ANOTHER YEAR has come and gone.
Where have the time and this past summer
gone? As I write this it’s early October and
we’re planning next year’s vacation already.
By the time you receive this issue
Christmas will be past, but it never hurts to
ask for that one item you think you are going
to need for the next flying season. Many of
us are well stocked with kits, engines, parts,
and radios for that next project.
We may still have several half-completed
models languishing in the back of the shop
or garage for one reason or another. Some
never see the shop lights again, much less
the flying field. I continue to add to my list
of models to build, but I have quit buying
new kits, and even ARFs. (Yes, I have a few
ARFs too.)
This is a time of reflection for all of us
who look at the hobby industry. Radio
Control Modeler (RCM) is gone as far as I
know, and I’m afraid some other magazines
may not be far behind. I can remember RCM
from the 1960s; I think I have those issues.
As do many of us pack rats who keep
everything we ever had, I have quite a
collection of magazines, books, and assorted
“stuff” dealing with full-scale and model
airplanes. In my area, unless you go to a
hobby shop, modeling magazines have
disappeared off the bookshelves. How about
in your area?
Some modeling reflections upon the new year
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
Also included in this column:
• The Stearman as a Scale project
• Don Smith’s Spitfire Mk IX
plans-set review
The author saw this full-scale 1930 Stearman Speedmail this past summer.
A Super Stearman as used by the Red Baron team on the air-show circuit. Notice the
different-size ailerons on the upper and lower wings.
A view from the cockpit of a Red Baron Super Stearman.
The author is using a new O.S. 120 FS to
power his Great Planes Super Stearman.
February 2006 129
I still buy from local hobby shops
whenever an item I want or need is
available there. We modelers always need
a certain part, tool, or servo, etc., and we
need it yesterday. Supporting the local
hobby shops continues to be valuable to
the local hobby.
Stearman biplanes have been of great
interest to me throughout the years. I really
like the lines of the aircraft designed by
Lloyd Stearman, who sold the company in
1931 to the Boeing Aircraft Company.
The biplane many of us think of as “the
Stearman” began as the Model 70, then the
75, but there were many different
Stearman biplanes before this classic
trainer and its series of aircraft. Used by all
US military services and many allies, the
various designs of the Stearman Model 75
were basically the same. It was built under
several designations, depending on the
service for which it was intended.
After World War II many surplus
Stearmans were sold to crop dusters, airshow
pilots, and individuals who modified
the aircraft to suit their purposes. An area
that usually received attention was the
radial engine. Most air-show pilots
changed the 225-horsepower engine to a
450-horsepower radial.
I’ve been lucky enough to go up with
the Red Baron team a few times and have
always enjoyed the flight and aerobatics.
It’s a kick being strapped into a five-point
harness, goggles on, hanging on for dear
life, looking straight up and seeing the
Cumberland River.
Numerous kits and plans have been
manufactured for the Stearman biplane
throughout the years, two of which are
wood kits of Nick Ziroli’s version. They
are currently available and can be
completed as the trainer or the air-showmodified
aircraft.
The other kit is Balsa USA’s 1/3-scale
model, which is also currently available.
Among the other kits that come to mind is
the Sterling, which was the premier
Stearman kit for many years.
Then there are Stearman ARFs. I’m
sure there are several of them. Last year at
the Toledo Show I got enthused about the
Great Planes ARF kit of the Stearman 450-
horsepower version with the fully cowled
engine and wheel pants.
I eventually purchased the kit and then,
after much thought, purchased an O.S. 120
four-stroke engine with which to power it.
I’m about to the point of building the
model, and even with my slow and
purposeful building speed I should have it
finished before Christmas.
A friend asked me why I chose the O.S.
engine instead of another type—either gas
or another brand. For four-strokes I
typically use O.S. or Saito brands and like
both. As for many Scale modelers who
look more for reliability than brute power,
the O.S. is a great blend of both qualities.
The issue of documentation is on my
mind. I’ve looked at the instructions and
the model has the “N” number on it, so I
can research it that way.
When I visited the Federal Aviation
Administration registry on its Web site at
www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates I found
that the aircraft is registered to a James
Martin of Spring Grove, Illinois. At the
time of registration it was powered by a
Pratt & Whitney 450-horsepower engine.The Boeing Aircraft Company built that
Stearman in 1942 with serial number 75-
3268, and it is a model A75N1 (or PT-17).
As have many other airplanes in this series it
went through many changes, including the
cowl, wheel pants, engine, and probably
several rebuilds.
When I contacted Great Planes I was
informed that documentation was available
for N146CM from Bob’s Aircraft
Documentation, 3114 Yukon Ave., Costa
Mesa, CA 92626; Tel.: (714) 979-8058;
Web site: www.bobsairdoc.com. I contacted
Bob, and this was one Stearman for which
he didn’t have documentation.
However, he did have more than 118
Foto Paaks for the PT-17/N2S-1 Super
Stearman series. I’ll have to look further and
see what I can come up with.
Since the Great Planes version is an ARF
you can’t use it in Sport Scale classes, but
it’s a great airplane to fly at the local field or
in the Fun Scale class. If I can just get those
photos …
The model is intended for International
Miniature Aircraft Association-type events,
but Great Planes is missing a market for Fun
Scale without photos. In that class you need
a picture of the full-scale airplane—not a
photo of the model or box-top art.
Why did I choose an ARF Stearman
rather than a YBI (you build it) kit? There is
so much detail on a Stearman, and I won’t
use it in serious competition. I just like
biplanes.
The only Stearman I’ve seen that has a
convincing radial on the front is Mike
Barbee’s 1/3-scale Balsa USA model. Nick
Ziroli has a good one too.
However, the radial engines used on
these Stearmans are no longer available, to
my knowledge. If anyone has updated
information about this, please let me know.
I’ll write more about this next month!
Scale Products: There are many lines of
scale plans and wood kits available today,
and some designers are more prolific than
others. One of the best American designers
is Don Smith. However, he’s not at a
tender age anymore, so it continues to
amaze me that he puts out as many plans as
he does.
Don has a set of plans for the
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX. They have
been enlarged to 1/4 scale, providing a
wingspan of 110.5 inches and a length of
89.5 inches There are six sheets of plans
with this model, so it isn’t going to be your
next Sunday flier.
Don has parts available for this later
version of the Spitfire, which retains the
basic outlines of the earlier versions. Later
iterations gradually changed in shape and
character. Fiberglass cowling, a canopy,
and 6.5-inch scale wheels are available too.
There are other aircraft in this series,
including the 1/4-scale Vought F4U Corsair
with a wingspan of 120 inches, the Savoia-
Marchetti SM.79 Italian bomber with a
wingspan of 138 inches, and a few others.
The lines on the drawings are crisp and
clear, and many details are there for you
such as hinge positions, servo outlines,
types of hardware, and where details go to
make the model contest-worthy.
Don can point you in the right direction
for documentation if you don’t have it. Be
prepared; this Spitfire isn’t an ARF! It will
take some dedication and determination to
built it! If you have a finished version,
send in photos for me to share with
readers!
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX is
available from Don Smith RC Aircraft
Plans, 7445 Texas Tr., Boca Raton FL
33487; Tel.: (561) 989-9113.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/02
Page Numbers: 129,130,131
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/02
Page Numbers: 129,130,131
ANOTHER YEAR has come and gone.
Where have the time and this past summer
gone? As I write this it’s early October and
we’re planning next year’s vacation already.
By the time you receive this issue
Christmas will be past, but it never hurts to
ask for that one item you think you are going
to need for the next flying season. Many of
us are well stocked with kits, engines, parts,
and radios for that next project.
We may still have several half-completed
models languishing in the back of the shop
or garage for one reason or another. Some
never see the shop lights again, much less
the flying field. I continue to add to my list
of models to build, but I have quit buying
new kits, and even ARFs. (Yes, I have a few
ARFs too.)
This is a time of reflection for all of us
who look at the hobby industry. Radio
Control Modeler (RCM) is gone as far as I
know, and I’m afraid some other magazines
may not be far behind. I can remember RCM
from the 1960s; I think I have those issues.
As do many of us pack rats who keep
everything we ever had, I have quite a
collection of magazines, books, and assorted
“stuff” dealing with full-scale and model
airplanes. In my area, unless you go to a
hobby shop, modeling magazines have
disappeared off the bookshelves. How about
in your area?
Some modeling reflections upon the new year
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
Also included in this column:
• The Stearman as a Scale project
• Don Smith’s Spitfire Mk IX
plans-set review
The author saw this full-scale 1930 Stearman Speedmail this past summer.
A Super Stearman as used by the Red Baron team on the air-show circuit. Notice the
different-size ailerons on the upper and lower wings.
A view from the cockpit of a Red Baron Super Stearman.
The author is using a new O.S. 120 FS to
power his Great Planes Super Stearman.
February 2006 129
I still buy from local hobby shops
whenever an item I want or need is
available there. We modelers always need
a certain part, tool, or servo, etc., and we
need it yesterday. Supporting the local
hobby shops continues to be valuable to
the local hobby.
Stearman biplanes have been of great
interest to me throughout the years. I really
like the lines of the aircraft designed by
Lloyd Stearman, who sold the company in
1931 to the Boeing Aircraft Company.
The biplane many of us think of as “the
Stearman” began as the Model 70, then the
75, but there were many different
Stearman biplanes before this classic
trainer and its series of aircraft. Used by all
US military services and many allies, the
various designs of the Stearman Model 75
were basically the same. It was built under
several designations, depending on the
service for which it was intended.
After World War II many surplus
Stearmans were sold to crop dusters, airshow
pilots, and individuals who modified
the aircraft to suit their purposes. An area
that usually received attention was the
radial engine. Most air-show pilots
changed the 225-horsepower engine to a
450-horsepower radial.
I’ve been lucky enough to go up with
the Red Baron team a few times and have
always enjoyed the flight and aerobatics.
It’s a kick being strapped into a five-point
harness, goggles on, hanging on for dear
life, looking straight up and seeing the
Cumberland River.
Numerous kits and plans have been
manufactured for the Stearman biplane
throughout the years, two of which are
wood kits of Nick Ziroli’s version. They
are currently available and can be
completed as the trainer or the air-showmodified
aircraft.
The other kit is Balsa USA’s 1/3-scale
model, which is also currently available.
Among the other kits that come to mind is
the Sterling, which was the premier
Stearman kit for many years.
Then there are Stearman ARFs. I’m
sure there are several of them. Last year at
the Toledo Show I got enthused about the
Great Planes ARF kit of the Stearman 450-
horsepower version with the fully cowled
engine and wheel pants.
I eventually purchased the kit and then,
after much thought, purchased an O.S. 120
four-stroke engine with which to power it.
I’m about to the point of building the
model, and even with my slow and
purposeful building speed I should have it
finished before Christmas.
A friend asked me why I chose the O.S.
engine instead of another type—either gas
or another brand. For four-strokes I
typically use O.S. or Saito brands and like
both. As for many Scale modelers who
look more for reliability than brute power,
the O.S. is a great blend of both qualities.
The issue of documentation is on my
mind. I’ve looked at the instructions and
the model has the “N” number on it, so I
can research it that way.
When I visited the Federal Aviation
Administration registry on its Web site at
www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates I found
that the aircraft is registered to a James
Martin of Spring Grove, Illinois. At the
time of registration it was powered by a
Pratt & Whitney 450-horsepower engine.The Boeing Aircraft Company built that
Stearman in 1942 with serial number 75-
3268, and it is a model A75N1 (or PT-17).
As have many other airplanes in this series it
went through many changes, including the
cowl, wheel pants, engine, and probably
several rebuilds.
When I contacted Great Planes I was
informed that documentation was available
for N146CM from Bob’s Aircraft
Documentation, 3114 Yukon Ave., Costa
Mesa, CA 92626; Tel.: (714) 979-8058;
Web site: www.bobsairdoc.com. I contacted
Bob, and this was one Stearman for which
he didn’t have documentation.
However, he did have more than 118
Foto Paaks for the PT-17/N2S-1 Super
Stearman series. I’ll have to look further and
see what I can come up with.
Since the Great Planes version is an ARF
you can’t use it in Sport Scale classes, but
it’s a great airplane to fly at the local field or
in the Fun Scale class. If I can just get those
photos …
The model is intended for International
Miniature Aircraft Association-type events,
but Great Planes is missing a market for Fun
Scale without photos. In that class you need
a picture of the full-scale airplane—not a
photo of the model or box-top art.
Why did I choose an ARF Stearman
rather than a YBI (you build it) kit? There is
so much detail on a Stearman, and I won’t
use it in serious competition. I just like
biplanes.
The only Stearman I’ve seen that has a
convincing radial on the front is Mike
Barbee’s 1/3-scale Balsa USA model. Nick
Ziroli has a good one too.
However, the radial engines used on
these Stearmans are no longer available, to
my knowledge. If anyone has updated
information about this, please let me know.
I’ll write more about this next month!
Scale Products: There are many lines of
scale plans and wood kits available today,
and some designers are more prolific than
others. One of the best American designers
is Don Smith. However, he’s not at a
tender age anymore, so it continues to
amaze me that he puts out as many plans as
he does.
Don has a set of plans for the
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX. They have
been enlarged to 1/4 scale, providing a
wingspan of 110.5 inches and a length of
89.5 inches There are six sheets of plans
with this model, so it isn’t going to be your
next Sunday flier.
Don has parts available for this later
version of the Spitfire, which retains the
basic outlines of the earlier versions. Later
iterations gradually changed in shape and
character. Fiberglass cowling, a canopy,
and 6.5-inch scale wheels are available too.
There are other aircraft in this series,
including the 1/4-scale Vought F4U Corsair
with a wingspan of 120 inches, the Savoia-
Marchetti SM.79 Italian bomber with a
wingspan of 138 inches, and a few others.
The lines on the drawings are crisp and
clear, and many details are there for you
such as hinge positions, servo outlines,
types of hardware, and where details go to
make the model contest-worthy.
Don can point you in the right direction
for documentation if you don’t have it. Be
prepared; this Spitfire isn’t an ARF! It will
take some dedication and determination to
built it! If you have a finished version,
send in photos for me to share with
readers!
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX is
available from Don Smith RC Aircraft
Plans, 7445 Texas Tr., Boca Raton FL
33487; Tel.: (561) 989-9113.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/02
Page Numbers: 129,130,131
ANOTHER YEAR has come and gone.
Where have the time and this past summer
gone? As I write this it’s early October and
we’re planning next year’s vacation already.
By the time you receive this issue
Christmas will be past, but it never hurts to
ask for that one item you think you are going
to need for the next flying season. Many of
us are well stocked with kits, engines, parts,
and radios for that next project.
We may still have several half-completed
models languishing in the back of the shop
or garage for one reason or another. Some
never see the shop lights again, much less
the flying field. I continue to add to my list
of models to build, but I have quit buying
new kits, and even ARFs. (Yes, I have a few
ARFs too.)
This is a time of reflection for all of us
who look at the hobby industry. Radio
Control Modeler (RCM) is gone as far as I
know, and I’m afraid some other magazines
may not be far behind. I can remember RCM
from the 1960s; I think I have those issues.
As do many of us pack rats who keep
everything we ever had, I have quite a
collection of magazines, books, and assorted
“stuff” dealing with full-scale and model
airplanes. In my area, unless you go to a
hobby shop, modeling magazines have
disappeared off the bookshelves. How about
in your area?
Some modeling reflections upon the new year
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
Also included in this column:
• The Stearman as a Scale project
• Don Smith’s Spitfire Mk IX
plans-set review
The author saw this full-scale 1930 Stearman Speedmail this past summer.
A Super Stearman as used by the Red Baron team on the air-show circuit. Notice the
different-size ailerons on the upper and lower wings.
A view from the cockpit of a Red Baron Super Stearman.
The author is using a new O.S. 120 FS to
power his Great Planes Super Stearman.
February 2006 129
I still buy from local hobby shops
whenever an item I want or need is
available there. We modelers always need
a certain part, tool, or servo, etc., and we
need it yesterday. Supporting the local
hobby shops continues to be valuable to
the local hobby.
Stearman biplanes have been of great
interest to me throughout the years. I really
like the lines of the aircraft designed by
Lloyd Stearman, who sold the company in
1931 to the Boeing Aircraft Company.
The biplane many of us think of as “the
Stearman” began as the Model 70, then the
75, but there were many different
Stearman biplanes before this classic
trainer and its series of aircraft. Used by all
US military services and many allies, the
various designs of the Stearman Model 75
were basically the same. It was built under
several designations, depending on the
service for which it was intended.
After World War II many surplus
Stearmans were sold to crop dusters, airshow
pilots, and individuals who modified
the aircraft to suit their purposes. An area
that usually received attention was the
radial engine. Most air-show pilots
changed the 225-horsepower engine to a
450-horsepower radial.
I’ve been lucky enough to go up with
the Red Baron team a few times and have
always enjoyed the flight and aerobatics.
It’s a kick being strapped into a five-point
harness, goggles on, hanging on for dear
life, looking straight up and seeing the
Cumberland River.
Numerous kits and plans have been
manufactured for the Stearman biplane
throughout the years, two of which are
wood kits of Nick Ziroli’s version. They
are currently available and can be
completed as the trainer or the air-showmodified
aircraft.
The other kit is Balsa USA’s 1/3-scale
model, which is also currently available.
Among the other kits that come to mind is
the Sterling, which was the premier
Stearman kit for many years.
Then there are Stearman ARFs. I’m
sure there are several of them. Last year at
the Toledo Show I got enthused about the
Great Planes ARF kit of the Stearman 450-
horsepower version with the fully cowled
engine and wheel pants.
I eventually purchased the kit and then,
after much thought, purchased an O.S. 120
four-stroke engine with which to power it.
I’m about to the point of building the
model, and even with my slow and
purposeful building speed I should have it
finished before Christmas.
A friend asked me why I chose the O.S.
engine instead of another type—either gas
or another brand. For four-strokes I
typically use O.S. or Saito brands and like
both. As for many Scale modelers who
look more for reliability than brute power,
the O.S. is a great blend of both qualities.
The issue of documentation is on my
mind. I’ve looked at the instructions and
the model has the “N” number on it, so I
can research it that way.
When I visited the Federal Aviation
Administration registry on its Web site at
www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates I found
that the aircraft is registered to a James
Martin of Spring Grove, Illinois. At the
time of registration it was powered by a
Pratt & Whitney 450-horsepower engine.The Boeing Aircraft Company built that
Stearman in 1942 with serial number 75-
3268, and it is a model A75N1 (or PT-17).
As have many other airplanes in this series it
went through many changes, including the
cowl, wheel pants, engine, and probably
several rebuilds.
When I contacted Great Planes I was
informed that documentation was available
for N146CM from Bob’s Aircraft
Documentation, 3114 Yukon Ave., Costa
Mesa, CA 92626; Tel.: (714) 979-8058;
Web site: www.bobsairdoc.com. I contacted
Bob, and this was one Stearman for which
he didn’t have documentation.
However, he did have more than 118
Foto Paaks for the PT-17/N2S-1 Super
Stearman series. I’ll have to look further and
see what I can come up with.
Since the Great Planes version is an ARF
you can’t use it in Sport Scale classes, but
it’s a great airplane to fly at the local field or
in the Fun Scale class. If I can just get those
photos …
The model is intended for International
Miniature Aircraft Association-type events,
but Great Planes is missing a market for Fun
Scale without photos. In that class you need
a picture of the full-scale airplane—not a
photo of the model or box-top art.
Why did I choose an ARF Stearman
rather than a YBI (you build it) kit? There is
so much detail on a Stearman, and I won’t
use it in serious competition. I just like
biplanes.
The only Stearman I’ve seen that has a
convincing radial on the front is Mike
Barbee’s 1/3-scale Balsa USA model. Nick
Ziroli has a good one too.
However, the radial engines used on
these Stearmans are no longer available, to
my knowledge. If anyone has updated
information about this, please let me know.
I’ll write more about this next month!
Scale Products: There are many lines of
scale plans and wood kits available today,
and some designers are more prolific than
others. One of the best American designers
is Don Smith. However, he’s not at a
tender age anymore, so it continues to
amaze me that he puts out as many plans as
he does.
Don has a set of plans for the
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX. They have
been enlarged to 1/4 scale, providing a
wingspan of 110.5 inches and a length of
89.5 inches There are six sheets of plans
with this model, so it isn’t going to be your
next Sunday flier.
Don has parts available for this later
version of the Spitfire, which retains the
basic outlines of the earlier versions. Later
iterations gradually changed in shape and
character. Fiberglass cowling, a canopy,
and 6.5-inch scale wheels are available too.
There are other aircraft in this series,
including the 1/4-scale Vought F4U Corsair
with a wingspan of 120 inches, the Savoia-
Marchetti SM.79 Italian bomber with a
wingspan of 138 inches, and a few others.
The lines on the drawings are crisp and
clear, and many details are there for you
such as hinge positions, servo outlines,
types of hardware, and where details go to
make the model contest-worthy.
Don can point you in the right direction
for documentation if you don’t have it. Be
prepared; this Spitfire isn’t an ARF! It will
take some dedication and determination to
built it! If you have a finished version,
send in photos for me to share with
readers!
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX is
available from Don Smith RC Aircraft
Plans, 7445 Texas Tr., Boca Raton FL
33487; Tel.: (561) 989-9113.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA