the model through its
paces.
Unlike some who enjoy basking in the limelight, Alex was
humble about his accomplishments and credits his dad, Eddie Meyer,
John Sabini, and others who selflessly shared their time and
equipment with him along the way. Thank you, gentlemen, and way
to go, Alex.
Bob Allen of Poughkeepsie, New York, had the opportunity to fly a
friend’s Dynaflite de Havilland Chipmunk at a modeling event some
years ago. He was immediately enamored with the model’s flying
characteristics and had to have one of his own. Unfortunately,
January 2009 115
01sig4.QXD 11/24/08 12:58 PM Page 115
Dynaflite had discontinued the kit and Bob
was unable to locate one at any dealer.
Some time had passed when he spotted
the Chipmunk kit at a swap shop. He
purchased it and the rest is history—well,
not quite.
Using scale documentation from the full-scale aircraft, Bob
improved the model’s outline by modifying the tail’s control
surfaces and doubling the number of exposed wing ribs. Bob added
scoops and an exhaust pipe to the cowl, wing-root fillets, landinggear-
strut fairings, cockpit instruments, canopy slide track, landing
lights, and wing LE spoilers.
The fuselage is sheeted and fiberglassed. The entire wing and
movable surfaces are covered in Solartex material. Automotive
Two World War I fighters performing a mock dogfight are more fun than one. Dave
Wigley’s 1/4-scale S.E.5a is in hot pursuit of the author’s Fokker D.VII.
This RC restraint stand from Jack Knife
Machine Shop provides an added safety
measure when starting your engine.
primer is used over the fiberglass and the “metal” forward portion of
the wing skin and wingtips.
The model and all the markings except the flag are painted in
WarbirdColors water-based polyurethane. The Canadian flag is a
color laser-printed copy that is available on the Royal Canadian
Air Force (RCAF) official Web site. It was sized to fit, glued on,
and clear coated. Bob says the paint is easy to use, has no odor,
and cleans up nicely with water.
The landing-gear struts are from Robart,
and the Chipmunk is powered by a U.S.
Engines 35cc gas two-stroke power plant.
Pinking tape was applied to the wing ribs,
and the stitching and rivets were made using
white glue.
Bob reports that with a finished weight of
approximately 19 pounds, the model is a joy
to fly. Very nice work, Bob.
The de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk is a
two-seat, tandem primary trainer used by the
Royal Air Force and the RCAF, among
others. It was the first postwar aviation
project of de Havilland Canada and was
designed by Polish engineer Wsiewolod
Jakimiuk. It was intended to replace the
aging Tiger Moth biplane.
Roughly 1,300 Chipmunks were
produced in Canada, the United Kingdom,
and Portugal. Today, more than 500
airframes remain airworthy. The type is
popularly used for civilian aerobatics and
crop spraying.
Check out the 1/3-scale Royal Aircraft
Factory S.E.5a that Mitch Epstein of
Leominster, Massachusetts, built and flies.
The model spans 106 inches, weighs slightly
more than 40 pounds, and is powered by a
Zenoah G-62 engine swinging a 24 x 6
propeller.
The plans-built S.E.5a is covered with
curtain lining fabric that was adhered and
shrunk with nitrate dope. It is painted with
Latex paint and sports 9-inch Du-Bro
wheels. Mitch belongs to the Wachussett
Barnstormers club.
In 1916, the Royal Flying Corps required
the aircraft industry to produce a fighter that
was superior in all aspects to the best enemy
fighters. Among the results were two
outstanding designs: the Sopwith Camel and
the Royal Aircraft Factory’s Scout
Experimental 5, later designated the S.E.5a.
The S.E.5a was inherently stable,
maneuverable, and one of the fastest aircraft
of the war, with a top speed of
approximately 140 mph. This was as fast as
the Spad XIII and faster than any German
airplanes of the period.
Other than speed, the S.E.5a’s greatest
advantage over the Camel was superior
performance at a higher altitude. It was also
easier and safer to fly, especially for new
pilots. At lower altitudes the Camel reigned
supreme.
Although superior to the Camel in some
respects, fewer S.E.5a aircraft were
produced because of manufacturing
problems with the Hispano-Suiza watercooled
engine. Compared to 5,490 Camels
built, 5,265 S.E.5s were manufactured. It
was one of the rare Allied aircraft that was
not outclassed by the famed Fokker D.VII
near the end of the war.
What’s more fun than flying your World
War I RC Giant? Flying two in a mock
dogfight.
The ever-popular 1/4-scale World War I
models are a joy to fly. They have a lower
wing loading than the heavy-metal warbirds
of later vintage. They can be flown low and
slow, close in to the field; however, at times,
flying a single such fighter can become—
dare I write—boring.
Why not put two in the air and relive the
excitement of the dogfight at your local
field? All it takes is a little communication
and practice between pilots, and soon you
can follow each other into loops, stall turns,
Immelmann turns, and more.
Add a smoke system or bomb drop to
your model and double your fun. Before you
know it, all eyes are turned to the air and
you’re not only entertaining yourself but
also everyone else at the field.
While you’re at it, try formation flying.
Flying with another pilot in formation or a
dogfight gives a whole new dimension to
RC flying. It’s a blast.
That’s all for now. I’ll be back in
February. MA
Sources:
Jack Knife Machine Shop
(301) 643-0227
www.jackknifemachineshop.com
WarbirdColors
1521 N. Jantzen #112
Portland OR 97217
www.warbirdcolors.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/01
Page Numbers: 115,116,118
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/01
Page Numbers: 115,116,118
HAPPY NEW year
to all. I hope that
with the presidential
elections behind us,
we can focus our
attention back on
building and flying
RC Giants.
Safety concerns
are magnified when
building and flying
the larger, heavier
models. This month
I’ll include
information about a great tool that you can use when starting and
running your engine.
On a different subject, it may or may not take a village to raise a
child, but it sure helps when a few talented modelers use their time
to help hone the skills of a young modeler. The story of 12-year-old
Alex Davis is a great example of how talented RC pilots banding
together can positively influence our youth.
Unless you are fortunate enough to have someone assist you when
starting your giant RC model, you should use some sort of safety
device that will keep it from lurching forward during start-up.
Many members in my club favor the method of using two spikes
driven into the ground with a heavy-duty, soft rope strung loosely
between them. The rope is wrapped over and around the tail feathers
so that the model is restrained from rolling forward.
Another method incorporates two upright supports that rest
against the horizontal stabilizer. One such device is called the RC
restraint stand, and it’s available from the Jack Knife Machine Shop.
(See the Sources list for the Web site.) Take a look and see which
Giant-model safety restraint
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Giants Sal Calvagna
Also included in this column:
• Alex Davis: 3-D pilot
extraordinaire
• Bob Allen’s de Havilland
Chipmunk
• 1/3-scale S.E.5a
Mitch Epstein’s 1/3-scale Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a is powered
by a Zenoah G-62 gas engine.
Above: Bob Allen’s
Chipmunk, finished
in Canadian military
colors, features a
variety of extras and
tedious rivet work.
The 19-pound Dynaflite Chipmunk is a
stable model to pilot. The U.S. Engines
41cc gasser pulls with authority.
Twelve-year-old Alex Davis, a remarkable 3-D pilot, regularly
performs aerobatics with John Sabini’s 39% Krill Katana.
size would be appropriate for your RC Giant. When building and
flying large models, think safety.
Twelve-year-old Alex Davis of Sayville, New York, was introduced
to RC modeling at the ripe old age of 4 by his father, Chuck. Fast
forward eight years, and Alex is flying one of the finest aerobatic
models available today. A picture shows Alex with a 39% Krill
Katana that has been flown in competition by well-known aerobatic
competitor Yuri Higuchi and is owned by John Sabini.
In recent years, Alex’s RC interests have leaned toward 3-D
aerobatics. At a recent event, Alex amazed all present with his flying
ability. He performed Torque Rolls, Rolling Circles, Waterfalls,
Harriers, and other 3-D aerobatic maneuvers with the poise and
confidence of expert pilots many years his senior. It was a true joy to
watch young Alex on the flightline, putting the model through its
paces.
Unlike some who enjoy basking in the limelight, Alex was
humble about his accomplishments and credits his dad, Eddie Meyer,
John Sabini, and others who selflessly shared their time and
equipment with him along the way. Thank you, gentlemen, and way
to go, Alex.
Bob Allen of Poughkeepsie, New York, had the opportunity to fly a
friend’s Dynaflite de Havilland Chipmunk at a modeling event some
years ago. He was immediately enamored with the model’s flying
characteristics and had to have one of his own. Unfortunately,
January 2009 115
01sig4.QXD 11/24/08 12:58 PM Page 115
Dynaflite had discontinued the kit and Bob
was unable to locate one at any dealer.
Some time had passed when he spotted
the Chipmunk kit at a swap shop. He
purchased it and the rest is history—well,
not quite.
Using scale documentation from the full-scale aircraft, Bob
improved the model’s outline by modifying the tail’s control
surfaces and doubling the number of exposed wing ribs. Bob added
scoops and an exhaust pipe to the cowl, wing-root fillets, landinggear-
strut fairings, cockpit instruments, canopy slide track, landing
lights, and wing LE spoilers.
The fuselage is sheeted and fiberglassed. The entire wing and
movable surfaces are covered in Solartex material. Automotive
Two World War I fighters performing a mock dogfight are more fun than one. Dave
Wigley’s 1/4-scale S.E.5a is in hot pursuit of the author’s Fokker D.VII.
This RC restraint stand from Jack Knife
Machine Shop provides an added safety
measure when starting your engine.
primer is used over the fiberglass and the “metal” forward portion of
the wing skin and wingtips.
The model and all the markings except the flag are painted in
WarbirdColors water-based polyurethane. The Canadian flag is a
color laser-printed copy that is available on the Royal Canadian
Air Force (RCAF) official Web site. It was sized to fit, glued on,
and clear coated. Bob says the paint is easy to use, has no odor,
and cleans up nicely with water.
The landing-gear struts are from Robart,
and the Chipmunk is powered by a U.S.
Engines 35cc gas two-stroke power plant.
Pinking tape was applied to the wing ribs,
and the stitching and rivets were made using
white glue.
Bob reports that with a finished weight of
approximately 19 pounds, the model is a joy
to fly. Very nice work, Bob.
The de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk is a
two-seat, tandem primary trainer used by the
Royal Air Force and the RCAF, among
others. It was the first postwar aviation
project of de Havilland Canada and was
designed by Polish engineer Wsiewolod
Jakimiuk. It was intended to replace the
aging Tiger Moth biplane.
Roughly 1,300 Chipmunks were
produced in Canada, the United Kingdom,
and Portugal. Today, more than 500
airframes remain airworthy. The type is
popularly used for civilian aerobatics and
crop spraying.
Check out the 1/3-scale Royal Aircraft
Factory S.E.5a that Mitch Epstein of
Leominster, Massachusetts, built and flies.
The model spans 106 inches, weighs slightly
more than 40 pounds, and is powered by a
Zenoah G-62 engine swinging a 24 x 6
propeller.
The plans-built S.E.5a is covered with
curtain lining fabric that was adhered and
shrunk with nitrate dope. It is painted with
Latex paint and sports 9-inch Du-Bro
wheels. Mitch belongs to the Wachussett
Barnstormers club.
In 1916, the Royal Flying Corps required
the aircraft industry to produce a fighter that
was superior in all aspects to the best enemy
fighters. Among the results were two
outstanding designs: the Sopwith Camel and
the Royal Aircraft Factory’s Scout
Experimental 5, later designated the S.E.5a.
The S.E.5a was inherently stable,
maneuverable, and one of the fastest aircraft
of the war, with a top speed of
approximately 140 mph. This was as fast as
the Spad XIII and faster than any German
airplanes of the period.
Other than speed, the S.E.5a’s greatest
advantage over the Camel was superior
performance at a higher altitude. It was also
easier and safer to fly, especially for new
pilots. At lower altitudes the Camel reigned
supreme.
Although superior to the Camel in some
respects, fewer S.E.5a aircraft were
produced because of manufacturing
problems with the Hispano-Suiza watercooled
engine. Compared to 5,490 Camels
built, 5,265 S.E.5s were manufactured. It
was one of the rare Allied aircraft that was
not outclassed by the famed Fokker D.VII
near the end of the war.
What’s more fun than flying your World
War I RC Giant? Flying two in a mock
dogfight.
The ever-popular 1/4-scale World War I
models are a joy to fly. They have a lower
wing loading than the heavy-metal warbirds
of later vintage. They can be flown low and
slow, close in to the field; however, at times,
flying a single such fighter can become—
dare I write—boring.
Why not put two in the air and relive the
excitement of the dogfight at your local
field? All it takes is a little communication
and practice between pilots, and soon you
can follow each other into loops, stall turns,
Immelmann turns, and more.
Add a smoke system or bomb drop to
your model and double your fun. Before you
know it, all eyes are turned to the air and
you’re not only entertaining yourself but
also everyone else at the field.
While you’re at it, try formation flying.
Flying with another pilot in formation or a
dogfight gives a whole new dimension to
RC flying. It’s a blast.
That’s all for now. I’ll be back in
February. MA
Sources:
Jack Knife Machine Shop
(301) 643-0227
www.jackknifemachineshop.com
WarbirdColors
1521 N. Jantzen #112
Portland OR 97217
www.warbirdcolors.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/01
Page Numbers: 115,116,118
HAPPY NEW year
to all. I hope that
with the presidential
elections behind us,
we can focus our
attention back on
building and flying
RC Giants.
Safety concerns
are magnified when
building and flying
the larger, heavier
models. This month
I’ll include
information about a great tool that you can use when starting and
running your engine.
On a different subject, it may or may not take a village to raise a
child, but it sure helps when a few talented modelers use their time
to help hone the skills of a young modeler. The story of 12-year-old
Alex Davis is a great example of how talented RC pilots banding
together can positively influence our youth.
Unless you are fortunate enough to have someone assist you when
starting your giant RC model, you should use some sort of safety
device that will keep it from lurching forward during start-up.
Many members in my club favor the method of using two spikes
driven into the ground with a heavy-duty, soft rope strung loosely
between them. The rope is wrapped over and around the tail feathers
so that the model is restrained from rolling forward.
Another method incorporates two upright supports that rest
against the horizontal stabilizer. One such device is called the RC
restraint stand, and it’s available from the Jack Knife Machine Shop.
(See the Sources list for the Web site.) Take a look and see which
Giant-model safety restraint
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Giants Sal Calvagna
Also included in this column:
• Alex Davis: 3-D pilot
extraordinaire
• Bob Allen’s de Havilland
Chipmunk
• 1/3-scale S.E.5a
Mitch Epstein’s 1/3-scale Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a is powered
by a Zenoah G-62 gas engine.
Above: Bob Allen’s
Chipmunk, finished
in Canadian military
colors, features a
variety of extras and
tedious rivet work.
The 19-pound Dynaflite Chipmunk is a
stable model to pilot. The U.S. Engines
41cc gasser pulls with authority.
Twelve-year-old Alex Davis, a remarkable 3-D pilot, regularly
performs aerobatics with John Sabini’s 39% Krill Katana.
size would be appropriate for your RC Giant. When building and
flying large models, think safety.
Twelve-year-old Alex Davis of Sayville, New York, was introduced
to RC modeling at the ripe old age of 4 by his father, Chuck. Fast
forward eight years, and Alex is flying one of the finest aerobatic
models available today. A picture shows Alex with a 39% Krill
Katana that has been flown in competition by well-known aerobatic
competitor Yuri Higuchi and is owned by John Sabini.
In recent years, Alex’s RC interests have leaned toward 3-D
aerobatics. At a recent event, Alex amazed all present with his flying
ability. He performed Torque Rolls, Rolling Circles, Waterfalls,
Harriers, and other 3-D aerobatic maneuvers with the poise and
confidence of expert pilots many years his senior. It was a true joy to
watch young Alex on the flightline, putting the model through its
paces.
Unlike some who enjoy basking in the limelight, Alex was
humble about his accomplishments and credits his dad, Eddie Meyer,
John Sabini, and others who selflessly shared their time and
equipment with him along the way. Thank you, gentlemen, and way
to go, Alex.
Bob Allen of Poughkeepsie, New York, had the opportunity to fly a
friend’s Dynaflite de Havilland Chipmunk at a modeling event some
years ago. He was immediately enamored with the model’s flying
characteristics and had to have one of his own. Unfortunately,
January 2009 115
01sig4.QXD 11/24/08 12:58 PM Page 115
Dynaflite had discontinued the kit and Bob
was unable to locate one at any dealer.
Some time had passed when he spotted
the Chipmunk kit at a swap shop. He
purchased it and the rest is history—well,
not quite.
Using scale documentation from the full-scale aircraft, Bob
improved the model’s outline by modifying the tail’s control
surfaces and doubling the number of exposed wing ribs. Bob added
scoops and an exhaust pipe to the cowl, wing-root fillets, landinggear-
strut fairings, cockpit instruments, canopy slide track, landing
lights, and wing LE spoilers.
The fuselage is sheeted and fiberglassed. The entire wing and
movable surfaces are covered in Solartex material. Automotive
Two World War I fighters performing a mock dogfight are more fun than one. Dave
Wigley’s 1/4-scale S.E.5a is in hot pursuit of the author’s Fokker D.VII.
This RC restraint stand from Jack Knife
Machine Shop provides an added safety
measure when starting your engine.
primer is used over the fiberglass and the “metal” forward portion of
the wing skin and wingtips.
The model and all the markings except the flag are painted in
WarbirdColors water-based polyurethane. The Canadian flag is a
color laser-printed copy that is available on the Royal Canadian
Air Force (RCAF) official Web site. It was sized to fit, glued on,
and clear coated. Bob says the paint is easy to use, has no odor,
and cleans up nicely with water.
The landing-gear struts are from Robart,
and the Chipmunk is powered by a U.S.
Engines 35cc gas two-stroke power plant.
Pinking tape was applied to the wing ribs,
and the stitching and rivets were made using
white glue.
Bob reports that with a finished weight of
approximately 19 pounds, the model is a joy
to fly. Very nice work, Bob.
The de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk is a
two-seat, tandem primary trainer used by the
Royal Air Force and the RCAF, among
others. It was the first postwar aviation
project of de Havilland Canada and was
designed by Polish engineer Wsiewolod
Jakimiuk. It was intended to replace the
aging Tiger Moth biplane.
Roughly 1,300 Chipmunks were
produced in Canada, the United Kingdom,
and Portugal. Today, more than 500
airframes remain airworthy. The type is
popularly used for civilian aerobatics and
crop spraying.
Check out the 1/3-scale Royal Aircraft
Factory S.E.5a that Mitch Epstein of
Leominster, Massachusetts, built and flies.
The model spans 106 inches, weighs slightly
more than 40 pounds, and is powered by a
Zenoah G-62 engine swinging a 24 x 6
propeller.
The plans-built S.E.5a is covered with
curtain lining fabric that was adhered and
shrunk with nitrate dope. It is painted with
Latex paint and sports 9-inch Du-Bro
wheels. Mitch belongs to the Wachussett
Barnstormers club.
In 1916, the Royal Flying Corps required
the aircraft industry to produce a fighter that
was superior in all aspects to the best enemy
fighters. Among the results were two
outstanding designs: the Sopwith Camel and
the Royal Aircraft Factory’s Scout
Experimental 5, later designated the S.E.5a.
The S.E.5a was inherently stable,
maneuverable, and one of the fastest aircraft
of the war, with a top speed of
approximately 140 mph. This was as fast as
the Spad XIII and faster than any German
airplanes of the period.
Other than speed, the S.E.5a’s greatest
advantage over the Camel was superior
performance at a higher altitude. It was also
easier and safer to fly, especially for new
pilots. At lower altitudes the Camel reigned
supreme.
Although superior to the Camel in some
respects, fewer S.E.5a aircraft were
produced because of manufacturing
problems with the Hispano-Suiza watercooled
engine. Compared to 5,490 Camels
built, 5,265 S.E.5s were manufactured. It
was one of the rare Allied aircraft that was
not outclassed by the famed Fokker D.VII
near the end of the war.
What’s more fun than flying your World
War I RC Giant? Flying two in a mock
dogfight.
The ever-popular 1/4-scale World War I
models are a joy to fly. They have a lower
wing loading than the heavy-metal warbirds
of later vintage. They can be flown low and
slow, close in to the field; however, at times,
flying a single such fighter can become—
dare I write—boring.
Why not put two in the air and relive the
excitement of the dogfight at your local
field? All it takes is a little communication
and practice between pilots, and soon you
can follow each other into loops, stall turns,
Immelmann turns, and more.
Add a smoke system or bomb drop to
your model and double your fun. Before you
know it, all eyes are turned to the air and
you’re not only entertaining yourself but
also everyone else at the field.
While you’re at it, try formation flying.
Flying with another pilot in formation or a
dogfight gives a whole new dimension to
RC flying. It’s a blast.
That’s all for now. I’ll be back in
February. MA
Sources:
Jack Knife Machine Shop
(301) 643-0227
www.jackknifemachineshop.com
WarbirdColors
1521 N. Jantzen #112
Portland OR 97217
www.warbirdcolors.com