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Speed,Combat,Scale,Racing => Scale Models => Topic started by: John Watson on January 29, 2018, 06:42:05 PM
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Suggestions for scale control line kits and plans that build into competitive models...............
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If you build a full body Sport Scale model beware of the crippling penalty for NOT having retracts & flaps on plane that had retracts & flaps.
Either build a fixed gear no flap plane like a Shoestring or plan on having the devices.
Other than that, any plane of which you can get documentation can be effective.
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Suggestions for scale control line kits and plans that build into competitive models...............
John,
Can you scratch build? The Golden Era offers many choices of aircraft to model which don't have retracts.
You can also take a look at the NATS models and the NATS winners.
Good luck!
Charles
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Planes built from Brian Taylor plans or short kits always do well.
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Flaps are easy to add to a model, 1 or 2 servos and a toggle switch with 2.4 Ghz
retracts can be a royal pain install, 98% to work to earn the 20 points for that option are done in the shop while you build the model. moving the toggle switch from up to down is easy while flying, making them work properly is the challenge.
You can build from a set of plans such as Brian Taylor or other designers, but check the outlines if you want to get the best static score possible. The biggest mistake people make is build the model and then find the documentation and 3-view. Pick the 3-view first and the documentation (photos) and build to match the 3-view and photos. modify the plans to match the 3-view and photos.
another option is to take a 3-view that is correct, get it enlarged at Kinkos/FedEx to the size you want and scratch build
If you don't want the hassle of retracts build a fixed gear model
Throttle only models are not at a disadvantage but if it's a single engine model you have a tough time filling in the options. but if you build a multi-engine model you can easily fill 5 options. Add flaps and you have 6 options. Look for options like bomb drop, open close doors, flaps and others that are just a servo.
there are many Kits out there that have been stretched or highly modified from the scale outline that almost make them cartoon scale. To be competitive you have to picky with the documentation, 3-view and the details on the model.
Fred
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I put this video together on how to prepare a 3-view for competition and how to pick one, I used the P-47 as they example
Fred
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSwY7dI5-QA
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I have several laser cut Fun Scale and Profile Scale kits available. Check out the kit list in the Vendors Corner. The plans are all CAD plots with full size templates of all parts.
Pat
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Brodak has 6 scale kits. His Shoestring has won the NATS in the past. I did well with his LA-5 in profile.
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John,
I mentioned the Golden Era. This Gee Bee Z started out as a Paige Aviation R/C kit.
The kit is far from scale, but with changes like the ones I made, you could have a model that has 98% scale outlines.
You see these kits from time to time on ebay.
The vintage Aristocraft kits are also a great find. Many scale offerings and a perfect size for CL.
I'll be looking today to see what's on ebay.
Charles
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I will vouch for the Aristo-Craft kits, Years ago I built the Beechcraft Staggerwing Aristo Craft kit. The kits were the highest quality for the day. The die cutting very nice. Some of the wood was on the heavy side but for scale that is not a huge problem. As a matter of fact there is a Aristo Craft Beechcraft kit up on Ebay right now for $179 buy it now. I am tempted to buy it if it were not the fact that I have a tuned pipe and other accessories for the two kit I already have yet to buy. PS that kit flew great, unfortunately I plowed it in doing one to many loops.