Sterling Kits

[john e. holliday]

We all know Matt Kania designed the S-1 Ringmaster kit for Sterling as it says so on the box.  Over on the Ringmaster site the question was asked,  "How many of the Ringmaster variants were designed by Matt Kania or who are the designers of the various versions of the old Ringmaster"?

[George Hostler]

I heard that Matt Kania designed the Ringmaster, Junior and Baby. I don't know who designed the others. Sterling had a habit of not putting the designer's names on plans, like Goldberg did. Regardless, I've been having a blast flying my Ringmaster Junior with OS .15FP-S and 8x4 prop. Flies 4 second laps on 50' lines, 5 second on 58's.

The kit was one of the last before the Sterling Corp. became Estes property. They did things to it like too light a gage of landing gear wire easy to prang, luan plywood cheek sides, standard die crunched wing ribs, etc. But I've replaced over half the wing ribs due to hangar rash, shipping, toddler handling and crash damage.

One of these days I'll build me one of the Ringmasters or larger variants. 

[john e. holliday]

Now is the time to get one of the Old Time Stunt Legal Ringmaster kits from either RSM Dist. or Brodaks.   

[FLOYD CARTER]

I have many copies of plans for the S-1 Ringmaster.  This one features light constructi9on, such as 3-piece leading edge, built-up and planked fuselage, etc.  I built one at 22 oz.  You just can't do that with a kit or with the original construction.  I will send plans at no cost if you contact me.

Floyd

[George Hostler]

We all know Matt Kania designed the S-1 Ringmaster kit for Sterling as it says so on the box.  Over on the Ringmaster site the question was asked,  "How many of the Ringmaster variants were designed by Matt Kania or who are the designers of the various versions of the old Ringmaster"?

According to https://www.modelaircraft.org/files/KaniaMathew.pdf (AMA membership and log in may be required to view):

Designs Kitted by Sterling Models Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1950: Designed the worlds most populous Profile Control Line Stunt Model (Ringmaster)

1953-1958: Designed

• F-51 Mustang, semi scale profile
• Yak-9, semi scale profile
• Ringmaster Jr., Class A-Profile
• Super Ringmaster, Built up Fuselage model
• Baby Ringmaster, Profile model
• Space Kaydet, Fuselage Class A ....

The following information was published in the January 2008 issue of Model Aviation magazine.

Mathew J. Kania 1917-1997

.... The Ringmaster is Mathew’s most famous and possibly the most frequently produced and built kits of all time. Originally developed in 1950, the Ringmaster is still winning contests today. At the 2006 Nats, five of these models placed within the top 10 in their divisions. The design has also developed into a series of models.

Matt is credited with designing the original, Junior, Baby and Super Ringmasters. I've inquired on RCGroups, RCUniverse, StuntHangar StukaStunt and Brotherhood of the Ring. The rest is still unknown exactly who.designed the other Ringmasters.

[Mike Griffin]

Now is the time to get one of the Old Time Stunt Legal Ringmaster kits from either RSM Dist. or Brodaks.   

You know Doc, I should run another special on the Ringmaster Kits again.  I know the last time I did it, I kept Eric Rule busy as a one armed paper hanger cutting them for shipment....

Mike

[55chevr]

Mike,
Why not do a run.  I would love to build one made out of real good grade balsa.  Instead of the crap that Sterling put in the their kits.   


Joe

[RknRusty]

I think Sterling used the left over balsa from there boat kits....

Oh, I thought they raided the dumpster behind the baseball bat factory.

[pat king]

The original Ringmaster fuselages were from Cricket bats that were too heavy!

Pat

[john e. holliday]

But, at least they didn't fold the wings when built according to instructions.

[De Hill]

I have been organizing my magazine collection. Of course I have to read almost every magazine I pick up. According to the May 1956 edition of Air Trails Hobbies for Young Men, in the Sterling advertisement. Matt Kania designed the Profile Messerschmitt ME-109. It had a wingspan of 26 1/2'. He also designed the profile Curtiss P-40 Tiger Shark Wingspan 27 1/2".

De Hill

[Brett Buck]

But, at least they didn't fold the wings when built according to instructions.

   Yes, unfortunately it needed that sort of wood in the LE since there was/is little else keeping it together. That and the engines of the day kept it alive. Many people have gotten way too clever about saving weight and improving the performance, and had unfortunate "oops".

    Brett