Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

This is a new Model Airplane News Exclusive Build-Along highlighting the upcoming model airplane review to be published in MAN. Contributor Rick Bell has a long history in the RC hobby and has build countless RC kits and has published many articles, how tos and product reviews. This laser-cut airplane was designed by Tom Herr and is part of Alien Aircraft’s WW2 aircraft series of kits.

 Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

(Above) The Stearman PT-17 Deluxe Combo kit includes the Stearman PT-17 kit plus the Motor, Speed control, Prop, Motor mount set, Connectors, velcro and Pushrods.

(Below) Basic Power System Package

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

Basic Specs

Radio Required: 4 Channel R/C (mini radio reqd.)

Wingspan:           34 in.    

Area:                     331 Sq.in.

Weight:                  24 oz.      

Wing Load:          10.4 oz / Sq. ft.

 Power:                Himax HC-2816-0890 Motor

 Battery:               3-Cell, 1250 – 1800mAh Li-Po

Features include:

  • All Laser Cut Wooden Parts
  • Tab and Notch construction for quick and accurate assembly
  • Detailed Dummy Motor
  • 3-D Cad design for precision part fit
  • 2 Full Size Computer drawn plans
  • Quality hardware pack
  • Formed Aircraft Aluminum Landing Gear & Cabane Struts
  • Decals for Both Army and Navy Versions

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

(above) basic tail surfaces are made from sheet balsa. A dowel joins the elevator halves.

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

(Above) Formers and Firewall assembled. Installing blind-nuts in the firewall now is much easier than after the assembly is glued into place.

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

(Above) Fuselage sides and top deck assembled with doublers added. The Lock – Tab construction makes alignment of parts easy.

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

(Above) Formers and servo tray being glued to fuselage side. Everything fits precisely into place.

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

(Above) The fuselage tail ends joined with bottom sheeting in place. Parts fit is excellent.

 

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Alien Aircraft Stearman PT-17 Kit — Build-along Part 1

(Above) Here’s the completed fuselage structure. It is nice and straight because the parts self-align.

Stay tuned, part 2 will be posted as we take more photos and assemble more parts, until next time check out the Adobe PDF instructions, they can be downloaed at: www.alienaircraft.com

 

 

Updated: June 12, 2012 — 11:26 AM

7 Comments

  1. Very nice Gerry. That is such a fun model, and I assume a great flyer. Have fun!

  2. Rick is a fast and accurate builder so this series should progress quickly! Stay tuned for more to come!

  3. Cool, I can let you call this a build along, it is a kit!

  4. Looks great Gerry!

    Provides me with some good ideas for the next build along I do. It’s a challenge to build with a camera, & take all the correct pics then make notes along the way to remember what you did. It’s fun but a whole different experience. Gives me a whole new respect for folks like yourself that do it on a regular basis…awesome stuff.

  5. Hey Guys!

    This is the first model that I have “built” in a while and I’m having a great time building this kit. The parts fit has been outstanding and the instructions leave very little to figure out. I’m liking the way Tom has designed a “box” for the fuselage that is turned into its classic shape with formers and stringers, it’s a very solid structure. More to come….

    Rick

  6. Really shoulda said thanks to Rick too 😉

    Thanks Rick!

  7. I understand from rc forums that this model comes out tail heavy and requires approx 9 ounces of weight to bring into balance.
    Is this still true?

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