runway227

Hi, I joined this forum in the hopes that someone can give me some background information on an antique RC plane kit for a Stearman PT-17. The kit has had several owners in it's lifetime and when I acquired it, it was in partially assembled condition. I am interested to know if anyone knows how old exactly the kit is(because I cant find a date on it), and some of history or insight into the kit in general and what the kit's value might be. If anyone could help me out that would be great and much appreciated.

I am including pictures of the box it came in and the assembled plane as it stands.

iflyj3

My Feedback: (7)

According to my source it was published in RCM May of 1967. As to its worth, it would be worth more to collectors if it had never been started. Once assembly is started its value drops a lot. You will have a hard time selling it for any value unless someone really wants one to fly. Just my opinion.

smithcreek

My Feedback: (25)

Like ifly says, they started making them in the late '60s and made them through the mid 90s. There are loads of them out there unbuilt and are for sale almost constantly on ebay. Of course, they aren't making any more of them, so they will only get more difficult to find, but for now are pretty easy. I picked up two of these kits in the last couple months, and paid about $175 for each. On ebay they usually go for $220-$230, though I saw one go for almost $400 last week, but that was a fluke. Looks like yours is well built.

Someone else may be able to date yours better, but all I can say is yours appears to be an older one, maybe 70s from the black dummy engine. They switched to white plastic later.

DSTIEBS

Checkout this website. You may find some info or get some help there. http://home.mindspring.com/~jeff.coo...terlingmodels/

runway227

Another question,

I want to finish the plane. So in consideration of the size of engine in relation to the weight of the plane, were scale model engines of the era less powerful than modern day ones and also taking into account using modern servos etc? I would like to know if I need to worry about overpowering the plane with an oversized engine? The plane was made to be powered by a .56-.65 engine or rubber bands if thats of any help.

thanks,
runway227

billmod12

My Feedback: (1)

Here is a picture or two I took around 1963/64. A model and the real thing

Michaelj2k

There are a number of threads here on RCU pertaining to the Sterling Stearman. The kit was released around 1967 - 1968. A good power set up should be either a very healthy .60 or a .90 four stroke. Keep as much weight as you can away from the tail. Flying weight should be around 9 to 12 lbs. depending on building style.

RFJ

iflyj3 - your source is correct This is the ad from that issue announcing its introduction.

Ray

Avaiojet

I think I started building mine 30 years ago. Started out as a Stearman, but about four years ago I made some changes.

I'll get around to finishing it one day.I will do it in Pepsi Cola, red, white and blue.

I think you found a great model built nicely by the looks of your photos. Absolutely worth finishing.

I've got an Enya 120R in mine.

Look carefully, it's in this photo.

Charles

EloyM

My Feedback: (194)

As I recall, Sterling was the company whose products gave birth to the expression "die crunched" for die cutting.
Of course that was the technology of the 60's - but there were better kits around even then.

smithcreek

My Feedback: (25)

I have two Sterling Stearman kits. One from the 90's with some pretty poor, but completely serviceable die cutting, maybe a a days work to get the parts out of the sheets and clean them up. I have another that is older and the die cutting is excellent. The parts are literally falling out of the sheets and are all very clean. I also have a Sterling Waco SRE. That was the first Sterling kit I bought and I was scared to open the box after I'd heard stories about how bad the the die cutting was, but that also has excellent die cutting, very clean.

Avaiojet

The Sterling Waco, is it a cabin? Span?

Photo?

Charles

djsdog

I just picked up one of these 64.5 " Stearmans but i need the CG distance and where can i get a cowling and a fake radial engine for this plane?

Avaiojet

I can dig up my plans for the CG and I should have a NIB cowling for it.

Thing is, by the time I dig up the plans someone will tell you the CG. By the time I find the cowling, you will already have purchased one.

Isn't that how it works?

LesUyeda

Forget the cowling, and go with a Williams Brothers Radial wrapped around your engine.

Les

I forgot. I don't remember CG, but here is a plan from Lennon on Bipes, and I have used it with "unknowns" successfully.

djsdog

WOW thats exactly what I want this one to look like, what size OS is that and how does the plane fly with it?

I noticed you mounted your engine inside the firewall some how, mine is solid (model was already built) and I was going to cut my firewall out (like yours). Do you have any builders photos of yours or could you explain how you did it?

Thanks
Denny

LesUyeda

Getting very tired of RCU. By the time I compose a reply, attach the pics, and repost, they tell me that I have "timed out".

I will try this once more, then I quit.:-(((((((((((((((((((((

Les

UStik

I know that as well, but if it happens you can always go back with the Back button of your browser and at least copy your text (select with the mouse and then Ctrl-C). Now you can re-enter the thread, open a new reply, paste the text, and add the pictures again. I even switched to only writing the text and clicking OK, then editing the post to add pictures.

LesUyeda

I tried again. Everything said I was good, and NOTHING is here. I quit. I have more important issues to deal with. RCU can take a hike.

Les

Avaiojet

OK, OK!

I have that CG measurement.

Measurement is on the top wing only. Measuring from the LE towards the TE, here's what's on the plans.

For CL, 3.5" from the LE.

For RC, 4.875" from the LE.

Wheel size is, 4.5"

Hop this helps.

Cowling, let me know. Is it 7.5"?

djsdog

Thanks for trying Les and the info supplied already, my email is [email protected].

Denny

djsdog

well looks like I am having trouble now my email is the later after the > symbol above.

[email protected]

djsdog

Thanks Charles,

This helps allot!!!

I would like to have the open engine version like Les but may consider the cowling, how much do you want for it and what is it made of?

Denny

Avaiojet

Denny,

I'd have to dig it up and see. I should have a few, including one for the beefed up one with the larger engine.

Gotta tell ya, what a nice looking engine. Talent for sure!

I have that engine kit. I'm wondering what stacks he used? The ones with the kit? I don't think so.

If I could do an engine like that, I'd have it in a plexi-box on my desk.

Guys got courage also.

Gee, I wonder if he would do one for me? Maybe trade graphics or lettering?