Building a FF Peanut Scale Model From the Past

Micro-Flying

By Joe Malinchak | [email protected]

As seen in the November 2023 issue of Model Aviation.

A FEW FRIENDS of mine mentioned that they were going to the 2023 Flying Aces Club (FAC) Non-Nats in Geneseo, New York. I happened to be off work, so I decided to attend.

Gryffin Syme is shown with his greatflying Beechcraft Staggerwing that was built from the Easy Built Models kit.

I have seen some beautiful Free Flight (FF) models fly throughout the years at the Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair and other events. Now I had to see if I could build a FF model for the Non-Nats in less than a week.

I have built models most of my life. I started when I was a boy, building simple rubber-powered FF airplanes made out of balsa. The skills that I learned led me to build RC models. As technology advanced and newer, lightweight RC equipment became available, I found myself going back and constructing micro RC models from FF kits. Now I find myself going back in time to build a FF model from my past.

I have a few Peanut Scale kits that have been in my closet for many years. I pulled them out and decided to build a Sterling Corsair. Because I was time crunched, I worked some long hours and completed the model in only four days; however, I wasn’t even sure that it would fly. Fortunately, good friends helped me install the correct rubber and showed me how to wind the motor for some nice flights. It was a great learning experience.

2023 FAC Non-Nats

The Non-Nats took place July 12-15, 2023, and was held at the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo. What a beautiful place for a model airplane event. The museum sits on a huge grass field that is perfect for flying FF models. Rick Pendzick and his hard-working crew did a fantastic job of organizing and running this event.

Chris Starleaf winds the motors on his amazing Consolidated B-24 Liberator in preparation for another flight.

It was my first time attending the Non-Nats. As a newcomer, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Because I was finishing work on my airplane, I missed the first day when everyone displayed their models for static judging. I was really looking forward to seeing this, but I wanted an airplane to fly. It worked out okay because I did get to see most of the beautifully built models on the field.

Everyone was treated to several flights of the National Warbird Museum’s collection of full-scale aircraft, including this beautiful Fokker Dr.I replica.

The gathering is a FF contest featuring several Scale—and a few non-Scale—events. It also features some mass launches, including World War II Combat, World War I Peanut, and a few air race events. I think these are the most fun for spectators and pilots alike. I really enjoyed seeing all of the WW II aircraft flying at the same time. A few midairs do occur, normally when the models are launched. This event is about friendly competition but mainly having a good time.

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The Non-Nats had several mass-launch events. They are fun for pilots and spectators alike!

I competed in the FAC Peanut Scale event. The weather was perfect, with little wind. I had all day to test and trim my airplane before putting in my three official flights.

The final day was the best for me. It started with the National Warplane Museum flying several of its beautifully restored, full-scale aircraft. Even the 1917 Fokker Dr.I triplane replica was flown. The pilot was practicing his landings, and I was able to get a great video of him. As another treat, someone graciously donated a Beechcraft Staggerwing and was putting in a few test flights. The day concluded with a barbecue dinner and the awards ceremony.

George Bredehoft is shown with his Sorrell HiPerBipe. The model was used for the One-Design event. It is available as a short kit from his company, Volaré Products.

I had a great time, and I would highly recommend this event to anyone who is interested in learning more about FF modeling. You can see a few videos I took, including a slow-motion video of one of the mass-launch events, on my YouTube channel, listed in "Sources." I was inspired by the dedication and skills of all of the modelers who attended. I am already planning a few projects for next year!

Douglas Beardsworth displays his Sopwith Triplane after another great flight.

In Memoriam

I am very sad to note that the hobby has lost a good friend, Sergio Zigras. I met Sergio many years ago at the first NEAT Fair event. He was really impressed with the progress we were making in micro RC and he started the NEAT Fair micro RC seminars. They became so popular that they attracted modelers from all around the world.

Sergio worked with Micro Flier Radio in developing many of its products, including micro servos, receivers, and motor control timers. He did many things to promote our hobby and will be missed!

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