Mode One

I like 1/5th scale World War One and general aviation airplanes. Reasons I like this size, are; you can use the medium sized glow engines, .90 to 1.25 sized 4 strokes, .60 to .90 sized 2 strokes, the small gas engines or electric set-ups that don't require a 2nd on the home mortgage. Also, you can use standard sized servos. This size is big enough that the models still have "Presence"; but, are small enough to allow fairly easy transport.

A problem with 1/5th scale is the lack of detail parts. Would you be interested in machine guns, wheels, engines cylinders and other detail parts for this size, if they were offered?

abufletcher

I think for me it would depend on which WWI plane. The DrI is pretty small at 1/6 scale with a 47" wingspan and a 1/5 scale model would be nice. In fact, most of the fighters would probably be good at 1/5 scale. The 2-seaters are already pretty large at 1/6, probably as large as I'll ever build. At 1/5 they'd be huge. But I also like the aesthetic of having all my WWI models the same scale so my model of the Snipe sitting next to my upcoming CI will have the right relative size. I know this probably doesn't mean much to others.

The only "gotta have" scale accessories are wheels, guns, and dummy cylinders, because it can be really hard to to a great job on these on your own. Les did a spectacular job on his 1/8 scale Spandaus but, in essence, what he did was produce his own laser-cut MG kit. And the fins on the cylinders are really hard to make convincingly thin with the "ply+balsa spacer" technique.

In the end, though, I guess there's just something about the odd-number of 1/5 scale that doesn't sit right with me.

Mode One

I really would like comments or even a simple yes or no would be helpful! This post has been alive for about 1.5 hours, 12 people have looked at it but only one has commented. Please don't visit and not make comment, your input is desired and will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

abufletcher

Maybe not everyone is an early riser! Looks like it's still about 8:30am where you are. You must have posted it about 7am your time (which is a couple of hours ahead of west coast time). Here in Japan it's 11:30 at night.

Also I've found that I'm lucky to get 1 post for every 10 views. Most of the time it's more like 1 post per 20 views. So give it some time.

Mode One

It's amazing to me how many people visit a thread and never say "boo"! I was just trying to get people to respond. There's been 25 as of right now and only you and I have said anything, Abu.

khodges

My Feedback: (1)

I'm awake (barely), sucking down the first java of the day.

How many 1/5 scale kits are out there for WWI? I have a FunAero SE-5a in 1/5 scale (as yet still in the box), but most of the nicer kits seem to be 1/6 or 1/4. The detail parts mfg (such as Wm's Bros) would have to make molds specific to the scale, and do they think it's cost effective to tool up for parts that don't have a large market?

I agree with your reasoning, I like 1/5 scale for the same reasons you do. All my other WWI kits are 1/4 scale, and the main reason I haven't built them yet is that I haven't figured out where the heck they'll live once built.

abufletcher

The great thing about a CAD designed laser-cut gun kit is that it would be easily scale-able. Maybe Les would be interested in scaling up his 1/8 scale kit. I'd sure buy one.

Wheels are a tougher problem mostly because of the tire but also because this is a part that really takes a beating and needs to be strong. Still, it would be possible to create a CAD/Laser wheel kit.

BobH

My Feedback: (2)

I have one 1/5 wwi plane, a Proctor neuport. So if the guns etc were available I would be interested. Other wise I'll make my own.

summerwind

1/5 scale accs.'s for WW1 planes would be great.
one thing i wished i had for the Proctor Nieuport 11 was a 1/5 scale LeRhone.

ballgunner

My Feedback: (1)

Modeone you hit a very sore spot with me. I've wanted 1/5 scale accessories, especially guns, for years. What is it with the scale gods that they have decided that 1/4 and 1/3 are the only size for WWI aircraft.
Actually the way to make a million in RC is to start with two million. I can understand that manufacturers are shy when it comes to tooling costs that may not be recovered but surely some shade tree or garage
builder might take a chance if only to break even. Who ever does so will deserve the undying gratitude of those of us who have gone that route in the past.

CTDavies

I did a 1/5th scale version of the Sopwith Pup plans set I already had in 1/6th. My plans are available through my website and also through a major german model aeroplane magazine, quite similar to MAN. Even though my 1/5th scale Pup plans have been available for nearly two years now (and have been listed in their catalogue for that long) they have never placed an order beyond their initial purchase of five sets or so, which makes me believe that the lack of available accessories keeps most people away from 1/5th scale. Although I certainly agree with Mode One on the benefits of models this size.

Mode One

Is it that the scale isn't popular because 1/4th and 1/6th are,; or the lack of accessories keeps the scale from being popular? I know that for myself, if plans, kits and accessories were more avalable, i would not build another1/4th scale airplanes. Most Biplanes in 1/5th scale qualify for IMAA.

eagledancer

i do have a couple projects that would use some assories at these scales, but most of what i build is 1/4-1/3 scale

BobH

My Feedback: (2)

It's difficult to tell the reason for the lack of 1/5 scale in WWI. Certainly there's no shortage of it in WWII planes. I suspect that since WWI planes are relatively small the niche between 1/4 and 1/6 isn't that big a market. Just MHO.

Mode One

I have found out that 3 Sea Bees handles a line of 1/5th scale accessories for Early Aeroplanes made by a company called K&W. I am attempting to find out more information. What I find out, I will make avaliable here.

abufletcher

Here's what you want:

http://www.kwmairpl.com.ph/KWAccessories.asp

My understanding is the K&W is the actual company (based in the Philippines) behind the scale (and pricey) WWI ARFs sold through SeaBees.

Teus

In europe you can find [link=http://www.kavanrc.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/CatalogV2.html?L+Kav+qoic5144+_DLang_02ENG_01Whous e_02R_2fC_20Aircraft_20ARFs_01Bay_02R_2fC_20ARF_20 Scale_20Airplanes_01]KWM Models[/link] and [link=http://www.kavanrc.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/CatalogV2.html?L+Kav+qoic5144+_DLang_02ENG_01Whous e_02R_2fC_20Aircraft_20ARFs_01Bay_02KWM_20Replacem ent_20Parts_20_26_20Accessories_01]accessories[/link] handled by [link=http://www.kavanrc.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/EMainMenuFV2.html?E+Kav]KAVAN[/link]. (under RC aircraft arf's)

True, they are not cheap but they look good.

[link=http://www.kavanrc.de/download/kavan/english/p108_142.pdf]KWM catalog download in Pdf[/link]

Mode One

3 Sea Bees is the U.S. Distributor for K&W accessories. I haven't gone to Kavan to look, as what ever price they would show, would not include import and shipping. I am still awaiting information from 3 Sea Bees.

Mode One

2 days and no response from 3 Sea Bees. So, has anyone delt with these folks before? I would be interested in what you have to say.

Mode One

Heard from 3 Sea bees today. The accessories are made form multiple materials, Plastic, wood and some metal. They are expensive!

BobH

My Feedback: (2)

Mode what do you consider expensive? Any prices?

abufletcher

This is a company that markets $2000 ARFs, so what did you expect? It's like walking into the Porsche dealer and asking about discount auto parts. I think until some dedicated WWI modeler decides to start producing 1/5 scale wheels, gun kits, and dummy engines in a "garage-type" operation, it's going to be tough going for anyone wanting to go with 1/5 scale.

As I said, the best hope for 1/5 scale guns would be a CAD-based laser cut kit. Les, you out there?

Mode One

Bob, I think $50.00 each for a Vickers/Spandau Machine gun or $55.00 for a Parabellem/Lewis machine gun is high. I found these prices as soon as I got to 3 Sea Bee's sight. I don't know why I even persued assertaining what they were made out of, I guess I was hoping gold, so I could look at their purchase as an investment!

The K&W/3 Sea Bees question was a waste of my and your time! Sorry about that!

Mode One

However, I asked Willaim's Bros. if they thought they might provide some 1/5th scale parts. Here is what they had to say:

HI Mark,

oh yes, I hear the cry for 1/5, more 1/4, and 1/3 scales. I am hoping we can start on some new molds this year. The first gun on the list is the Lewis for 1/4, and I hope once we have a plan, we can scale it up and down from there. It's a bit easier with no need for an ammo belt too. Cash is the issue these days, but I keep on working deals with the local machinist and mold maker guys as they are more and more in need of a little business.

My plan is to start with a couple of wheels, since they are simple molds to work with, and progress to the Lewis gun by mid or later this year. Wish I could go faster, but, we'll get there. I think 1/5 is the 'forgotten' scale, and with some accessories available, I think it could take off and be more popular.

Thank you for the support!!

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Brett, President
Williams Brothers Model Products
a Division of Brett Industries, Inc.
2210 West 2nd Street, Suite B
P.O. Box 809
Taylor, TX 76574
Office: 512-352-9346
Fax: 512-352-9356
- Original Message -

Teus

That's very good news [sm=cool.gif]

Especially when they start with a 1/3 scale line. I think that is even a bigger market at the moment.

Teus