I built a Sterling Dr-1 triplane years ago. I've had this model on display for some years now. I sheeted the fuse with 1/32 balsa the entire span and silkspan on all other areas. It currently has a baby bee .049 in the nose and I was wondering if these models really fly. My father insists that I fly this plane because it just looks too cool. I built another kit from Guillows using the same technique of sheeting the sticked areas. In the event of a crash this could be a real nightmare. My expectations are nothing more than round and round. Its just that I have no knowledge of what to expect on initial take off. I  would imagine that the triplane is going to have considerable drag. The models instructions basically state that cg occurs in the vicinity of first leadout exit. Its not very informative. My model noses down slightly at this point. Typically on my first flights of any other model I've built nose heaviness isn't a big concern for me. I'm just wondering what the outcome is going to be when the engine quits. I don't think this model could sustain the cartwheel effect that some of my other 1/2 a planes can take. Between the two wheels on the landing gear is that small airfoiled shaped wing. I believe this might be a problem on takeoff due to lack of ground clearance. I say this based on a grass take off. Has anyone ever successfully built and flown this model or others like it? I'd like to know before I carry a bag of bones home.             Ken Cook

F-4-F guy (Ron Burn) has a very capable design (Zero) based on the Guillows plane which flies a great stunt pattern.  It is a different wing, but everything else is based on the kit with modifications for strength where needed.

The Triplane is very fragile, and I believe you are correct in that it will not sustain to many cart wheel landings with out having to have some serious repair.  You will need a very smooth area to take off and land.  Basically a smooth paved area which will be very bad if anything goes wrong!

We used to build and fly the Guillows and Sterling models back 40 plus years ago with some succdess, but they were in constant need of repairs even without crashes!

Bill <><

Well, I'm going to try one. I bought one of the 36" Cessna 152's just to try it. Box says it can be flown with up to a .15. I'm going to use a OS Pet .099.

Of course, I've had this kit for 4 years now so don't hold your breath waiting to hear about the result.

I have two of those motors and never put either one in a plane. I have run them.