Then there are all the Dick Sarpolus 1/2A, all sheet models of about 28" wingspan. I remember reading that Bob Hunt flew the entire pattern on Dick's Corsair.
I've built, but haven't yet flown, his son Rick's Beechcraft Bonanza (Model Aviation, February,2003).
Here's a quote from Dick's build article for his 1/2A Avenger (Model Aviation, September 1977, p. 50). "We have found models such as this ideal for learning the stunt pattern; my son is learning the maneuvers far more quickly than I did years ago. This is mainly due to the ruggedness of the models; because of their higher speed they may be more difficult to maneuver but this is more than offset by their ability to bounce back from most crashes. Learning requires a lot of practice and it helps not to be repairing planes most of the time. We do our flying over grass fields and for this reason leave the landing gear off the planes. Small wheels can't handle grass anyway and without them the models are that much lighter."
Interestingly, none of Dick's models have flaps, not even his 1/2A profile Nobler. If you are not familiar with Dick's designs, they all use Cox TD's, Medallions, Norvel or Big Mig engines, all but the Nobler are semiscale models. I have a list of his published plans somewhere, but can't find it just now. Dick's T-28 Trojan is in the February 1999 Model Aviation, pp. 44-48. The Trojan plan number is #870. The Avenger is plan #202. My memory says many of his designs were published in Flying Models.
I would like to hear what others who have built and flown some of Dick's designs think of their flying ability.
Thanks,
Joe Ed Pederson
Cuba, MO