MANY MODELERS WHO like Scale
aircraft will never compete in a contest and
just enjoy the history or the era of airplanes
they build. But sometimes after you build
that model, you get the urge to enter a
competition and really need the
documentation. This is why I suggest using
at least some documentation while building
each model. Employ the same colors and
markings as in the photo(s) you have.
In preparation for another article (the
Top Gun event coverage on page 18), I went
back 20 years and have observed several
changes since then. There are fewer kit
companies now than there was. PCM radio
systems had just come out; 2.4 GHz spread
spectrum was just a dream.
At that time, 1/4-scale models were
coming into their own, with belt or gear
drives on two-stroke glow engines so they
could turn a larger propeller. Or you could
get the new, large SuperTigre 2000 power
plant.
Twenty years ago there were 1/3-scale
models of light civil aircraft and a few
others, often flying with converted gas
chain-saw engines. Composite models
existed but were mostly made from plastic.
And serious competition would net you a
low static score because you didn’t actually
build the shape and finish the model.
Kits: If you’re thinking about building your
first Scale model, consider starting with a
commercial kit. There are many to choose
from, representing different eras of aviation.
Balsa USA has an entire line of World War
I scouts, or fighters as we call them now.
The company has 1/6- to 1/3-scale models
and a long list of different types to build, be
they German, French, or British.
I would love to see Balsa USA come out
with a Curtis Jenny; that would be a great
addition to any line of World War I kits.
The company also has fabric and most of
the bits and pieces you would want to add to
detail its kit offerings.
A World War I model flies at a slow
pace, but it can be unforgiving on the
ground if it isn’t pointed into the wind for
takeoff and landing. And don’t forget to
coordinate rudder and ailerons for turns, or
you’ll find the airplane out of control and
wonder why.
The Balsa USA models are engineered
to fly well. They go slowly with a gas
engine up front and can be realistic in flight.
At any Scale contest or fly-in, you will
probably see military or civil trainers with
color schemes that could match only a
rainbow. The Army Air Corps, US Navy,
and US Marines used a wide assortment of
these airplanes.
Some of the better trainers to fly include the Fairchild PT-19 and the de Havilland Chipmunk. Why? Because
both have long tail moments and widely spaced main gear.
Larry Katona at Precision Cut Kits offers several versions of the
Chipmunk and cuts kits for a host of designers. Don Smith recently
retired, and Larry has taken on his great line of Giant Scale designs and
brought them back to modelers.
A modeling source that has been around since I’ve been in the
hobby is Top Flite. Its kits are designed for the beginning and
intermediate builder. Yes, you actually have to build the model, but
that’s half the fun.
A good first-time Scale model is the Top Flite Cessna 182 Skylane,
which has an 81-inch wingspan. It will fly on a strong 60-size engine
and will take up to a 120 four-stroke. Tower Hobbies has all the
additions you will need if you want to trick out the civil four-seat
aircraft.
The Cessna has tricycle (trike) landing gear, similar to an RC
trainer. With a heavier wing loading, you may want to try a trike-gear
airplane first. If you’re looking for a paint scheme, check the local
airport. You might find something you really like.
A newer Top Flite model is the Piper Arrow II, also with an 81-
inch wingspan and trike gear. However, it is a low-wing civil airplane.
If you’re not interested in civil aviation and want something with a
warbird color scheme, Top Flite has you covered. Almost all Scale
contests I’ve been to have included at least one North American T-34B
Mentor. This model has an 80-inch wingspan.
The Arrow, Skylane, and Mentor have similar wingspans because
most local airfields were designed around 40- to 60-size models for
sport, Aerobatics, etc. Plus, it’s about all the room many RC sites have.
The majority of these kits offer flaps and retracts, which are
considered flight options at most contests. That’s an easy way to pick
up nine or 10 points for your score. It also adds realism to any flight
and that “wow factor” for spectators. Many manufacturers also sell
cockpit kits and many scale details, including spinners, wheels, retract
gear, and navigation lights.
If you want a model that is seldom seen at the local flying field or
even at national contests, your sources slim down. The late Jim Meister
had a line of large Scale models for IMAA (International Miniature
Aircraft Association)-type events. Dino DiGiorgio purchased the
company and has added several kits as well as many scale parts.
Meister Scale offers plans, wood kits, and all the fiberglass parts,
canopies, etc. needed to complete the kits. They include the Fw 190 AF
versions, later Fw 190D-9 Dora, P-47 Thunderbolt, Corsair, Spitfire,
A6M Zero, and a new design by Pat McCurry: the Me 109G-K. Most
of these kits have average wingspans of 100 inches.
Plans: There are many plans sources, but I’ll let you know about some
I’ve found with different aircraft types that interest me or could make
good contest airplanes. Many of the available plans produce good firsttime
Scale models.
Building from a set of plans is not scratch building; that is when
you draw your own plans and then construct a model from them.
Dave Voglund did that a couple years ago.
An accomplished kit builder, Dave wanted to construct a Ki-43
World War II Japanese fighter. He went about the process of scaling
up three-view drawings from Japan so he could make the model 1/4
scale.
The finished product looks great and flies wonderfully after
overcoming some teething problems. Dave uses a Laser 240 V-Twin
four-stroke engine for power and Robart retracts for the main gear;
the tail wheel doesn’t retract. Some earlier versions had only a tail
skid.
You can build many of the 1930s- to 1950s-era military trainers
and light civil aircraft from plans. Many sets of plans are available
from “kit cutters.” Several of these companies have either gone out
of business in the past year or are no longer taking orders, so be sure
to check to make sure that what you want is available.
Scale Plans and Photo Service was run by the late Jim Pepino,
who drew and designed many scale models in the 1980s and
continued until he passed away. His wife, Anne, carries on the
service, with plans and photo packs available for a wide array of
models.
Anne is semiretired, so the best way to get in touch with her is
either by phone or letter. With family out of state and out of the
country, she travels whenever possible. If you don’t hear her pleasant
voice on the other end of the phone, drop her a line along with $10
for a catalog.
Anne has plans available for an Albatros D.Va, Corben Baby
Ace, DHC-1 Chipmunk, PT-19, Gloster Gladiator, Heath Baby
Bullet, Lockheed Vega, Miles M.14A Magister, WACO YMF-5,
Stinson SR-5, and many other models. Most are at least 1/4 scale. A
complete plans list is available online.
Bob Holman Plans has been in business for more than 30 years
and has branched out to several different areas of the modeling
industry. However, Bob’s core business has been scale models.
He stocks products from designers in England and the Mammoth
Scale Plans series. Bob sells laser-cut parts, such as wing
ribs and formers, for several of his plans
sets. He also has short kits available, which
typically include fiberglass parts, canopies,
formers, and a few other goodies, but you
have to purchase the rest of the balsa sheets
and sticks to finish the kit.
Even with all the ARFs on the market, there
are plenty of choices if you want to build a
Scale model. You won’t finish it in a week,
but when you do you will have a true sense
of accomplishment.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Balsa USA
(800) 225-7287
www.balsausa.com
Bob Holman Plans
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com
Jerry Bates Plans
(251) 478-6720
www.scaleaero.com/jbp_header.htm
Meister Scale
(772) 621-9692
www.meister-scale.com
Precision Cut Kits
(609) 538-1388
www.precisioncutkits.com
Scale Plans and Photo Service
(336) 292-5239
http://fly-imaa.org/imaa/IMAAads/pepino/
index.html
Top Flite
(217) 398-8970
www.top-flite.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/08
Page Numbers: 129,130,132
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/08
Page Numbers: 129,130,132
MANY MODELERS WHO like Scale
aircraft will never compete in a contest and
just enjoy the history or the era of airplanes
they build. But sometimes after you build
that model, you get the urge to enter a
competition and really need the
documentation. This is why I suggest using
at least some documentation while building
each model. Employ the same colors and
markings as in the photo(s) you have.
In preparation for another article (the
Top Gun event coverage on page 18), I went
back 20 years and have observed several
changes since then. There are fewer kit
companies now than there was. PCM radio
systems had just come out; 2.4 GHz spread
spectrum was just a dream.
At that time, 1/4-scale models were
coming into their own, with belt or gear
drives on two-stroke glow engines so they
could turn a larger propeller. Or you could
get the new, large SuperTigre 2000 power
plant.
Twenty years ago there were 1/3-scale
models of light civil aircraft and a few
others, often flying with converted gas
chain-saw engines. Composite models
existed but were mostly made from plastic.
And serious competition would net you a
low static score because you didn’t actually
build the shape and finish the model.
Kits: If you’re thinking about building your
first Scale model, consider starting with a
commercial kit. There are many to choose
from, representing different eras of aviation.
Balsa USA has an entire line of World War
I scouts, or fighters as we call them now.
The company has 1/6- to 1/3-scale models
and a long list of different types to build, be
they German, French, or British.
I would love to see Balsa USA come out
with a Curtis Jenny; that would be a great
addition to any line of World War I kits.
The company also has fabric and most of
the bits and pieces you would want to add to
detail its kit offerings.
A World War I model flies at a slow
pace, but it can be unforgiving on the
ground if it isn’t pointed into the wind for
takeoff and landing. And don’t forget to
coordinate rudder and ailerons for turns, or
you’ll find the airplane out of control and
wonder why.
The Balsa USA models are engineered
to fly well. They go slowly with a gas
engine up front and can be realistic in flight.
At any Scale contest or fly-in, you will
probably see military or civil trainers with
color schemes that could match only a
rainbow. The Army Air Corps, US Navy,
and US Marines used a wide assortment of
these airplanes.
Some of the better trainers to fly include the Fairchild PT-19 and the de Havilland Chipmunk. Why? Because
both have long tail moments and widely spaced main gear.
Larry Katona at Precision Cut Kits offers several versions of the
Chipmunk and cuts kits for a host of designers. Don Smith recently
retired, and Larry has taken on his great line of Giant Scale designs and
brought them back to modelers.
A modeling source that has been around since I’ve been in the
hobby is Top Flite. Its kits are designed for the beginning and
intermediate builder. Yes, you actually have to build the model, but
that’s half the fun.
A good first-time Scale model is the Top Flite Cessna 182 Skylane,
which has an 81-inch wingspan. It will fly on a strong 60-size engine
and will take up to a 120 four-stroke. Tower Hobbies has all the
additions you will need if you want to trick out the civil four-seat
aircraft.
The Cessna has tricycle (trike) landing gear, similar to an RC
trainer. With a heavier wing loading, you may want to try a trike-gear
airplane first. If you’re looking for a paint scheme, check the local
airport. You might find something you really like.
A newer Top Flite model is the Piper Arrow II, also with an 81-
inch wingspan and trike gear. However, it is a low-wing civil airplane.
If you’re not interested in civil aviation and want something with a
warbird color scheme, Top Flite has you covered. Almost all Scale
contests I’ve been to have included at least one North American T-34B
Mentor. This model has an 80-inch wingspan.
The Arrow, Skylane, and Mentor have similar wingspans because
most local airfields were designed around 40- to 60-size models for
sport, Aerobatics, etc. Plus, it’s about all the room many RC sites have.
The majority of these kits offer flaps and retracts, which are
considered flight options at most contests. That’s an easy way to pick
up nine or 10 points for your score. It also adds realism to any flight
and that “wow factor” for spectators. Many manufacturers also sell
cockpit kits and many scale details, including spinners, wheels, retract
gear, and navigation lights.
If you want a model that is seldom seen at the local flying field or
even at national contests, your sources slim down. The late Jim Meister
had a line of large Scale models for IMAA (International Miniature
Aircraft Association)-type events. Dino DiGiorgio purchased the
company and has added several kits as well as many scale parts.
Meister Scale offers plans, wood kits, and all the fiberglass parts,
canopies, etc. needed to complete the kits. They include the Fw 190 AF
versions, later Fw 190D-9 Dora, P-47 Thunderbolt, Corsair, Spitfire,
A6M Zero, and a new design by Pat McCurry: the Me 109G-K. Most
of these kits have average wingspans of 100 inches.
Plans: There are many plans sources, but I’ll let you know about some
I’ve found with different aircraft types that interest me or could make
good contest airplanes. Many of the available plans produce good firsttime
Scale models.
Building from a set of plans is not scratch building; that is when
you draw your own plans and then construct a model from them.
Dave Voglund did that a couple years ago.
An accomplished kit builder, Dave wanted to construct a Ki-43
World War II Japanese fighter. He went about the process of scaling
up three-view drawings from Japan so he could make the model 1/4
scale.
The finished product looks great and flies wonderfully after
overcoming some teething problems. Dave uses a Laser 240 V-Twin
four-stroke engine for power and Robart retracts for the main gear;
the tail wheel doesn’t retract. Some earlier versions had only a tail
skid.
You can build many of the 1930s- to 1950s-era military trainers
and light civil aircraft from plans. Many sets of plans are available
from “kit cutters.” Several of these companies have either gone out
of business in the past year or are no longer taking orders, so be sure
to check to make sure that what you want is available.
Scale Plans and Photo Service was run by the late Jim Pepino,
who drew and designed many scale models in the 1980s and
continued until he passed away. His wife, Anne, carries on the
service, with plans and photo packs available for a wide array of
models.
Anne is semiretired, so the best way to get in touch with her is
either by phone or letter. With family out of state and out of the
country, she travels whenever possible. If you don’t hear her pleasant
voice on the other end of the phone, drop her a line along with $10
for a catalog.
Anne has plans available for an Albatros D.Va, Corben Baby
Ace, DHC-1 Chipmunk, PT-19, Gloster Gladiator, Heath Baby
Bullet, Lockheed Vega, Miles M.14A Magister, WACO YMF-5,
Stinson SR-5, and many other models. Most are at least 1/4 scale. A
complete plans list is available online.
Bob Holman Plans has been in business for more than 30 years
and has branched out to several different areas of the modeling
industry. However, Bob’s core business has been scale models.
He stocks products from designers in England and the Mammoth
Scale Plans series. Bob sells laser-cut parts, such as wing
ribs and formers, for several of his plans
sets. He also has short kits available, which
typically include fiberglass parts, canopies,
formers, and a few other goodies, but you
have to purchase the rest of the balsa sheets
and sticks to finish the kit.
Even with all the ARFs on the market, there
are plenty of choices if you want to build a
Scale model. You won’t finish it in a week,
but when you do you will have a true sense
of accomplishment.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Balsa USA
(800) 225-7287
www.balsausa.com
Bob Holman Plans
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com
Jerry Bates Plans
(251) 478-6720
www.scaleaero.com/jbp_header.htm
Meister Scale
(772) 621-9692
www.meister-scale.com
Precision Cut Kits
(609) 538-1388
www.precisioncutkits.com
Scale Plans and Photo Service
(336) 292-5239
http://fly-imaa.org/imaa/IMAAads/pepino/
index.html
Top Flite
(217) 398-8970
www.top-flite.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/08
Page Numbers: 129,130,132
MANY MODELERS WHO like Scale
aircraft will never compete in a contest and
just enjoy the history or the era of airplanes
they build. But sometimes after you build
that model, you get the urge to enter a
competition and really need the
documentation. This is why I suggest using
at least some documentation while building
each model. Employ the same colors and
markings as in the photo(s) you have.
In preparation for another article (the
Top Gun event coverage on page 18), I went
back 20 years and have observed several
changes since then. There are fewer kit
companies now than there was. PCM radio
systems had just come out; 2.4 GHz spread
spectrum was just a dream.
At that time, 1/4-scale models were
coming into their own, with belt or gear
drives on two-stroke glow engines so they
could turn a larger propeller. Or you could
get the new, large SuperTigre 2000 power
plant.
Twenty years ago there were 1/3-scale
models of light civil aircraft and a few
others, often flying with converted gas
chain-saw engines. Composite models
existed but were mostly made from plastic.
And serious competition would net you a
low static score because you didn’t actually
build the shape and finish the model.
Kits: If you’re thinking about building your
first Scale model, consider starting with a
commercial kit. There are many to choose
from, representing different eras of aviation.
Balsa USA has an entire line of World War
I scouts, or fighters as we call them now.
The company has 1/6- to 1/3-scale models
and a long list of different types to build, be
they German, French, or British.
I would love to see Balsa USA come out
with a Curtis Jenny; that would be a great
addition to any line of World War I kits.
The company also has fabric and most of
the bits and pieces you would want to add to
detail its kit offerings.
A World War I model flies at a slow
pace, but it can be unforgiving on the
ground if it isn’t pointed into the wind for
takeoff and landing. And don’t forget to
coordinate rudder and ailerons for turns, or
you’ll find the airplane out of control and
wonder why.
The Balsa USA models are engineered
to fly well. They go slowly with a gas
engine up front and can be realistic in flight.
At any Scale contest or fly-in, you will
probably see military or civil trainers with
color schemes that could match only a
rainbow. The Army Air Corps, US Navy,
and US Marines used a wide assortment of
these airplanes.
Some of the better trainers to fly include the Fairchild PT-19 and the de Havilland Chipmunk. Why? Because
both have long tail moments and widely spaced main gear.
Larry Katona at Precision Cut Kits offers several versions of the
Chipmunk and cuts kits for a host of designers. Don Smith recently
retired, and Larry has taken on his great line of Giant Scale designs and
brought them back to modelers.
A modeling source that has been around since I’ve been in the
hobby is Top Flite. Its kits are designed for the beginning and
intermediate builder. Yes, you actually have to build the model, but
that’s half the fun.
A good first-time Scale model is the Top Flite Cessna 182 Skylane,
which has an 81-inch wingspan. It will fly on a strong 60-size engine
and will take up to a 120 four-stroke. Tower Hobbies has all the
additions you will need if you want to trick out the civil four-seat
aircraft.
The Cessna has tricycle (trike) landing gear, similar to an RC
trainer. With a heavier wing loading, you may want to try a trike-gear
airplane first. If you’re looking for a paint scheme, check the local
airport. You might find something you really like.
A newer Top Flite model is the Piper Arrow II, also with an 81-
inch wingspan and trike gear. However, it is a low-wing civil airplane.
If you’re not interested in civil aviation and want something with a
warbird color scheme, Top Flite has you covered. Almost all Scale
contests I’ve been to have included at least one North American T-34B
Mentor. This model has an 80-inch wingspan.
The Arrow, Skylane, and Mentor have similar wingspans because
most local airfields were designed around 40- to 60-size models for
sport, Aerobatics, etc. Plus, it’s about all the room many RC sites have.
The majority of these kits offer flaps and retracts, which are
considered flight options at most contests. That’s an easy way to pick
up nine or 10 points for your score. It also adds realism to any flight
and that “wow factor” for spectators. Many manufacturers also sell
cockpit kits and many scale details, including spinners, wheels, retract
gear, and navigation lights.
If you want a model that is seldom seen at the local flying field or
even at national contests, your sources slim down. The late Jim Meister
had a line of large Scale models for IMAA (International Miniature
Aircraft Association)-type events. Dino DiGiorgio purchased the
company and has added several kits as well as many scale parts.
Meister Scale offers plans, wood kits, and all the fiberglass parts,
canopies, etc. needed to complete the kits. They include the Fw 190 AF
versions, later Fw 190D-9 Dora, P-47 Thunderbolt, Corsair, Spitfire,
A6M Zero, and a new design by Pat McCurry: the Me 109G-K. Most
of these kits have average wingspans of 100 inches.
Plans: There are many plans sources, but I’ll let you know about some
I’ve found with different aircraft types that interest me or could make
good contest airplanes. Many of the available plans produce good firsttime
Scale models.
Building from a set of plans is not scratch building; that is when
you draw your own plans and then construct a model from them.
Dave Voglund did that a couple years ago.
An accomplished kit builder, Dave wanted to construct a Ki-43
World War II Japanese fighter. He went about the process of scaling
up three-view drawings from Japan so he could make the model 1/4
scale.
The finished product looks great and flies wonderfully after
overcoming some teething problems. Dave uses a Laser 240 V-Twin
four-stroke engine for power and Robart retracts for the main gear;
the tail wheel doesn’t retract. Some earlier versions had only a tail
skid.
You can build many of the 1930s- to 1950s-era military trainers
and light civil aircraft from plans. Many sets of plans are available
from “kit cutters.” Several of these companies have either gone out
of business in the past year or are no longer taking orders, so be sure
to check to make sure that what you want is available.
Scale Plans and Photo Service was run by the late Jim Pepino,
who drew and designed many scale models in the 1980s and
continued until he passed away. His wife, Anne, carries on the
service, with plans and photo packs available for a wide array of
models.
Anne is semiretired, so the best way to get in touch with her is
either by phone or letter. With family out of state and out of the
country, she travels whenever possible. If you don’t hear her pleasant
voice on the other end of the phone, drop her a line along with $10
for a catalog.
Anne has plans available for an Albatros D.Va, Corben Baby
Ace, DHC-1 Chipmunk, PT-19, Gloster Gladiator, Heath Baby
Bullet, Lockheed Vega, Miles M.14A Magister, WACO YMF-5,
Stinson SR-5, and many other models. Most are at least 1/4 scale. A
complete plans list is available online.
Bob Holman Plans has been in business for more than 30 years
and has branched out to several different areas of the modeling
industry. However, Bob’s core business has been scale models.
He stocks products from designers in England and the Mammoth
Scale Plans series. Bob sells laser-cut parts, such as wing
ribs and formers, for several of his plans
sets. He also has short kits available, which
typically include fiberglass parts, canopies,
formers, and a few other goodies, but you
have to purchase the rest of the balsa sheets
and sticks to finish the kit.
Even with all the ARFs on the market, there
are plenty of choices if you want to build a
Scale model. You won’t finish it in a week,
but when you do you will have a true sense
of accomplishment.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Balsa USA
(800) 225-7287
www.balsausa.com
Bob Holman Plans
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com
Jerry Bates Plans
(251) 478-6720
www.scaleaero.com/jbp_header.htm
Meister Scale
(772) 621-9692
www.meister-scale.com
Precision Cut Kits
(609) 538-1388
www.precisioncutkits.com
Scale Plans and Photo Service
(336) 292-5239
http://fly-imaa.org/imaa/IMAAads/pepino/
index.html
Top Flite
(217) 398-8970
www.top-flite.com
