3 Classics in Harvest-Moon / Halloween Orange

3 Classics in Harvest-Moon / Halloween Orange

Final Build Photos

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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®.


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