Pilot-1 Wedell-Williams 1/8 Scale Racer

[Flyboone]

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/images/rcm8044.jpg (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pilot1-wedell.htm)


RCM8044 Pilot-1 "Wedell-Williams Model 44" 1/8 Scale ARF

In the late 1920's and early 30's air racing was huge in the United States. Racing pioneers like Granville, Rider, Laird, Howard and Curtiss were familiar names, but there was no one who had more success than Jimmy Wedell and his Wedell-Williams racers, particularly the Model 44. In the years 1931-34, Jimmy Wedell's Model 44 placed in the top three in the Thompson Trophy Race 7 times, including 2 wins.

40" wingspan, 31" long, 325 sq. in. wing area, 35 oz. flying weight. Our model 44 captures the look and excitement of this classic airplane in a modern laser cut ARF. We combined racer looks with sport flyer handling for an easy to fly, easy to build airplane. Model is all laser cut balsa and ply construction, pre-covered in genuine Oracover. Cowl is pre-finished fiberglass, wheel pants are molded plastic. Includes flying wires, tail braces, pre-bent wire landing gear, steerable tail wheel and hardware. Easy access to the flight batteries under the magnetic battery hatch in the fuselage. Photo illustrated instructions included, assembly time approximately 8-12 hours. While not suitable for the novice, the Model 44 is an easy plane to fly. Anyone with some aileron airplane experience should not have any problems flying this airplane. Our recommended power system provides plenty of power for quick take-offs and powerful climbouts. All regular aerobatic maneuvers are easily performed with this airplane. Its light wing loading makes it easy to slow down for landing. For 4-channels: Ailerons (2 servos), Elevator, Rudder and Throttle.

For more information and to watch the video click HERE (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pilot1-wedell.htm)

Use this thread to discuss any and all things related to Pilot-1 "Wedell-Williams Model 44" 1/8 Scale ARF

[bouncebk2003]

Looks absolutely awesome!A bit pricey though,but I just might have to get one anyway.I sure hope there will be more race planes in this series!How about a Gee Bee Z!!Or a Laird Super Solution!Will there be more?

[capteasy]

Any future Wedell Williams pilots are out there....???

[Tony_Fletcher]

My wife ordered this plane for me for my birthday. Looking forward to its arrival!

[aero104]

Here are some pics of the Hobby-Lobby.com 1/8 scale Wedell-Williams racer I built.

The is an awesome plane. Flys well slow and fast, very docile flyer.

Enjoy,

Chris

[aero104]

And check this out!

A very clever system for the flying wires is included in the manual. You can easily get to battery and radio without having to mess with the wires.

You disconnect a spring on the bottom, pull canopy up with the wires, move canopy to side or in front. Install your battery, close the lid, reattach spring.

Easy as 1-2-3.

Aero104

[bouncebk2003]

Wow!Excellent pictures.It looks even better than I thought it would.I sure hope they produce more racers in this series!!I would love to see a Gee Bee Z,or Super Solution in this size!!

[aero104]

Wow!Excellent pictures.It looks even better than I thought it would.I sure hope they produce more racers in this series!!I would love to see a Gee Bee Z,or Super Solution in this size!!

Nice taste in racers!

I have already placed my vote for the Laird Super Solution. Wouldn't that be an awesome plane to fly?

One of my favorites is Mr. Mulligan... who knows what will be next... :)

Chris Woodward
(www.hobby-lobby.com, Jr. R&D, builder, etc...)

[bouncebk2003]

Chris,
Super Solution,Mr. Mulligan,I want them all!!This one is a must have also.It would have been nice to see the Gilmore Lion scheme as well,but I'll take this one too!!I think a lot of modelers love the Golden Age of air racing.I know I do!!

[capteasy]

Most any of the Golden Age era racers or sport airplanes would be a welcome addition.
The Ryan ST in at least 1/8 scale would be my choice in particular.

What's the latest update on Hobby Lobby's big, beautiful Roscoe Turner Wedell Williams - no. "121"?

[Hiflyer]

Capteasy asked:

"What's the latest update on Hobby Lobby's big, beautiful Roscoe Turner Wedell Williams - no. "121"?"

The initial testing and flights at NEAT confirmed that we had a great flying model. The prototype fuselage was built up wood and covered with the wing root fairings made of fiberglass and the firewall/nosebowl part of the fuselage made of fiberglass also. Rather than mating all of these FG parts to a wooden fuselage and matching paint to covering ect. we decided to go to a full FG fuselage. This will allow us to increase the scale look of the fuselage (more stringers) and make it a bit simpler to produce.

The prototype had an increased nose moment because I thought that to achieve the proper balance I would need it. Turns out that I could achieve the proper CG without the batteries being pushed to the back of the firewall. This is allowing me to modify the outline to make it a bit more scale. I expect to test the revised version in the Spring. Production will follow as soon as any issues are resolved. I love the look of this plane and really enjoyed flying it, very sweet in the air.

Mike Hines

[aero104]

Here's a picture of the 1/4 scale prototype from www.hobby-lobby.com

Chris Woodward
(www.hobby-lobby.com, Jr.R&D, builder, photographer, etc...)

[Warbird 01]

Most any of the Golden Age era racers or sport airplanes would be a welcome addition.
The Ryan ST in at least 1/8 scale would be my choice in particular.

What's the latest update on Hobby Lobby's big, beautiful Roscoe Turner Wedell Williams - no. "121"?

If we are wishing for models, how about a nice Comet DH88 or a Hall Bulldog racer. I also agree with you capteasy, a 1/8 Ryan ST would be nice. I'm sure what ever HL comes up with, it would be nice. I just finished the WACO and am looking at the Wedell. Might just wait a couple of months to see what will come out next.

Shawn

[Scott Morgan]

Can anyone confirm that Green Models manufactures these for Hobby-Lobby, rebranded with the Pilot-1 name?

[aero104]

Can anyone confirm that Green Models manufactures these for Hobby-Lobby, rebranded with the Pilot-1 name?

All "Pilot-1" planes are 100% Hobby Lobby. They are not rebranded.

The Pilot-1 line of aircraft is comparable in design and quality to the "e-flite" and "hangar9" brand.

You should buy one! They are really nice flying planes.

Chris Woodward
(www.hobby-lobby.com, Jr.R&D, builder, photographer, etc, etc...)

[Scott Morgan]

[
The Pilot-1 line of aircraft is comparable in design and quality to the "e-flite" and "hangar9" brand.

You should buy one! They are really nice flying planes.

Chris Woodward
(www.hobby-lobby.com, Jr.R&D, builder, photographer, etc, etc...)[/QUOTE]



Chris, I am assembling the Pilot-1 1/4 scale Champ right now and I absolutley love it. Can't wait to fly it some.

[dogsheep]

subscribed

[Tony_Fletcher]

My wife ordered this plane for me over the Thanksgiving weekend for my December 5 birthday. The web site now says expected arrival 2/28. I believe it was 11/30 when she ordered.

Like the original WW #44, it appears there's only one model in existence!

[aero104]

The Wedell-Williams racers are in the warehouse now. They had to hold shipment up for a few new parts to be added to the kit. They should have started shipping yesterday. I'm certain yours will be enroute very soon.
Chris

[Tony_Fletcher]

Good news-thanks for the update.

[hymyankel]

Beautiful!

[Tony_Fletcher]

My WW arrived today! Looks like a great kit. I will start a build log!

[aero104]

For those of you having trouble reading the b&w manual, here's a copy of the Full Color version in pdf format. :)

Chris Woodward
(www.hobby-lobby.com, Jr R&D, photographer, Pilot-1, etc...)

[aero104]

For all owners of the 1/8 scale Wedell Williams #44, please read the Mandatory Service Bulletin. A manufacturing error has come to our attention and these instructions will show you how to do the neccessary modification. Abnormal flight characteristics will be encountered if the mods are not done per the instructions below. It should only take a few minutes to complete.
We appologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thanks,

Chris Woodward
(www.hobby-lobby.com, Jr. R&D, builder, photographer, etc..)

[rallison]

For all owners of the 1/8 scale Wedell Williams #44, please read the Mandatory Service Bulletin. A manufacturing error has come to our attention [...]
Chris Woodward
(www.hobby-lobby.com, Jr. R&D, builder, photographer, etc..)

Chris,

Are you still shipping models with this problem plus the fix kit, or has your current stock been updated with a new, correct cowl?

[aero104]

Chris,

Are you still shipping models with this problem plus the fix kit, or has your current stock been updated with a new, correct cowl?

We are shipping the original kit with new plywood cowl rings, a new motor mount box and instructions for the modification. The fix is very easy and it only takes a few minutes to do.

Chris

[Tony_Fletcher]

We are shipping the original kit with new plywood cowl rings, a new motor mount box and instructions for the modification. The fix is very easy and it only takes a few minutes to do.

Chris
So the answer to the question is no. It's the same kit I received in January. You fix the cowl.

[aero104]

So the answer to the question is no. It's the same kit I received in January. You fix the cowl.

That is correct. The original question was fix kit or new cowl. It is an easy 5-10min fix for the builder to do. For us to do several hundred kits, many weeks.

Also, the builder may want to "fine-tune" the placement of the cowl depending on motor used and if they want to shorten cowl for more scale looks.

So, I think the fix kit is a better option.

Thanks for the interest in Pilot-1 planes!

Chris

BTW- We just released the Piper PA-12. I think it is the best in the series so far.

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pilot-1.htm

[rallison]

... It is an easy 5-10min fix for the builder to do. For us to do several hundred kits, many weeks.

[...]

So, I think the fix kit is a better option.

Thanks for the interest in Pilot-1 planes!

Chris

BTW- We just released the Piper PA-12. I think it is the best in the series so far.

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pilot-1.htm

Aero104,

Well, yes, of course it's a better option for Pilot-1/HL to make their customers do the fix. Better for you folks, anyway. But the amount of labor required doesn't go away; you're just shifting it from the ones who own the mistake to the paying customers. Might turn some potential buyers off when there are other golden age racers of the same size on the market for less money that don't require the buyer to correct design/manufacturing mistakes. Don't mean to be harsh--just sayin'.

Short of a fix, a discount would make sense, if only on principle. But I suppose it must be selling well enough as is.

The Piper PA-12 looks to be a sweet plane, and is more sensibly priced than the WW44. It might be tempting if I didn't already have a scale vintage high-wing monoplane ARF in cream and red. ;)

Thanks for the reply, though.

[aero104]

I am not aware of any golden age racers of comparible quality and size as ARF? All honest manufacturers have "service bulletins" when problems are found. Tower Hobbies, Futaba, JR, Spektrum, Hangar9, etc.
Also, I believe if someone has a problem, contact the manufacturer directly in private. If you still cannot reach a resolution, then seek more info on rcgroups. But please don't badmouth a product and also demand a discount. It's one or the other.

With that said, I will personally do the cowling modification if you purchase a kit from hobby-lobby.com. How's that for customer service?

Please call in your order and tell the sales representative that Chris Woodward has agreed to personally fix your cowling for you. They should make arrangements to get it to me and then to you.

Ps- the next shipment of wedell's will have the changes done to them.

[rallison]

I am not aware of any golden age racers of comparible quality and size as ARF? All honest manufacturers have "service bulletins" when problems are found. Tower Hobbies, Futaba, JR, Spektrum, Hangar9, etc.
Also, I believe if someone has a problem, contact the manufacturer directly in private. If you still cannot reach a resolution, then seek more info on rcgroups. But please don't badmouth a product and also demand a discount. It's one or the other.

With that said, I will personally do the cowling modification if you purchase a kit from hobby-lobby.com. How's that for customer service?

Please call in your order and tell the sales representative that Chris Woodward has agreed to personally fix your cowling for you. They should make arrangements to get it to me and then to you.

Ps- the next shipment of wedell's will have the changes done to them.

Chris, thank you for your reply, and for the generous offer--I will give it serious consideration, as I am very interested in your WW44.

I am glad to hear the next shipment will have this issue corrected; that's actually what I was trying to find out with my first post on this thread. I am sure it was a great frustration to you and the other folks at Hobby Lobby/Pilot-1 when this issue arose. I recognize that these things happen, and respect you folks for putting out the service bulletin and fix kit. No need to be defensive on those points.

But yes, there are two, maybe three comparable Golden Age Racer ARFs competing for customer dollars:

Gee Bee R2, 40.75" $129.95 from that place in China that will not be named
Gee Bee Mini Senior Sportster, 48.5", $129.90 Hobby Lobby
Gee Bee Senior Sportster, 40", $145.99, Maxford USA

You folks have what is certainly the newest one, possibly the most desirable one and, this one first-run flaw aside, perhaps the highest quality one. You also have the most expensive one, and expectations are higher as a result. That's all my second post was intended to reflect--buyer expectations. Sorry to have set off fireworks by accident.

Thanks for being honest about the situation, and for bringing this kit to market. Don't let tightly-budgeted S.O.B.s with high expectations, like me, get you down. ;)

I'll gladly take any further discussion offline.

[aero104]

Thanks for the information.
I looked at the planes you listed. According to the forum on the Gee Bee R2, it is plagued with many problems. It also is not very scale and doesn't fly well.
The Gee Bee Sportsters are good flying airplanes. I did not think of them as they mostly flew in the "powder puff derby" and not head to head with the Wedell Williams.
The Gee Bee Sportsters included, www.hobby-lobby.com does sell Green Models aircraft, but some of our versions are quite different. We build, fly, and test every item in the catalog to make sure it fly's right. Some get extensive changes before we release them. So, it may be a bit more expensive (sometimes less) but you can rest assured it will fly nice and look great! Combine that with excellent customer service, and you have what makes www.hobby-lobby.com successful.

Chris Woodward
(www.hobby-lobby.com, Jr. R&D, builder, pilot, photographer, etc..)

[Tony_Fletcher]

I'm close to wrapping up my WW #44 kit and plan to post a more thorough observation when I'm finished.

In the meanwhile, I will say that any new kit will have some issues and the H-L Wedell Williams #44 is no exception with an incorrect cowl, missing parts from the kit, many shipping/release delays.

In the end, I suppose it's a decision between joining the "cutting edge" to build the first version, or waiting until the "kinks" have been ironed out.

I for one am excited about the kit so I don't mind these bumps along the way. Particularly since I know that any issues will be addressed by H-L.

I'm also glad to see H-L making the repair to the cowl BEFORE they ship them out. I'm OK with a service bulletin for kits that have shipped, but to continue shipping the incorrect cowl WITH the service bulletin and asking the customer to make the repair is poor form. So thanks to H-L for making that right.

It sure is a great replica of a classic airplane. Looking forward to better weather so I can get her in the air!. It looks like H-L has a good hangar of planes within this Pilot-1 series!

[aero104]

Everyone,

I finally got around to modifying my cowl for a more scale look. It does look better. I have attached photos for those of you who wish to make this modification. It's easy to do and only takes about 5 minutes.

Step 1. Use tape to secure dremel to workbench. Set it up so "fibergalss reinforced cutoff wheel" is at the end of the yellow stripe on cowl.

Step 2. Turn on dremel and lightly turn cowl clockwise several rotations against dremel. Do not cut all the way through the first rotation. I used a shop vacuum to keep dust down. Always wear eye protection!

Step 3. Use black permanent sharpie marker to color edge black. Reinstall cowl.

That's it! Easy as 1-2-3!

Chris Woodward

[Scott Morgan]

Thats slick! It looks a whole lot better too!

[Flyboone]

New permanent pricing change.... Now just $149.99

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/1_8_scale_wedell_williams_arf_airplane_7269_prd1.h tm