Construction Articles

Looking for a new set of plans? Check out our plans archive which includes many construction article pdfs.


Messerschmitt Me163B-1a

Messerschmitt Me163B-1a

The Me 163b “Komet” was developed from a series of tailless powered aircraft and gliders designed by Dr. Alexander M. Lippisch in the 1930’s. Its immediate predecessor was the DFS 194, a tailless glider having a span of 34 ft. 9 ins. and overall length of 23 ft. 7 1/2 ins. The Komet was designed […]
Kaos-90

Kaos-90

A new approach to a classic design Despite its occasional frustrations, I love pattern flying–but there are times I’ve wished for something simple and yet impressive in its presentation and performance. Larger models have an impressive smoothness and grace, but I wanted something completely aerobatic and yet very simple to construct and maintain. Local hobby […]
The Lyka Jet

The Lyka Jet

by Jack Zimmanck The first time I saw the fast, smooth flight characteristics of a ducted-fan model, I was hooked, but I did not want the temperamental operation and expense that often go with these exciting and graceful birds. I tried a couple of the prop/jet look-alike kits. They looked OK, but the performance and […]
Liberty Sport X07861

Liberty Sport X07861

I THINK MOST modelers are familiar with the Liberty Sport biplane. This is somewhat surprising, because there has only been one original full-size prototype, built and owned by Orval Lloyd. The popularity of the model came about when Sig Manufacturing kitted the design originally made by Dick Graham. Dick’s original design was also published in […]
Min-E Taurus

Min-E Taurus

An easy-to-build, electric-powered aquatic flyer you can fly anywhere! A while back, I built a half-scale Prettner “Curare,” called the Min-E Curare, which flew incredibly well. Then while talking RC with MAN senior tech editor Gerry Yarrish, he suggested that a “Min-E Taurus” would also be a lot of fun and affordable too. Therefore, I […]
Osprey Autogyro

Osprey Autogyro

I have always enjoyed scale models, and when I was looking for a subject for Model Airplane News’ Design Contest, I was looking for an unusual scale! My father suggested the Osprey for a subject, and the idea sounded like a good on to me. We found an old preliminary drawing of the Osprey that […]
Douglas A-26 Invader

Douglas A-26 Invader

A Speed-400 size military twin that’s easy to build and exciting to fly! Designed as a low-level attack bomber, the Douglas A-26 Invader first flew in 1942. Powered by two Prat and Whitney R-2800 radials, it carried a variety of weapons from .50-caliber machine guns and rockets to a cannon. During the end of WW […]
Nieuport 12

Nieuport 12

The model presented here is based on Nexus 3-view drawings from England that are available in the U.S. from Bob Holman Plans Service. Recently, an Albatross Publications “DataFile” was published on the Nieuport 12, and I recommend it as the best source of scale information. The model came about due to a couple things. First […]
OV-10 Bronco

OV-10 Bronco

An easy-to-fly, giant-scale twin for everyone It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since I designed the OV-10 in its original 52-inch-span version (Model Airplane News plan FSP 11951.) I designed it as a “first twin” for sport-scale fliers who might want to grab some “multi-engine” points without committing to a lifelong project […]
The Swick Taylorcraft

The Swick Taylorcraft

Radical modification of the venerable Taylorcraft has made it a very competitive aerobatic airplane. Amaze your friends with the agility of this 1/4-scale beauty. Contrary to what many of you may think, this is not just another Taylorcraft. This version is 1/4 scale and represents the famous planes built by Mike Swick at the Aero […]
Thunder Bum Ace

Thunder Bum Ace

Lt. Col. Paul P. Douglas Jr. was separated from his unit, having shot down at least three (possibly five) Fw 190Ds after engaging a numerically superior enemy force. Out of ammunition and coaxing his damaged P-47 Thunderbolt “Jug” home, Douglas was bounced mercilessly by a German pilot, who emptied his 20mm cannon shells into the […]
Zlin Z-526 AS

Zlin Z-526 AS

20-percent precision-scale aerobat I have always been fascinated by airplanes. Of course, the fact that my father built and flew model aircraft contributed to this fascina- tion. A book that my father owned, “Great Planes” by James Gilbert, included a photograph of two Zlfn Z-526s flying in close mirror forma- tion. From the first moment […]
1 … 3 4 5 6 7
Air Age Media ©
WordPress Lightbox