PT
Full-scale training aircraft have always been popular modeling subjects. Kits are available for PT-19s, Chipmunks, T-6s, T-28s, etc. The models aren't just suitable for training or mild flying; like the full-scale versions, they can be very aerobatic if desired. Plans have been published for most of the trainers in a variety of sizes and types. And they're military - not quite as exciting and aggressive as fighter aircraft, but still a warplane.
Stephens Akro
THE POPULARITY of modeling full-scale acrobatic aircraft can be easily seen today; kits are available of the Extras, Sukhois, Lasers, Caps, Pitts, etc., in a variety of sizes and construction types. When a new version of an acrobatic aircraft appears, it's only a short time before an RC version is out in kit form or published as a construction article.
Professional Cut
ENLARGING AN RC PATTERN design to suit a larger engine is nothing new; when a two-stroke .60 was the standard engine, modelers enlarged Pattern designs for the new .90-size engines coming out. When the larger gas/ignition engines were new on the scene, a few guys enlarged Pattern designs to suit the big engines. As the gas engines grew in popularity and larger glow engines were introduced, most modelers went for large Scale aircraft, along with a smaller number of large sport designs. When moving up to Giant Scale size, Caps, Lasers, and Extras were built for their aerobatic fun. RC Pattern aircraft designs developed into the highly specialized aircraft used in that event today - not at all resembling full-scale aerobatic types. During several discussions on sport aircraft design for the larger engines. Dean Pappas suggested that I try today's Pattern aerodynamics in the larger size I like. I've been out of Pattern competition flying for a long time, and I was wary of the very long fuselage, long tail moment, highly tapered wing, etc., setup of the Pattern types. Dean felt that these design characteristics would result in a good-flying large-size model, even with gas/ignition power.
Twin Cut: Not your ordinary twin-engined layout
TWIN CUT was begun because I like twin-engined aircraft and I like gasoline engines. I also wanted to try the new Cheetah 42 engine with its interesting C.H. Electronics Jump Start feature; easy starting engines would be an advantage in a twin. My first design thoughts were not promising; I only wanted to do a twin if it would be a good aerobatic performer, not complex, and easy to build, but also not so large that it would be a storage and transportation problem. My one previous twin gas-engined project was a Nick Ziroli DC-3; it was impressive and flew great, but I didn't want another 43-pound aircraft that barely fit in my minivan.
T-28
Military aircraft are always popular modeling subjects, and the North American T-28 has been well-liked by modelers since it first flew in 1949. I felt the T-28 would be an ideal choice for a Control Line profile project; the T-28's clean lines would be easy to fashion in sheet-balsa construction. The 1/2A-powered sheet-balsa profiles are a bargain way to enjoy CL flying; they're low-cost, easy to build, and offer plenty of aerobatic capability. Easy to underestimate, today's all-balsa 1/2As are not just a lump on the end of a string. With a good engine, sized correctly, and flown on 35-foot wire lines (rather than string), these airplanes can be put through most of the aerobatic pattern; not contest-quality maneuvers, but well enough for plenty of flying fun.
