Author Topic: Pictures of my Formula S (Read 3214 times)

James Mills · « **on:** July 12, 2009, 07:44:53 PM »

Will try and post some shots of the cockpit in my Formula S (3rd and final one on this plane). Also the first time I have painted a pilot.

James

Randy Powell · « **Reply #1 on:** July 12, 2009, 08:25:32 PM »

Man, I have always loved that plane, but never built one. Had the plans for years then lost them somewhere along the line and never re-ordered them from Flying Models. Are you using the modifications to the nose that were posted here some time back?

I like the cockpit. Looks cool.

James Mills · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2009, 08:54:33 PM »

Randy,

Thanks, I don't remember seeing any mods for the nose (guess I'll have to search that out). I've had it in one piece for a long time, just hit a "funk" with building for a while (got very focused on bow hunting last couple of fall seasons). Out of the funk now (going to the Nats and helping my 7 year old fly basic has me motivated). Plus I had originally set this up for a VF40 and didn't think about balance, so now is set for a Magnum 36. I am still trying to figure out the paint scheme (am leaning toward a Thunderbird scheme from the 60's).

I've been looking at the original in St. Louis for years (ever since my wife and I were first married). He flew it in the Nats the year I was born. Hope to have it finished soon.

James

Matt Colan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:26:18 AM »

Looks great so far James! I love the looks of the Formula S. Keep us posted.

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2009, 08:27:39 AM »

I'm not quite as far along as James is, but here are the pieces for my Formula S...

Bob Hunt

Randy Powell · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2009, 09:14:20 AM »

James,

My understanding (and Bob can correct me - he would know) was that the nose, as published by Flying Models, was not the nose that Mr. Kostecky designed. Someone here (sorry, I don't remember the details) showed sketchs, done by Jim Kostecky, that outlined the actual nose.

Love Bob's work. That is a nice Formula S

Robertc · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:28:12 AM »

The cowl was a bit different published than Jim's plane. He hand drew the difference for several people including me.
This is the one I flew for several years. One of my best flying Classic planes ever. ( the other being a Gladiator)

Randy Powell · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2009, 11:35:39 AM »

Robert,

Have you been talking to Pat Johnston about paint schemes? This is his favorite layout.

Sure is cool looking.

RandySmith · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:47:48 PM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on July 13, 2009, 08:27:39 AM

I'm not quite as far along as James is, but here are the pieces for my Formula S...

Bob Hunt

Bob what do the components you show there weigh? looks like it will be an awesome ship!

Randy

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2009, 07:17:54 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on July 13, 2009, 09:14:20 AM

James,

My understanding (and Bob can correct me - he would know) was that the nose, as published by Flying Models, was not the nose that Mr. Kostecky designed. Someone here (sorry, I don't remember the details) showed sketchs, done by Jim Kostecky, that outlined the actual nose.

Love Bob's work. That is a nice Formula S

My brother drew Jim's FS plans that were submited to FM. The nose shape (rounded & scoop-less) on the plans as published were accurate. That cowl was not Jim K's favorite design feature though! The sketch he submited (somewhere, forgot where I saw it) showed a more dramatic scoop similar to the later Spirit of America and even reminiscent of the earlier Talons. I believe the LG in the published version was also just a tad taller (per Jim's request) to allow for larger props.

I think a pix of the bird as it resides in St Louis would prove it one way or the other.

Robertc · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2009, 08:18:14 AM »

Before Pat Johnson, I got the idea from Howie Keefe. The Cox P-51 was the first I saw of it, then shortly after, I got an Air Progress showing the real plane. I think it suits the Formula S nicely.

James Mills · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2009, 08:48:09 AM »

Quote from: Dennis Adamisin on July 15, 2009, 07:17:54 AM

My brother drew Jim's FS plans that were submited to FM. The nose shape (rounded & scoop-less) on the plans as published were accurate. That cowl was not Jim K's favorite design feature though! The sketch he submited (somewhere, forgot where I saw it) showed a more dramatic scoop similar to the later Spirit of America and even reminiscent of the earlier Talons. I believe the LG in the published version was also just a tad taller (per Jim's request) to allow for larger props.

I think a pix of the bird as it resides in St Louis would prove it one way or the other.

I'll try and post a couple of the origional hanging in St. Louis.

James

Jim Pollock · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2009, 05:17:27 PM »

So, tale of the two nose scoops! Is the one on the original they way Jim wanted it instead of how it was portrayed on the Plans?

I kind of like the scoop on the original best, how about y'all?

Jim Pollock

Matt Colan · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2009, 05:48:20 PM »

I say put a motor in the old one, clean it up, put a set of lines on it and fly it.

Airacobra · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2009, 10:06:07 PM »

I say take it off the wall and send it to Muncie and place it in the Museum!!! It really is a piece of stunt history and I hope it eventually ends up there.

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2009, 06:40:30 AM »

Actually there were a number of "problems" with the plan that was published in Flying Models. Jim and I were great friends and talked on the phone almost every week. When I told him that I was planning to build a Formula S he volunteered to make the appropriate changes on the plan for me. Those changes included the adjusted nose shape, longer landing gear and a very different top view shape of the fuselage crutch. I have those corrected plans with notes by Jim and his signature and can provide copies of them at a reasonable cost.

When I started building my first Formulas S, I called Jim and told him of my progress. He said that he'd always wanted another one and he actually conned me out of my original set of parts! He drove down and picked up everything I'd built and took it home to assemble and finish it. Sadly. he died before he could finish the plane and it was tragically destroyed after his passing...

I decided to build another one in tribute to my old buddy.

Bob Hunt

Randy Powell · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2009, 12:20:33 PM »

I'll be anxious to see it completed, Bob. It's the quintessential 60s, jet style plane. Very cool.

Bill Little · « **Reply #17 on:** July 17, 2009, 02:12:14 PM »

Both of the Formula S models shown in construction look great. I once saw Robert's plane in action and it flew outstanding.

Mr. Hunt, I guess I really need to make use of that lost foam jig I have!

Mongo

James Mills · « **Reply #18 on:** July 17, 2009, 03:32:50 PM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on July 16, 2009, 06:40:30 AM

Actually there were a number of "problems" with the plan that was published in Flying Models. Jim and I were great friends and talked on the phone almost every week. When I told him that I was planning to build a Formula S he volunteered to make the appropriate changes on the plan for me. Those changes included the adjusted nose shape, longer landing gear and a very different top view shape of the fuselage crutch. I have those corrected plans with notes by Jim and his signature and can provide copies of them at a reasonable cost.

When I started building my first Formulas S, I called Jim and told him of my progress. He said that he'd always wanted another one and he actually conned me out of my original set of parts! He drove down and picked up everything I'd built and took it home to assemble and finish it. Sadly. he died before he could finish the plane and it was tragically destroyed after his passing...

I decided to build another one in tribute to my old buddy.

Bob Hunt

Bob,

Unfortunately mine was already in 1 piece when the other plans became available, so I may have to pick up a set of your plans if I decide to build another some day.

James

Matt Colan · « **Reply #19 on:** July 17, 2009, 04:18:30 PM »

Quote from: Airacobra on July 15, 2009, 10:06:07 PM

I say take it off the wall and send it to Muncie and place it in the Museum!!! It really is a piece of stunt history and I hope it eventually ends up there.

Or that works too!

Jim Pollock · « **Reply #20 on:** July 23, 2009, 09:34:29 AM »

Yes it is a historic airplane and does belong in "some" Museum. If not the AMA Museum, how about a PAMPA Museum?
I think a PAMPA Museum would go over well in Tucson while being associated with VSC!

Jim Pollock

Matt Colan · « **Reply #21 on:** July 23, 2009, 10:40:10 AM »

Quote from: Jim Pollock on July 23, 2009, 09:34:29 AM

Yes it is a historic airplane and does belong in "some" Museum. If not the AMA Museum, how about a PAMPA Museum?
I think a PAMPA Museum would go over well in Tucson while being associated with VSC!

Jim Pollock

Or the Brodak Museum that should be starting construction on soon according to our tour guide in the factory.

James Mills · « **Reply #22 on:** July 23, 2009, 07:59:05 PM »

Quote from: Airacobra on July 15, 2009, 10:06:07 PM

I say take it off the wall and send it to Muncie and place it in the Museum!!! It really is a piece of stunt history and I hope it eventually ends up there.

I'm not sure Art would let it go, he got it from Mr. Kostecky himself (as I remember the story from Art). He also has several Tuckers from that time (I believe he flew those himself).

James

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #23 on:** July 29, 2009, 11:01:05 AM »

Quote from: James Mills on July 23, 2009, 07:59:05 PM

I'm not sure Art would let it go, he got it from Mr. Kostecky himself (as I remember the story from Art). He also has several Tuckers from that time (I believe he flew those himself).

James

...and obviously it is Art's to do with as he wishes. I would only hope that Art knows if he wants to or has to part with this or the other irreplacable items, that places like the AMA or the Brodak museum's would be glad to take them on.

Looks like the picture of the cowl kinda slam-dunks the airscoop discussion. I do not know how to explain the SIGNED sketch that Bob H has - but it clearly does not represent the FS as built & published.

Another sidebar on the FS: Greg Zajack, a flying buddy of Jim K's built a Formula S the same time Jim built his. Used the same paint scheme except where the "Ukranian Lion" graphic is, Greg's had a different but similar themed ethnic pictorial. Greg's was also built with a I-beam style wing (actually a Talon style, not a true I-Beam) not a D-tube. I understand Greg took his FS to a VSC and was told it was not "accurate"!

john e. holliday · « **Reply #24 on:** August 03, 2009, 08:01:30 AM »

Even tho I have been an active AMA member since the mid 50's I would not send anything to them for exhibit. They have a lot of stuff in the storage that some people will never see. I have been to Schaeffers Hobby Shop back in the 70's and I think John Brodak ought to use it as an example of what a hobby shop should be. I've seen the shop in Muncie at the museum and even tho there is a lot of stuff in there it does not remind me of Charley's Hobby Shop or Jim's Key & Hobby, Ace Hobbies in downtown KCMo or even Northeast Hobbies that used to be on Independence Boulevard. DOC Holliday