A Variety of Models From Readers

Small-Field Flying

By Pat Tritle | [email protected]

As seen in the October 2023 issue of Model Aviation.

THIS MONTH, I offer a terrific collection of several types of beautifully built models. I’ve always been a huge fan of all types of Scale models, and this time, the variety ranges from small Free Flight (FF) conversions to those that can only be described as "large park flyers." Being a fan of both FF and RC, the ability to combine the two with readily available off-the-shelf components can only enhance the fun.

Brian’s Macchi M-5, aka the Italian Nieuport, was built from the Park Flyer Plastics short kit. Between Keith Sparks’ talent for providing beautifully detailed, vacuum-formed plastic parts and Brian’s unquestionable building skills, the finished model can’t be anything but great.

Another terrific aspect of Scale modeling is the ability to add lots of great scalelike detail components while adding only minimal weight to our models. The availability to access photos via the internet is a real plus for those of us who have minimal printed material available.

Another nearly unlimited source for scalelike detail is plastic models. Whenever I can, I’ll find a plastic model kit—and more often than not build it—for the airplane I’m working on and use it as a 3D source of reference.

Rather than loading up on my ramblings, let’s get started with what you’re doing.

I’ll start with Brian Allen, who checked in with a couple of projects. Brian is probably one of the most prolific builders I’ve had the pleasure to know.

His first model is his 26-inch wingspan Stinson 108 Voyager that was built from the Manzano Laser Works short kit. The FF model was converted to three-channel RC using a small receiver/ESC brick and a pair of extremely small servos. Power is provided by a Buzzard 9-gram, single-cell outrunner motor. The Stinson is covered with Easy Built Lite Tissue that was sealed with Randolph non-tautening nitrate dope. All-up and ready to go, the model tips the scales at approximately 80 grams.

Walter Sieber made several modifications to his Dare/Brodak B-17F to accommodate the flying conditions at his local airfield. The result is a beautifully finished model of one of the world’s greatest bombers of all time.

Brian’s Macchi M-5 is a little less mainstream and was originally featured in the March 2006 Flying Models magazine. The Macchi has a 52-inch wingspan and is 35 inches long. The model was built from the short kit that is available from Park Flyer Plastics, which includes laser-cut wood, vacuum-formed plastic detail parts, and full-size plans that have been updated from the originals with added details, illustrations, and laser parts identification.

A Park 480 (1,020 Kv) motor provides the power, along with a 3S 2,200 mAh battery and an APC 9 × 7.5E propeller. Hitec servos, an Optima receiver, and an Aurora 9 transmitter were used to control the 35-ounce model. Brian said that the Macchi flies like a trainer. Having seen Keith "Sparky" Sparks’ prototype fly many years ago, I would have to agree with him on that point.

Walter Sieber built his B-17F from the older Dare kit, now available through Brodak Mfg. The original design was done as an open structure, covered with mica film, painted, and built up at approximately 4.5 pounds.

Because the conditions where Walter flies are often less than desirable, he was afraid the lighter-weight model might not fare well in the windy conditions, so he skinned the model with 1.5mm balsa. The surface was then covered with Japico 15-grams-per-square-meter Japanese tissue and finished in enamel colors.

Converted from the Herr Engineering Ryan ST FF kit, Jack Iafret went all out with scalelike details on his RC conversion of this classic sport trainer from the 1930s.

Don Paddock’s 55-inch Tiger Moth turned out to be a very scalelike aircraft. It looks right at home on the lush grass runway. Scale flying doesn’t get any better than that.

The B-17 is powered by four Robbe Power Torque 2828 outrunner motors, with APC 7 × 5E propellers and a 5,000 mAh 3S battery. The rudder, elevator, and ailerons are set up using four Hitec HS-82MG servos to guide the 7.2-pound model.

I also have a newcomer to the column this month. Jack Iafret checked in with his beautifully detailed 30-inch wingspan Ryan ST. The model was built from the Herr Engineering kit and highly modified for four-channel RC with lots of scale details added. This was Jack’s first attempt at this sort of thing; his usual areas of interest are sailplanes and indoor foamies.

The model is powered by a Cobra 2204/40 (1,570 Kv) motor with an 11-amp ESC, an old Cox 7 × 4 propeller, and a Turnigy 460 mAh 2S LiPo battery. Guidance is provided by a Lemon-RX receiver with a three-axis gyro and telemetry. All-up, Jack’s Ryan weighs 254 grams. The Ryan hasn’t flown yet, but I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t fly well.

Last but not least is Don Paddock’s 55-inch de Havilland Tiger Moth that was built from the Dare/Brodak kit. Don is a veteran builder who has built more than 50 kits in his 50-plus years of modeling. The Moth was built basically stock; the only modifications were adding a bit of structure at the tail where the horizontal stabilizer attaches to the fuselage, using Golden Rod pushrods for the elevator, and replacing the rudder pull-pull cable system.

For power, Don used the recommended 450-class outrunner motor and ESC, along with the APC 11 × 5.5E propeller and a 2,200 mAh 2S LiPo battery. The "Tiggie" was covered with UltraCote ParkLite iron-on covering. Even with 2 ounces of nose weight, it still weighs less than 32 ounces.

The model required only minor trim changes on its maiden flight and is reported to fly "in a very scalelike manner," but as with all of the large, lightweight park flyers, it tends to be sensitive to windy and blustery conditions, so Don plans to add a flight stabilization system in the future.

That’s going to just about do it for now. Thanks to all who checked in with a nice variety of models, covering so many different types and styles. It makes me happy to see so much building going on, with a variety of subject matter in the works.

Keep up the great work, and do feel free to keep the terrific photos of your latest projects coming.