Pilot-1 Gilmore Red Lion 1/4 ARF



Available HERE

84-1/4" wingspan, 69-1/2" long, 1254 sq. in. wing area, 21lbs. flying weight. This is a plane from a time in history where individuals were the catalyst for change in the aviation world. It wasn't big corporations it was single guys that thought they could make planes go faster. Paramount among these innovators was Jimmy Wedell, a one time barnstormer and cross border rumrunner that had a genius for aircraft design. After he met Harry Williams and secured his financial backing, Wedell-Williams Air Service was born. From that came the most successful air racers of the 1930's a time when these privately owned aircraft were faster than anything that was being flown by the military. The Gilmore Red Lion (Race #121) was a Wedell-Williams Model 44, one of 3 model 44's that were raced. Flown by the flamboyant Roscoe Turner, the Gilmore Red Lion was arguably the best looking of the model 44's and was winner of the Thompson Trophy Race of 1934.

The Pilot-1 Gilmore Red Lion is a true to scale rendition of this famous 30's racer. The outlines are correct with only a minor increase in vertical tail area. The wing is the correct shape and in the right location requiring a notch in the lower part of the massive cowl. The wing profile is not scale, we wanted an airplane that had the great look of a 30's racer but exhibited the flight character of a good sport plane, and that is exactly what we have.

The airplane assembles quickly due to the large amount of pre-assembly done at the factory. The fiberglass fuselage is a beautifully hand laid with the authentic race graphics pre-installed and clear-coated. The stringers of the rear part of the fuselage are mimicked in the fiberglass. The landing gear are tough aluminum legs covered by the beautiful fiberglass wheel pants and legs complete with the rampant lion logo. The engine cowl is another work of art, completely pre-finished and the mounting ring pre-installed for a perfect fit with no fasteners exposed. The wings and stabilizer and rudder are the only built up and covered parts, all are covered in Oracover with the race correct graphics applied. The model includes all the flying wires and while they look complex they are not difficult to install and they add a real touch of realism to the airplane.

The model is suitable for gas engine or electric power, of course we built ours with a big AXI 53 Series motor, the motor mount for this power option is included in the kit. Access to the batteries or fuel tank is through the hatch in the top of the fuselage; the space in the interior of the airplane is huge making it easy to work on. The airplane balances with the electric motor and 12S battery pack without the addition of any ballast and the performance is astounding.

Rock solid handling without any vices; the airplane is equally at home on a runway or off of grass. As a great handling sport plane it will perform just about any normal aerobatic maneuver and is particularly at home in knife-edge flight. The airplane has a very benign stall and can be landed either in the 3-point stance or wheel landed.

Designed for standard sized hi torque servos such as Hitec HS-635's. You will need 5 for the electric version, one more for the throttle in a gas version. The elevators use independent servos for each half, the rudder is pull-pull and also drives the tail wheel steering.

A recent crash sale on your 84" Gee Bee for $300 (which I have but had to re-design the gear struts) & this very nice comparable model for $900 ????

This thread is redundant. See http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1308801

If you compare the details of the two, they are totally different.
They have diff whl pants, rudder sizes, canopys, & the HL version has a recessed fuse where the cowl ends keeping cowl & fuse dia's the same. I'm sure there are more but those were the first few I grabbed.

Sorry, I thought they were the same

Originally Posted by staggerwing

A recent crash sale on your 84" Gee Bee for $300 (which I have but had to re-design the gear struts) & this very nice comparable model for $900 ????

$900 is a bargain for this. Fiberglass fuse, cowl, and pants. Quality hardware and craftsmanship. For a giant scale plane of this caliber, it's a deal. The 84" Gee Bee is nice, but nothing like the Gilmore.

Jason

Here's the video ...

Hobby Lobby Pilot-1 Gilmore Red Lion Racer (1 min 50 sec)

It's so nice looking in person that it's hard to believe that it's an ARF type model. The shape, finish and markings are just incredible. Looks great in the air and looked like it flew really well.

Just ordered one. <excited>

Lucky dog!! It's a beautiful model. Good luck.

I have everything needed....just will probably sell a few airframes to pay for it.

or not.

...any WW1 stuff?

I'll get mine at Toledo...can't wait. Wish I could have it ready for SEFF.

I have it! Thanks Jason!