The F94C STARFIRE and THE NAVION

[Mike Griffin]

Four years ago, I bought the rights and Templates from my friend Larry Richards for the Matt Kania designed NAVION and THE F94C STARFIRE which were produced by Sterling Models.  I also purchased Larrys templates.

I have not produced a new kit in several years now but have been thinking about bringing these two back as laser cut kits.  They both are very simple profile kits and very nostalgic.  Larrys kits were hand cut and beautiful as those of you who own his kits know.  Since laser cutting is now so common, I would have these produced by laser.

CAD work, lofting ribs, etc. would have to be done in order to get these to kit form.

This was just a thought for a project for Spring of 2015.  The first quarter of 2015 is dedicated to building the Tudor, Magician and Flite Streak Take Aparts.

If you have any interest in the NAVION or F94C STARFIRE KITS, please give me some input.

Thank you
Mike

[dennis lipsett]

Mike,

Dare produced the Navion and it is still listed in their catalogue. John Brodak has either acquired the rights or is acting as a vendor for Dare kits and it can be purchased from his outlet.
They are nostalgic but not really special models. Just my opinion though.

Dennis

[Dalton Hammett]

Hi Mike,   Both interesting models.   I've had a couple of the old Sterling Starfires but never got one to fly really great.   As a mater of interest, I have a Larry Richards Navion kit but it is not the original model as kitted by Sterling.   The plane is larger, has flaps and of course a lot better wood.     It is an extremely nice kit but I know he made very few of them.

[Mike Griffin]

Hi Dennis and Dalton,

I did not know Brodak had the Dare NAVION and I agree neither one of these designs are exceptional fliers as a stunt plane.  They are just fun to fly sport models.  It was just an idea I had but nothing I had a burning desire to produce.  I will probably just build a couple for myself when I get a chance.  I know a lot of Larrys kits were never built and became collectors items.  I built one of Larrys F94C Starfires a few years ago and it flew good.  It has a thin airfoil so it does not glide great but it was fast, fun to fly and looked neat.

I appreciate the input guys and like I said, I don't have the interest anymore of doing kits like I once did so this is no big deal.  I think for me personally, the older I get the more I am leaning toward the older, simpler designs.

Thanks again Dennis and Dalton.

Mike

[john e. holliday]

What is wrong with a plane for just going out and burning holes in the sky.   The two mentioned would be easy to build and finish.   A plane you can throw in the car or leave it just to go fly for relaxation.   If finances improve you can count the old DOC in.

[Mike Griffin]

What is wrong with a plane for just going out and burning holes in the sky.   The two mentioned would be easy to build and finish.   A plane you can throw in the car or leave it just to go fly for relaxation.   If finances improve you can count the old DOC in.

Not a thing wrong with it Doc.  I do not compete anymore and that is exactly what I do if I fly.  Thanks Doc.  If you want one later on I will hand cut you one if necessary if you want one.

Mike