Final Build Photos
Please rate this ride
|
Submitted By | |
Scott Kruize | |
Tukwila, WA, United States | |
Build Information | |
Build Type | Plans-built |
Manufacturer/Brand Name | |
Aircraft Category | Sport |
Model name, number, and/or variant | Phantom Flash, Citabria, Korda Victory |
Wingspan/Rotor span (inches) | 16-20 inches |
Scale | n/a |
Construction Type | Built up (wood/fully sheeted) |
Propulsion Type | Prop |
Power System | Glow |
Glow Engine Brand, Model and Size |
n/a |
Turbine Engine Brand, Model and Size | |
Propeller (if applicable) | Peck Polymers plastic |
Radio System Brand and Model | n/a |
Number of channels utilized | 2 |
Channel functions | |
Retracts or Fixed Gear |
fixed, all 3 |
Cockpit/Interior Details |
n/a |
Paint, Covering or Graphics |
tissue paper |
Scale Accessories |
n/a |
Light System |
n/a |
Smoke System |
n/a |
Sound System |
n/a |
Other Features or Options |
This Phantom Flash replica is 120% size of the original 1937 design, Comet® Kit A1. It’s a classic, popular ever since among Free Flight builders and fliers. Comet went out of business long ago, but a new company kits it. [Query the Web: its modern laser-cutting will be a vast improvement on the original printwood, or later die-cut (‘die-mashed’?)] The all-orange Korda Victory is half-scale of the original 1939 Wakefield Trophy winner. Mine goes about a minute flight in the gym…rather less than that 43+ minutes victory! The 17-inch span Citabria is from Model Builder plans. The magazine is gone but plans are available through the AMA. |
Further Description/Back Story |
My ‘therapy’ on soggy Pandemic-lockdown days: making traditional balsa stick-and-tissue rubber-powered Free Flight models. The local SeaTac Community Center allows masked, social-distanced indoor flying Friday mornings. All three planes pictured here fly just fine in a gym. All 3 of these flying FF models are scratch-built. All were covered with gift wrap tissue, way better than all but very expensive Japanese-made craft tissue Way Back Then. I used Avery’s® permanent glue stick to apply it, and a light clear acrylic spray to seal and protect it. Two concessions to modern times, besides the method of attaching the tissue: the good rubber motors are made from FAI Supply® stock, and the props are Japanese made, from Peck Polymers®. |