Workshop Build-Alongs


Cutting Vinyl — Make Custom RC Vinyl Letters

Cutting Vinyl — Make Custom RC Vinyl Letters

The Stepcraft-2 420 CNC desktop system is more than just a one trick pony. The system is designed to accept a whole range of additional attachments for doing precision operations in a variety of ways. I just tried out the Drag Knife attachment and I have to say it works like a charm. Removing the […]
CAD Design for Modelers

CAD Design for Modelers

One of the best tools I ever discovered while being involved in RC scale modeling, is Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs. It opened an entirely new segment of modeling to me, while also greatly increasing the precision in which I designed and developed scratch build scale airplanes. I have been using CAD programs now for […]
Desktop CNC —  DIY System for RC Modelers

Desktop CNC — DIY System for RC Modelers

Recently, I began assembling a kit for an amazing piece of equipment that any RC modeler would welcome into their workshop. Available in kit form (and factory assembled), the new Stepcraft-2 420 is a desktop CNC system that comes with a 20×12 inch work space. What really makes this kit great is that it comes […]
Warbird Retracts Installation

Warbird Retracts Installation

With the wing finally assembled and joined to the fuselage, we can get to the best part of heavy metal warbirds —  installing the landing gear. For the 85 inch Skyraider we started the planning early for the retracts installation. With most ARF warbirds, the wing and the attachment points for the recommended retracts will […]
Scale WW I Finishing Techniques — Applying Plywood Panels

Scale WW I Finishing Techniques — Applying Plywood Panels

When it comes to any model of a Sopwith Camel (and some WW I German aircraft), there are some plywood panels that give the aeroplane its characteristic look. It was always part of my over all finish scheme to include these side and top panels. Since they are added after the model has been covered […]
Painting Fabric Covered Models

Painting Fabric Covered Models

When it comes to producing a nice smooth paint job over fabric covered RC models, the best and quickest way is to use Poly Tone paint and it’s various finishing and coating products. Available from F&M Enterprises, all the products are formulated to work with each other. After more than 20 years of experience, I […]
Video How To: Fabric Covering RC Planes

Video How To: Fabric Covering RC Planes

We’ve received several emails asking about covering scale models. While I was building my the 1/4-scale Sopwith Camel project, I wrote this post that goes into detail about what’s required. Your response was impressive and many of you asked about Scale Stits fabric and Poly Tak adhesive, from F&M Enterprises. So, I brought the video […]
Covering Wings in Fabric

Covering Wings in Fabric

I really enjoy the wing covering process as it impresses me just how much the fabric strengthen and stiffens the wing panels. Just like the fuselage, the first step is to sand the structure smooth and clean up any dust with a tack cloth. Make sure your work surface also is clean and get all […]
Workshop Tips: Smooth Sheeting

Workshop Tips: Smooth Sheeting

One of the important tasks you need to do correctly while building a giant scale airplane is to produce a smooth and flowing outer surface to apply your finish and paint too. There’s an old saying that a fair paint job applied to a superior surface will look much better than a great paint job […]
Aileron to Rudder Mixing — Eliminating Adverse Yaw

Aileron to Rudder Mixing — Eliminating Adverse Yaw

I designed and built a 1/4-scale Sopwith Camel for sport flying. Powered by a Zenoah G-38 gas engine, this 85-inch-span WW I biplane is a great flyer, but like most biplanes, it suffers from a fair amount of adverse yaw when the ailerons are moved. Here’s a tip to mix away this unwanted trait. Adverse […]
Must-Have CNC Accessory — Stepcraft’s Tool Length Sensor

Must-Have CNC Accessory — Stepcraft’s Tool Length Sensor

Once you start working with your 3-axis CNC system, you’ll quickly learn the importance of the X,Y, and Z placement of your cutting tool. Basically, its pretty easy to establish your start point in the X and Y axis, (the position on the work space), all you have to do is make sure your tool […]
RC Motor Box Upgrade — Make model parts using Stepcraft desktop CNC

RC Motor Box Upgrade — Make model parts using Stepcraft desktop CNC

It’s nothing new combining CAD with RC model airplanes, and in fact, it’s been around for decades. However, the ability to use CAD files to produce RC airplane parts at home is relatively new. With the Stepcraft desktop CNC system, I was able to make a new motor mount box for a friend who was […]
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