The Astro Challenger is done. I used a Top Model F3426/7 Storm Kv 1250, 10x6, 40a esc, Savox servos, and a Spektrum receiver. With a 3/s 850mah battery the Challenger balanced perfectly with no weight required. I extended the nose to match the geared motor option shown on the plans. RTF weight is 25.5oz which is an incredible difference considering the two I built in the 80's weighed slightly over 40oz. That 15oz weight savings is going to make the Challenger fly excellent, can't wait to fly it.

I ran the motor this morning and at full throttle it's about 32a. It pulls close to the original geared Cobalt 05, so it should be fun. The original Astro Challenger climbed near vertical.

Thanks to elecfryer for the set up tips!...Continue Reading

Original Lazy Bee with a 40" wing and an OS .15FP...Continue Reading

Modified the fuse to stick built like Larry Jolly's Big Bird....Continue Reading

A fun kit to build with lots of balsa! Looking forward to flying it! The engine is a Saito FG-11 gas four stroke....Continue Reading

I enjoy building airplanes of all types, sizes, and especially the older vintage kits. The next one up is an original World Engines Robinhood 25 kit. I don't remember exactly when this kit was released but I want to say it was around 1982ish. Great flying sport airplane that has a scale look to it. The only changes I'll be making are installing a tail wheel and dual servos for the ailerons. These airplanes fly a lot better when you can tune them with aileron differential.
I put the first three flights on the Robinhood.
Nice flying airplane and the .25 FSR provides enough power to be fun . It required minimal trim to get it flying level. It does like a touch of rudder in turns to stay coordinated. I added some aileron differential and it did improve the rolls, they became more axial. Does all the basic aerobatics with ease, does great snaps and spins.
I haven’t flown one of these since the 80’s, so it’s been nice revisiting the original kit/design....Continue Reading

Nice flying .25 size airplane I built to break in a couple of new OS .25 FSR's for a future Twin Stik....Continue Reading

Made in the USA laser cut kit. Great flying airplane covered with Oratex, with an EME-70 engine. First flown on 6/25/23, flies terrific!...Continue Reading

Great flying easy to build airplane....Continue Reading

Great flying easy to build trainer by Lou Andrew's....Continue Reading

Purchased the plans and parts from Bob Holman. Installed an OS .20 four-stroke which is perfect. Originally, I built the stab with an elevator on only one side as shown on the plans. This turned out to be a mistake, so I built a new stab that was strengthened and had elevators on both sides. I also took the opportunity to remove the Ultracote that would not stop wrinkling and recovered it with Neucover which is great stuff. I test flew the Simplex 60 with the new stab/elevators, which made all the difference in the world. This is a great flying airplane that thermals very well....Continue Reading

I remember when this was introduced in RCM, I thought it was a good-looking airplane. I ordered the plans right away, it took me until 2017 but I finally got it built. The Pacific
Ace flies terrific, better than I expected....Continue Reading

Fun airplane to build, and it flies excellent....Continue Reading

A stock build with the exception of a bolt on wing. I also installed a Norvel .061, covered with Neucover.

RTF weight is 16oz, so it should fly well....Continue Reading

Another great flying Bridi design, RCM Trainer 5. It’s a great flying 1/2a design, and very easy to build. I purchased two short kits from Andy Kunz. Andy made a few minor changes to the way the airplane is constructed, but the specs are the same....Continue Reading

The Canard Stick is a great flying airplane that's definitely something different. It's easy to build, and fun to fly....Continue Reading

This is the second SIG Wonder I've built. With an OS .25FP installed it makes a great sport flyer. Easy to build but extremely fun to fly. This one is covered with Neucover, and has Spektrum radio gear installed....Continue Reading

This is the second SIG Four-Star 120 I've built for my wife. It's an excellent flying airplane that's easy to build. The OS 1.08 is a perfect match for the airplane....Continue Reading

One of many great designs from Chet Lanzo. The Racer is a big airplane with a wingspan 144", and wing area 2217 sq in. Great flying Old Timer!...Continue Reading

One of the great designs from Hal deBolt. The Champion is fairly easy to build and a terrific flyer. The OS .15FP provides plenty of power....Continue Reading

Back in the 80's I always wanted a Kadet Junior but never built one. Finally did it this year and it flies terrific, and the OS .25FP is the perfect power for it. Once again, if Claude McCullough designed it you can count on it being a well-behaved airplane. The OS .25FP was brand new but it was running reliably in short order and started to loosen up by the fourth flight. Typically, I trim trainers to fly level around half throttle knowing I'm only using full throttle for aerobatics. At half throttle, the Kadet Junior required some down trim which is typical, and a couple of clicks of left trim. She flew hands off all day long. Once trimmed and with the engine running reliably, I set out to see how it handled. The rudder and elevator offer plenty of authority throughout the flight envelope. Low speed or high speed the Kadet Junior turns terrific with not even a hint of tip stall even with tight turns. It performs loops, rolls, stall turns, and even flies inverted somewhat against its will. Take-offs are no problem as it behaves well on the ground. Landings are nice and predictable all the way down on the approach. Full-up elevator touchdowns are an absolute blast and a lot of fun! The Kadet Junior was designed in the 79-80 timeframe. With the lighter gear available today mine turned out to be exactly 3lbs, about 12 ounces lighter than the advertised weight. Maybe one day SIG will start kitting this great design again....Continue Reading