Author: Sal Calvagna
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/11
Page Numbers: 106,107,108
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Warbirds Over Delaware 2011

Sal Calvagna

WELCOME BACK! I attended the 20th Anniversary of Warbirds Over Delaware, held July 13–17, 2011. For the past 20 years, the Delaware R/C Club has hosted the largest Giant Scale Warbird event on the East Coast. This year was no exception. More than 200 registered pilots and roughly 300 Giant Scale models were present. There were many fine examples of military aircraft, with the vast majority representing World War I and World War II aircraft.

The Delaware R/C Club did a stellar job of planning, coordinating, and conducting this fantastic modeling event as it has for the last 19 years. Thanks to Pete and Dave Malchione, who have been CDing this event for many years.

This year, the U.S. flag flown at the event was a gift to the club from one of the members serving in Afghanistan. This flag was flown in combat over hostile territory onboard a B-1B bomber of the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

There were so many outstanding models and pilots. A few of the highlights were:

  • Mass World War I and World War II flights
  • Mac Hodges and his ever-popular B-29 aerobatic display
  • Paul LeTourneau and his amazing B-26
  • Dave Malchione Jr. with his BVM KingCat
  • Adam Lilley’s student-pilot comedy flying routine

Although I wish that I could include all of the highlights, photos, and list all the pilots, there just isn’t enough space, so here’s a selection from this year’s event. I hope you like them.

Glen Torrance Models (GTM) 1/3-Scale Fokker D.VI — Dave and Ralph Perrone

Dave and Ralph Perrone of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, brought a beautifully built Glen Torrance Models (GTM) 1/3-scale Fokker D.VI. An AXI 5360/20 supplies ample power for this RC giant. The model has a wingspan of slightly more than 100 inches, a fuselage length of roughly 76 inches, and an all-up weight of approximately 32 pounds.

The model is covered with GTM lozenge-pattern material and Krylon paint was used for the markings. The AXI motor uses two six-cell LiPo battery packs and the model is controlled with a Futaba 2.4 GHz radio system. The only thing missing is the noise in flight! Nice work!

The following is from the GTM website:

"The Fokker D.VI biplane is one of the best-kept Fokker secrets around as it is a seldom-seen model that is a hybrid of the Fokker D.VII and Dr.1 triplane. In that, the fuselage is very similar to the Dr.1 and the wings are of a D.VII but shortened. This combination makes this model a real gem to fly and handle.

"The CG is low to the ground and the thick airfoil gives this plane the lift and stability a pilot looks for. This model is rich in detail and scale fidelity; from the spruce/balsa spars to the scale hinges, this kit will offer the builder a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction. Over 1,100 parts are marked and carefully packed to ensure easy identification and safe shipping.

"The CAD drawings call out each part number and include details showing how parts assemble. The kit contains a building set and a reference set of plans. The D.VI is not a complicated build. The photo instructions ensure easy understanding and related information for builders at different levels. The firewall can slide a little forward and backward to accommodate several different engines."

For more information about the D.VI build or other GTM products, please visit the company’s site listed in Sources.

44% Sopwith Pup — Jerry McCollum

This year, Jerry McCollum of Owings Mills, Maryland, brought along a 44% scratch-built Sopwith Pup. Jerry likes to build them big! The Pup has a 144-inch wingspan and is powered by a Moki 250 radial four-stroke gas engine. Jerry says it took him roughly 16 months to complete, including the fiberglass cowl, a wind-driven fuel pump, and a custom-machined Vickers machine gun.

The Pup is covered with Stits material and finished using the Stits paint system after the wood structure was stained with Minwax wood stain. The Pup weighs in at 69 pounds and features a Skywriter smoke system.

With the flight characteristics of the full-scale aircraft, Jerry reports that the Pup is a joy to fly. It sure looked great in the air. Jerry, great job! How about adding a nice pilot figure?

Composite-ARF (CARF) Embraer T-27 Tucano — Andy Kane

Composite ARF (CARF) representative Andy Kane attended the event with the CARF turboprop-powered Embraer T-27 Tucano. The model spans 110 inches, has an 89-inch fuselage, and weighs approximately 40 pounds.

CARF is well known for higher-end giant scale models. The Tucano is no exception. It was designed to accept the JetCat SPT5, Wren MW54, or the JetCentral JF-50 turboprops. The model includes a specially designed engine mount box made from carbon fiber that makes engine installation easy and accurate.

The CARF webpage states that the kit offers a high level of prefabrication and outstanding instructions that make for trouble-free building. It also notes that the Tucano has a large wing and a strong, stable landing gear. Control surface size and the right tail moment promise great flying characteristics, a wide speed range, slow landings, and precise aerobatics. Eight high-power digital servos are required for this model.

Andy deftly displayed its flying characteristics at the event. For more information about this model, please visit the CARF website.

IFlyTailies — Vendor highlights

There were many vendors at Warbirds Over Delaware. One of them, IFlyTailies, displayed beautifully made accessories for giant scale models. Although the website's title is "Accessories for RC Sailplanes," there are many parts available for giant scale warbirds and civilian aircraft.

The parts range in scale from 1/2 to 1/5 scale. Items such as scale rudder pedals, instrument panels, yokes, control sticks, harnesses, seats, and more for German, American, and British aircraft are available in different scales.

IFlyTailies items are a work of art. Don't take my word for it; visit the website listed in Sources.

RQ-11 Raven (100% scale model) — Patrick Hickey

Last but not least—well, it was the least in size—Patrick Hickey of Brooklyn, New York, flew the smallest and most unusual RC giant at this year's event. At 100% scale, the RQ-11 Raven spans 55 inches with a 36-inch fuselage, and an all-up weight of 4.2 pounds.

The Raven, designed by AeroVironment, is a small, electric-powered, hand-launched remote-controlled Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS). It was developed for the U.S. military. It can be remotely controlled from the ground or fly autonomous missions using GPS navigation. The Raven can provide surveillance, reconnaissance, and perform target acquisition, day or night.

More than 13,000 units have been manufactured and the Raven is in service with the military forces of many countries. The full-scale Raven is priced at approximately $35,000. I hope that Patrick didn't pay that much for his model!

Patrick is a member of the Radio Control Society of Marine Park.

Closing

That's all for this month. Show us your RC giant. Send me a couple of photos with a write-up about your model and I'll be happy to include your project in an upcoming column. MA

Sources

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