back in 1985 when i started my model airplane career in Brazil there was a model called Blue Angel, by famous Casa Aerobrás on magazine ads and hanging at the shop ceiling along other immaculate models. This one caught my eyes and since then i was always dreaming of having one, as we didnīt had the luxury of imported stuff in Brazil up to 1990īs, this model was the goal for competition for the "mortals". Yes, real competitors had Stilettos, Noblers, Genesis and the "big" Cheyenne 2000. All of them out of most modellerīs league due to price, availability or building skills.
When i was "ready" to build one, the kit was withdrawn from production and kits reminded elusive to find, probably due to the low nubmbers of kits sold.
The project was a brainchild of famous modeller Alfredo De Almeida ( now at his 90īs ) and he developed the model for his competition goals early 70īs based on the Continental. After sucessful flights and competitions Casa Aerobras decided to kit the model in 1977. To simplify things the cowl and turtledeck where made of heavy vac formed ABS and the engine of choice was the ubiquituous FOX 35.
On a wave of nostalgia i approached Aerotech Models (brazilian kit cutter) and told them about the model heritage and how much modellers dreamed to have one, that was enough for them to replicate the model, but using my knowleadge on modern building technics to laser cut a better and lighter version yet preserving the original outline.
hereīs the prototype building review of my model.
hope you enjoy the ride.

Fred,

I have an odd question for you.  I met Bene back in 1984 at the Pan American Championship held in Santiago de Chile. At the time I believe that he was flying the original version of the Cheyenne and I have been eyeing the kit made by Hangar del Pozo for the Cheyenne 2000.  I am thinking that I would like to build one.  Any idea of how those designs might compare against a modern design?  It seems to me that you have a built a mix of both.

Thanks!

Bill

P.D. As usual, looking forward to your build thread.

Fred,

Thank you. I actually participated in the event representing Peru; I had just graduated from high school at the time.  Did O.K., did not end up last.  Bene won and once back in Lima we were trying to imitate his flying style.  He flew pretty low. The Peruvian team consisted of 2 Stilettos powered by ST 46s and a Gieseke Nobler powered by a ST 35 (mine).  At any rate, we spent quite a bit of time admiring the Cheyenne and I always thought that it would be nice to have one.  Skill wise, the plane is probably more capable than I am. My mom was a gringa as they say so that is how I ended up in the US.

Thanks,

Bill

Thank you for including the plans, they give me something to think about.