Model Airplane News January 2023 PDF

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January 2023
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CONTENTS
Volume 152
Number 1
January 2023
PAGE 16
FEATURES ON THE FLIGHTLINE
16
Construction: Midget Mustang Racer
This sport-scale club racer can break 100 mph!
By Rich Uravitch
10 New Products
14 Product Review: Liperior LiPo Packs

24
Gallery: 1/4-scale Spirit of St. Louis
Family connections inspired Chris Beehler’s build
By Andrew Griffith
30
How To: LiPo Battery Care
Six ways to extend life & performance DEPARTMENTS
By the Model Airplane News crew
06 Flight Plan
08
41
Pilot Projects
Plans Guide
Top building projects from Model Airplane News
09 Hobby Hacks
62 Aerobatics Made Easy
56
Super Jets South
A 1,000-foot runway and blue skies: heaven for 66 Hangar Talk
jet pilots!
By Andrew Griffith
ON THE COVER
FLIGHT REPORT The FMS Model 80mm Futura V3 is a fast build that offers impressive speed and
performance. (Photo by Jennifer Lively)
34
FMS Futura V3
EDF price tag, turbine excitement!
By Andrew Griffith
MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS (USPS 533-470; ISSN 0026-7295) is published monthly by Air Age, Inc., 57 Danbury Rd., Ste. 202, Wilton CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2019, all rights reserved. Periodicals postage paid at Wilton, CT, and additional
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SUHSDLGLQ86IXQGV9LVD0&'LVFRYHUDQG$P([DQG3D\3DODFFHSWHGEDITORIAL:6HQGFRUUHVSRQGHQFHWR(GLWRUV0RGHO$LUSODQH1HZV'DQEXU\5G6WH:LOWRQ&786$(PDLO0$1#DLUDJHFRP:HZHOFRPHDOOHGLWRULDO
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FLIGHT
PLAN
BY DEBRA CLEGHORN
EDITORIAL
Executive Editor Debra Cleghorn | debrac@airage.com
Technical Editor Andrew Griffith | andrewg@airage.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Martin Alvarez, P.J. Ash, Sal Calvagna, Sean Curry, Mike
Chilson, Budd Davisson, Michael Fetyko, John Glezellis, Peter
Goldsmith, David Hart, Carl Layden, Clarence Lee, Mark
Rittinger, Klaus Ronge, Hugh Ryder, David Scott, Patrick
Sherman, Ralph Squillace, Jerry Smith, Adam Strong, Pat
Tritle, Rich Uravitch, Chris Wolfe, Gerry Yarrish, Nick Ziroli Sr.
PRODUCTION
Production Director David Pandy
DESIGN
Valpro Media Services
Chris Beehler and his helper start DIGITAL MEDIA

the UMS nine-cylinder radial Web Producer Holly Hansen
engine on his plans-built Spirit of VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY
St. Louis. Chris says it makes the Photographer Peter Hall
aircraft sound as good as it looks! Videographer Adam Lebenstein
ADVERTISING
SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS Integrated Account Executives

Ben Halladay | 203.482.8093 | benh@airage.com
Brian Vargas | 203.939.9901 | brianv@airage.com
In this issue we take a close look at a detailed scale model of the plane
made famous by Charles Lindbergh. The full-size, high-wing monoplane CONSUMER MARKETING/PRODUCTION
Mast Circulation Group, Inc.
hangs from the Smithsonian’s ceiling in Washington, D.C. The builder, Chris
MARKETING & EVENTS
Beehler, was allowed to view the original full-size plane up close when it Marketing Assistant Erica Driver
was lowered from the ceiling for cleaning. Talk about “Lucky Lindy,” we Event Manager Emil DeFrancesco
think Chris is pretty lucky, too! Built from famed designer Nick Ziroli plans, PUBLISHING
this beauty is powered by a nine-cylinder radial engine and has details all Group Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr.
Yvonne M. DeFrancesco
the way down to its scale inclinometer!
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6 ModelAirplaneNews.com
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PILOT
PROJECTS
SHOWCASING WHAT YOU BUILD & FLY | EMAIL ENTRIES TO: MAN@AIRAGE.COM
P-38 LIGHTNING
Randy Johnston, Timnath, Colorado
R
andy scratch-built this
gorgeous P-38 using Ziroli
PILOETCT plans. He finished it in the
PROFJTHE “Scat III” scheme that was flown
O H
MONT
by Lt. Robin Olds during WW II in
the European theater and included
the appropriate invasion stripes. Lt.
Olds was a triple ace, achieving 17
aerial victories. Randy finished his
model using Warbird Colors paints
and Callie Graphics markings. The
114-inch-span Lightning weighs in at
40 pounds. A pair of Desert Aircraft
60cc engines provides power and
the landing gear and brakes are from
Sierra Giant Scale. Randy says he
spent three years building the model
that became his “COVID project.”
CESSNA 337 SKYMASTER HYBRID AERONCA L

Bob Shadroui, Pinellas Park, Florida Giacomo Mazzari, Italy
Bob’s Skymaster is an ARF from Seagull Models. The This amazing Aeronca L is a model of the unique radial-
Skymaster is one of a few aircraft that is flown with both a powered, low-wing monoplane of the ’30s. Giacomo’s
front-mounted conventional tractor propeller and engine and Aeronca is based on Jerry Bates plans and construction
a rear-mounted pusher propeller and engine. Bob made his notes that follow many of the design elements of the full-
Seagull kit a hybrid by installing an O.S. 62V 4-stroke in the scale Aeronca. Belair Vintage Kits laser-cut a kit, and after
front engine bay turning a Master Airscrew 12 x 6 prop and building it Giacomo finished the model with Oratex fabric and
installing a 950-watt motor with a 55-amp speed control polyurethane paint. He made the landing gear using Robart
spinning a 10 x 7 Master Airscrew prop in the back. When the RoboStruts and powered the plane with an RCGF 30cc twin
glow engine is running, the electric motor is armed and they gas 2-stroke. The 108-inch-span Aeronca weighs in at
both run in unison. It must sound amazing! 24-pounds and, according to Giacomo, it “flies
very lightly and glides forever.”
SEND IN YOUR PICTURES! Model Airplane News is your magazine, and we encourage reader participation.
Email your high-resolution images to MAN@airage.com, with your contact information and details on your project.
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The sender of each featured project will receive a free one-year membership to the Model Airplane News Hangar website.
HOBBY
HACKS
HELPFUL READER HINTS
MANAGE BATTERY STRAPS

The Velcro straps that hold batteries in place in foam models
often get twisted and tangled together. To fix this, cut small
pieces of Velcro and attach it the sides of the fuselage aligned
with the battery straps. When you unstrap the battery, simply
attach each battery strap to the Velcro you attached to the
fuselage. This will keep the straps open and ready to install the
next battery without the aggravation of the straps getting
tied together before the battery is inserted.
Mark Radcliff, St. Mary’s, West Virginia
BENDING LANDING GEAR

Bending custom wire landing gear involves lots of tweaking
angles to get it just right. To keep the axles straight while
twisting the leg, drill an iron rod deep enough to cover the axle.
Slide the drilled-out rod over the axle to will keep everything
straight while you manipulate the rest of the gear.
Orin Humhpries, Lynnwood, WA
KEEP IT STILL
Dive weight bags are available at dive shops and online
sources in several sizes. I find that the 1, 2, and 5-pound bags
sizes are the most useful. They conform to any surface, so
they work great for holding down parts or balsa sheeting
while glue is drying. They can even be secured in the nose of
an aircraft to provide nose weight. You can also simply throw
them over the skid of a helicopter during short trips to make
sure it doesn’t slide around during transportation.
Darrell Sprayberry, Dalton, Georgia
GLUE WHERE YOU WANT IT

Medical pipettes are available in bulk from online sources like
Amazon. The pipette can be loaded up with glue and applied in
a very precise bead. I use it specifically for canopy glue. Each
ARF I build, even if the canopy comes glued, I run a thin bead
of glue around the edge between the canopy and the frame to
reinforce the bond. You will find all sorts of uses for these
when you have them, and they are cheap and
disposable.
Kevin Scobey, Jacksonville, Florida
SEND IN YOUR IDEAS! We want your ideas for Hobby Hacks! This month’s winners will receive a free
one-year membership to the Model Airplane News Hangar website. Send high-res digital images, your name
www.bookshq.net
and address, and a brief description to MAN@airage.com.
ON THE FLIGHTLINE
REVIEWS | PERSONALITIES | GEAR | FUN STUFF | NEWS
NEW PRODUCTS
SEAGULL FW 190
With scale details that include a matte finish, split flaps,
retracts, drop tank, cannons, undercarriage fairings, a pilot,
and more, this 80-inch-span model of the Luftwaffe “Butcher
Bird” is fully built up. It’s intended for a 33 to 40cc engine or
electric equivalent and has a convenient plug-in, two-piece
wing. Fixed gear are included, and optional 85-degree electric
retracts are an easy drop-in. It costs $620.
legendhobby.com
EXTREME RC PEREGRINE
A perfect first biplane, this rock-solid 3D performer can do
upright harriers, easily fly inverted, and perform extreme
tumbles maneuvers. Quick latches on all wing panels make
field assembly quick and straightforward. The 53-inch-span
aerobat is intended to fly with a 500 kv motor. Also available
in a red/white scheme, the Peregrine costs $500.
extremeflightrc.com
SPEKTRUM S2200 G2
With up to 200 watts power per channel or 380 on one channel for fast
charging, plus the ability to charge batteries on IC3 or IC5 integrated output
ports, this AC smart charger delivers! This $280 unit works with virtually any
RC battery and is backwards compatible with EC3 and EC5 connectors. Use it
with Smart G1 or G2 batteries to fully take advantage of its capabilities!
horizonhobby.com
LEGEND HOBBY
B-17 FLYING FORTRESS
This impressive, 125.5-inch-span built-up bomber comes
with clear molded windshields, turrets (which can be servo-
operated!), functional bomb-bay doors, 3D-printed radial
engine covers, machine guns, and a detailed cockpit that
even includes a Norden bombsight! A two-piece wing and
removable horizontal stabilizer makes transport easy. The
B-17 requires four 10 to 15cc gas engines or glow or electric
equivalents. Also available in an aluminum finish and almost-
ready-to-cover, it starts at $1,746.
legendhobby.com
www.bookshq.net
SEAGULL SPITFIRE
With built-up construction and flat-finish MonoKote covering,
this 86.4-inch warbird will turn heads at the flying field. Its
intended for a 50 to 5cc gas engine or electric equivalent
and features operational split flaps with internal linkages. A
removable top hatch and two-piece, plug in wing halves make
field operation a breeze. It costs $710.
legendhobby.com
HANGAR 9
FUN-SCALE PT-19
You could bolt this classic warbird together in less time than
it takes to charge its battery! The 56.5-inch-span, Plug-N-
Play model features built-up construction and UltraCote
covering, with a two-piece, bolt-on wing for easy setup. This
PT-19 costs $450 and comes with servos, a 600Kv brushless
outrunner, and Avian Smart speed control installed.
horizonhobby.com
DU-BRO KWIK SAND HAND SANDERS

Making sawdust can be a chore, but these lightweight, durable, aluminum sanding bars
make it easier! The contoured handles offer a secure, comfortable grip and use precut,
self-adhesive sandpaper. Available in 5.5- and 11-inch lengths, each Kwik Sand includes
a three-pack of sandpaper with 80-, 150-, and 220-grit sheets. They start at $15.
dubro.com
KRILL ARES 1700

MINI SPORT
This all-composite, 3D-capable jet
comes painted in the mold and is
intended for a 50 to 60N turbine or
EDF conversion. The kit includes
electric retracts (with brakes!), flexible
hinges, and carbon-fiber wing joiner.
Also available in yellow, red, and blue
schemes, the AreS Mini costs $2,295.
chiefaircraft.com
www.bookshq.net
JANUARY 2023 11
ON THE FLIGHTLINE: NEW PRODUCTS
E-FLITE PILOT RC FC1 3D

80MM F-16 THUNDERBIRD Designed to excel in both precision and 3D
This super-scale electric jet has it all: LED navigation aerobatics, this lightweight, fully composite jet is
and landing lights, full-flying stabs, articulated, painted outside the mold for no seam lines, and
shock-absorbing electric retracts and more! The only batteries and nose gear are installed in the
ARF Plus version comes ready for your 80mm EDF front section for quick field assembly and setup. It’s
power system for $400, and the Bind-N-Fly Basic intended for a 140 to 260N turbine, so it can go from
model with AS3X and SAFE Select is $600. “mild” to really wild! The FC1 costs $5,399.
horizonhobby.com chiefaircraft.com
REALFLIGHT EVOLUTION
The latest version of the popular flight sim has “evolved” with a modern
user interface, the main flying site from Triple Tree Aerodrome and dozens of
other new 3D fields and PhotoFields. It also adds more than a dozen of the
newest aircraft from E-flite, HobbyZone, Hangar 9 and Blade, and more than
100 additional models. Users will also be able to purchase quarterly releases
with even more new models and fields! RealFlight Evolution starts at $100.
horizonhobby.com
SKYNETIC
BISON XT STOL V2
This model’s installed powerplant and two included
propeller options offer gentle scale flying or
advanced aerobatics, and its slotted flaps and
functional leading-edge slats allow impressively
short takeoffs! The Bison XT’s large, inflatable all-
terrain tires and durable metal landing gear handle
the roughest terrain, or add the optional floats
(sold separately) and fly off water! This 68.8-inch-
span aircraft costs $400.
motionrc.com
www.bookshq.net
E-FLITE UMX P-51D VOODOO
Compatible with 2S and 3S packs, this
17.3-inch-long racer can be flown in many
yards, parks, and sports fields! Its fixed
landing gear and steerable tailwheel make
it easy to taxi and take off from smooth
surfaces, or you can remove the gear for
more speed and vertical performance
with easy hand launches and landings on
grass. This BNF Basic model with AS3X
and SAFE Select costs $150.
horizonhobby.com
FUTABA T16IZ
Using Futaba’s FASSTest bidirectional communication system,
the $650 T16IZ is designed for up to 18 channels (16 linear and
two switch. It has an updated HVGA 4.3-inch, full-color backlit
LCD touchscreen, audible telemetry data readout capability,
and comes with a 2000mAh LiPo for extended flight times.
futabausa.com
SPEKTRUM IX20 SE
This $2,000 Special Edition radio system offers the best of
Spektrum Smart Technology, with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and
voice recognition connectivity along with capacitive-touch
switch sensing. Its Hall effect gimbals are made of machined
aluminum for pilot comfort, and its lanyard-style neck strap
adds hands-free convenience. A Special Edition aluminum dual
transmitter case is also included.
horizonhobby.com
FMS 64MM RAFALE

WITH REFLEX V2
Sporting a “NATO Tiger Meet” scheme, this
plug-and-play foam fighter can be flight-ready
in just 5 minutes! The fully scale jet comes with
CNC landing gear, a cockpit interior, pilot figure,
removable armament, auxiliary fuel tanks,
refueling probe, and more! An 11-blade ducted
fan, brushless motor, speed control, and all
servos come installed. It costs $200.
fmsmodel.com
www.bookshq.net
JANUARY 2023 13
ON THE FLIGHTLINE
PRODUCT REVIEW
Liperior LiPo Packs
Great price to performance option
By John Dueck
F
inding a LiPo battery
for your RC plane or
heli can be daunting.
Everyone wants a battery
that not only lasts but has
great performance. I recently
tested Liperior batteries
from a relatively new
company, RCBattery.com,
that I believe use the latest
technology at a reasonable
price.
I tested a 4S 2200mAh
60C, 4S 2200mAh Pro
75C, 5S 4000mAh 40C,
6S 2200mAh 45C, and
6S 5000mAh 65C packs.
These batteries included
either an XT60 or and XT90
connector and cost from $24
to $75.
I used a variety of planes
and helicopters to test them
out. I am pretty hard on LiPo
packs, and I expect quite a
bit out of them regardless of
the cost. When you first pull
out the Liperior LiPos from
the packaging, they look
fantastic. The shrink wrap
is well done and, this might
sound weird, but the packs they perform. For my tests, I like to do, but it did give me While charging, the times
are extremely square and a friend and I flew my aircraft an unexpected feel for how were slightly faster than
tight. Small details are a good not knowing which battery the battery performed under my other batteries. Overall,
sign! I say this because I have pack was in them. We flew extreme conditions.) I was the Liperior packs are a
purchased many LiPo packs with the Liperior and a new, shocked at the percentage great price to performance
that look like they were same configuration battery left after the flights, as we alternative.
quickly “thrown together” to of a different brand to see only felt a small drop in power For the price, these
get them out and shipped— the difference. There was before landing. Charging, Liperior batteries are an
not confidence-inspiring! a remarkable difference the Liperior packs were incredible bang for your buck.
in flight times, power, and around 5-10% faster than You will not be disappointed.
TEST FLIGHTS performance during the my other packs. That is quite Stay safe, have fun and keep
As I mentioned, I used several blind tests. The Liperior substantial in my opinion. flying!—John Dueck
different platforms for the packs dished out the power When testing the Liperior
testing. At the end of the consistently throughout the packs, I noticed a remarkable RCBattery.com
day, it doesn’t matter what discharge range, all the way increase in the discharge
any numbers say about the down close to 10% on a few time over the other packs:
batteries, it matters how www.bookshq.net
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CONSTRUCTION
TEXT & PHOTOS BY RICH URAVITCH
MIDGET
MUSTANG RACER
This sport-scale club racer
can break 100 mph!
www.bookshq.net
I
designed the Midget Mustang because I heard one of
the local clubs was racing .25-powered models and
I dropped in to check out the activity. Interestingly
enough, the two models that seemed to dominate the pits
were two of my old designs kitted by House of Balsa: the
T-6 Texan and P-51 Mustang. Flattered by the popularity of
the designs, I started thinking, ”How about a .25 powered
model of an actual Goodyear/Midget class racer? Maybe
a Minnow, Shoestring, Rivets, or Midget Mustang? That’s
it, a Midget Mustang!” I fondly remembered building a
Monogram kit as a kid, converting it to control-line, and
stuffing a Cox .020 in the nose. Never flew it though; too
pretty, too much time invested, too few flying skills!
My files yielded a fairly good three-view and a lot of
background on the full scale version (see sidebar), so
off I went. The result you see here ended up being one
of the most fun, start to finish, modeling exercises I’ve
had in a while. The model ended up being right-sized,
straightforward to build, and a lot of fun to fly. It also
provided the airframe for the “E-Racer” version that I think
shows great promise for the exciting, emerging world of
e-power.
To make things even easier, I’ve got a laser-cut wood
parts package and plastic parts set available at richuravitch.
com.
Get two or three of your club buddies together and give
SSIC
CLA
racing a try!
CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
Please read this first to familiarize yourself with the parts
and assembly techniques.
Wing panels
Protect the plan with clear kitchen wrap. Pin ribs R2
through R9 in place over plan. Pin through the “feet”
Perfect lineup for Sunday club racing fun! Power ranges from elec- on the lower portion of the rib. These are temporary jig
tric to standard .25 glow to piped .32 glow—lots of flexibility! First
published in 2007, this proven design will perform even better with
devices that permit the tapered wing to be built flat on the
updated equipment. building surface. Use 1/4-inch dowel jig through the holes
for temporary alignment. These, along with the rib “feet,”
will be removed after the upper surface of the panel is
complete.
Glue 3/16 x 3/16-inch spruce main spar into forward set
AT A GLANCE of notches in ribs. Glue 1/8 x 1/4-inch balsa spar into aft
set of notches. Add all upper 1/16-inch balsa sheeting and
MODEL: Midget Mustang Racer capstrips. Note that the trailing edge sheeting and capstrips
butt up to the spar.
TYPE: Sport scale/class racer Add 1/16-inch balsa sub-leading edge, gluing it to the
WINGSPAN: 38.5 in. front edge of each of the ribs. Remove panel from building
surface and glue all of the lite ply reinforcements “A” to
LENGTH: 33.1 in. ribs R2 through R4.These add strength to the hardwood
WEIGHT: 2.5 to 3 lb. landing gear block installation. Epoxy the 5/8 x 1/2-inch
landing gear block and vertical trunnion in place. Sand the
WING AREA: 319 sq.in. upper edge of the sub-leading edge to match rib/sheeting
WING LOADING: 18-21.7 oz./sq. ft. contour.
Add the R1A and R1B doublers to the R1 rib, block the
POWER REQ’D: .25 to .32 glow or electric wing tip to 1” and glue the R1 assembly in place, making
equivalent sure it is perpendicular to the building surface. This will
ensure the correct dihedral when the wing panels are
RADIO REQ’D: 4-channel www.bookshq.net joined.
JANUARY 2023 17
CONSTRUCTION: MIDGET MUSTANG RACER
Wing parts for one wing panel shown. Easy to cut out, symmetrical sec- Fuselage parts, ready to assemble. Simple structure, traditional tech-
tion. niques.
Bottom view of fuselage showing wing cut out and ply wing attachment Forward upper fuselage. Hatch not yet built, flat platform for battery or
plate. fuel tank.
Add all the lower 1/16-inch sheeting 2 inches. When satisfied with the fit, with solid 3/16-inch balsa sheet. Radius,
and capstrips. Add the 1/4 x 1/2-inch apply slow cure adhesive to the mating or bevel, the leading edge of the aileron
balsa leading edge and wing tips, carve surfaces of the R1 ribs and joiner and to allow sufficient control deflection
and sand to shape. Dry-fit the lite ply slide the wing panels together. Allow after hinging. (See section view on plan.)
wing joiner to the wing panel. It butts the adhesive to cure completely before
up against the rear face of the spars unpinning the wing from the building Aileron linkage installation
and is captured by the upper and lower surface. Add 1/4-inch wing locator Attach the control horns to the bottom
1/16-inch balsa sheeting. Add scrap fill dowel to leading edge at R1. side of each aileron at the position
at root to accept the 10-32 wing hold- indicated. Mount the bellcrank plates
down bolts. Sand entire panel to blend all Separating ailerons from the wing between ribs R5 and R6 and attach a
balsa joints. Repeat building process for Cut the ailerons from the outer wing bellcrank to each plate. Use 0.062 music
opposite wing panel. panels, install hinge and control horn wire to make the pushrods go to the
balsa filler blocks plus the end cap ribs. servo in the center of the wing and to
Joining wing panels Cut out the cap wing portion of the the control horn on each aileron. Make
Securely pin one wing panel to the flat aileron with 1/8-inch balsa and add sure that the linkage system is slop-free
building surface. Dry fit the 1/8 lite- hinge filler blocks. Remove 3/16 inch and not binding.
ply joiner and block the elevated tip to www.bookshq.net
from leading edge of aileron and cap If you prefer, individual servos may
When originally designed, I used bellcranks and a single servo to drive Upper fuselage with stringers in place, awaiting balsa sheeting.
the ailerons; today’s modern mini servos allow use of a servo to drive
each aileron. Careful though, wing is fairly thin!
Wing center section with single (“old school”) servo installation, which “De-shouldered” Williams Bros. pilot and canopy in place adds to the
uses wire pushrods and bellcranks to drive ailerons. “slippery” look of the model.
be used for each aileron. These would Begin assembly by gluing formers F4 stringers.
be connected, through a “Y” harness through F10 in position on the right- Laminate four wing panel parts
to the “AIL” channel of your receiver. hand fuselage side. Glue the left hand together to form two 1/4-inch wing
Sand and fill the structure as required in fuselage side to the formers and, after mount plates and glue these assemblies
preparation for covering. tapering the longerons, temporarily tack into the notches in the wing saddle
glue the fuselage sides together at the doubler. Add all upper 1/16-inch balsa
Fuselage aft end ensuring that the ends match sheeting. This is most easily performed
Note: prepare a left and right hand side. precisely. by wetting the sheeting being applied
Prepare fuselage sides as follows: Glue Install formers F2/F3 through F6A. on one side and pre-forming it. Tape
wing saddle doubler in place. Glue 1/8 x Do this carefully to avoid twisting and pin in place until dry. Note that the
1/8 balsa lower longerons in place along fuselage. Using a razor saw, kerf cut turtledeck sheeting may be carried aft
fuselage side edges from F8 aft to the the 3/8 tri-stock between F1 and F4 to the vertical fin hinge line or soft balsa
end of the fuselage. The 3/16 x 3/16 to ease bending the sides to meet F1. blocks may be used to form this fairing.
upper longeron extends the full length Wet the forward fuselage sides and Add lower 1/16 balsa sheeting applied
of the fuselage. Use 3/8 x 3/8-inch tri-stock and install former F1 with slow cross-grain. Sand all seams and radius
tri-stock from F1 to F4 along the lower cure epoxy, making sure the fuselage sharp edges along bottom of fuselage.
edge. www.bookshq.net
remains square. Add all upper 1/8 x 1/8
JANUARY 2023 19
Vertical fin/rudder
These parts may be cut from solid 3/16-
inch balsa sheet or may be built up as
indicated on the plan. If you choose the
A True Classic
latter, build the vertical fin frame directly
over the plan using a combination of
the cut parts and balsa stick material.
Cut slot for ply control horn and glue
securely in place. Temporarily fit hinges.
Sand all surfaces smooth and radius all
sharp edges in preparation for covering.
Horizontal stabilizer/elevators
These parts may be cut from solid 3/16-
inch balsa sheet or may be built up as
indicated on the plan. If you choose the
latter, build the frames directly over the
plan using a combination of the laser-
cut parts and balsa stick material. Hard to believe this design is as old as it is. Modern Navy markings on Bradley Errington’s ride
Cut the slot for the ply control horn update its near octogenarian lineage! Built from a Mustang Aeronautics kit.
and glue securely in place. Temporarily
fit the hinges and wire elevator joiner.
Sand all surfaces smooth and radius all
L
ooking at the real Midget Mustang, or more accurately, the
sharp edges. Long Midget, would lead you to think that it was a rather
contemporary design say, 15 or so years old. It’s lean, trim,
Wing attachment
Draw centerlines on the wing and lower
and slippery like a “personal” airplane should be with all metal
fuselage surface. With the fuselage construction and very quick on relatively low horsepower. Fact is
supported in an inverted position, place that the original was designed and built nearly 75 years ago, in
the wing in the saddle, ensure that it is 1948 by David Long, a Piper Design Engineer. Long modified his
correctly positioned and the centerlines airplane, originally named “P-Shooter,” and cleaned it up with a
match. Pin the wing in position to hold it new canopy and wheel pants and renamed it “Midget Mustang.”
securely to the fuselage.
Drill a pilot (3/32-inch) hole (in two
It was raced frequently in the early ’50s, and its Continental C85
places) through the wing and wing could propel it comfortably, if not always competitively! Over the
panel parts at the locations shown on years the design has been revised, and various people/companies
the plan. Remove the wing from the have tried to market it as a certificated airplane under such
fuselage, final drill and tap the holes names as “Palomino” and “Omega II.” None of these attempts met
for 10-32 nylon bolts. Use thin ZAP with much success.
adhesive to “harden” the threads cut
Where the airplane really found its niche was in the homebuilt
into the wing panel.
market, with over 400 having been built, most with the assistance
Landing gear of Bushby Aircraft, Inc. who further refined the design by
Bend two main landing gear struts to developing a two-place side-by-side version called “Mustang II.”
the pattern shown on the plan. Cut a The design rights were then acquired by Mustang Aeronautics,
slot through the lower wing skin and fit who offered complete assembly kits for both the single-place
these struts to the wing in the slotted
and two-place models. Homebuilders, being the creative bunch
hardwood block. Retain them with nylon
gear straps and screws. The use of strut
that they are, have optioned the airplane with higher horsepower
fairing and wheel pants, while greatly for a 225 mph plus capability, retractable landing gear and
enhancing the overall appearance, is other “personalized” additions. Nexus Mustang out of Canada
recommended only if you plan to fly may just have come up with the ultimate derivative: a two-place
from hard surfaces or closely cut grass. tandem hotrod that appears in the dictionary under the word
Prepare a tail wheel strut from music “streamlined.” Dick Eaves, head man at Nexus, went through a
wire as shown on the plan, mount it
through a standard nylon tailwheel
Midget Mustang before he took pen to digitizer to yield his final
bracket and temporarily attach it at version. There isn’t much of the original left, but the visual lineage
the position shown. (See detail view on is there and unmistakable. Mr. Long would, no doubt, be very proud
plan.) www.bookshq.net
of what has happened with his design over the last 75 years!
www.bookshq.net
FSP0707A | Midget Mustang Racer
Designed by Rich Uravitch, the Midget Mustang is just the ticket for exciting .25-size club racing or just all-out sport flying. Easy to build with
conventional balsa and ply construction, the model is fun to fly. Laser-cut wood parts and formed plastic parts are available. WS: 38.5 in.; L:
33 in.; power: .25 2-stroke or electric equivalent; radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD: 2; $27.95
Order the full-size plan at AirAgeStore.com.
JANUARY 2023 21
Ample airflow keeps the electric power system cool. The hatch allows easy access to the battery compartment in the e-
powered version.
OPTIONAL PLASTIC PARTS RC components and “micro” equipment about flying the Midget Mustang is
The cheek cowls and wheel pants are is not required, but it’s use will reduce that, although it is very clean and
supplied in halves and must be cut from weight somewhat. Adjust the location can be flown fast, it displays no nasty
the sheets on which they are supplied. of the radio components to achieve tendencies when slowed down. Ground
After cutting from sheet, sand each of the recommended center of gravity handling, due to the gear placement and
the halves on a flat surface to allow the (balance point). track, is outstanding. Hold a touch of up-
mating surfaces to join with no gaps. Fill elevator, be ready with the right rudder,
any low spots with filler, prime and paint COVERING and apply power. It doesn’t spend a lot
to suit. Paint and install a Williams Bros. When you are satisfied with the of time on the takeoff roll unless you
pilot bust. Do not fly without a pilot smoothness of all the wood surfaces, hold it down. Climbout is very positive
figure! apply your favorite covering material. and the model gets up on the step in
Trim the clear canopy to fit the My prototypes were all covered with short order. Aerobatic maneuvers are
fuselage. When permanently heat-shrink film such as MonoKote easily accomplished unless you are
attaching the canopy to the fuselage, or UltraCote, and both worked well. I from the “new generation” 3D school
I recommend an adhesive such as Zap painted the plastic components, such as of flying! Get the power to weight ratio
Formula 560. the cheek cowls and wheel pants, with correct and it will “hover” but not for
compatible spray paint applied directly long.
RADIO INSTALLATION from the can. I’ve built four prototypes: three
The recommended radio equipment glow and one electric. Two of the glow
locations are shown on the plan. Your FLYING versions were clocked with a radar
Midget Mustang can use “standard” size One of the more pleasant things gun on different occasions with similar
results. A stock O.S..25FX version with
a muffler consistently scoots along at
between 82-87 mph while the piped
.32 version routinely breaks the traps
in the 100-105 mph range! I haven’t
yet clocked the e-version but it’s
generating 565 watts on a 9 x 7.5 prop
and we expect great things!
The Midget Mustang is a fun
airplane to fly, and it’s easy to build.
It’s a relatively inexpensive model,
ideally suited for weekend club racing
with airplanes that actually look like
airplanes powered by sport power
systems. Gentlemen, do we have a
race?!
www.bookshq.net
Happy camper; always nice to have a full scale around for reference!
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GALLERY
BY ANDREW GRIFFITH
PHOTOS COURTESY CHRIS BEEHLER
1/4-SCALE
SPIRIT OF
ST. LOUIS
Family connections inspired
Chriswww.bookshq.net
Beehler’s build
Robart made the scale struts and
landing gear for the Spirit of St. Louis.
The inclinometer in the full-scale Ryan

was invented and produced by an
instrument company in Philadelphia
www.bookshq.net
owned by Chris's grandfather.
JANUARY 2023 25
GALLERY: 1/4-SCALE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS
O
ne of the most iconic aircraft of all time, Charles
Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis resides in the 1
Smithsonian, hanging from the ceiling in the
place of honor called the Milestones of Flight gallery.
Custom-built by Ryan Aircraft Company, it is officially
known as the Ryan NYP (New York to Paris). The
nickname “Spirit of St. Louis” was derived from
Lindbergh’s financial backers at the St. Louis Racquet
Club in his then hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Most
aviation enthusiasts probably know that on May 20th,
1927, Lindbergh took off from Garden City on Long
Island, New York and flew 33 1/2 hours solo across the
Atlantic, landing in Paris, France—the first nonstop solo
flight across the ocean.
Chris Beehler of Long Valley, New Jersey, built a
beautiful recreation of this iconic aircraft. Chris is a
member of the Roxbury Area Model Airplane Club.
Model Airplane News: Chris, tell us about the 2

inspiration for your model?
Chris Beehler: Despite being such a historically
significant aircraft, the Ryan-NYP is rarely modeled.
In addition to the natural attraction to such a famous
subject, I have a family connection to the full-
scale Spirit of St. Louis. My grandfather owned an
instrument company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
and he had invented and produced the inclinometer
that was used in the original aircraft on Lindbergh’s
historic flight. The combination of a unique subject
and the family connection motivated me to build the
Spirit of St Louis as a tribute to my grandfather and his
involvement in the original project.
MAN: What can you tell us about the model itself?

CB: The Ryan is constructed traditionally out of balsa
and light plywood using Nick Ziroli plans. The airframe
actually only took me about three months to build. It’s 3
a 1/4-scale or 25-percent model that has a 138-inch
wingspan and is 86 inches long. The wing comes apart
in two pieces, which helps make transportation easier.
It came out looking like a big model, especially inside
my shop!
The plans call for a Zenoah G-62 engine, but I had
other ideas so there were a few things I had to figure
out for myself. I used a UMS 9-cylinder radial engine to
power the Ryan and to ensure consistent fuel supply,
I installed an APS fuel pump. The cost and additional
labor to install the radial engine were worth the time
and money as soon as I heard it running. Everyone
stops what they are doing to watch when you fire
up a radial and the sound is a huge part of the Spirit 1. Built from Ziroli plans, the flat-bottom wings are built directly over the
plans. There are a LOT of ribs with very close spacing.
appearing scale in flight.
Once the structure was done, I covered the model 2. The complicated outline was achieved by wetting the balsa wood and
in Planetex lightweight fabric material. The covering is conforming it to shape until it dried out.
adhered using Polytac Poly-Brush adhesive brushed 3. The fabric covering is completed and being sealed and prepared for
on to the frame because the Planetex fabric has no painting.
adhesive. I finished the model using Rustoleum metallic
titanium paint.
www.bookshq.net
4 5
6 7
4. The box style of the main fuselage was the easy part of the build.
5. The classic look of the brushed aluminum was achieved using metallic duct tape and burnished by gluing a Scotchbrite pad on to a Dremel cutoff
wheel.
6. The heart of the project is the UMS 9-cylinder engine which sounds fantastic and gets everyones attention as soon as it starts up.
7. The Ryan NYP logos and other scale markings were made by Callie Graphics.
8. The finished cowl took hours of work to get all of the cylinder cutouts correct, but the result was worth all the effort.
www.bookshq.net
JANUARY 2023 27
GALLERY: 1/4-SCALE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS
The Ziroli plans call for Robart wing 3M aluminum duct tape. I attached a the floor for cleaning and maintenance
struts and landing gear. Due to the Scotch-Brite scratch pad to the flat and I was permitted to get up close and
ongoing supply issues, it took me about surface of a Dremel bit to make the swirl personal. It was an amazing experience
six months to receive the gear. Robart marks. It took a lot of experimentation and we even got to meet and hang
did a spectacular job communicating the to get the required pressure and spacing out with Reeve Lindbergh, Charles
progress and the end result was worth right and the swirls the correct size. I and Ann Lindbergh’s daughter. There
the wait. spent many hours on this one aspect of are pictures you just can’t get with it
the project, but the end result was well hanging from the ceiling. In addition, my
MAN: The front end looks amazing, tell worth the effort. buddy Mike Dolan connected me with
us what you did to achieve that finish. Ken Cassens and Dave King at the Old
CB: That was an exercise in patience. MAN: Documentation is key to any scale Rhinebeck Aerodrome. They have a very
In order to fit the UMS radial, I had project, and we know you had a special nice replica that I could photograph and
to fiberglass the Ziroli cowl and then opportunity to document your Spirit of measure and get most of what I needed.
remove most of the internal structure. St, Louis. Tell us about that. The encounter with the actual Spirit of
Then it took over 14 hours with a Dremel CB: The Smithsonian Milestones of St. Louis was a special moment, though.
tool to cut the correct openings. Once Flight Hall was undergoing renovation,
the cowl was installed, I had to duplicate and my family was invited to the gallery MAN: Great job, the model looks
the brushed aluminum finish of the a few hours before it opened. The Ryan awesome!
nose, so it was covered with 12-inch (and other aircraft) had been lowered to
Chris Beehler with his finished Spirit of St.

Louis at the Binghamton Giant-Scale Fly-In.
www.bookshq.net
SEQUENCES OF
STRONG VIOLENCE,
www.bookshq.net
INTENSE ACTION AND
SOME LANGUAGE
HOW TO
BY THE MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS CREW
LiPo Battery Care

Six ways to extend life & performance
L
iPo batteries power everything from diminutive ultra-micro airplanes
to massive electric ducted-fan jets and giant-scale helicopters, but
are you giving our packs the love they deserve? A few simple steps
will get the best performance out of your battery packs while ensuring
they last as long as possible. Considering the investment most of us
have in batteries, it’s worth knowing how to make them endure.
www.bookshq.net
WHAT’S IN A Discharge and charge rating are usually provided by the battery manufacturer. This pack
C RATING? is rated for 50C continuous discharge with 100C burst capability and a charge rating of up
to 3C (15 amps).
Before we get into specifics, let’s discuss C-ratings for a moment. A C-rating is an expression of battery capacity or some
factor thereof. A 5,000mAh battery that is rated at 50C can theoretically sustain a discharge rate of 250 amps (5000 x 50 =
250,000/1,000). C-rating is essentially a measure of the internal resistance of the battery; exceed that rating and you risk
overheating the battery. Note that C-ratings are often based more on marketing hype than actual technical specifications, so
take them with a dose of skepticism.
The higher the C-rating, the higher the current a battery can deliver, making high C (50 and above) batteries better in larger
amp draw applications, such as speed planes and especially electric ducted-fan jets. Because nothing comes for free, higher
C-rated batteries are both more expensive and heavier than lower rated packs of the same brand. Graphene batteries are an
excellent example of high-discharge capable batteries, but they can be heavy.
SAFE CHARGING If you’re going to run LiPo batteries, the value

of investing in a good charger cannot be
overstated. I have my personal favorite but
there are plenty of them on the market in
every size, shape, and capacity. Buy a charger
that allows you to balance charge and has
the output capacity in watts to charge the
largest packs you intend to fly. A charger that
provides information on internal resistance
of each cell as well as multiple battery types
and even microSD card logging is nice to have.
Spektrum Smart chargers are excellent and
provide a wealth of usable battery feedback to
the user when coupled with Smart batteries.
Battery labels often indicate a safe charge
rate, stick with that or less. A 1C setting is
always safe, and if you have a few sets of
packs you won’t need to max out the charge
rate to keep flying. The more gently you charge
your packs, the longer they last. Charging a
5,000mAh battery at 1C would be 5 amps; 2C
A proper battery charger is key to managing a variety of batteries and keeping them in top would be 10 amps, etc. Some batteries indicate
condition. This Progressive RC iCharger Duo charges two batteries simultaneously at very
high charge rates and is powered at 24 volts by two Dell server power supplies converted charge rates up to 5C, but keep in mind that
to RC use. this will push your batteries hard.
Many battery testers are available and a good one is required equipment for
KNOW BEFORE operating with LiPo batteries.
YOU FLY
Get a good battery tester, put it in your field box or
transmitter case and use it regularly. Battery packs
look identical, and it’s easy to swap a charged pack
for a discharged one. We all know someone who
accidentally flew with a partially discharged pack
and lost an aircraft. Check your batteries (and
don’t get distracted during pre-flight). www.bookshq.net
HOW TO: LiPo Battery Care
STAY IN BALANCE
Always balance-charge your LiPos. Despite most
manufacturers’ best efforts to provide matched cells in
battery packs, slight differences between individual cells
always make it into production batteries. If a multi-cell pack
is charged without balancing, problems can arise because
the total voltage is treated as a single battery versus balance
charging that addresses the cells individually. When a cell is
low, it doesn’t get fully charged, and during discharge it can fall
below its safe voltage and cause puffing or life degradation.
Conversely, during charging the high cell can exceed 4.2
volts and potentially catch fire. You might be able to get away
without balancing charging low-discharge applications like
The iCharger Duo indicates individual cell voltages while charging and
displays not only cell information but also internal resistance of each cell receiver LiPos, but the higher the discharge rate, the easier it
and that of the battery pack as whole. is for them to get out of balance.
STORAGE-CHARGE
YOUR PACKS
If you’re not going to be flying for several days, always store
your LiPos in a storage-charge state. This usually means
around 3.85 volts/cell or 50% of the charge. Most chargers
have a storage setting that will either charge or discharge as
needed. Smart batteries have a setting to self-discharge to
storage level after sitting for a preset time period, but storing
your batteries dead or fully charge will be detrimental to long
battery life.
A flexible charger will not only charge your batteries but allow you
selections to storage-charge and discharge them.
KEEP IT COOL BE WARY OF DAMAGE

Another tip to prolong the life of your If you drop a battery on a hard surface such as asphalt,
batteries is to allow them to cool off crash a plane, or otherwise inflict any physical damage
properly before charging them again. This on a battery, be very wary of it. Look for physical damage
goes hand in hand with having a proper to any of the cells, wires, or connectors. Look for puffing
C-rating for the application you’re flying and and monitor the pack carefully during the next several
not over discharging your batteries. Also, charge cycles for a spike in heat in one or more cells.
storing your LiPos should be done in a cool, When in doubt, discharge the battery completely using a
dry place, not sitting in a hot car all day. small light bulb and take it to a battery store for recycling.
WRAPPING UP
Don’t over-charge. Don’t over-discharge. Balance every charge. Storage-charge before you go home. Don’t overheat your
batteries. Don’t use or store damaged LiPo batteries. Stick to those rules and you will be rewarded with long-lasting LiPo
batteries. www.bookshq.net
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FLIGHT
REPORT
BY ANDREW GRIFFITH | PHOTOS BY JENNIFER LIVELY
FMS
EDF price tag,
turbine excitement!
www.bookshq.net
AT A G L A N C E
Model: Futura V3
Manufacturer: FMS Models (fmsmodels.com)
Type: ARF EDF sport jet
Wingspan: 46 in.
Radio req’d: 6- or 7-channel
Power req’d: 6S 4000mAh LiPo
Price: $399.99
www.bookshq.net
FLIGHT REPORT: FMS FUTURA V3
T
he Tomahawk Aviation Futura generation of this aircraft. FMS took a container. Nearly all the work is already
2.5-meter turbine jet is one of very successful design, added 13- completed for you. The surfaces are
the smoothest, fastest sport jets gram, metal-gear, digital servos and foam hinged, and the servos and
I’ve ever had the chance to fly. It was a snazzy one-click wing connector in pushrods are pre-installed. The fuselage
designed by an aeronautical engineer the V3 release. It also has upgraded is attractively painted, and all the decals
who works for British Aerospace, and power system, an LED lighting set, and a and markings are applied from the
I was honored to be asked to fly one snazzy new paint job. factory.
because it’s way out of my price range The Futura ships with everything The model uses an impressive looking
(and it burns close to 5 gallons of fuel you need to get in the air except for a set of trailing-link style landing gear that
per flight!). receiver of your choice and a LiPo flight feature machined aluminum struts and
Lucky for the rest of us, FMS has a battery. Assembly is extremely quick nicely sized rubber tires. These details
licensed copy that they released as an and easy and requires only a M2 hex add up to a jet that will be able to absorb
80mm electric ducted fan (EDF) model driver and a little patience getting all the some abuse resulting from operating off
at a much more modest price point. parts seated. Jets in general should be less-than-ideal runway surfaces. The
Constructed of injection-molded EPO flown by intermediate pilots, but as jets Futura is also equipped with flaps for
foam, it’s painted in a nicely contrasting go, the Futura is a gentle flier that lends shorter takeoffs and slower landings.
color scheme, similar to what is available itself to newer jet pilots. As a sport jet, the Futura is expected
on the larger turbine version. Molded to be able to handle some high-G
plastic parts are used generously where UNIQUE FEATURES flying, and it appears to be designed
additional strength is desired. The Futura V3 arrived nicely packaged accordingly. The composite wing joiner
The Futura I received is the third in a robust modular foam shipping rod is a stout 12.5mm diameter by 2mm
A modular connector at the wing root plugs in the ailerons, flaps, landing gear, and
wingtip light all in one that makes assembly quick and easy.
The nose gear bay and steering servo are accessible to easily adjust the nose gear trim The Futura features very nice trailing-link landing gear to
without affecting the flight rudder. absorb the occasional rough landing and aluminum gear
www.bookshq.net struts that I lubricated with BVM Dry Lube for long-
lasting service.
thick and hard plastic reinforcements are in the gyro. The gyro comes factory- installing a larger battery. A Spektrum
found throughout the airframe. programmed for the model it’s installed Smart 6S 5000mAh 100C battery fit
The power system, which comes in, and I never found a need to tweak and allowed me to hit the back end of
pre-installed, consists of an 80mm the it. If desired, the Reflex can be set in the center of gravity (CG) range (my
12-blade fan that is spun by a 2,000kv one of three modes by connecting it to preference anyway) and not add any
electric brushless motor. A Hobbywing a spare receiver channel and assigning a weight.
100-amp speed control runs the power switch.
system on a 6S battery pack, and a The only issue I had with the Futura BOTTOM LINE
BEC is provided to power the receiver, was when it came time to install a The entire airframe can be assembled
servos, and the LED lighting system. battery and balance the model. A 6S and setup in less time than it takes to
I chose to use a Powerbox PBR-8E 4000mAh battery is recommended, charge a battery. An M2 hex driver is all
8-channel receiver in my Futura. The but none of my batteries in that size that’s required, and some extra screws
connections to the included Reflex gyro range would achieve proper balance, are included in the hardware package. As
are clearly labeled, and it took just a few even when I slid them as far forward I do with all foam models, covering your
minutes to setup. A USB programming as the hatch would allow. Faced with working surface with a fluffy towel helps
cable is included and you can connect a choice between adding nose weight to prevent damaging the foam while
via their software to adjust parameters versus flying a larger battery, I opted for assembling your new model.
GEAR USED HITS
Radio: PowerBox CORE radio with a Powerbox PBR-7S receiver + Robust landing gear
(powerbox-americas.com), 13-gram metal gear digital servos + Easy to see color scheme
(installed) + access
Large hatch for convenient battery
Motor: 2,000kv electric brushless motor, Hobbywing 100A speed

control and 80mm 12-blade EDF unit (installed)
+ performance
Impressive speed and vertical
MISS
Battery: Spektrum Smart 5000mAh 100C LiPo (spektrumrc.com)
- Needed larger battery to balance
The bottom of the scheme has

www.bookshq.net a nice contrast to the top while
maintaining excellent visibility.
FLIGHT REPORT: FMS FUTURA V3
An LED lighting system includes red and The 13-gram metal gear digital servos have I found balance best achieved by using a
green colored wingtip lights and this bottom- plenty of torque and speed. All servos are 5000mAh 100C Spektrum Smart LiPo.
mounted beacon. They can be seen in the mounted, and the pushrods installed out of the
daylight. box.
IN THE AIR main gear and rolled to a stop using less the smell of burning kerosene. Large,
The Futura is small enough to store and than half of our 350-foot-long paved graceful loops, long knife-edge flight
transport fully assembled, but it has runway. with a highly effective rudder, fast and
one-click plug-in wings if you need or A quick CG check consisting of an slow rolls all were easy. Stops are crisp
want to break it down. Snap the wings inverted 45-degree upline told me that when doing point rolls and it seems to
in place and install four screws and it’s the CG was perfect as just a touch of feel at home upright or inverted.
ready for flight. The wide landing gear down-elevator was needed to maintain
stance means it’s very sure on its feet, the climb. Glide and stall. In Optimized mode the
and the gear and wheels are suitable for Reflex gyro will fight a stall until it nearly
either paved or short grass runways. GENERAL FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS stops flying and the flight controls
With the flaps partially deployed, and Stability. The combination of an become ineffective. Stall recovery is
possessing plenty of power, the Futura outstanding airframe design and the instantaneous with application of power.
was off the runway quickly and a few Reflex gyro gave the Futura a rock-solid It will glide a surprisingly long way with
clicks of up trim had it flying hands- feel in flight, even when the wind started the power off.
off. My immediate impression was the picking up. It flew well with the gyro
Futura was fast, probably in the 100mph disabled in the calm morning air, so the PILOT DEBRIEFING
range, and the 12-blade fan sounds gyro is helpful but not needed. I was excited to hear I was receiving the
great. Futura, and it didn’t disappoint! It’s a lot
With the flaps fully lowered and the Tracking. Despite being a small foam jet, of fun to fly: it does precision aerobatics
gear down, the Futura slows down nicely the Futura tracks extremely well. well, has plenty of power, and will fly
for landing. Setting up a final approach slowly and land easily.
with the nose up and a little power on, Aerobatics. The FMS Futura flew a
the Futura settled down nicely on the www.bookshq.net
lot like its big brother, albeit without
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Top building projects from Model Airplane News
For 94 years, Model Airplane News has been publishing construction articles and selling plans designed and
built by our contributors. Featuring all types of aircraft, from vintage pattern ships and sport fliers, to
museum-scale civilian classics and WW II warbirds, our annual guide has you covered. This year’s guide has
something for everyone, so whether you are a veteran builder or want to get started with your first project,
you’ll find what you need here. In this guide, we highlight 132 of our all-time favorite DIY plans. For a searchable
database of more than 700 plans, go to the AirAgeStore.com and click “Plans.” Happy building!
SPORT SPORT SPORT

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Bee Liner Free Flight HooDoo Midget Mustang Racer

Designed by Andy Clancy, the Bee Liner is the latest in Designed by Pat Tritle, the HooDoo is a great flying, low- Designed by Rich Uravitch, the Midget Mustang is just
the Lazy Bee series. It is meant to be particularly ver- wing, free-flight model that’s very easy to build. It makes the ticket for exciting .25-size club racing or just all-out
satile: docile yet capable of providing challenging stunt a great introduction to stick-and-tissue construction sport flying. Easy to build with conventional balsa and
flying to an expert pilot. The model uses simple built-up and is very straightforward to build and fly. Power comes ply construction, the model is fun to fly. Laser-cut wood
wood construction. WS: 51 in.; L: 32 in.; power: four small from rubber, and the instructions show all needed items parts and formed plastic parts are available. WS: 38.5 in.;
brushless motors; radio: 4-channel; 1 sheets; LD 2 to build this great first free-flight project. WS: 26 in.; L: 22 L: 33 in.; power: .25 2-stroke or electric equivalent; radio:
X1017A | $16.95 3/8 in.; power: 3/16-in. tan rubber; 1 sheet; LD 1 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD: 2
X0920A | $14.95 FSP0707A | $27.95
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Pete-E-3 Snoopy’s Doghouse Super Hots

Designed by Mark Sirianni, this easy-build electric aerobat Designed by Al Signorino in 1969, this model has been a This .40- to .60-size Dan Santich fun-fly model is the
uses traditional construction techniques. With the crowd favorite for more than 50 years, and now features king of the sky. Plans feature full-size patterns for quick,
recommended motor system, it is a powerhouse flier that newly drawn CAD plans. The “floor” is the wing, and the easy construction out of balsa and ply. WS: 54 in.;
can perform any trick you throw at it. A laser-cut short sides and roof are made with balsa sheets attached to L: 51 in.; area: 702 sq. in.; power: .40 to .61 two-stroke
kit is available from LasercutUSA.com. WS: 42 in.; L: 41 in.; a framework. WS: 24 3/8 in.; L: 32 in.; height: 19 in. (29 w/ engine; radio: 4-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
Power: Hacker A30; Radio: 4-channel; LD: 2; 1 sheet; LD 1 Snoopy); engine: .60; radio: 3-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2 X02861 | $19.95
K0922A | $19.95 X0619A | $16.95
www.bookshq.net
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY LD 1 = beginner LD 2 = beginner to intermediate LD 3 = intermediate to advanced LD 4 = advanced JANUARY 2023 41
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The Hots The Pairadox The Ringmaster

A winning fun-fly RC design by Dan Santich, this simple, Designed by Pat Tritle, The Pairadox is a twin-boom free- Designed by Nick Ziroli Sr., this RC conversion of the
quick-to-build, all-balsa model is an outstanding aero- flight design influenced by the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. 1951 Harry Williamson control-line stunt design is built
batic performer but quite stable. WS: 48 in.; L: 29.5 in.; Featuring easy to build and cover “stick and tissue” conventionally out of balsa and ply. WS: 54 in.; L: 39 in.;
power: E-flite Power 10 outrunner motor; 1 sheet; LD 2 construction, the full-size plans include show all the power: .40 to .50 two-stroke or .45 to .60 four-stroke
X04841 | $19.95 parts and callout the materials needed to build this fun engine; radio: 4-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
and easy to fly design. WS: 28.3 in.; L: 22.125 in.; Weight X08971 | $9.95
(RTF): 1.86oz.; Power: Two 18- to 20-in. loops of 1/8 in. tan
rubber; LD: 2; 1 sheet; LD: 2
X1021A | $16.95
SPORT SPORT ELECTRIC
The Wild Hots Wild Thing .40 Aeronca Chief

Developed by Steve Santich, the Wild Hots is based on This Tom Stryker design has a short wingspan for fast Designed by Pat Tritle, this model draws from old-time
the original Hots designed by his father, Dan Santich. roll rates and is practically stall-proof. It flies extremely stick-and-tissue construction, and it includes modern
It is a lightweight-profile balsa-and-ply aerobat, and it well at low speeds and can practically hover in a light and efficient electric power to make a great lightweight
is electric powered. It can perform 3D aerobatics, and breeze. For intermediate builders/fliers. WS: 48 in.; scale flier. Four-channel control gives it excellent perfor-
it can land as slowly as a trainer. WS: 40.5 in.; L: 43 in.; L: 41 in.; power: .35 to .45 2-stroke; 1 sheet; LD 2 mance. WS: 53.7 in.; L: 30.75 in.; power: Himax 2812-0850
power: E-flite Power 10 outrunner motor; 1 sheet; LD 2 X04911 | $19.95 brushless motor; 3 sheets; LD 2
X02091 | $14.95 K0308A | $24.95
ELECTRIC ELECTRIC ELECTRIC

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Curtiss Jenny de Havilland Turbo Beaver Electric Curtiss P-40

Designed by Pat Tritle, this IMAA-legal sport-scale park Designed by Pat Tritle, the Turbo Beaver is a tradi- Designed by Mark Rittinger, the P-40 Warhawk is an
flier is designed for low-cost brushless power. It uses tional stick-built model and is intended as a park easy-to-build, high-performance sport-scale model of
stick-frame construction with available plastic parts. flier, although it is somewhat larger than the typical the classic WW II fighter. It uses a simple, built-up
WS: 50 in.; (top) area: 712 sq. in.; weight: 22.6 oz.; power: park plane. It has flaps and laser-cut wood parts, and balsa-and-ply fuselage and a foam-core wing sheeted
1000Kv motor; radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2 formed-plastic pieces are available from the author. WS: with balsa. No rudder is required, and to minimize drag,
X0108A | $24.95 60 in., L: 41.5 in., power: Suppo 2217/9 outrunner motor; there isn’t any landing gear. WS: 42 in.; power: geared
3 sheets; LD 2 Kyosho Magnetic Mayhem motor; radio: 3-channel; LD 2
X0915A | $27.95 X0603A | $19.95
www.bookshq.net
42 ModelAirplaneNews.com To order plans: Visit AirAgeStore.com or call 888-235-2021
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Electric P-51 Mustang Electro Hots F6F Hellcat
Designed by Mark Rittinger, this semiscale Mustang is This newest rendition of the famous Hots design family Designed by Jim Ryan, this electric Hellcat is a Speed
quick to build. The foam, balsa, and ply model flies well, takes lightweight construction to the limit. Using 400–powered sport-scale model that’s easy to build
thanks to its semi-symmetrical wing and high power, traditional balsa, plywood, and light ply, Steven Santich and fly. The wings are sheeted foam, and the rest of
and it excels at high-speed maneuvers. WS: 42 in.; (son of the designer of the original Hots) has produced the aircraft is traditional balsa-and-ply construction.
L: 35 in.; power: 540-type engine; radio: 3-channel; a modern 3D flying machine that has single-digit wing WS: 30 in.; power: Speed 400 motor; radio: 3-channel;
1 sheet; LD 2 loading. It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced builders/ 1 sheet; LD 2
X0902A | $19.95 fliers. WS: 52 in.; L: 57 in.; power: 25-size brushless X07971 | $14.95
outrunner motor; radio: 4-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2
X0710A | $21.95

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F8F Bearcat Fieseler Fi 156 Storch Fleet Model-2 Biplane

This Speed 400 model was CAD-designed by Jim Ryan, Designed by Pat Tritle, this classic WW II observation Designed by Pat Tritle, this 1/8-scale, 4-channel classic
and features a thinned Clark-Y airfoil, foam-core wing, and STOL aircraft is a great performer. It has lightweight from the Golden Age of Aviation uses stick-and-tissue
and simple balsa construction. It is true to scale and, balsa stick-and-former construction, and laser-cut parts balsa-and-light-ply construction and is scale in outline.
at only 18 ounces, is remarkably aerobatic. WS: 30 in.; are available from the author. It has functional flaps and It includes the airfoil-shaped horizontal stabilizer; the
L: 22.25 in.; power: Speed 400 motor; radio: 3-channel; a scale construction and outline. WS: 55 in.; L: 37.5 in.; plans show the standard tail outline, but the model
1 sheet; LD 3 power: 2217/9T outrunner motor; 3 sheets; LD 2 can be easily modified to produce other variants. WS:
X01991 | $14.95 X0216A | $27.95 42 in.; L: 32 in.; weight: 18 oz.; power: Park 400 motor;
2 sheets; LD 2
X0911A | $21.95
FlyBaby Bipe Focke-Wulf FW 190 Fokker Dr.I Triplane

Designed by Pat Tritle, the FlyBaby Bipe is a lightweight Designed by Mark Rittinger, the FW 190 has a wood Designed by Pat Tritle, this electric Fokker Dr.I Triplane
yet strong park flier. It features traditional stick-and- fuselage and a sheeted foam-core wing. The model is is a stable but aerobatic park flier that’s suitable for
former construction with egg-crate wing structures. A one piece, and the wing is not removable. Balsa and flying outdoors and in big indoor areas. The construction
one-piece design with the wings glued and rigged into foam blocks give the fuselage its distinctive shape. No is traditional stick and tissue. A laser-cut short kit is
place to save weight, this compact model fits easily into landing gear is used, and the model is designed to be available from the author. WS: 25.5 in.; L: 20.75 in.; power:
any car. WS: 33 in.; L: 30 in.; power: 370 brushless motor; hand-launched. WS: 42 in.; L: 36 3/8 in.; power: 480-size GWS IPS geared motor; radio: 3-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2 motor; radio: 3-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2 K0106 | $19.95
X0413A | $24.95 X0606A | $19.95
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Hawker Hurricane Ingram Foster Pusher Biplane KI-61 Tony

Designed by Mark Rittinger, this Hawker Hurricane is a Designed by Pat Tritle, this pusher biplane has a beau- Designed by Mark Rittinger, the KI-61 Tony is an easy-
great addition to anyone’s warbird squadron. It can be tiful scalelike appearance, and uses toothpicks and to-build balsa model with a foam-core wing and minimal
constructed with either a built-up wood wing or foam bamboo skewers in its construction. The tail booms are parts count. It’s designed specifically around the Mag-
cores; both are shown on the plans. WS: 42 in.; L: 33.5 in.; made out of carbon-fiber tubes, and the fuselage frames netic Mayhem/Master Airscrew gearbox power system;
power: 480 geared brushless motor; 1 sheet; LD 2 are basswood. WS: 43 1/3 in.; L: 43 1/8 in.; power: geared other power systems can be used but aren’t shown on
X0308A | $14.95 6V Speed 400 motor; 1 sheet; LD 3 the plans. WS: 42 in.; weight: 45 oz.; power: geared
X0205A | $19.95 550 to 600 motor; 1 sheet; LD 2
X1203A | $19.95
L-19 Glowdog Lowers-Minges LM-1 Messerschmitt Bf 109E

Designed by Keith Sparks, the L-19 Glowdog is a sport- Designed by Mark Rittinger, the Lowers-Minges LM-1 Designed by Mark Rittinger, the Bf 109E plan also shows
scale Cessna observation plane that is not only a nice, racer is of traditional balsa-and-light-ply construction details for the Bf 109K, Avia S199, and Hispano Ha-112
easy-to-fly park flier, but it is also a great night flier. and features a foam-core wing. It is easy to build but variants. The one-piece design uses balsa, light ply, and
Constructed out of thin, lightweight Depron foam sheet demanding to fly, and is not intended for novice builders foam-core wing construction. Plans also show a built-up
material and light ply, the airplane is translucent and or pilots. It’s designed around the E-flite Power 25 wooden wing. WS: 42 in.; L: 37 1/8 in.; power: Kyosho
designed to light up. Formed-plastic cowl and wingtips brushless power system. WS: 37 in.; L: 40 in.; power: reverse-wind motor; radio: 3-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
are available. WS: 72 in.; L: 50 in.; power: 280-size outrun- 25-size brushless motor; 1 sheet; LD 2 X0605A | $19.95
ner motor; radio: 4-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2 X0116A | $16.95
X0410A | $21.95

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Micro Tommy Min-E Taurus Mini Me 262A-21

The Micro Tommy (Thomas Morse Scout) designed by Designed by Mark Rittinger, this is an electric-powered Designed by Mark Rittinger, this semiscale balsa-and-
Richard Dery is a park/indoor flier designed around a reduced version of the classic 1960s’ Ed Kazmirski Tau- ply twin is quick to build and great fun in the air. WS:
Depron foam sheet, micro RC equipment, and spare rus. It uses traditional balsa construction, and a foam 38 in.; L: 28.5 in.; power: two Speed 400 motors; radio:
parts available from micro RC planes. It uses some wing available from flyingfoam.com. It is easy to build, 3-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
balsa and easy cut-and-fold foam sheet construction. has excellent performance, and uses inexpensive power X1001A | $19.95
WS: 14.5 in.; L: 10.5 in.; power: micro electric motor; systems and radio gear. WS: 32 1/2 in.; L: 25.5 in.; power:
1 sheet; LD 2 100- to 150-watt motor; 1 sheet; LD 2
X1112A | $14.95 M0312A | $14.95
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Monocoupe Osprey GP5 Racer Pilatus PC-6
Designed by Richard Dery, this lightly loaded, 4-channel Designed by Mark Rittinger, the Osprey GP5 is a sleek Designed by Jim Ryan, the Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter fea-
sport-scale classic monoplane is easy to build and Super Sport class Reno Racer design using traditional tures simple stick-balsa-ply construction. It’s an agile
makes for a great calm weather flier. It is scale in out- balsa-and-light-ply construction and foam-core wing yet docile indoor flier with predictable turning for small
line and has plenty of power for its size. It is modeled design. The model features flaps and retracts, and is indoor venues. It has excellent ground handling for
after the full-size plane in the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome intended for experienced pilots and advanced builders. touch-and-gos. WS: 36 in.; L: 24 in.; power: Astro Flight
museum. WS: 48 in.; L: 32.5 in.; power: Park 450 BL WS: 44 in.; L: 46 in.; power: 600+-watt brushless motor; FireFly motor; radio: 3-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
motor; 2 sheets; LD 2 radio: 6-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2 K1104A | $14.95
X0411A | $21.95 X1113A | $14.95
Pilatus Porter PC-6 Piper PA-18 Super Cub Pitts Model-14

Designed by Alex Samour, this sport-scale STOL aircraft Designed by Pat Tritle, this impressive super-scale bush- Designed by Pat Tritle, this model uses traditional stick-
has a composite wing with a traditional balsa box plane classic uses traditional balsa construction and is and-former construction with a little foam thrown in for
fuselage. The assembly process is simple, and the model easy to build and fly. Laser-cut parts and plastic parts good measure, and it’s covered with lightweight iron-on
can be covered with MonoKote. The Porter has good are also available from the author (patscustom-models. film. The model is easy to fly. WS: 30 in.; weight: 15.9 oz.;
manners and is an excellent first tail-dragger. WS: 50 in.; com). WS: 60 in.; L: 38.3 in.; power: 950Kv motor; radio: power: geared Speed 280 motor; radio: 3-channel;
L: 35.5 in.; weight: 51 oz.; power: .15 glow engine or 5-channel; 3 sheets; LD 3 2 sheets; LD 2
10-size brushless motor; radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 3 X0114A | $24.95 X0706A | $21.95
X1115A | $29.95

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Playboy Senior 225 Shoestring Spitfire Mk I

Designed by Bob Aberle, this indoor electric old-timer is Designed by Pat Tritle, this all-sheet-balsa model is Designed by Mark Rittinger, this Spitfire is a great
built with basic construction techniques and can fly for intended to be built and flown by modelers with interme- addition to anyone’s warbird squadron. It has a
seven minutes on one charge of a 340mAh LiPo. WS: diate skills. It is stable, reasonably fast, and a joy to fly. built-up fuselage and sheeted wing that’s surprisingly
42 in.; L: 25 in.; wing area: 225 sq. in.; power: GWS LPS WS: 30.5 in.; L: 28.5 in.; weight: 16 to 18 oz.; power: straightforward to build. WS: 42 in.; L: 34.75 in.; power:
RLC-A geared 4:1 motor; 1 sheet; LD 2 6V Speed 400 motor; radio: 3-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2 200+-watt brushless outrunner motor; radio: 3-channel;
L0604A | $12.95 X05991 | $12.95 1 sheet; LD 2
X1008A | $14.95
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Standard J-1 Biplane Tipsy S2 Westland Whirlwind

Designed by master builder Pat Tritle, this 1/9-scale Designed by Dennis Sumner, the Tipsy S2 is a great- Designed by Mark Rittinger, this semiscale model is
barnstormer is IMAA-legal. It uses traditional stick- flying sport-scale design using traditional balsa-and-ply built out of all balsa and has a low parts count. A low
and-former construction with laminated outlines for construction and a modern electric power system. It wing loading makes this a great-flying model. WS:
wingtips, rudder, stabilizer, and elevators. Plastic parts features an elliptical wing and tail surface design, and 41.75 in.; L: 26.5 in.; power: two Speed 400 motors; radio:
are available. WS: 60 in.; power: brushless outrunner uses magnets to hold the engine cowl and hatch cover 3-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
motor; radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2 in place. It would make a great first scale project. WS: X0302A | $19.95
K1108A | $24.95 50 in.; L: 36 in.; power: 480 class outrunner motor; radio:
4-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2
K0715A | $23.95
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A6M2 Zero A6M3 Japanese Zero Aeronca 7AC Champ

Designed by Jim Ryan, the Zero is fun to fly. With a stock Designed by Mark Rittinger, the Zero is an electric- Designed by Pat Tritle, this 1/10-scale backyard flyer
Speed 400 motor or with brushless power, it can easily powered fighter with traditional wood construction features old-school stick and former construction
be hand-launched, and it’s fast and aerobatic. WS: and foam-core wings. It features a quick wing release and 4-channel controls. The plans include templates
32 in.; L: 23.5 in.; power: Speed 400; radio: 3-channel; for fast battery changes. The rudder and retracts are for laminating wing tip and tail outlines and there are
2 sheets; LD 2 optional. WS: 49 in.; L: 38 3/4 in.; power: E-flite Power 25; plastic vacuum-formed parts available for the engine
X1105A | $19.95 1 sheet; LD 2 cowling and windshield. WS: 42.5 in.; power: 2208/17
X0314A | $19.95 outrunner; radio: 4-channel; LD: 2; 2 sheets.
X0819A | $23.95
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Airco DH2 Bellanca Cruisemaster Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Defender

Designed by David Johnson, the DH2 is a unique, nicely Designed by Dennis Sumner, the Bellanca Cruisemaster Designed by Rich Uravitch, the Britten-Norman Defender
detailed WW I aircraft that will draw attention wherever is an electric-powered classic civilian plane not often 2000 is a semiscale twin design that is easy to build
you fly it. It is a traditional stick-and-tissue model, and seen at the flying field. The model has a simplified and fly. Traditional balsa-and-ply construction is used,
it features functional wing rigging and a pull-pull control design and features conventional balsa-and-plywood and flaps are optional. Formed-plastic parts are avail-
system. WS: 32 in.; L: 25.5 in.; power: geared Speed 280; construction. It has an engine cowl that’s attached able from the author. WS: 70 in.; L: 52.7 in.; power: two
1 sheet; LD 2 with magnets, and it features easy-to-install electric brushless motors; 2 sheets; LD 2
X0705A | $14.95 retracts. WS: 54 in.; L: 37.25 in.; power: 430-watt brush- X0708A | $21.95
less motor; 1 sheet; LD 2
www.bookshq.net
X0115A | $16.95

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Canadair CL-215 Cessna 172 Cessna 310B Songbird

A sport-scale model of the famous twin-engine amphib- Designed by Pat Tritle, this 1/8-scale Cessna 172 is easy Designed by expert model builder and pilot Rich
ian firefighting water bomber, this Steve Gray design to build, and uses conventional stick-and-former con- Uravitch, the Cessna 310B Songbird is a straightforward
uses spruce, balsa, and ply as its principal materials. struction and egg-crate wing assembly. It is lightweight build and a stable flier. It features built-up balsa-and-
WS: 76 in.; L: 55 in.; area: 791 sq. in.; power: two .25 two- and flies great. The model has a steerable nosewheel light-ply construction, and laser-cut parts and formed-
stroke engines; radio: 5-channel; 1 sheet; LD 4 and functional flaps. Laser-cut and formed-plastic parts plastic parts are available. It’s a perfect first twin. WS:
X05801 | $14.95 are available. WS: 53.5 in.; power: Suppo 2217/9 outrun- 52.8 in.; L: 31.75 in.; power: two Hacker A20 brushless
ner motor; radio: 5-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2 motors; 2 sheets; LD 2
X0517A | $27.95 X08091 | $21.95
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DH 90 Dragonfly Douglas A-26 Invader Douglas SBD Dauntless
This classic 1935 twin-engine biplane is designed Designed by Mark Rittinger, this Speed 400–size A-26 Designed by Mark Rittinger, the Douglas SBD Dauntless
and built by Ivan Pettigrew. The 1/7-scale model uses Invader is a great-flying twin. It is easy to build and has torpedo bomber is the newest addition to his warbird
traditional built-up balsa-and-ply construction and is an traditional balsa-and-plywood construction. The model series of electric-powered military airplanes. It has a
advanced scale design, requiring intermediate to expert is a one-piece design, and the wing panels are com- built-up wooden fuselage and foam-core wings. WS:
building experience. WS: 74 in.; L: 54 in.; power: two pletely sheeted. It has good slow-speed performance 42 in.; L: 32 in.; power: 500-size electric; radio: 3-channel;
brushless 450 motors; 2 sheets; LD 2 and is ideal for use with inexpensive electric motors. 1 sheet; LD 2
X1114A | $23.95 WS: 42 in.; L: 30.7 in.; power: two Speed 400 motors; X0306A | $19.95
1 sheet; LD 2
X1208A | $14.95
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DR-109 Evans Volksplane Extra 3.25

This design by Rich Uravitch uses a fully symmetrical Designed by Pat Tritle, this easy-to-build park flier has Designed by Rich Uravitch, this model has balsa-and-ply
airfoil. Rich offers a parts package, formed-aluminum built-up lightweight construction and features scale construction, and Rich offers a formed-plastic cowl,
gear, and a fiberglass cowl. WS: 54.5 in.; L: 49 in.; wing all-flying tail surfaces, just like the real thing. Laser-cut wheel pants, and canopy. Intermediate building skills
area: 552 sq. in.; weight: 78 to 88 oz.; power: .40 to parts are available from the author. WS: 36 in.; L: 28 in.; are required. WS: 47.25 in.; L: 36.5 in.; power: .19 to
.50 two-stroke or .48 to .70 four-stroke engine; radio: power: Maxx Products EPU-4 Gear Drive; 2 sheets; LD 2 .28 two-stroke engine; 1 sheet; LD 2
4-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2 X0714A | $23.95 X01931 | $14.95
X10991 | $19.95
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Fieseler Storch Fokker D-VII Ford Trimotor

The Fieseler Storch was a German Luftwaffe STOL air- This WW I German fighter is easy to build and big The Ford Trimotor, designed by Pat Tritle, uses light-
craft that was used extensively throughout WW II. Rob enough to win at contests. The relatively simple design weight stringer-and-former construction, and there is a
Caso’s 1/12-scale model is highly detailed, and features by Rich Uravitch is built out of balsa and ply using laser-cut-wood parts package available from the author.
functional shock-absorbing landing gear and leading- traditional methods. WS: 49 in.; L: 41 in.; area: 712 sq. It is powered by three brushless outrunner motors and
edge wing slats for amazing slow flight. It uses former- in.; power: .60 four-stroke engine; radio: 4-channel; a single 2S LiPo pack. It is intended for intermediate
and-stringer balsa-and-ply construction throughout. WS: 1 sheet; LD 2 builders and fliers. WS: 46.7 in.; L: 31.75 in.; power: three
46 in.; L: 31.5 in.; power: BP Hobbies A2217-9 brushless X04852 | $19.95 Power 250 motors; 3 sheets; LD 2
motor; radio: 6-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2 X0912A | $24.95
K0510A | $14.95
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Gee Bee Model-A Biplane Gee Bee Model-Y Senior Sportster Globe Swift GC-1B
Designed by Gee Bee expert Henry Haffke, this 1/6-scale CAD-designed by Charlie Pipes, the Gee Bee Model-Y Designed by Dennis Sumner, the Globe Swift GC-1B is
model is a beautiful reproduction of the Model-A Super Sportster is a good-flying electric sport-scale a sport-scale, electric-powered classic that flies as
biplane, first built by the Granville brothers. Made in design. It is traditional balsa, ply, and light-ply construc- great as it looks. Using conventional balsa and plywood
the traditional way out of balsa and plywood, the model tion, and there are laser-cut parts available. WS: 45 in.; construction techniques, plans include details for
is simple and strong. WS: 60 in.; L: 40.75 in.; power: L: 27 in.; area: 270 sq. in.; power: E-flite Power 10 outrun- retractable landing gear. WS: 50 in.; Radio: 5-channel;
.50 two-stroke engine; 2 sheets; LD 2 ner motor; 2 sheets; LD 2 Power: Cobra 2820/10 (1170kV); LD: 2; 2 sheets; LD: 2
X0604A | $24.95 X0409A | $21.95 X0921A | $21.95
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Grumman G-164 Ag Cat Hawker Hind Howard Ike

Designed by Pat Tritle, the Grumman G-164 Ag Cat is Designed by Richard Dery, this attractive pre–WW II RAF This is an RC scale model of Ben Howard’s famous scale
a 1/12-scale crop-duster biplane that’s built light and biplane uses traditional balsa-and-plywood construction. plane. The fuselage is a basic box “fleshed out” with
strong. It is ideal for use in small flying areas, and is Its flying wires are functional to support the wings under formers and stringers; the design by Henry Haffke uses
stable and easy to fly. A plastic and laser-cut-wood scale speeds and flight loads. The Hind was designed balsa, ply, and hardwood. WS: 56 in.; L: 45 in.; power:
parts kit is also available from the author (pats to be lightweight, so if you plan to do more aggressive .40 two-stroke engine; radio: 4-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2
custom-models.com). WS: 42.3 in.; L: 27.4 in.; power: maneuvers, replace the balsa wing spars with equal-size X04791 | $19.95
400–450 brushless motor; 3 sheets; LD 2 spruce spars. WS: 63.5 in.; L: 50 1/8 in.; power: E-flite
X0513A | $24.95 Power 32 outrunner; radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2
www.bookshq.net
X0618A | $24.95

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Lear Fan Lockheed YO-3A Quiet Star Macchi MC.200 Saetta

Designed by John Valentine, the Lear Fan is a sleek, Designed by Keith Sparks, this military powered glider Designed by master draftsman and expert scale
attractive, sport-scale, V-tail aircraft. The all-wood is traditional balsa-and-ply construction, and the author modeler Giuliano Raimondi, the Macchi MC.200 Saetta is
model uses lock-tab construction, and the author has has formed-plastic parts and a 6-blade prop available. a 1/5.2-scale balsa-and-ply model capable of world-class
laser-cut parts available to speed construction. WS: WS: 74 in.; L: 42 in.; power: electric outrunner motor; competition. All scale fittings, cockpit interior, control
78 in.; L: 71 7/8 in.; weight: 10 lb. 8 oz.; power: .45 to 1 sheet; LD 2 surfaces, and a dummy radial engine are shown on these
.60 two-stroke engine; radio: 6-channel; 4 sheets; LD 2 X0408A | $14.95 amazingly detailed plans. WS: 79.9 in.; L: 60.5 in.; weight:
X0806A | $29.95 13.3 lb.; power: 1.08 two-stroke engine; radio: 6-channel;
9 sheets; LD 4
X12961 | $49.95
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Martin PBM Mariner Messerschmitt ME 163B-1a Mooney Mite

Designed by Keith Sparks, this flying boat’s fuselage is This exciting model of the first WW II rocket-powered Designed by Dennis Sumner, this 1/6-scale sport flier
made with cross-sections of blue foam that are sanded plane is a true masterpiece. Colin Moss’s tailless design has all the scale looks and great-flying performance
to shape, and the wings have foam cores. The model features leading-edge slots and great maneuverability. of its full-size counterpart. Using traditional wood
is covered with fiberglass cloth and resin. The plans It is constructed out of balsa and ply. WS: 59 in.; construction, the model has a fully sheeted wing and
show all the details and full-size cross-sections for the L: 38 in.; radio: 5-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2 retractable trike landing gear. Laser-cut parts are avail-
fuselage. WS: 78 in.; L: 75 in.; power: two .52 four-stroke X11761 | $19.95 able from Top Notch Product Company and are called out
or .40 two-stroke engines; 3 sheets; LD 3 on the plans. WS: 54 in.; power: Scorpion 3014 motor;
X1103A | $24.95 radio: 5-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2
X0617A | $23.95
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Nieuport 12 One Design .40 OV-10 Bronco

This design by Martin Irvine is a two-piece WW I biplane Designed by Rich Uravitch, this conventionally built, all- This is a simple, scale, small-displacement model that
built out of balsa, ply, and spruce. The construction is wood design would make a great entry for Minimac and/ would make a perfect first twin-engine project. It’s easy
light and strong, with some laminated parts. It is recom- or sport-scale competitions. WS: 47.2 in.; L: 44 in.; power: to construct, and formed-plastic parts are available
mended for experienced builders. WS: 68 in.; L: 54 in.; .40 two-stroke or .70 four-stroke engine; 2 sheets; LD 2 from designer Rich Uravitch. WS: 52 in.; L: 52 in.; power:
power: 500W electric or .60 to .80 four-stroke engine; X04980 | $14.95 two .20 to .25 engines or .05 to .15 motors; radio:
radio: 4-channel; 1 sheet; LD 3 4-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2
$14.95 | X04991 FSP11951 | $19.95
www.bookshq.net
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OV-1 Mohawk OV-10 Bronco P-51 Reno Racer

Designed by Keith Sparks, the OV-1 Mohawk is a Designed by Keith Sparks, this model would be an ideal This aircraft is a perfect companion to the T-6 (X04821)
1/6-scale model of the U.S. Army aircraft. It features first scratch-built project. It is completely built up, can and a great project for simplified scale fun. Designed by
traditional planked-wood construction, and the author use a variety of power systems and battery packs, and Rich Uravitch, it uses the author’s same easy-to-build
offers a formed canopy and nacelles. Because it’s offers gentle to lively performance. A laser-cut short all-balsa construction and is intended for a .15 two-
intended for electric power, it is an ideal first twin kit, plastic parts, and scale details are available. WS: stroke glow engine. It’s ideal for use as a one-design
project. WS: 59 in.; L: 47 in.; power: Speed 500 brushed 47 in., wing area: 403 sq. in.; power: two Speed 300 or club racer for hot weekend scale fun. WS: 43.5 in.;
or brushless motor; 2 sheets; LD 2 400 motors; 1 sheet; LD 1 L: 32.5 in.; power: .15 to .19 two-stroke engine; radio:
FSP1206A | $21.95 FSP0106A | $14.95 4-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
X04832 | $19.95
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Precious Metal P-51 Reno Racer PS-36 Seaplane RAF S.E.5a
Designed by Mark Rittinger, the Precious Metal P-51 is Designed by Rich Uravitch, this modern electric-powered Rich Uravitch’s design will let you enjoy the fun of a
the latest in his Reno racing series. It uses balsa- aquatic flier is based on the classic Scott Hartmann biplane without the pain of intricate building. For inter-
and-ply construction for the fuselage, and the wing is “Pondside” flying-boat design. Featuring easy-to-build mediate builders, this model is built up out of balsa
foam-core construction sheeted with balsa. Designed construction with traditional balsa-and-light-ply parts, and ply. WS: 50 in.; L: 40 in.; area: 800 sq. in.; power:
to use the Himax 3516CR contrarotating twin-prop drive the PS-36 also has a laser-cut parts kit available to .60 four-stroke engine; radio: 4-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
system, it is a project for the advanced pilot and expe- speed construction. WS: 35.9 in.; L: 27.9 in.; power: X03852 | $19.95
rienced builder. WS: 45 in.; L: 45.5 in.; power: 600-watt 135W brushless motor; 1 sheet; LD 2
brushless motor; radio: 4-channel; 1 sheet; LD 3 X0112A | $14.95
X1213A | $14.95
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Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Ryan ST S.E.5a WW I Scout

This “penny-pinching” warbird will be a neat addition This balsa-and-ply plan by Henry Haffke shows details Designed by Pat Tritle, the Royal Air Force S.E.5a Scout is
to your sport-scale hangar. The built-up design by Rich for several versions and includes details to build the the perfect first WW I biplane for someone who wants
Uravitch is easy to build and fly. WS: 40 in.; L: 29 in.; scale Kinner radial engine. WS: 66 in.; L: 48.75 in.; to build a park flier. Construction is CAD-designed using
power: .15 to .19 two-stroke engine; radio: 4-channel; power: .40 to .60 two-stroke engine; radio: 4-channel; a lightweight stick-and-former layout. Laser-cut wood
1 sheet; LD 2 1 sheet; LD 2 parts are available from the author. WS: 36 in.; L: 28 in.;
X06843 | $19.95 X11991 | $19.95 power: E-flite Power 480 brushless motor; 3 sheets; LD 2
X1114A | $27.95
www.bookshq.net
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Shockwave Reno Racer Skoda-Kauba V4 Stinson Reliant SR-10

Designed by Mark Rittinger, the Shockwave is a model Designed by Mark Rittinger, the Skoda-Kauba V4 is an Designed by Pat Tritle, the 1/9-scale Stinson Reliant is
of the full-size unlimited Reno Racer that’s still in the early WW II German fighter-trainer aircraft with a highly rather large for a park flier; however, due to its effective
planning and construction stages. It is intended for tapered leading edge. It requires an experienced pilot. scale flaps, it can be flown in relatively small areas.
experienced builders and pilots who enjoy fast planes. It It has foam-core wing construction and a built-up wood Built primarily using balsa and light ply, it is a complex
flies great but does require scratch-building experience. fuselage. The plans show the airfoil templates for cut- model. The design has been simplified without losing its
WS: 42.75 in.; L: 44 in.; power: E-flite Power 32 outrunner ting the wing cores. WS: 49 in.; power: E-flite Power 32 distinct scale outline. WS: 55.8 in.; L: 36.5 in.; power:
motor; 1 sheet; LD 2 motor; radio: 4-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2 .10 brushless motor; 3 sheets; LD 2
X0115A | $19.95 X0217A | $16.95 X0514A | $27.95
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Stinson Reliant SR-5E T-28 Trojan T-6 Texan
Designed by Ron Peterka, the Stinson Reliant SR-5E is Designed by Rich Uravitch, the T-28 Trojan uses tradi- This is an easily constructed, performance-packed sport
1/5 scale and intended for serious scale competition. tional balsa-and-ply construction and can be outfitted racer. The all-balsa built-up design by Rich Uravitch uses
It is completely detailed inside and out and matches with fixed or retractable landing gear. A short-wood kit foam for its turtle deck. WS: 44 in.; L: 31 in.; power: .15 to
Wylam three-view drawings. The SR-5E features conven- and a plastic-parts kit are available for the model. WS: .19 two-stroke engine; radio: 4-channel; 1 sheet; LD 2
tional balsa, light ply, and plywood construction and is 48 in.; L: 36 in.; power: .25 glow engine or brushless X04821 | $14.95
covered with Stits Lite and painted with Poly-Tone paint motor; 2 sheets; LD 2
that matches the full-size airplane. WS: 98 in.; L: 45.5 in.; X0206A | $21.95
power: G-26 gas engine; 3 sheets; LD 3
X0913A | $24.95
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Time Flies WACO SRE Westland Wyvern S.4

This design by Henry Haffke has superb flight charac- Designed by Pat Tritle, this 1/10-scale WACO SRE cabin This Vance Mosher design is an unusual scale project
teristics, and features a planked, sheeted fuselage biplane uses old-school stick-and-frame assembly. for someone interested in a smaller model. The wing is
and wings. WS: 72 in.; L: 51 in.; area: 900 sq. in.; power: Laser-cut kits are available from manzanolaser.com and of conventional balsa-and-ply construction. The plan set
.90 to 1.20 four-stroke engine; radio: 4- to 6-channel; formed plastic parts are available from parkflyerplas- includes scale three-view drawings. WS: 36 in.; L: 34 in.;
2 sheets; LD 3 tics.com. WS: 41.5 in. (top), 29 in. (bottom); L: 32.6 in.; power: .15 two-stroke engine; 3 sheets; LD 3
X08851 | $29.95 power: Suppo 2212/15 outrunner; radio: 5-channel; LD: X0600A | $24.95
2; 3 sheets
X1019A | $27.95
www.bookshq.net
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SPONSORED BY
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1/4-scale Bucker Jungmeister Big Hots Classic Sport Bipe

This 1/4-scale design has the same all-wood construc- This design by Dan Santich is one of the best-flying Designed by Gerald Garing, this lightly loaded sport-
tion as the larger model designed by Gary Allen, and giant models of all time. Simple construction methods scale Great Lakes look-alike is an ideal vintage biplane
laser-cut wooden parts and engine cowl are available on two huge full-size drawings make building quick design that’s extremely impressive when equipped with
from Arizona Model Aircrafters. WS: 65 in.; power: and easy. WS: 91 in.; L: 78 in.; area: 1,800 sq. in.; power: a smoke system and a scalelike paint scheme. Many
1.20 four-stroke or a G-23 gas engine; 4 sheets; LD 3 1.5 gas engine; radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2 have been modified and flown at the Old Rhinebeck
X0300B | $21.95 X11861 | $ 29.95 Aerodrome during the WW I Jamboree. WS: 72 in.;
L: 65 in.; area: 1,640 sq. in.; power: 1.8 gas engine;
radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 3
X05891 | $29.95

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Cobra Convair CV-240/C-131 Samaritan Fokker D-VII

Twin gullwings on a Midget Mustang fuselage make Transport This 1/4-scale Gary Allen design uses balsa-and-plywood
this design by Dan Santich a real flying machine. It’s an Designed by Andy Anderson, the Convair CV-240/C-131 construction and many standard hardware items. A
unprecedented giant-scale model of the famous racer. Samaritan is an excellent-flying sport-scale twin. It SuperTigre 2500 glow engine is the standard power-
It’s built-up balsa, ply, and hardwood construction. WS: uses traditional balsa-and-light-ply construction and plant, but a Zenoah G-38 or G-45 gasoline engine also
76 in.; L: 65 in.; power: 2ci or larger gas engine; radio: includes off-the-shelf retracts, struts, and flaps. WS: works well. WS: 88 in.; L: 69.5 in.; radio: 4-channel;
4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2 82 in.; L: 65 in.; power: two .32 two-stroke engines; 4 sheets; LD 3
X03841 | $34.95 3 sheets; LD 2 X02981 | $29.95
X0808A | $24.95

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Fokker D-VIII Giant Peashooter Grumman Lynx

This classic 1/3-scale German WW I fighter is an ideal first Designed by Henry Haffke, this all-wood, built-up sport Designed by David Andersen, the Grumman Lynx is a
giant model project, and it has scalelike construction plane has a scalelike appearance. The super-easy-to- 1/3-scale civilian general-aviation aircraft designed for
using conventional materials. Bob Dunn directed this build design has extremely docile flight characteristics. FAI scale competition. It has fixed gear and flaps, and
group effort by the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society club. WS: 82 in.; L: 64 in.; area: 1,250.5 sq. in.; power: .90 two- several formed accessories are available. WS: 98 in.;
The design can still be seen at vintage WW I fly-ins, and it stroke or 1.20 four-stroke engine; 2 sheets; LD 2 L: 77 in.; power: GT-80 gas engine; 5 sheets; LD 2
was featured as a construction article in the Dick Phillips’s X09951 | $19.95 X0906A | $34.95
Giant Steps book (no longer in print). WS: 98 in.; L: 66 in.;
power: 2.4ci gas engine; radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2
G00001 | $29.95 www.bookshq.net
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Howard Ike Miss Chevrolet Knight Twister Imperial Liberty Sport B

Racer A peerless, exciting-to-fly Golden Age classic in One of the best flying biplanes, this advanced Roger
Designed by Henry “Mr. Gee Bee” Haffke, this 1/3-scale 1/3 scale, this design by Dan Santich requires extensive Stern design spans nearly 8 feet and requires a gas
Miss Chevrolet is a great-flying, fairly easy-to-build scale building; the full-size parts are drawn on a separate engine. This model features built-up rib sections,
model. Using traditional balsa-and-plywood construction sheet. WS: 70 in.; L: 62 in.; area: 1,505 sq. in.; power: 2ci detachable wing panels, and laminated wingtips. WS:
methods, the model can be powered by a glow or gas engine or larger; radio: 4-channel; 3 sheets; LD 3 79 in., area: 2,041 sq. in.; 4 channels; 4 sheets; LD 4
engine; a 26cc Zenoah engine powered the prototype. WS: X10851 | $34.95 X07861 | $34.95
80 in.; L: 66.5 in.; power: 26cc gas engine; 4 sheets; LD 2
X0313A | $29.95

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Nifty 80 Piper J-3 Cub Ryan STA

Designed by Gerry Yarrish, this is an easy-to-build, This impressive 1/3-scale Piper J-3 Cub set the standard This design combines the style of Golden Age aircraft
giant-scale budget trainer. It uses Lauan construction- for giant-scale competition for many years. It features with modern-day aerobatic performance. Burnis Fields’s
grade plywood for doublers and formers and light ply for true-to-scale construction and detailing, and it is accu- 1986 1/4-scale plan is beautifully drawn and includes
fuselage sides. The wings are built with balsa ribs and rate in both function and outline. Designed by world scale building illustrations. WS: 91 in.; L: 67.5 in.; area:
spars and sheeting of common stock sizes. WS: 80 in.; competitor Bob Nelitz, the plans were published in Dick 1,296.75 sq. in.; power: 1.5ci gas engine; radio: 5-channel;
power: G-23 engine; radio: 3-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2 Phillips’s Giant Steps book (no longer in print). WS: 144 in.; 3 sheets; LD 4
X10932 | $19.95 L: 81 in.; power: 2.4ci gas engine; radio: 4-channel; X05861 | $34.95
2 sheets; LD 2
G00005 | $34.95
S.E.5a WW I Scout SIAI Marchetti SF-260 Sopwith Baby

Designed by John Simmance, the S.E.5a is IMAA-legal This fast and maneuverable 1/4-scale modern fighter Designed by John Tanzer, this seldom-modeled WW I
and uses traditional balsa-and-plywood construction trainer is designed by David W. Goerne. The plan includes biplane is relatively easy to build and fly. The Baby uses
techniques. The highly detailed CAD plan of the airframe three large sheets, and cutaway and instrument-panel built-up balsa-and-spruce construction. Flying wires are
construction closely follows that of the full-scale WW I illustrations by master aviation artist Jim Newman. not required. It has removable wood cabane struts, so
aircraft. With its level of detailing and precise assembly, WS: 87 in.; L: 70.5 in.; power: 2.6 to 3.4ci gas engine; wing alignment and model disassembly aren’t compli-
this model is for the experienced builder who’s looking for a 3 sheets; LD 3 cated. It can also be flown off water with floats. WS:
great-flying scale biplane. WS: 71 in.; L: 56.5 in.; power: 1.20 X06931 | $29.95 77 in.; L: 50 in.; power: 3.7ci gas engine; radio: 4-channel;
to 1.80 four-stroke engine; radio: 4-channel; 6 sheets; LD 3 3 sheets; LD 3
X0703A | $29.95 www.bookshq.net X02991 | $19.95
TO BUILD, REPAIR
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Designed by Gerry Yarrish, this 1/4-scale WW I biplane Designed by David Johnson, the 1/3-scale Albatros D.III Designed by Dan Santich, this super-aerobatic Ultra Hots
has the looks of the classic British dogfighter and the is a great-flying WW I biplane. It is scale in outline and is stable in slow flight but is also exceptionally capable.
heart of a sport flier. It is CAD-designed, and laser-cut can be built fully detailed for serious scale competition. It’s for intermediate builders, but it will bring out the
parts are available. Easy to build, the Camel has a one- It can also be a great sport flier as it has excellent flight best in any aerobatic pilot. WS: 81 in.; L: 64.5 in.; power:
piece top wing and plug-in lower wing panels. WS: 84 in.; characteristics. WS: 118 in.; L: 93.5 in.; power: 3.5 to 4ci 1.5 to 4ci gas engine; radio: 4-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2
L: 57 in.; power: Zenoah G-38 engine; 4 sheets; LD 2 gas engine; radio: 4-channel; 5 sheets; LD 3 X11901 | $24.95
X1215A | $29.95 X1205A | $29.95
GIANT SCALE GIANT SCALE JETS

O L D T E!
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Waco E Westland Wyvern S4 Douglas F4D-1 Skyray

This design by Douglas Hobbs duplicates the style and Designed by David Wigley, this 1/5-scale model has This precision 1/7-scale model by Mark Frankel can be
grace of the original. Its “cabin” retains the configura- custom shock-absorbing retracts and functional Fowler flown off grassy fields. A mixing radio with at least
tion of a biplane without the use of cabane struts. The flaps. The power system consists of a BME 100cc twin- 7 channels is required. WS: 57.5 in.; L: 77.5 in.; power:
structure is built up using conventional materials. WS: cylinder gas engine and a homemade contrarotating O.S. .91 Dynamax fan unit; LD 3
72 in.; L: 56 in.; area: 1,147 sq. in.; power: .90 four-stroke propeller. The rear 3-blade prop is engine driven, while X04931 | $29.95
engine; radio: 4-channel; 2 sheets; LD 3 the front prop windmills. WS: 100 in.; L: 96 in.; power:
X06891 | $29.95 BME 100cc twin-cylinder engine; 4 sheets; LD 4
X0508A | $29.95
JETS JETS JETS
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F/A-18 Hornet BU F/A-22 Raptor F-106 Delta Dart
Designed by Steve Shumate, this simple, lightweight Designed by Steve Shumate, this semiscale pusher-prop Designed by Dan Savage, this electric jet is sport scale
pusher-prop jet can duplicate the aerobatic routines design has thrust-vectoring capabilities for amazing but includes a fully cambered airfoil, reflexed trailing
flown by the Navy’s famous Blue Angels. Its building maneuverability. Made out of sheet foam, it is easy to edge, and scale leading-edge droop. It features wood-
materials (e.g., thin foam sheet and foam-safe CA) build and fun to fly. Intermediate building and piloting and-light-ply construction throughout. It has excellent
are inexpensive and readily available. WS: 28.4 in.; skills required. WS: 26 in.; L: 36.2 in.; weight: 18 oz.; flight performance and good slow-speed performance.
L: 41.7 in.; wing area: 254 sq. in.; weight: 15 to 18 oz.; power: brushless outrunner motor; 2 sheets; LD 2 A laser-cut short kit is available. WS: 28 in.; L: 49.5 in.;
power: GWS EPS-350C with C gearing prop; radio: X1111A | $21.95 power: WeMoTec Minifan 480/Kyosho AP-29L; radio:
6-channel; 2 sheets; LD 2 3-channel; 3 sheets; LD 2
K0705A | $14.95 www.bookshq.net K1110A | $24.95

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Foam F-14 Tomcat F-4 Phantom II LTV A-7 Corsair II
Designed by Steve Shumate, this semiscale park flier Designed by Dan Savage, this electric ducted fan looks Rich Uravitch’s 4-channel A-7 Corsair is an aerobatic
F-14 Tomcat has excellent flying characteristics and like a scale jet but flies like a sport model. It uses .25-powered semiscale “jet” without the complexity of
looks remarkably realistic when airborne. It features a traditional balsa, ply, and light ply construction and is a ducted fan. This eye-catching model can be built by
working, variable-sweep wing, and simple foam and ply- intended for 90mm or 3.5-inch fan units and 900- to anyone but requires at least intermediate flying skills.
wood construction. WS: 40.7 in.; L: 40 in.; power: geared 1500-watt power systems. If you can build a sport WS: 35.5 in.; L: 36.75 in.; power: .19 to .28ci engine;
electric pusher prop; 2 sheets; LD 2 plane, you can build this F-4. It is intended for interme- 3 sheets; LD 2
X0506A | $19.95 diate to expert pilots. WS: 50.5 in.; L: 33 5/8 in.; power: X01951 | $19.95
90mm motor; 3 sheets; LD 2
K0312 | $24.95
JETS JETS JETS
TO
EASYILD!
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MicroWave Mini Wave EDF Sukhoi SU-37 Super Flanker
Designed by Rich Uravitch, this electric ducted fan Designed by Rich Uravitch, this easy-to-build electric Park Jet
design uses a recycled electric ducted fan power unit ducted fan is ultra-reliable and reaches speeds of Designed by Steve Shumate, this semiscale, easy-to-build,
from a worn-out foamie jet. The plans include a long- and 100mph. It uses traditional balsa, light ply, and ply all-foam park jet is powered by two pusher-prop motors
a short-wing version, so you can build a cruiser or an construction, and is covered with iron-on film. Vacuum- and includes functional three-axis, thrust-vectoring
interceptor. Formed-plastic parts and laser-cut wood formed plastic and laser-cut wooden parts are available. control. It is made using flat sheets of foam, and the plan
parts are available. WS: 29 or 36 in.; L: 27.75 in.; power: WS: 48 1/4 in.; L: 47 in.; power: WeMoTec 90mm fan unit shows all part templates and a detailed drawing of how
45mm unit with brushless motor; radio: 3-channel; with Hacker B50 brushless motor; 2 sheets; LD 2 the power system works. WS: 30 in.; L: 43.2 in.; power: two
2 sheets; LD 2 X0505A | $21.95 Park Jet motors with pusher props; 2 sheets; LD 2
X0110 | $24.95 K0708A | $21.95
JETS JETS JETS
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T-50 Golden Eagle Turbinator-E Vought A-7D Corsair II
Designed by Laurent Berlivet, this contemporary military Designed by Nick Ziroli Sr., this is a smaller e-powered Designed by Le Phan, the Vought A-7D Corsair II is an
jet trainer design is built using foam and wood, and the version of his 72-inch, turbine-powered jet. It uses tra- electric-powered pusher jet that looks great in the
plans show all of the cross-sections to accurately cut ditional balsa-and-plywood construction and has plug-in air and is docile to fly. It uses former-and-stringer
the foam with a hot-wire cutter. The wing and tail are wing panels. It can be built with fixed gear or retracts. construction formed over a crutch and is fully sheeted
built out of balsa and ply. WS: 27 in.; L: 33 in.; power: A formed-plastic canopy and aileron servo covers are with balsa. WS: 23.5 in.; L: 27.7 in.; power: Mega 16/15/7
brushless inrunner motor; 2 sheets; LD 3 available. WS: 40 in.; L: 43.5 in.; power: Astro 020 with brushless motor; 1 sheet; LD 2
X0109A | $21.95 WeMoTec Mini 480 fan unit; 2 sheets; LD 2 X1106A | $14.95
X0908A | $21.95
www.bookshq.net
FEATURE
BY ANDREW GRIFFITH
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER LIVELY
SUPER JETS
SOUTH
A 1,000-foot runway and blue
skies: heaven for jet pilots!
BVM's 1/8-scale F-15 in the

new Cherry Blossom scheme.
SPONSORS
Aero Panda | Athens Trophy Shop—John Bradley | BVM Jets | Dreamworks RC
JR/Dee Force Aviation | Kingtech Turbines | Model AV8R YouTube Channel
www.bookshq.net
Pacific RC Jets | PowerBox USA | RC Chaser YouTube Channel
L
ess than two hours from Atlanta, The runway is surrounded by lush grass hosts an event named “Super Jets
Georgia, tucked away in a town that would make many golf course South.” Super Jets takes place near
that barely shows up on a map, is greenskeepers, well, green with envy. the end of September each year and
one of the most amazing RC clubs and There is plenty of shade and the club draws pilots from all over the southeast
flying facilities in the country. That’s house is equipped with restrooms and and farther. One difference between
heady company, because just in the a full-service kitchen. Run out of fuel? Super Jets and events like Joe Nall and
southeast alone we have Triple Tree No problem! The club house contains Florida Jets that attract many jet pilots,
Aerodrome, Hodges Field, Paradise a tank with kerosene that the club can however, is that the pilot registration
Field, the Sky Ranch, and many others. dispense at cost. Truthfully, when I first caps out at 100 pilots. (For perspective,
If you’re into flying jets though, Georgia looked up the field last year on Google Florida Jets had about 170 pilots last
Jets RC Club in Gay, Georgia is a slice of Earth before my first trip up there, I year, and Joe Nall had 1,100.) The club
RC nirvana. thought it might be a full-scale runway. offers event pre-registration on their
The undisputed centerpiece of the Only the large white X at each end gives website, and it often sells out within a
club is undoubtedly the 1,000-foot-long away the fact that the runway is closed few days of going live. This keeps the
by 60-foot-wide smooth paved runway to full-scale traffic. lines to fly manageable and while there
that looks like it was leveled with a laser. Each year, the Georgia Jets RC Club are people waiting for a flight station,
F-14 Tomcat
Keith Davis of Fenderbean R/C brought this beautiful F-14 Tomcat. Keith’s 100-inch-long Cat is built from a Sky
Master ARF and has a 105-inch wingspan when the wings are swept forward for takeoff and landing. Keith is
the North America dealer for Xicoy turbines, and the Tomcat uses a pair of Xicoy 180s that are derated to 166
newtons. As you would imagine on an aircraft such as this, the radio setup is extremely complicated. Keith uses
a Futaba 18MZradio system and S.Bus servos. The flexibility of programmable S.Bus servos is what makes his
setup possible with the number of channels he has. I have to think that the hardest part of flying this beast is
getting the courage to flip the switch to fold back the wings and watch it haul butt!
Keith Davis's Skymaster

Tomcat with the wings
www.bookshq.net fully swept back for
high-speed flight.
FEATURE: SUPER JETS SOUTH
CARF Breitling L-39

with smoke on!
Rob Lynch from BVM Boli Muentes from

Jets flying the huge Boynton Beach, Florida
Tomahawk Aviation F-86. took home the Best
Electric Jets Performance
award with his collection
of BVM electric jets.
The flight line was full and

the weather was perfect
the entire event!
www.bookshq.net
Young Gun PowerBox Systems Regan
Higgins from Jacksonville,
Florida tests out the
1/2-scale Willys Jeep built
by Darrell Sprayberry.
Maddox with his JPM Jets Viper Jet flown with a Kingtech K-102G4 and a
Spektrum IX-12 radio system.
I’ve seen this young man flying the snot out of Spotters and helpers
are important at a
his JMP Jets composite Viper Jet. This is Maddox big event. Darrell
Bradford from Acworth, Georgia and at only 13 years Sprayberry brings in
old, he is quickly becoming a rather accomplished Greg Alderman's BVM
Panther after a flight.
pilot. I sat down and spoke with him and found out
he’s all about RC, especially jets, and he intends to
pursue a career in aviation maintenance. I happen
to know that my experience modeling directly
contributed to my success in the Navy as an Aviation
Electronics Technician. Like most of the youngsters
we meet at events, Maddox is well-spoken, smart
and a great pilot; he makes me think the future of
aviation is going to be in good hands. Embry-Riddle
would be proud to have this young man.
Elite Aerosports Havoc SS flown

by Antonio de Souza from nearby
Atlanta, Georgia.
www.bookshq.net
FEATURE: SUPER JETS SOUTH
Arctic A-10
Greg Alderman of Daleville,
Indiana brought his new T-One
Models A-10. The big Warthog is
1/7 scale and is powered by a pair The business office of
Greg Alderman’s big A-10
of Jet Central Rabbit (100-newton) from T-One Models.
engines, each producing 22
pounds of thrust. The engines
seem to be a perfect match
because the plane has plenty of
power yet looks and sounds very
scale. Greg’s A-10 is 90-inches
long and has a wingspan of
The T-One Models entering a roll
99-inches and is flown with a Jeti demonstrating the maneuverability
DS-24 radio system. of the full-scale Warthog.
Stephanie Rembert from West Palm

Beach, Florida isn't just filming her
husband Bob; she's an active modeler
and a great pilot in her own right.
HSD Jets rep Sean Gallagher from

Union Springs, Alabama with his BVM
Jets 1/6-scale Thunderbirds F-16.
there aren’t the long queues that are sometimes present at the flight line because we were wearing jackets until things
the larger events. Actual attendance this year was 97 pilots, warmed up a bit later in the morning.
and there were many spectators and family members present At the end of the afternoon on Saturday, after a perfect
on top of that. day of flying, the club hosted a steak dinner for the pilots
Another difference between Super Jets and some of the and guests. The dinner was included with the pilot fee and
larger events is that it feels much less commercial. The flight guests could purchase a meal ticket to attend. It took place
line remains open all day and there are no noon time demos under the pavilion during the setting sun and was a pleasant
or manufacturer demo slots. While there are vendors are end to several days of flying and camaraderie. Instead of a
present, they were in their tents spending most of their time raffle, where people often take home prizes they may never
supporting their existing customers versus offering large scale use, the club held a live auction for the many prizes donated
displays of new products. Most of the vendors commented by generous sponsors. This both raises money for the host
that they enjoy the laidback nature of Super Jets where they club and ensures that pilots can bid on the items that are
can take time to relax, help others, and do a little flying. appropriate to them. Event CDs and sponsors hate to see
The weather couldn’t have been any better this year. raffle prizes for sale online hours after an event ends, so clubs
Temperatures hovered in the mid ’70s, and mild winds with and event organizers should really consider this format and it
nearly no humidity was a welcome break from the long Florida turns out that the auction can get pretty lively at times.
summer. All joking aside about Floridians needing jackets Though it was only my second year attending Super Jets
www.bookshq.net
when it gets below 70 F, you could tell the natives apart on South, the people and facility will make this an annual visit.
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AEROBATICS
MADE EASY
BY JOHN GLEZELLIS
ILLUSTRATION BY FX MODELS
FLAT SPIN TO A
BLENDER
Master this crowd-pleaser
in four easy steps
A fully aerobatic plane like the E-flite Ultimate is a must-have when

www.bookshq.net
flying 3D maneuvers like this one. (Photo courtesy Horizon Hobby)
AEROBATICS MADE EASY: FLAT SPIN TO A BLENDER
2 As the airplane
stalls and the nose
begins to drop, one of
Enter the maneuver the wing tips will also
into the wind in straight drop. This dictates the
and level flight. direction of the flat
spin. To establish the
1 Gradually
reduce power
while increasing
flat upright spin, apply
full left rudder, a touch
of left aileron, and full
up-elevator to
up-elevator.
maintain straight
and level flight.
3 After establishing
a vertical, slow,
rolling downline, begin
the inverted spin
by applying full left
aileron followed by
full right rudder and
full down-elevator.
Decrease aileron
input accordingly to
flatten the rotation.
4 To end the flat

spin, release all
control inputs and
establish a vertical
downline. Let the
airplane gain some
EXIT the maneuver airspeed and push
in inverted straight down-elevator to
and level flight in the enter inverted flight.
opposite direction of
the entry heading.
www.bookshq.net
A
dvanced aerobatic pilots are downline where you begin rolling and that point, a wingtip will stall and the
always looking for combinations perform the blender. A rate change is aircraft will favor a certain direction,
of elements that, together, can not required for this figure, but once as mentioned earlier. In the case of
form new and innovative aerobatic the aircraft completes the maneuver, the illustration, the left wing dropped,
moves. Years ago, during the freestyle the pilot should return to the low-rate producing a left-hand flat spin rotation.
event at the Tournament of Champions setting to manage the position of the
in Las Vegas, Nevada, I was watching aircraft. Once the airspeed increases, Step 2
Quique Somenzini combine a flat spin return the rate to a reduced setting. At the time of the stall, the pilot should
with a blender while recovering at a very apply full left rudder, a touch of left
low altitude. Watching him perform this OVERVIEW aileron, and full up-elevator. If too much
combination was simply stunning. At For your first few attempts, altitude is aileron is applied, the aircraft will not
first, the aircraft entered what everyone very important. Enter the maneuver perform a flat rotation and will, instead,
thought was going to be an ordinary into the wind and parallel to the runway. perform what appears to be an inside
upright flat spin. Then his model quickly During the rolling segment, altitude will tumble. Once a rotation or two has been
transitioned to a rolling vertical downline, quickly be lost, so start at about 700 completed, depending on your altitude,
where he then performed the blender, feet. Decrease throttle and gradually start to enter into a rolling vertical
which contained an abrupt transition to feed in up-elevator to maintain altitude downline at a fairly slow roll rate.
an inverted flat spin. while using the 3D flight mode. As the
If you are looking for something new aircraft comes to a complete stop and Step 3
to try, this is a particularly demanding stalls (ideally directly in front of you), it To begin the inverted spin, apply full
maneuver that is sure to please. will drop a wing. Continue holding up- left aileron followed by full right rudder
elevator and apply the required control and full down-elevator. Decrease the
BEFORE WE BEGIN commands in the direction of the stalled aileron input, as needed, to maintain a
For you to experience success, you wing, which include aileron and rudder flat rotation. Depending on your aircraft,
need the required aerobatic skill and in the same direction coupled with you can experiment with different
your aircraft must be properly set up. maximum up-elevator. throttle settings to further flatten the
This combo requires fairly large control Only a touch of aileron is needed inverted spin rotation. This produces a
surfaces, coupled with large surface during the rotation for an extremely flat lot of stress, however, and so requires a
deflections, as well as the proper center rotation. If the aircraft doesn’t stall and structurally sound model.
of gravity (CG). As a starting point, begin begins to descend while at a nose-high
with the control-surface deflection angle, simply add a touch of aileron and Step 4
amounts, exponential settings, and the full rudder in the preferred direction. To complete the figure, release control
CG recommended for your model. With After a few rotations, release all control inputs and establish a vertical downline.
respect to control-surface deflection, inputs but continue holding aileron in Let the aircraft gain some airspeed,
the entry spin as well as the transition the same direction as the rotation. After switch to your low-rate flight mode, and
into the inverted spin during the blender a roll or two, continue holding aileron push 90 degrees to an inverted exit.
will require anywhere between 35 input but apply full down-elevator and Continue to use enough down-elevator
and 45 degrees of control-surface opposite rudder to execute the inverted to maintain straight and level inverted
deflection for the elevator, rudder, flat-spin portion of the blender. flight.
and ailerons. Additionally, enough To exit, neutralize inputs and establish
exponential should be used to soften a vertical downline. Push elevator to an FINAL THOUGHTS
the response of the aircraft. inverted exit. With practice, you can also Remember that some models might
For my 3D flight mode, I typically add some flair by exiting the figure with perform a relatively flat spin, both
use around 65% of exponential. In their an inverted harrier. during the upright segment as well as
most basic form, flight modes contain the inverted portion during the blender,
dual or triple rates for all control surfaces BY THE NUMBERS whereas others might not. If you have
on a single switch. Different mixes and Step 1 trouble mastering this maneuver, don’t
other desired functions can also be Fly the airplane parallel to the runway become discouraged. It is important to
applied to certain switch settings, but and at a very high altitude. When ready, analyze your situation and check the
in the interest of this column, multiple switch to 3D flight mode and begin CG (it may require adding a touch of tail
rates are mandatory for consistency to gradually decrease throttle; as the weight). Also, your airplane might not
upon entry and exit for the figure. When airspeed begins to slow down, apply have large enough control surfaces or
you enter the spin, for example, you the required amount of up-elevator to enough control-surface deflection, so
should be on your 3D flight mode to maintain altitude. For this figure, the experiment with your setup until you
ensure an extremely flat spin rotation. goal is to have the model come to a stop find the proper combination.
Push the model into a vertical and stall directly in front of the pilot. At
www.bookshq.net
JANUARY 2023 65
HANGAR
TALK
2023
Bigger & better than ever!

By the Model Airplane News crew
Y
ou don't want to miss the world's biggest and best
RC show! The Radio Control Expo, better known as
RCX, returns March 18 and 19, 2023 to the Fairplex
in Pomona, California. Be sure to join your RC flying
buddies for a fun weekend where you'll see the latest in
RC tech along with scale planes, drones, fast drift cars and
boats. If it flies, drives or floats, it will be there!
This year's show promises nonstop action. You’ll see
expert Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) pilots in
the Flight Zone as well as RC drifting demos, FPV racing,
RC racing, rock crawling, and Try-Me tracks. Plus, your
favorite retailers, like Horizon Hobby, will be there to show
off their latest planes and accessories. You'll also have a
chance to win great door prizes and get huge discounts
on the gear you need! And as a bonus, RCX attendees will
also have free access to the California Overland Adventure
Expo, happening at the same time at the Fairplex.
And while you're there, be sure to stop by the Air Age
Media booth to say hello to your favorite Model Airplane
News folks. Look for discount codes in future issues and
on our Facebook page, then pre-order your tickets at
RCX.com. We'll see you in Pomona!
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Model Airplane News January 2023 PDF

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