workshop tips


Install a Scale WW1 Engine

Install a Scale WW1 Engine

When it comes to really looking scale, it’s in the details that we make the most progress in giving our model’s that “used” look. For my 1/3-scale Fokker Triplane, I wanted to bring a better scale look to the front end so I  installed a resin cast Oberusel rotary engine available from Nick Ziroli Plans. […]
Resin Casting Scale Parts

Resin Casting Scale Parts

Once you get to a certain level of scale modeling, you’ll start making parts that need to be produced in multiples and, most likely, are not commercially available. This is easily dealt with by making a master part and then reproducing it with a mold and resin casting liquid. Resin casting is considered an advanced technique, […]
Easy Scale Details — Vintage Pilot Seat

Easy Scale Details — Vintage Pilot Seat

So my Fokker Triplane had been finished for a while and tI flew the airplane several times without any problems. But there is that big issue of an empty cockpit. So, I converted my old Mini-Me 1/3 scale pilot figure into a WW1 leather helmet and goggles guy with a great set of cloths including […]
Workshop Video Tips: Splicing Balsa

Workshop Video Tips: Splicing Balsa

Working with large models, it is often necessary to splice the balsa sheets together for items like wings and long fuselages. To produce strong slices in the balsa sheeting you have to make them at an angle to increase the glue surface so the sheet’s overall strength is not compromised. This workshop video tip shows […]
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Model Airplane News 7 QUICK WORKSHOP TIPS

Model Airplane News 7 QUICK WORKSHOP TIPS

MAN contributors and readers are a clever bunch, and they’re always coming up with easier, more efficient ways to build and set up airplanes. Here are 7 workshop tips that we think you’ll enjoy using. Have a tip of your own you’d like to share? Send us an email at MAN@airage.com.   Simple Pushrod Guide […]
RC Warbird Tail Repairs

RC Warbird Tail Repairs

I’d like to present this article as one more example of how doing repairs to your favorite warbird can be done if you take it one step at a time, and “eat the elephant in bites” rather than fretting over the entire sad picture. I will also say it was a privilege to work on […]
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 […]
5 Great Servo Installation Tips

5 Great Servo Installation Tips

After you install your servos according the manufacturer’s directions, you might find that when the servo arms are placed on the splines, they aren’t at a perfect 90-degree angle to the servo case and control linkage. Or, after you’ve hooked up the various linkages, you discover there is too much or not enough travel throw […]
Laminating Balsa Parts Made Easy

Laminating Balsa Parts Made Easy

When building model airplanes, especially scale WW I subjects,lamination work for parts of the wing and tail are a requirement. This technique has been used for decades but to new RC model builders the technique of producing lightweight curved parts may need some explaining. Here’s how I do it. There’s nothing exotic about the technique. […]
5 Tips to Dress Up Your Cockpit

5 Tips to Dress Up Your Cockpit

With so many great-looking scale model ARFs to choose from today, one of the neatest ways you can make your particular Pitts Special or P-51 Mustang stand apart from the rest is to install a great-looking instrument panel for your pilot figure to look at. (You did install a scale pilot figure, didn’t you?) There’s […]
Favorite Workshop Tips

Favorite Workshop Tips

In 2018, we wish you fair skies, calm winds, and plenty of time in the workshop. And speaking of the shop, these tips are sure to come in handy. Enjoy!   Propeller Safety Tips To prevent accidents, full-size aircraft are equipped with propellers that have brightly colored tips. Do the same with your model airplane […]
Functional Scale Cockpit Hatch RC Airplane Access

Functional Scale Cockpit Hatch RC Airplane Access

When it comes to RC Golden Age racers, no one does  flying models better than the world recognized  guru of scale Gee Bees – Henry Haffke. When I teamed up with Henry to build the 1/3-scale version of his Howard DGA-5 “Ike” Golden Age racer, I added several  details that a racer this size needed to look right. One […]
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