I like the KFM2 airfoil’s performance and easy construction, but I don’t like its looks. Trying to smoothly fair military insignia over the abrupt step is a pain. Getting rid of the step, whilst preserving the wing thickness and stall-gentling airfoil front, is my target.

So, I decided to build a simple test model with rubber-banded-on wings, switching between a KFM2 wing and a KFM2 with the area aft of the step filled in (i.e., a ‘fastback’ modification). For that testbed, I picked Ken Willard’s Schoolboy.

Of course, I’m trying to kill a flock of birds with one stone. I’m trying several new (to me, at least) building and finishing ideas with the one model. Plus, having just finished a LASER-cut balsa kit, I want to compare my build results with the kit (I wasn’t impressed with the kit, so I’m going to refrain from identifying the manufacturer).

I’m not new to building and flying R/C; I’ve been building and flying models for over 60 years. A few years ago, I realized I’ve developed an allergy to balsa, so I’ve switched over to foam. We’ve also moved to a newer, smaller home, with the resultant smaller workshop. That, plus the FAA’s possible actions, has led me to build smaller models (happily, my wife is good with flying 8 to 10 ounce models).

I used Schoolboy plans from Outerzone, converted the .pdf to a .jpg, traced the outlines in LibreCAD, then resized them to a 216 in. sq. wing area. As I’ll be using a modern radio, not the escapement Ken Willard...Continue Reading

Minimum R/C F8F ‘Rarebear’ Bearcat

Available direct from Minimum R/C (https://www.minimumrc.com/c/airplane-kits-0371) or via Banggood.com.

Span 360 MM (about 14 1/8”)
Weight, with 1 cell (200 MaH) lipo is 33 gm/1.25 oz.

Flight times are short (about 2 minutes), but very spirited. This little beastie is fast and highly maneuverable – loops, rolls, etc. are easy and quick, whilst the model isn’t hard to land. There is no landing gear.

This is a simple kit, not an ARF. Parts are a stiff foam with LASER-cut control horns, servo mounts, etc. I used Foam-Cure and clear Gorilla glue when building it; CA is not recommended.

Building instructions (in English) are available via the Minimum RC website (https://www.minimumrc.com/u_file/191...14242a407a.pdf).

The kit comes in several levels, starting with just the airframe and motor at about $16. Next level adds the servos, and the full kit adds a 250 MaH lipo, tool kit, receiver and transmitter at about $95.

If you don’t get the full kit, you will need a receiver. Minimum offers one, compatible with Flysky, Frsky, Spektrum DSM2, or S-fhss, for about $15. Their receiver includes a brushed ESC, and runs about $15.

Some MAJOR notes!

1. The receiver and servos come complete with all SERVO connectors, however there is a small charge for having the motor and ESC plugs installed by Minimum. After battling with those tiny connectors on the first receiver I bought, I found it absolutely worth paying...Continue Reading