Free Flight Fanatic

John and Bernard Guest discuss the good and bad of running a model airplane manufacturing company.

Part 1 of 2 on the very complex subject of how market forces affect supply and demand. What could possibly cause the demise of the great and beloved scale plastic model airplane company Wingnut Wings of at all times now? Even an "average" manufacturer such as Kitty Hawk can bite the dust during this current hey-day of modeling activity. Can these two companies closing serve as some sort of warning for our own aeromodelling manufacturers?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuOn5XNyRZ0

Episode 20 is here! John talks AMA guidance, new products and the The fabulous 1974 Book titled "Flying Scale Models of WWII". John does an out of box review of the modernized and laser cut kit of Hal Cover's Focke-Wulf TA-152, now produced by Dave Diels of Diels' Engineering. We also have a very special interview in this episode, Mrs. Sandy Miller. Who is Sandy Miller? Well you will just have to listen to Episode 20 to find out!

New Products:

96" WS Satellite Super D, $209.00

The Satellite Super D is based on the Satellite 1300, originally designed by Bob Hunter in 1959 and upgraded to the series 70 in 1970. The BMJR Super D stabilizer has been reduced from 58% to 35% of the wing area which is intended to improve the power pattern with today's hot 60 size engines. Model may be built in the classic style with vertical and horizontal stab as one unit, or with the vertical stab aft in the fuselage to accommodate auto surfaces. 96" wingspan and 1300 sq. in. area

https://www.bmjrmodels.com/satellite-super-d

92" WS STARDUSTER 1300, $189, $227, $294

BMJR Starduster 1300 comes in 3 different kit configurations: B-142A Short kit; plan w/laser cut wing and stab ribs. B-142B short kit + sticks to assemble wing and stab. B-142C wing and stab kit + wood to assemble fuselage.

https://www.bmjrmodels.com/starduster-1300

23-11/16" WS Focke-Wulf TA-152 $41.95

"KIT # 19-LC - WW2 German fighter plane, late long wing development of the FW-190D-9. 1/24 scale, from the Model Builder Book Flying Scale Models of WW2. Plain paper decals. Laser cut conversion and updating of the original design.

https://dielsengineeringinc.com/laser-cut-kits.html

11" WS Rookie, $16.99

Simple capacitor powered free flight model airplane aimed at the beginner. The model is powered by an electric motor connected to a capacitor which can be charged in a few seconds. This kit is great for kids and can be built relatively quickly with adult supervision. Capable of long flight and is a great choice as an educational tool for learning about flight or just having some fun.

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/woodenshoe-aviation-kits/rookie

11.4" WS Speedster, $36.99

This time a balsa wood model airplane kit by WSAT that can be assembled by novice model airplane enthusiasts or kids under close supervision. This one has the classic lines of the golden age of aviation and is a great flyer for the local park. An excellent second project after the rookie has been built and flown.

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/woodenshoe-aviation-kits/speedster

7.5" WS F104 CARTOON JET "STARFIGHTER", $39.99

This is a more advanced Cartoon jet version of the famous F104 Starfighter jet aircraft of the 1960s. This is an awesome performer that looks fantastic in the air and is capable of long flights. It can be built in an evening by a more experienced builder. It is also a great "advanced" project for your budding aviation enthusiast.

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/woodenshoe-aviation-kits/f104-cartoon-jet-starfighter

20" WS Ramrod, $35.00

This 20" span Ramrod by Alexandre Cruz is a great flying replica of Ron St. Jean's legendary gas model. Mild power setup allows excellent performance with easy 90 second maxes in E20 configuration.

https://jhaerospace.com/product/micro-ramrod-e-20-capacitor/

22" (?) WS Cloud Tramp Short Kit, $11-19

A Volare Products laser cut short kit of Charles Hampson Grant's classic stick model – the Cloud Tramp. This is a BASIC Short Kit of the Cloud Tramp. It comes with laser cut 1/20″ sheet flying surfaces, re-engineered wing saddle and wheels, and plans/instructions.

Optional items include: 8″ Chinese Prop (+$1), an 8″ Superior Props Cloud Tramp Prop Blank (+$8). The builder provides: Propeller (possibly from the options), prop shaft and nose bearing, 1/4″ square balsa, 18″ long, wire for landing gear and tail hook, rubber motor.

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product=cloud-tramp-short-kit

Links to other Sites mentioned in this episode:

https://thegeebee.com/

https://www.modelaircraft.org/amainaction

https://deluxematerials.co.uk/products/model-lite-balsa

https://rclibrary.co.uk/files_titles/1119/FlyingScaleModelsWWII.pdf

Episode 19 delves into the subject of "basic modelers' survival needs", and specifically plans. John also includes a smorgasborg of new products, some letters to American Modeler Magazine from 1959, and an update on the status of the Albatross project. Also, some local hobby shop shout outs!

New(er) Products for May 2021

Hummingbird Model Products

E-Nostalgia T-Bird 200:

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/e36-electric-ff-power-models/e-nostalgia-t-bird-200-36

Blizzard E36:

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/e36-electric-ff-power-models/blizzard-e36-by-john-osullivan

White Esaki Japanese Tissue, 17.5 x 23.5 inch sheets:

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/new-products

Carbon Booms (3 types):

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/carbon-booms

Nostalgia Wakefields:

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/nostalgia-wakefields/toto-1952-wakefield

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/nostalgia-wakefields/surprise-wakefield-by-rene-jossien

John Morrill's Miss World's Fair Embryo

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/embry-endurance/john-morrills-miss-worlds-fair-embryo

1/2 Flying Cloud Wakefield

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/half-a-wake-short-kits/half-a-flying-cloud-wakefield

3 Old Time Rubber Short Kits

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/otrubber/vargo-wock

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/otrubber/verdi-rocket-short-kit

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/otrubber/elite-skyrocket-ama-one-design-model-for-2019-29-span

Peanut Scale Version of the Isermann Mr. Smoothie

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/peanut-kits/p-nut-scale-version-of-the-isermann-mr-smoothie

Free Flight Glider Kits and Parts for: Catapult, Handlaunch and Towline

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/catapult-gliders

All Sorts of Digital and Paper plans available for purchase (Sport, Old time, WWI and WWII Scale as Well as Peanut Scale)

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/plans

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/paper-plans-for-purchase-1

Vintage Model Company

Centurion Rubber-Powered Free-Flight Kit

https://www.vintagemodelcompany.com/31-centurion-rubber-powered-free-flight-aircraft-kit.html

Aerowerkes/DPC Models

https://dpcmodels.homestead.com/whatsnew.html

Ozark Model Aviation

Grumman Guardian Short Kit

http://www.ozarkmodelaviation.com/proddetail.php?prod=grumguard

Grumman Guardian Prints

http://www.ozarkmodelaviation.com/products.php?cat=8&pg=3

Volare Products

Geo-Embrysol Embryo Laser Cut Short Kit

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product=geo-embryosol-embryo-laser-cut-short-kit

Zephyr Embryo Laser Cut Short Kit

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product=zephyr-embryo-laser-cut-short-kit

HepCat Old Timer Laser Cut Short Kit

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product=hepcat-short-kit

HepCat 3D Printed Noseblock

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product=hepcat-3d-printed-noseblock

FREE FLIGHT SUPPLIES – Mike Woodhouse

https://www.freeflightsupplies.co.uk

Paul and Ralph Bradley's Model Airplane Hangout

http://parmodels.com

New Products!

George Reich Albatross progress!

Other podcasts with free flight material!

Mike Kirda's Esaki tissue endeavor!

John discusses new products, the progress on his George Reich Albatross Project, and new ways to bring your old, worn out bottle of CA back to like. We save the best for last though; a wonderful time with Mr. Scale himself, Dave Platt. Dave and John discuss old-school free flight, engines, his how-to video series, and the Battle of Britain. We also discuss his means of being an efficient model builder, i.e. "Good enough for who its for".

Dave's bio can be found here, on his website:

https://www.daveplattmodels.com/index.htm

Dave Platt sold his R/C kit manufacturing company to Bel Air Kits in England. (I have two of his 1/5 scale short kits, the Zero and the FW-190. They are fantastic!)

http://belairdigital.co.uk/itemsection.asp?id=13

Dave still sells his videos (they are also fantastic and come highly recommended by yours truly). As mentioned in the podcast, he is selling his Scottish Aviation Bulldog from his "Devil in the Details" video series for $3000. Delivery is not available, the buyer must pick it up.

https://www.daveplattmodels.com/Videos/index.htm

New Products for the Month of February:

AIO TIMER MODULE CASE, from $10.00

https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/timers-for-free-flight/aio-timer-module-case

Now available from Texas Timers:

1. a) RPO (Remote Pinch Off Timer). Click on the RPO button on the left.
2. b) ESC (Electronic Speed Control). Click on the Electric Accessories button and scroll down.

http://www.texastimers.com/

Peanut Scale Nesmith Cougar Model Kit ($25.99)

https://www.wind-it-up.com/collections/scale-model-kits/products/pp-7?variant=29348762976320

BABYSHARK – MANHATTAN CABIN PLANS ($10) Short Kit ($35)

https://jhaerospace.com/product/babyshark-manhattan-cabin-short-kit/

BIFURCATION – OPEN PENNYPLANE ($40)

https://jhaerospace.com/product/bifurcation-open-pennyplane/

TOP BANANA 200 ($75) 1/2A or E36

https://jhaerospace.com/product/top-banana-200/

TOP BANANA 800 ($180)

https://jhaerospace.com/product/top-banana-800/

YO HO – 1/2A NOSTALGIA GAS ($50.00) 1/2A , E36 or E-Nostalgia

https://jhaerospace.com/product/yo-ho-1-2a-nostalgia-gas/

Esaki Tissue

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product_cat=esaki

Gene Smith's 21.5 inch WS Cessna Cardinal 177RG monoplane.

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product=cessna-cardinal-177rg-short-kit

AMA Beta ($29.95)

https://amaflightschool.org/BETA

Shout outs:

Stunt Hangar You Tube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC96GB5l5-lNYSEtieSfFFCQ

House of Balsa Micro CA Tubing

https://houseofbalsa.com/6ft-ca-micro-tubing

320 piece CA Glue Micro-Tips Kit, Plastic Squeeze Bottles, Extender Precision Applicator:

https://www.amazon.com/Hysagtek-Micro-Tips-Applicator-Dispensing-Dispensers/dp/B0899TCL4P/ref=psdc_14138150011_t3_B082Z39PMV

Show Notes:

1. Brian Eggleston is assisting the estate of Sorj Ranta dispose of his extensive collection of engines, building materials, models and aeromodelling magazines. (the wood reportedly is already sold).

Sorj competed in the F1B and F1C categories at the World Championships held at Cranfield and Leutkirch in 1955 to 1961. Several of his engines have already sold and have been featured here and other related sites on Facebook. A Google Drive file that gives pictures of some of the engines is located here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13q-r1ogZsfuAQXWYHB6FhWX9s3RNv4WX?usp=sharing

If you are interested in having the latest engine list and suggested prices, or other items, please send Brian a request by Messenger along with your current email address. Please contact me for Brian's email, if you do not have access to Messenger.

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New Products:

BMJR Models:

https://www.bmjrmodels.com/new-model-kits

Their website lists the following as new: Buzzard Bombshell, Civy Boy E-36, Hoosier Hot Shot, Texan 484, Perky Jr., Raven 450, Waco CG-4 and Witch Hawk 500

Vintage Model Company: (open each link and sort by "Newest Items"

https://www.vintagemodelcompany.com/free-flight.html

https://www.vintagemodelcompany.com/free-flight-experienced.html

https://www.vintagemodelcompany.com/simple-free-flight-models.html

J&H Aerospace:

Ken Grub's ECHO P-30 – FULL KIT $55

https://jhaerospace.com/product/echo-p-30-full-kit/

P1T01 ELASTIC (indoor/outdoor) CATAPULT LAUNCHED GLIDER - 7.9" WS, $6

https://jhaerospace.com/product/p1t01-elastic-catapult-launched-glider/

Mini Cat's Meow Indoor CLG kit comes with catapult and parts for three gliders. $45

https://jhaerospace.com/product/mini-cats-meow/

PROTEGE 2021 ELASTIC LAUNCHED GLIDER (XPS styrofoam) (2020-2021 SCIOLY DIVISION B rules) Kit builds 3 gliders for $50

https://jhaerospace.com/product/protege-elastic-launched-glider/

SUPER PROTEGE – LEGAL FOR ELASTIC LAUNCHED GLIDER (2020-2021 DIVISION B rules) Kit includes catapult and parts to build 3 gliders for $75

https://jhaerospace.com/product/super-protege/

Retro RC and Campbell's Custom Kits:

Comet Sparky 32" kit for $55

http://retrorc.us.com/phantomfury-3-3-1-1-1-2.aspx

Ozark Model Aviation:

Douglas A-20 Completely redone blueprints featuring accurate part patterns and simpler/cleaned up structure.

38" wingspan. Twin rubber or electric. New plan rendition. Canopy set available. Canopies: $10 Planset Price: $10.00

https://www.ozarkmodelaviation.com/proddetail.php?prod=newA20

Ben Buckle Kits:

Hepcat, 48" WS, $90

Diamond Demon, 48" WS, $90

https://www.benbucklevintage.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_8

Other Items

Sig Manufacturing - Comparison of Bass vs. Spruce:

https://sigmfg.com/collections/basswood

John begins the show with a tribute to Bill Hannan, who passed away on December 14, 2020.

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Also, status of his Albatross O/T model project, with details on John's plan for the spar construction.

Laser cutting by Jerry Galland: http://www.cuttinglight.com/contact/

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This month focuses on model airplane designer and author Bill Dean. Thanks to Roger Simmonds for allowing me to use the information from his website Jetex.org

Bill Dean Biography:

http://archivesite.jetex.org/history/hall_of_fame/dean.html

New Products:

J&H Aerospace:

https://jhaerospace.com/product/polly-b-glider/

Carl Rambo's Poly B Catapult or HLG - 17" in WS kit is $40. Design features a removable wing (for storage) and a screw type adjustment for wing incidence. Kit includes hand selected contest grade balsa.

https://jhaerospace.com/product/mercury-short-kit-only/

New short kit of Albert Hatful's (Keil Kraft) 36" WS Mercury rubber model is available for $30; plans are $10

https://jhaerospace.com/product/maxout-ix-embryo-endurance-full-kit/

Maxout IX embryo full kit just released

https://jhaerospace.com/product/half-scale-jabberwock-gollywock-combo-short-kit-w-plans/

Combo short kit for 1/2 size Gollywock and Jabberwock w/plans is $20. Flat WS is 15.75"

https://jhaerospace.com/product/tornado-legal-for-2021-science-olympiad-helicopter-rules/

https://jhaerospace.com/product/twister-so-helicopter-kit/

Twister and Tornado helicopter kits for the Science Olympiad. Kits are $50 with parts for 3 helicopters and $60 with parts for 2 helicopters, respectively.

Retro RC and Campbell's Custom Kits:

http://retrorc.us.com/retroemoth-1-2-1-3-1-1-5-2-1-2.aspx

New laser cut kit for the .020 replica of the 1941 Aerbo. Pylon configuration with a diamond cross section fusleage. Complete kit is $63, but both a short kit and the plans are available separately

Volare Products:

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product=yakovlev-yak-3-peanut-short-kit

Peanut Scale, laser cut YAK-3 short kit (includes vacuum formed canopy and spinner) for $16. You can also download the printed tissue template from his website, no charge.

Diel's Engineering:

https://www.dielsengineeringinc.com/laser-cut-kits.html

Laser Cut version (kit #19-LC) of his 1/24 scale FOCKE-WULF TA-152H is now available. Model has 23-11/16" WS (Hal Cover's 1974 contribution to MB's series Flying Scale Models of WWII)

Dumas Products:

https://www.dumasproducts.com/product-category/plane-kits/new-release-planes/

#339 F4F Wildcat (30″ Wingspan)

#341 Fairchild PT-19 (30″ Wingspan)

#340 Ryan STA (30″ Wingspan)

Stan Buddenbohm:

Email: [email protected]

VEE 17 Redux CLG kit $55 each plus $9 shipping. Will combine shipping for up to 3 kits.

GTS Free Flight (Sevak Malkhasyan):

Email: [email protected]

GTS FreeFlight YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLQLkEFwfeW95Kh8_hzYR9w

GTS E-20 Kit $85. Features a built-up wing from laser cut balsa and bass ribs and a tapered carbon fiber boom.

Ozark Model Aviation:

New Website: https://www.ozarkmodelaviation.com/

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Plans of Interest:

Bill Dean's Supermarine 508

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=6224

Bill Hannan's FAI Peanut

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=6095

John and Bernard cover the F1 provisional classes and the F4 (free flight scale) provisional classes. Should the F1S rules be changed to allow auto surfaces? Or should F1S remain locked down?

John discusses the progress of his 80" Albatross project. Will ignition engines rule once again?

Coupe d'Hiver: https://www.hippocketaeronautics.com/ff_ou_cdhiver.htm

The FAI F1 Sporting Code: https://www.fai.org/sites/default/files/documents/sc4_vol_f1_freeflight_18.pdf

The FAI F4 Sporting Code: https://www.fai.org/sites/default/files/documents/sc4_vol_f4_scale_14_rev_1.pdf

FAI competition results: https://model.wings.rs/competition.php?id=482

Tonda Alfery's Tigercat: http://www.minimakety.cz/dvacetinky/reports/2009/OpenScale/index-en.php?img=42&nick=G1

Bob Holman Plans: http://www.bhplans.com/GMPg1.html

(The George Reich Albatross is at the bottom of this page)

Jim O'Reilly Model Plans: https://www.jimoreillymodelplans.com/prodserve.htm

(He did the CAD re-engineered plans for the Albatross)

John and Bernard Guest delve into the mysteries of the 7 FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) free flight classes. John watched the documentary FLOAT and provides a review (he liked it!) Easy-Built Models - New Kit Offerings:

https://easybuiltmodels.com/ff31.htm#gsc.tab=0

https://easybuiltmodels.com/ff08.htm#gsc.tab=0

https://easybuiltmodels.com/pd13.htm#gsc.tab=0

Easy-Built Models - Japanese Tissue Offerings:

https://easybuiltmodels.com/esaki#gsc.tab=0

37" Rubber-Powered Model Airplane - 1931 Babcock - Anatomy of a Trim Session

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjuiXaBQK00&list=UU5lXh5HZ62N8s7urLVoOVxg&index=25&t=122s