Berkeley models

[bobsrc]

Just a reminder that SIG MFG. CO. purchased Berkeley Models from Duke Fox back in the early 60's and still owns the rights to those kits and plans.  Anyone selling kits or plans of Berkeley Models without SIG's permission are pirating copyrighted material.  We have reintroduced a copy of the MINI-ZILCH using the original plans but with laser cut premium wood instead of die crushed junk wood for the nostalgic kit builders.  These are listed at $39.99.  We are also looking at some of the other sizes of ZILCH's and a couple of other Berkeley models if enough interest is shown - the Orbit Ace and Lancer series are a couple of possibilities.  If interested contact me at bobnelson@sigmfg.com.
 

[dennis lipsett]

A big yes to the Lancer, the Ace is similar to the Darwing, Wow, Firebat,Reactor etc, but still 'cool'

Dennis

[wwwarbird]

 
 It would be quite exciting to see some new C/L releases from Sig. I would likely buy any new .15 to .60 size control line kit that Sig would care to produce. There is nothing at all wrong with the current offerings, it would just be nice to see some new stuff, anything C/L. I did pick up a new Banshee kit at the contest this past weekend. I didn't need one, I bought it "just 'cuz". I do plan to build it, not just keep it on the shelf.


 On a separate note, here's something else to consider. I'm not a big ARF fan, but I would think that both the Twister and the Super Chipmunk would be excellent candidates for ARF's, or even ARC's. Heck, maybe even the Fazer as a C/L ARF? It would also be great to see the Primary Force available again.

 

[Scott Richlen]

My Fazer flew well as a control liner, but there wasn't much Fazer left in it after I had removed the RC dna.

I recut the ribs to taper the wing and changed every dimension in the design (it was a fun challenge to see if I could turn it into a good flying profile.)  For the most part was able to use all the balsa.  Called it the "Fixed Fazer."

I would never try to fly it as originally designed.  Yikes!

A few years ago I won Advanced profile stunt at Brodaks with it.  It flew quite well.  LA-46 power.

Scott

[Bill Little]

Just a reminder that SIG MFG. CO. purchased Berkeley Models from Duke Fox back in the early 60's and still owns the rights to those kits and plans.  Anyone selling kits or plans of Berkeley Models without SIG's permission are pirating copyrighted material.  We have reintroduced a copy of the MINI-ZILCH using the original plans but with laser cut premium wood instead of die crushed junk wood for the nostalgic kit builders.  These are listed at $39.99.  We are also looking at some of the other sizes of ZILCH's and a couple of other Berkeley models if enough interest is shown - the Orbit Ace and Lancer series are a couple of possibilities.  If interested contact me at bobnelson@sigmfg.com.

Hi Bob,

I applaud you, and Sig, for bringing back some of the old Berkeley kits.  I believe there are several that with laser cutting and new methods of production, some of these old kits will sell for you.  Many are legal for Old Time Stunt competition as you probably know.

Personally I would like to see Sig bring back out the Black Tiger (P-40) kit.  It is a historic model and OTS legal.  Designed by Bob Elliott and a NATS winner.

Please announce here any of the new releases when you decide.

Bill Little







 

[John Hammonds]

I know this is about Berkeley models and Kudos for this venture, I wish you every success but . . . . .

If ever Sig decided to re launch the Zlin Akrobat I'd be over it like a rash.  The Chipmunk is nice but the Zlin just looks so "right". I don't buy many kits but I'd make an exception for this one. I have chased a few down on Ebay but postage to Blighty has always been the killer.. If it was available from retail outlets at a price around the same as the Chipmunk I'd be reaching for my wallet pretty dam quick. 

TTFN
John.

[Steve Helmick]

I would love to see an updated version of the Twister (Fancher-ized version) and Skyray 35 (an all-balsa wing, please!). A Ramrod 600 FF would also be interesting.  Steve

[dennis lipsett]

I would love to see an updated version of the Twister (Fancher-ized version) and Skyray 35 (an all-balsa wing, please!). A Ramrod 600 FF would also be interesting.  Steve

Steve,

If you want a slightly updated Francherized Twister I had Walt Umland do a special one for me. Not radically different but Walt can fill you in.

Dennis

[ChrisSarnowski]

Hey Bob,

Nice to meet you flying combat at the Nats. You made some kids very happy with the Mini-Zilch kits, plus one of our local guys (Neil Simpson) who you also met and who put a ton of flights on one as a kid.

-Chris

[bobsrc]

Hi Chris,
It was great meeting you and many of the others I have read about for years.  Although I have gone to the Nats since the 1968 Olathe Nationals and have flown control line since the mid 50's this was my first entry in nationals combat and it was a pleasure flying against some of the countries best. 

Bob

[Mark Misegadis]

Bob,
Thanks for the focus on Control line. I have a new Twister going together now on the bench with a Banshee waiting for the space to open up.

I am sure there are many Berkeley models that would interest me. I have an Enya .63 that would go great in a NEW Super Duper Zilch.  I have the same set up in an original survivor that I am just too afraid to fly.

Mark
.

[dankar]

I have some Berkeley adds sheets on my wall in Hobby Room. Old times sake. Sterling also.