For visitors to my website, my “Build of the Month” (BOTM) Series was created to help those who are trying to get started in building their own Radio Controlled (RC) Model Aircraft.

 "Aerofred.com" and "Outerzone.co.uk" are two of my favorite web sites to obtain free RC model airplane plans for my new builds. Additionally, they like to post images of Builder's models, and both sites have posted my RC model images and build descriptions under the heading of the associated aircraft model. Other good sources for free plans are: "Hip Pocket Aeronautics Builders' Plan Gallery", "Vintage & Old-Timer RCM Free Plans", "James Hatton Blog Free Plans and Articles", "Hlsat Blog RCModeler Free Plans and Articles", and "Don Dewey Memorial RCM Plans Collection."

 If you are currently not an active builder, and you would like to be, my BOTM Series is a great place to start. If you have an RC model aircraft that you would like to see featured in this section or feel others may find interesting, please let me know and I will make every attempt to find scratch build plans, photos, and maybe even a published build article, which I will then post in a future BOTM edition. Just send me an email @: Build of the Month.

Build of the Month WW-II Mini-Series - December 2024 Edition

 I hope you enjoyed last months BOTM WW-II Mini-Series 2nd Edition on the Bell P-39 Airacobra model. If you have an RC model that you would like to see featured in this section or feel others may find interesting, please let me know and I will make every attempt to find scratch build plans, photos, and maybe even a published build article, which will then post in a future edition. Just send me an email @: Build of the Month.

 Ok, now lets see what I have for the month of December 2024. Continuing with the “BOTM WW-II Mini-Series,” for the 3rd Edition we will move from the European Theater to the Pacific Theater. How about a fighter that was instrumental in bringing the United States into WW-II. So given these requirements, this 3rd Edition of my BOTM WW-II Mini-Series features the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a fighter manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company.

 The Mitsubishi A6M Zero might have played a more significant role than any other fighter in a single sortie during WW-II. This snub-nosed compact carrier-based plane was named the “Zero” after year zero in honor of Japan's first emperor's ascension to power 2,600 years before its launch. This outlines the long Japanese tradition as a nation skilled in combat and weaponry.

 The Zero was incredibly nimble, well-equipped, and lightweight, with its designer Jiro Horikoshi using aluminum and plywood instead of steel as a weight-saving measure. A zinc-aluminum alloy was specially concocted for more stressed components, making this a meticulously designed plane, delivered in a timely manner by 1940, having gone into production in 1937. Its 14-cylinder 1,130 horsepower engine propelled it to a top speed of 350 miles per hour, and its armament consisted of two 7.7-millimeter machine guns and two 20-millimeter cannons, with its two notorious 132-pound bombs beneath each wing.

 The Mitsubishi Zero will forever be remembered as the plane that was instrumental in bringing the United States into WW-II. On December 7th, 1941, under the attack signal, “Tora! Tora! Tora!” the Japanese launched their assault on Pearl Harbor, with the fleet of Zeros raining mayhem from above, strafing the docks with gunfire and devastating the U.S. Navy fleet with bombs. They quickly gained a reputation among the deadliest aircraft as the United States immediately declared war on Japan. Just three days later, the U.S. was also at war with Germany.

 Also called “Reisen” or “Zeke”, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero served as a nasty shock to the Allied Forces. Being the primary naval fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy, it was a legendary dogfighter with very long range and incredible maneuverability. It boasted of speed and impressive endurance. It was a formidable fighter with a kill ratio of 12 to 1. In the Pacific Theater, it could easily best its ground-based counterparts thus swiftly earning a legendary reputation. During WW-II, it became the Japanese aircraft with the most number built and produced. It wasn't just a symbol of their air superiority and power, it also paved the way for numerous innovations in naval aviation. Faced against the Grumman F4F Wildcat, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and the Curtiss P-40, it could out-maneuver them all. Yes, it was indeed a tough opponent – a very lethal fighter in dogfight. It also took part in various devastating attacks against the Allied forces.

 Toward the end of the Pacific War, the large numbers of Zero fighters in service and their high maneuverability made them ideal for suicide special attacks, more popularly known to westerners of the day as “kamikaze”. Out of the 2,363 Japanese Navy aircraft that participated in special attack missions, 1,189 of them were A6M Zero fighters.

 After the war, most surviving A6M Zero fighters were destroyed. A few of them were sent to the United States for testing. Many of them were abandoned across the various Pacific islands, rusting very quickly in jungle climates. Only about 13 were available for museum display today, such as the Zero fighter on display at Yushukan museum adjacent to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. Only a very small number are in flyable condition today.

• Actual Aircraft Specifications (A6M2 (Type 0 Model 21)):
• Crew: One
• Length: 9.06 m (29 ft 9 in)
• Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
• Height: 3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
• Wing area: 22.44 m2 (241.5 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 1,680 kg (3,704 lb)
• Gross weight: 2,796 kg (6,164 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 2,796 kg (6,164 lb)
• Power plant: 1 – Nakajima NK1C Sakae-12 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 700 kW (940 hp) for take-off 710 kW (950 hp) at 4,200 m (13,800 ft)
• Propellers: 3-bladed Sumitomo-Hamilton constant-speed propeller
• Maximum speed: 533 km/h (331 mph, 288 kn) at 4,550 m (14,930 ft)
• Cruise speed: 333 km/h (207 mph, 180 kn)
• Never exceed speed: 600 km/h (370 mph, 320 kn)
• Range: 1,870 km (1,160 mi, 1,010 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 10,000 m (33,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 15.7 m/s (3,090 ft/min)
• Guns: 2 – 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Type 97 aircraft machine guns in the engine cowling, with 500 rounds per gun
• 2 – 20 mm (0.787 in) Type 99-1 Mk.3 cannon in the wings, with 60 rounds per gun
• Bombs: 2 – 60 kg (130 lb) bombs or 1 – fixed 250 kg (550 lb) bomb for kamikaze attacks

 Images Source: Outerzone Mitsubishi A6M Zero Webpage.

 RC MODEL CONSTRUCTION: The model featured this month was designed by Dave Platt and featured in Radio Control Modeler (RCM) Magazine May 1984. As we shall see, it turns out that just about all of the assets that the Zero possesses to make it a fine R/C model are the same inherent requirements that were demanded by the specification laid before the designers of the full sized ship. Before all else, it had to be light. This was to make sure it would be totally maneuverable and aerobatic; primary requisites for a dogfighter. These needs dictated a simple structure (and thus a straightforward outline), a large wing area coupled with a thick airfoil, and large control surfaces. In this last respect, the Zero's ailerons are perfect for a model: narrow chord (avoiding tip-stalls from high deflection angles at the tip) but long in span, giving them a lot of area. The ideal layout for power with gentleness.

 In just one respect the Zero comes up short; literally short. The nose moment is not as long as we would choose. The danger here is coming up with a rather tail heavy airplane needing much nose weight to correct. And, by extension, an overall heavy model. When Platt was laying out his Zero, he decided to design all structure aft of the wing spar as lightly as possible; not merely the tail end. Conversely, the nose end was designed like a tank. It worked. The original prototype, with O.S. Max .90, weighed 14-1/2 lbs. and balanced right without nose weight. Scratch builders will need to keep weight in mind; not how much there is, but where it is.

 BUILDING: This section is not intended to be a step by step procedure for building but, rather, a brush across some of the highlights of the structural design. Certain parts were deemed necessary to make in fiberglass: the cowling, obviously; the gun hood because of its complex and subtle shaping; and the tail cone which again is a complicated shape and also needs to be hollow. The model is of conventional wood design. The fuselage can be skinned with large panels, or can be strip-planked. The latter method, though taking longer, produces a better, stronger result. In fact, with the CA glues we now use, the time taken to plank a body properly is little more than skinning, and only a fraction of what it used to be “pre-Zap.”

 The plans show the flaps, which can be installed if desired or left off. While the cosmetic effect achieved by including them is undeniable, their functional usefulness in slowing down the ship in landing approaches becomes somewhat moot, since the unwavering stability during approach and slow landing speed could scarcely be improved. The plans also include details of the square tipped “Hamp,” or A6M3. Apart from the square tips, if you choose the -3, the cowl gills are not cut away and the multi-exhaust stubs are left off. The addition of a streamlined fairing around the drop tank attachment, and different gun arrangement complete the conversion.

 The cutaway drawing shows the basic simplicity of structure. The Zero is a simple aircraft, and there was no call for sophisticated or complex design. Note that the entire cockpit bay area is left free of unwanted structure or radio components. This enables the builder to fit the available cockpit kit in place and have it look right. Along with the available Japanese feature pilot, an attractive cockpit area is achieved without special skills or experience.

 Whether for serious competition or relaxed fun, this is a flying machine par excellence. Credit for this, as explained, lies with the Mitsubishi design team. The only maneuver the Zero won't do well is a knife-edge. This could be due to the somewhat excessive dihedral. But all the rest, look out! Rolls --- regular, slow, four-point or vertical --- a snap. Loops, Cuban Eights, touch 'n go's. Lovely solid inverted. Spins, no problem, recovery in 1/4 turn. Inverted spins too. When did you see one of these from a true scale model WW-II fighter? Come to that, when did a WW-II fighter ever do one intentionally?

• Model Specifications:
• Aircraft Type: 1/5th Scale Warbird
• Wing Span: 78-3/4″
• Wing Chord: 14-1/2″ (Avg.)
• Total Wing Area: 1,100 square inches
• Wing Location: Low Wing
• Airfoil: Semi-Symmetrical
• Wing Platform: Double Taper
• Dihedral each Tip: 4-5/8″ at W11
• Fuselage Length: 65″
• Stabilizer Span: 33″
• Stabilizer Chord (Avg.): 8-1/4″
• Total Stab Area: 255″
• Number of Channels: 8 - Throttle, Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator, Flaps, Retract Gear, Tank Drop, and Mixture Control
• Ready to Fly Weight: 232-320 oz. depending on power system selection
• Glow Fuel Engines: .90 - 1.5 2-stroke or 1.8 cu. in. Gas
• Electric Powered: Output of 1,800-3,000 Watts, 80-125 amp ESC, 4-6 cell 45C LiPo pack of 5,000mah.

 The Mitsubishi A6M Zero RC model in this months edition can be built from a set of plans and article which are available @: “Outerzone”

Outerzone Mitsubishi A6M Zero Webpage.

 I hope you have enjoyed this months selection, and just maybe, I have spurred some interest in trying your hand at building an RC model airplane.

Until next month - Keep the Balsa Dust Flying!!

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Build of the Month WW-II Mini-Series - November 2024 Edition

 I hope you enjoyed last months BOTM WW-II Mini-Series 1st Edition on the Junkers Ju-52/3m model. If you have an RC model that you would like to see featured in this section or feel others may find interesting, please let me know and I will make every attempt to find scratch build plans, photos, and maybe even a published build article, which will then post in a future edition. Just send me an email @: Build of the Month.

 Ok, now lets see what I have for the month of November 2024. Continuing with the “BOTM WW-II Mini-Series,” for the 2nd edition how about an aircraft that was used by several nations during the war and has an unusual layout with the engine installed in the center fuselage, behind the pilot. So given these requirements, this 2nd edition of my BOTM WW-II Mini-Series features the Bell P-39 Airacobra, a fighter produced by Bell Aircraft for the United States Army Air Forces during WW-II.

 The Bell P-39 Airacobra is a fighter produced by Bell Aircraft for the United States Army Air Forces during WW-II. It was one of the principal American fighters in service when the United States entered combat. The P-39 was used by the Soviet Air Force and enabled individual Soviet pilots to score the highest number of kills attributed to any U.S. fighter type flown by any air force in any conflict. Approximately 9,560 Airacobras were produced, about half of which were sent to Russia under the Lend-Lease program. Production models of the P-39 started arriving at Air Corps squadrons in January 1941; six months later the first Airacobras reached England. The British had planned to order 675 of the planes, but after disappointing combat experience, the order was canceled. Other major users of the type included the Free French, the Royal Air Force (RAF), and the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force.

 The Bell engineers wanted to mount the cannon so it would fire directly through the propeller shaft. This meant the engine would have to be located deep in the fuselage. This, in turn dictated that the machine would have a tricycle gear undercarriage -- the first such ever used on a production fighter. It had an unusual layout, with the engine installed in the center fuselage, behind the pilot, and driving a tractor propeller in the nose with a long shaft. Although its mid-engine placement was innovative, the P-39 design was handicapped by the absence of an efficient turbo-supercharger, preventing it from performing high-altitude work. For this reason, it was rejected by the RAF for use over western Europe but adopted by the USSR, where most air combat took place at medium and lower altitudes.

 Together with the derivative P-63 Kingcobra, the P-39 was one of the most successful fixed-wing aircraft manufactured by Bell.

• Actual Aircraft Specifications (Bell P-39 Airacobra):
• Crew: One
• Length: 30 ft 2 in (9.19 m)
• Wingspan: 34 ft (10.36 m)
• Height: 12 ft 5 in (3.78 m)
• Wing area: 213 sq ft (19.8 m2)
• Empty weight: 6,516 lb (2,956 kg)
• Gross weight: 7,570 lb (3,434 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 8,400 lb (3,810 kg)
• Power plant: 1 – Allison V-1710-85 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,200 hp (890 kW) at 9,000 ft (2,743 m) (emergency power)
• Propellers: 3-bladed constant-speed propeller
• Maximum speed: 389 mph (626 km/h, 338 kn)
• Stall speed: 95 mph (153 km/h, 83 kn) power off, flaps and undercarriage down
• Never exceed speed: 525 mph (845 km/h, 456 kn)
• Range: 525 mi (845 km, 456 nmi) on internal fuel
• Service ceiling: 35,000 ft (11,000 m)
• Rate of climb: 3,805 ft/min (19.33 m/s) at 7,400 ft (2,300 m) (using emergency power)
• Guns: 1 – 37 mm M4 cannon firing through the propeller hub
• 2 – .50 caliber synchronized Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted
• 2 – .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns one each wing
• Bombs: Up to 500 lb (230 kg) of bombs under wings and belly

 Images Source: Outerzone Bell P-39 Airacobra Webpage.

 RC MODEL CONSTRUCTION: The model featured this month is a discontinued Gold Edition kit from Top Flite. The nice thing about the Gold Edition P-39 Airacobra is that although it is a highly detailed scale model with all the goodies, such as a realistic looking scale outline, built up tail surfaces, retracts and flaps, it is one of the few military aircraft that had a tricycle gear configuration. Those of you who have not yet mastered airplanes that are tail draggers will appreciate this model's great ground handling characteristics.

 The plans are enormous — but they include dotted lines which indicate where best to cut them apart for ease of handling. Even better, the centerfold of the instruction booklet is a reduced copy which is easily detached and handy to have when the structure being built covers a detail you wish to see.

 TAIL SURFACES: The tail surfaces are built first. Following the Top Flite method of construction produced the truly beautiful symmetrical and tapered surfaces which are so much more realistic than the usual flat sheet tail parts. Each rib has its own jig tabs to assure perfect alignment and allow sheeting the complete topside without a twist. The control surfaces all have sheet balsa cores to maintain the outline shape and 1/16" balsa strips which are glued in place then sanded to yield scale-like structures.

 FUSELAGE: The basic construction of the fuselage consists of top and bottom halves built over the plan on a horizontal crutch. The engine (.61 upwards) is side mounted on the right-hand side. Using the excellent booklet photos for guidance, it should be straightforward to build the basic crutches..."

 WINGS: These are built upside down over the plans. A full depth 1/8” balsa spar web is placed in position with all the ribs being slotted into position. Basswood spars are glued either side of the web, resulting in a strong, lightweight structure. A trailing edge web is also glued in place, which has an embossed line, which keeps the ribs at the correct height from the board. Again, an instruction manual with a photo and details on every piece of wood you glue, make it practically impossible to get into problems.

 FLAPS: The Top Flite P-39 Airacobra is designed to incorporate scale split flaps; however, flaps are optional and not necessary for an excellent flying experience. Without flaps, the takeoff roll is a bit longer and the landing speed is slightly faster. If you do not wish to build the flaps, just disregard parts of the manual involving flap construction. The flaps are not difficult to build, but they do require good craftsmanship to fit and operate well. Flaps add nicely to the model's flight characteristics and scale appearance. Trim changes should not be needed when flaps are extended. The only exception is when they are deployed when flying at full power. The trim corrections are discussed later in the manual during radio set up. For flaps you will need one additional standard servo.

 RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR: You may build your P-39 Airacobra either with fixed or retractable landing gear. The instruction manual provides detailed instructions on how to install retractable landing gear available from Robart. They are pneumatic to simplify installation and hookup. You may choose to use another type of retract but it is up to you to make modifications required to fit them.

 FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS: During Top Flite flight testing they found no bad characteristics in this airplane. Take-offs were straight forward with good ground handling. The plane was airborne in approximately 100' [30m]. Once the plane is flying it goes exactly where you point it. Rolls are very scale-like with the low rate settings. At high rate it can roll more like an aerobatic sport plane. Power-off stalls were very soft and predictable with only the nose dropping in the stall. There was no tendency for the plane to tip stall. Landings were straight forward with or without the flaps. Without flaps you should maintain a bit more airspeed on your approach. With full flap deployment the plane slows very nicely and allows for a very soft landing. Unlike some models, the P-39 Airacobra does not exhibit any pronounced ballooning when flaps are deployed. A full flap landing will generally require a little steeper approach than an approach without flaps. Try setting up your approach from a slightly higher altitude than you might typically use for a landing without flaps. Deploy full flaps and gradually decrease the power. Keep the nose down and maintain a consistent approach to the beginning of the runway. When you are over the runway threshold pull off all power and the plane will settle in nicely to final touchdown. If you have never flown with flaps this is an excellent model to learn with. The extra effort to construct the P-39 Airacobra with flaps is well worth the effort when the model is completed.

 The Great Planes Top Flite P-39 will provide the scratch builder with a superb sport-scale model and a head turner at the flying-field. This model will be a joy to build and sheer pleasure to fly. In the air the P-39 is a lovely sight, with low passes being the best as you can see the air-scoop and under-wing cannons to good effect. Credit must go to Great Planes for their unusual Warbird and to Jim Sandquist, for the way the instruction manual is presented - it’s superb. I would not hesitate to recommend the P-39 to anybody wanting a different type of Warbird.

• Model Specifications:
• Aircraft Type: Sport 1/7th Scale Warbird
• Wing Span: 63″
• Wing Chord: 11-3/4″ (Avg.)
• Total Wing Area: 743 square inches
• Fuselage Length: 55-1/4″
• Stabilizer Span: 24-1/4″
• Total Stab Area: 164″
• Number of Channels: 4 to 6 - Throttle, Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator, Flaps, and Retract Gear
• Ready to Fly Weight: 8-10 lbs. depending on power system selection
• Glow Fuel Engines: .61-.75 2-stroke or .70-.91 4-stroke
• Electric Powered: Output of 1,200-1,500 Watts, 80 amp ESC, 6-cell 45C LiPo pack of 5,000mah.

 The Bell P-39 Airacobra RC model in this months edition can be built from a set of plans and articles which are available @: “Outerzone.”

Outerzone Bell P-39 Airacobra Webpage.

 I hope you have enjoyed this months selection, and just maybe, I have spurred some interest in trying your hand at building an RC model airplane.

Until next month - Keep the Balsa Dust Flying!!

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Build of the Month WW-II Mini-Series - October 2024 Edition

 I hope you enjoyed last months BOTM edition on the Playboy Senior model. If you have an RC model that you would like to see featured in this section or feel others may find interesting, please let me know and I will make every attempt to find scratch build plans, photos, and maybe even a published build article, which will then post in a future edition. Just send me an email @: Build of the Month.

 Ok, now lets see what I have for the month of October 2024. This month I want to start a “BOTM Mini-Series” that will feature famous WW-II aircraft over the next 6-8 months. For the 1st edition of this Mini-Series, how about something that has multiple engines. So given these requirements, the 1st edition of my BOTM WW-II Mini-Series features the Junkers Ju-52/3m, a transport aircraft that was designed and manufactured by German aviation company Junkers.

 The Junkers Ju-52/3m (nicknamed Tante Ju (“Aunt Ju”) and Iron Annie) is a transport aircraft that was designed and manufactured by German aviation company Junkers. First introduced in 1930 the Junkers Ju-52 originally started out as a commercial endeavor and ended up being the workhorse of the Luftwaffe during WW-II. The Ju-52 entered service in the Luftwaffe as a make-shift bomber in 1935, however, its primary function during WW-II was as a troop and transport throughout Europe, Russia, and North Africa. Toward the end of the war the Ju-52's main function was that of a flying ambulance. Many Ju-52's saw service after the war as passenger aircraft, military transports and military trainers. As a general workhorse, the Ju-52 was invaluable: it was cheap and simple, easy to maintain in the field, could fly on only two of its three engines, had the ability to withstand crash landings with reasonable safety and could take serious damage. It had good STOL performance, robust construction, and interchangeable wheel/ski/float landing gear.

 Development of the Ju-52 commenced in the late 1920s, headed by German aeronautical engineer Ernst Zindel. The aircraft's design incorporated a corrugated duralumin metal skin as a strengthening measure, which was a material design pioneered by Junkers and used on many of their aircraft, including the popular Junkers F13 1920s, the record-setting Junkers W33, and Junkers W34. The corrugation was a strength and weakness; it created strength but also higher aerodynamic drag; more importantly it allowed the practical use of aluminum before newer alloys were developed. In all, the Germans alone produced almost 5,000 Ju-52's during WW-II. After the war, the Amiot aircraft company produced another 400 for the French army to serve in the Indochina war; Spanish CASA even kept the plane in production since it was used as a multi-role transport by the Spanish air force until 1975. Today, only about 10 Ju-52's are still flying.

 A New Generation — In April 2022, 90 years after the first flight of the Ju-52/3m, the Swiss Junkers Flugzeugwerke AG announced the successor model of the Ju-52, the Ju-52 New Generation. The Ju-52 New Generation will be able to carry 14 passengers and will have modern RED A03 engines and modern avionics. The market launch is not expected before 2025.

• Actual Aircraft Specifications (Junkers Ju-52/3m g3e):
• Crew: Two
• Capacity: 17 passengers
• Length: 19 m (62 ft)
• Wingspan: 29 m (96 ft)
• Height: 5.5 m (18.2 ft)
• Wing area: 110.50 m2 (1,189.4 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 5,720 kg (12,610 lb)
• Gross weight: 9,500 kg (20,944 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 10,499 kg (23,146 lb)
• Power plant: 3 – BMW 132A-3 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 541 kW (725 hp) each
• Propellers: 2-bladed variable-pitch propeller
• Maximum speed: 265.5 km/h (165.0 mph, 143.4 kn) at sea level 276.8 km/h (172.0 mph; 149.5 kn) at 910 m (3,000 ft)
• Cruise speed: 246 km/h (153 mph, 133 kn) maximum continuous at 910 m (3,000 ft) 209 km/h (130 mph; 113 kn) economical cruise
• Range: 998 km (620 mi, 539 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 5,900 m (19,360 ft)
• Wing loading: 83.35 kg/m2 (17.07 lb/sq ft)
• Armament: 1 – 7.92 mm (0.312 in) MG 15 machine gun or 13 mm (0.51 in) MG 131 machine gun in a dorsal position
• 1 – 7.92 mm (0.312 in) MG 15 machine gun in a semi-retractable dustbin turret
• Bombs: up to 500 kg (1,100 lb) of bombs

 Images Source: Outerzone Junkers Ju-52 Webpage.

 RC MODEL CONSTRUCTION: I must first caution that this build is NOT for someone just starting out in scratch building RC models. Graupner's 1/20 semi-scale Ju-52 was designed to be flown with three Speed 400 electric motors. A couple of changes that you may want to consider. You can use three small Hacker A20-16M outrunners or similar (the kit originally had speed 400's). Also use a 4-cell LiPo battery (the kit originally used an 7-cell sub-C NiCd pack). The three motors combined only pull 20 amps, so a 2,700mah pack will fly the model for longer than needed. Shortly cropped grass runways should not present a problem for the model. On a paved runway the Ju-52 lifts of in about 20-25 feet. You should also add washout to the wings as they are of a fairly steep taper. And of course aileron servos in the wings.

 The wing is a conventional D-tube structure with spruce spars, cap strips and shear webs. Since the plans are from the Graupner kit and do not contain all rib profiles, you will need to use the one provided and then scale down for each of the other ribs in the wing. The scale ailerons hang below the wing and are actuated by a single servo via flexible cable push rods built into the wing. Each wing motor mounts to a plywood keel and is then covered with the plastic engine nacelle's. Take care to trim the nacelle's to get an exact fit to the wing profile; if you just follow the cutting line on the plastic you will probably end up with some small gaps between the nacelle and the wing. The simple wire landing gear is mounted by straps to a hardwood block in the wing.

 The fully sheeted fuselage has flat sides and bottom with a curved top. Applying the top sheeting over the bulkheads and stringers can be made much easier if you first soak the sheeting in an ammonia/water solution to make it pliable, then pin it to the structure until dry, after which it can be easily glued in place. A clever design feature of the fuselage is that the battery tray is positioned behind the windshield so that the batteries can be removed for charging without taking off the wing. Simply remove the windshield and the batteries can be accessed through the opening in the front of the fuselage. The tail surfaces are built-up structures that are very light, yet quite stiff. The elevator and are sheet surfaces with the latter having three large lightening holes to reduce weight. The tail wheel wire mounts directly to the bottom of the rudder for steering.

 The best part of flying the Ju-52 is the sound. Yes, I know, electrics are quiet, but if there are no engine models flying you can still hear the three props signing their beautiful synchronized song. And, unlike a gas model, there is no chance of an engine-out as all three electric motors work as one. Multi-engine flying without the engine-out landings, balky engines, trying to synchronize engines that don't want to run at the same rpm, and worrying if one engine will run out of fuel before the other — what more could you ask? When the juice does start to run down, all three motors stay in sync and set up for an uneventful final approach. Why would anyone want to fly a multi with anything but electric power?

• Model Specifications:
• Aircraft Type: 1/20th Semi-Scale Warbird
• Wing Span: 59″
• Total Wing Area: 403 square inches
• Fuselage Length: 39″
• Number of Channels: 4 - Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator, and Throttle
• Weight: approx. 56 oz.
• Wing Loading: 20.7 oz./square foot
• Glow Fuel Engines: N/A
• Electric Powered: Output of 200 watts each, 40 amp ESC, 4-cell 45C LiPo pack of 2,700mah.

 The Graupner's Ju-52 RC model in this months edition can be built from a set of plans and articles from: “Outerzone.”

Outerzone Junkers Ju-52 Webpage.
AeroFred Graupner's Junkers Ju-52 Webpage.

 Want to try building a larger sized Junkers Ju-52? Then click on this next link at Outerzone for a 84″ span Junkers Ju-52, sized for three 0.20 two-stroke glow engines. Junkers Ju-52 (oz5874).

 I hope you have enjoyed this months selection, and just maybe, I have spurred some interest in trying your hand at building an RC model airplane.

Until next month - Keep the Balsa Dust Flying!!

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Build of the Month Series - September 2024 Edition

 I hope you enjoyed last months BOTM edition on the Das Ugly Stik model. If you have an RC model that you would like to see featured in this section or feel others may find interesting, please let me know and I will make every attempt to find scratch build plans, photos, and maybe even a published build article, which will then post in a future edition. Just send me an email @: Build of the Month.

 Ok, now lets see what I have for the month of September 2024. As I have stated in earlier editions, I tend to favor Vintage or Old-timer RC model airplanes. Keeping the build simple, resulting in an RC model airplane that is gentle and easy to fly are key factors for someone new to scratch build and learning to fly. And how about something that is a large size to make it easier to see at altitude. So given these requirements, this edition features the Playboy Senior, a well known RC model airplane designed by Joe Elgin.

 Images Source: Outerzone Playboy Senior Webpage.

 The Playboy Senior is one of the best performing early pylon designs. Originally designed in 1938 by Joe Elgin, the Playboy Senior still has excellent performance in the initial high climb rate and then having a lovely glide and the ability to make the most of any thermal lift that may be about. The Playboy Senior first appeared as a Cleveland kit in 1939. See their site at Cleveland Air Line for more details. Presented in this months edition, is a later version modified by Paul Denson and printed in RCM May 1975.

 Today eight-five years later, the name “Playboy” almost seems up-to-date. From years of experience in Free Flight, indoor and outdoor rubber, a small Free Flight gas job evolved. As gassies went in those days it was relatively small, “junior size” I guess you would call it, but extremely successful as a flyer. It performed! When it was scaled up to 7 ft wingspan, kitted and christened with the, then ridiculous name “Playboy” it became a powered sailplane - a real floater. Flown with an O&R .60 up front it started a new page in the history of RC modeling. In the winter of 1939, the kit hit the market and Bill Schwab built the first Playboy Senior. He went on to win many contests, first in Cleveland, first in Akron, and sixth in the Chicago NATS. This is the plane that broke the world's record twice within 7 days. That was just the start, and she is still going strong today.

 As an R/C trainer, the Playboy Senior has no peer. No matter what position you might get it into, just let go of both controls and she will get herself out of trouble. It is too inherently stable to stay in any position but right-side-up. Don't try to fly it inverted - it can get into that position but, since the airfoil is designed for lift, when inverted it lifts down and fast. It would decidedly be a way to get out of a boomer thermal, quickly.

 RC Model Construction: The plans for the Playboy are pretty much self-explanatory, but perhaps a few words are in order - particularly having to do with the modification for R/C. Extremely important is the beefing up of the wing to stand the stresses placed upon it by movable control surfaces, after all, you are going to be tempted to do an occasional loop or snap roll, and the wing must be strong enough to take it. Even though the spars are spruce, and you have 1/8″ ply sheet dihedral braces, the main spars must be webbed with 1/16″ sheet vertical grained balsa out at least to the polyhedral break. For those who had not webbed the prototype, they snapped the wing just outboard of the dihedral brace pulling out of a dive before going into a loop. The bottom spar broke the glue joint between it and the dihedral brace and the top spar failed. If it had been webbed this would not have happened. Because of the pylon on top, entrance to the flight pack must be through the bottom. Finish the cross-grain planking on the front of the fuselage then remove the section designated as the equipment access door.

 Don't forget to build the fuel tank area before planking the fuselage. The fuel tank may be removed through the access door, if necessary. Use the largest cylindrical fuel tank that will fit the space, in this case a 6-ounce tank. A .29 will run for about 15-20 minutes at half throttle on this much fuel. Make sure the 3/16″ square spruce vertical piece of the fin extends through the sub fin. Since it passes through the stab it will weld the tail assembly into a compact unit. Furthermore, if you decide to use floats it will be the hardwood point of attachment for the rear float. If there is even a small chance that you intend to fly the Playboy Sr on floats, install the 3/8x1/2″ in hardwood cross member in the fuselage before planking - it may be added later on but is difficult to do so.

• Model Specifications:
• Wing Span: 80″
• Wing Chord: 10.75″
• Total Wing Area: 750 square inches
• Horizontal Stab Span: 27.625″
• Horizontal Stab Area: 175 square inches
• Fuselage Length: 40.75″
• Number of Channels: 3 - rudder, elevator, and throttle
• Weight: approx. 48 oz. with glow engine
• Wing Loading: 9.23 oz./square foot
• Glow Fuel Engines: 0.29 - 0.35 two-stroke
• Electric Powered: Output of 600 - 700 Watts, 60 amp ESC, 4 cell 45C LiPo pack of 4000mah.

 Here is a link to an excellent build log: “Playboy Senior Build”. This build log has lots of great images that will take you step-by-step through the construction of the Playboy Senior. The finished model is powered by a OS 0.26 four-stroke with a 10x6 prop. The build is a 3-channel RC, elevator, rudder and throttle. A very well done build log. The model in the build log is built from a great set of plans and article which are available from: “Outerzone”

Outerzone Playboy Senior Webpage.

 Want to try building the Playboy Senior but not as a scratch build? Then click on this next link for a 80″ span Playboy Senior from Hanger One Kits, sized for 0.35 to 0.60 two-stroke glow engines. Their laser cut kit will give you many enjoyable hours of building and flying. Stable enough to be a relaxing Sunday flyer, and it's under-cambered airfoil making it a great performer in thermals. Playboy Senior 80". Another source for a Playboy Senior short kit is available from Ben Buckle Vintage Kits at this next link: Playboy Senior. Their Playboy Senior short kit includes pre-cut wing ribs, tip shapes and formers, balsa strip, sheet and block parts, undercarriage wire, hardwoods, a hardware pack and full-size plans. Everything needed to build the basic airframe of the model.

 I hope you have enjoyed this months selection, and just maybe, I have spurred some interest in trying your hand at building an RC model airplane.

Until next month - Keep the Balsa Dust Flying!!

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Build of the Month Series - August 2024 Edition

 I hope you enjoyed last months BOTM edition on the SIG RC-70 Tri-star model. If you have an RC model that you would like to see featured in this section or feel others may find interesting, please let me know and I will make every attempt to find scratch build plans, photos, and maybe even a published build article, which will then post in a future edition. Just send me an email @: Build of the Month.

 Ok, now lets see what I have for the month of August 2024. With the main objective of my BOTM Series being to help newcomers to the hobby, I feel this months RC model should support that objective. We want a Balsa RC sport plane that will be simple to build and fly, can be built as electric or glow powered, and will not require all kinds of special tools to build. So given these requirements, this month features the Das Ugly Stik, a well known RC model designed by Phil Kraft.

 Images Source: Outerzone Das Ugly Stik Webpage.

 For decades Phil Kraft’s Das Ugly Stik has been the standard by which sport planes are measured. It is common knowledge that the original Das Ugly Stik has been copied dozens of times by various designers and kit manufacturers, resulting in sweet sticks, sweet and low sticks, giant sticks, lite sticks, micro sticks and bipe sticks. Some sport planes have been designed by starting with the moments, incidence's, and areas of the Das Ugly Stik and making the shapes of the tail, wing tips and fuselage prettier. This is a safe strategy, because such a plane would still fly pretty much like an Ugly Stik even if it is not ugly.

 A less well known fact is that this sort of mimicry is how Phil Kraft designed the Das Ugly Stik in the first place. In 1964 RC Modeler magazine published a design by Don Mathes called the Digester. Mathes needed a test plane for his new digital radio. The name Digester was short hand for Digital Radio Tester. It's a big plane with a big wing and three channels. Looking at the airfoil and general layout of the Digester, it's easy to conclude that Phil Kraft took it as inspiration, simplified the nose and tail, added ailerons, and scalloped the trailing edges for chuckles. Phil did something right. Although the Digester is mostly forgotten, the Stik is the most successful design in RC history.

 The Ugly Stik fits the requirements perfectly as a trainer. It is about as simple as possible to construct. It is rugged and very easy to fly. Flying of the Ugly Stik is equally as simple as the construction. The design is not overly critical to the Center of Gravity location and should balance approximately on the main spar. No thrust offsets are used. To sum it up, considering the minimum amount of time and effort put into construction, I doubt that you will ever have more fun flying a radio controlled model aircraft. I believe it is an excellent choice for the beginner and an ideal trainer for multi proportional flying. I hope you enjoy it!

• Model Specifications:
• Wing Span: 60″
• Wing Chord: 12.5″
• Total Wing Area: 720 square inches
• Horizontal Stab Span: 22″
• Horizontal Stab Area: 160 square inches
• Fuselage Length: 46″
• Number of Channels: 4 - ailerons, elevator, rudder and throttle
• Weight: approx. 96 oz. with glow engine
• Wing Loading: 18 oz./square foot
• Glow Fuel Engines: 0.40 - 0.61 two-stroke
• Electric Powered: Output of 800-1,200 Watts, 60-85 amp ESC, 4-6 cell 45C LiPo pack of 5000mah.

 Here is a link to an excellent build series video: “Das Ugly Stik Balsa RC Aeroplane Build by Mark Robinson”. This is a 13-part build series that will take you step-by-step through the construction of the Das Ugly Stik, culminating in a maiden flight, and followed by a build and flight review. The finished model is powered by a 0.61 Tiger Pro 2-stroke nitro engine. The build is a 4-channel RC, ailerons, elevator, rudder and throttle. A very well done video series.The model in the video is built from a great set of plans and articles which are available from: “Outerzone.”

Outerzone Das Ugly Stik Webpage.

 Want to try building the Das Ugly Stik but want something a little smaller? Then click on this next link to AeroFred.com for a 46″ span Das Little Stik, sized for 0.20 to 0.35 2-stroke glow engines. All the Stiks have well-deserved reputations as being easy to build, great sport aerobatic aircraft and aileron trainers, and having tough airframes. The landing gear configuration can be a traditional tail dragger or a tricycle landing gear, both having advantages and disadvantages for the novice flyer. There is sufficient detail on the plans to readily allow even novice builders to build this "mid-size" Stik! Das Liddle Stik.

 I hope you have enjoyed this months selection, and just maybe, I have spurred some interest in trying your hand at building an RC model airplane.

Until next month - Keep the Balsa Dust Flying!!

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