model recommendation

[Tony j]

Hi all

I have a fancy to build a war bird . Now I am looking to build from a plan so my preference is that of balsa also that of I.C . I believe that these type of models can be difficult to fly which is why I am asking if anybody out there has one that they might like to recommend as a good one to start with .

many thanks in advance

Tony J

[cymaz]

Have a look here and see what you fancy

[Cuban8]

A Brian Taylor Spitfire? My mk1a 69" span version is ridiculously easy to fly and with a wood pack from Sarik is a fairly straightforward build. Personally, I find TN's designs can come out rather heavy if you're not very careful.

[Jon H]

Posted by Tony j on 01/01/2019 23:14:12:

Hi all

I believe that these type of models can be difficult to fly

Tony J

Nope, they are not difficult, just different. Excessive rates and aggressive flying tend to be the end of most warbirds. Its very much a case of being gentle.

If you are new to the warbird game i suggest an artf first off before you put a kit build model up. The 63 inch seagull P47 is a good first warbird and needs only a 90-100 size engine.

the Brian Taylor spit is a great model but a big build and not the most robust model for club flying. the TN spit is built like a tank but can be a bit porky as cuban rightly points out.

Can you give any further details on the size of model/engine etc you have in mind we can probably advise better

[Geoff Parkes]

I think my best flying war bird was a gold edition top flight P47, it was about the 60 in. version ,not certain if its still for sale as a kit, easy build all ribs have have tabs to make certain you get a straight wing with the right wash out, you even get jigs for drilling the the holes for the Robart type pin hinges, it builds into a great looking plane and there are loads of good finshes out there to use. It was my last I.C. powered plane and I sold it on, i can still see it coming in to land flying slow with flaps fully down ! I agree having built a few of T.N,s war birds I cannot see how he gets to the flying weight he publishes, but I have one of his 4 fan vulcans and the published weight is correct giving a 15 oz./ft wing loading resulting in an amazing flying plane , dont ask how the others faired.

[Braddock, VC]

Take a look at https://www.cambrianplanes.co.uk/ourshop/cat_912071-Complete-Kit-range.html

You will see they make 3 55" span war birds. The spitfire has a reputation of being easy to fly after being quick to build, it may also scratch your itch and cure the craving.

The smaller fun fighters all work well but, if you use a lot of sky whilst flying, you'll need excellent eyesight.

[Nigel R]

Outerzone has some PDFs of old RCM / Flying Models plans by Dan Reiss, all foam wing, fixed gear, sport type constuction, all about a 70 four stroke size, all using nice friendly thick (ish) semi symmetric wing sections:

Dewoitine D520 - https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=2897

BP Defiant - https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=5449

MiG 3 - https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=7800

Yak 9 - https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=1291

Me 109 & Ki-61 Tony - https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=9348

It'd be easy enough to fill in a built-up wing structure if needed, or, order a foam wing from billkits or a similar place. I'd be very tempted to pencil in some flaps and use four wing mounted micro servos.

I rather fancy doing the D520 one day.

[John Duncker]

A Focke Wulf TA 152 makes a really nice flying model. Extra wing area helps and the longer nose makes getting the CG right.

I don't think anyone makes a kit but there is a plan here **LINK**

Also a nice change from all the Spitfires and ME 109s.