Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel

Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel

 Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel

Perhaps one of the most highly sought after titles for serious RC Scale modelers is the “Best in Show” award from the annual WRAM Show. And this year’s winner of the title from the 2012 WRAM show was the talented Mike Gross Sr., with his amazing 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel. Held this year at the Meadowlands Expo Center in NJ , this year’s static scale competition was very well attended and there were many amazing enterants. Mike as we’ve mentioned before, is one of the nicest Warbird guys you’ll ever meet and is long time member of the Long Island Warbird gang.  His beautiful Sopwith Camel which he built from Mick Reeves plans will also serve Mike as his competition plane for the upcoming Top Gun Scale Invitational in Lakeland, FL. This impressive WW1 fighter was test flown exactly one year after Mike started the project.   

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel
Mike says: “He enjoyed all 1,500 hours he put into the build! The Camel weighs 42lbs. ready to fly and is powered by a DLE 111cc twin-cylinder gas engine turning a Xoar 29×8 propeller. It is controlled by a JR 12X radio with JR 8611 and 8711 servos. The radio operates the scale control yoke (stick) and rudder bar which move the flight surfaces. The Camel is covered with Solartex and all color and markings are painted with KlassKote epoxy paint.Mike used “MinWax” stain and rub on polyurethane as well as many acrylic paint colors for the impressive finishing, weathering and aging.

 

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As well as the Best in Show award, Mike also won the Best Paint Finish award, this year sponsored by Model Airplane News and presented at the show to Mike, by Sr. Tech. Editor Gerry Yarrish. He really nailed that weathered and aged look that’s so important for serious scale competition.

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel  Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Best in Show! 1/3-scale Sopwith Camel

From tail skid, to engine cowl, this amazing piece of WW1 machinery captures the flavor and history of vintage aviation! We wish Mike all the best as he starts his flying campaign with his giant scale Sopwith Camel.

Updated: March 2, 2012 — 3:44 PM

19 Comments

  1. A great review of Castle’s operations. It would be nice to see more articles like this with even more visual information.

  2. Great to see American workers working on American lines in an American designed plant.

    I travel all over the world. I can tell you there are great people all around us. It still is comforting to know that America can produce a great product like Castle does. Their speed controllers are the BEST!

    Don R.

  3. I thought I had read that Castle had a plant in China? Of course I know about the Kansas operation but wasn’t aware any controllers were still made there?

    1. The boards are all made in the U.S., and most of the speed controls are as well. A few are assembled in Mexico.

  4. That was a great Review. I would like to see more factory tours if possible.

  5. I am new to the hobby and was beginning to think most of the electric RC airplanes and parts were made overseas. I am glad to see that is not the case. I will look for castle parts if I need an ESC. Thanks for the video.

  6. Great video. Would love to see more. Lets promote local manufactures!

  7. Excellent video, it is always refreshing as a person who has worked in various manufacturing plants over the years to see our excellent American workers producing products right here in the USA that are superior in every way & keep our country alive!

  8. Great to know that quality brands are produced at Olathe.
    I am a proud Olathe South HS alumni so I am also proud of Castle Creations.
    Congratulations for an excellent product.
    Rodrigo Valdivieso

  9. The only one I have of this brand is defective! I sent it back for repair or exchange,lets see the result. I never had problems with an ESC before.

    1. improper venue to bitch. watch and learn! bitch elsewhere.

  10. I would like to see more articles like this.

  11. This was a great video and I would like to see more like it. It is great to see products mand here in the USA!!!

    Jim

  12. They should not allow soda pop in the production or test work stations.

  13. Wow, I love these types of videos! I know Castle’s stuff was sophisticated but did not realize the level of automation involved nor the sheer quantities. Castle’s Customer Service is also outstanding indeed so a great story all around.

    I would love to see some ARF construction videos (videos of companies that build ARFs). I love building but am always amazed at what production on a larger scale entails. Thanks MAN for this video!

  14. Yeah, I would love to see some videos like this on how ARFs are made! Good job. Go USA!

  15. They have great customer service. They stand behind their product. Even supporting older speed controllers.

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