brock

Hi, I have been away from the enjoyment of building for way too long. Last time I built a Warbird was in 1987. I was 19. Now I am 34 and I want to jump back into things with full force. Last kit I built and struggled with, when I was 19, was Corsair kit by Royal (I guess Royal no longer exist?). I would like to think I have a bit more patience and knowledge now. I have dreamed of building a giant scale Stuka. I am wanting to get as much input and advice from all experienced builders on which kit they might suggest and why. So far, the Ziroli plans with the wood pre-cut through a kit-cutter looks about the best (what about the fiberglass fuselage?) Any information on the complexity, ease, or problems with the kit would be greatly appreciated. How complete are Ziroli's instructions? What is the recommended covering, fiberglass or coverite? Does the cowling hide the engine completely and is there a scale exhaust that could be connected? What is the recommended engine? Just finished scrolling through past Stuka Forum chats and looks as if Ziroli plans are about the best.

Please help,
Thank you,
Dave

wulf190

My Feedback: (19)

Dave, your story sounds familiar to mine. Got out around the late teens (when I couldn't find time and money to fly during college) and back in two years ago at 32. I too always wanted to go with bigger warbird projects. Can give you some ideas about the Ziroli Stuka. Although I haven't built a Ziroli project, I've done some research into the Stuka and Corsair. I will eventually get to the Stuka, all ready have the TF Giant Scale Corsair. A couple of guys at our club have the Stuka. It is a very gentle flyer, seems very predictable, you shouldn't have any troubles flying the plane. The couple I have seen fly have both been with the Zenoah G62, though the ST 4500 would power it well also. The ST will fit into the cowl, the G62 exposes only the carb out the side of the plane, still looks very good. There are some choices to make about the landing gear struts, Robart or, I think Sierra Precision Components makes some that are very good quality. The Ziroli project is not difficult to build, even if you were to cut your own parts. You won't find any shortage of help putting them together, and they all fly very well. A kit cutter would speed the project. If you have built several planes, are familiar with construction techniques, reinforcement, problem areas, etc. you shouldn't come across anything that isn't familiar. Although I have built mostly kits, maybe 15 planes (mostly scale stuff), I wouldn't hesitate to tackle the Ziroli. During our last air show, we had two flying together at the field. I was flying my FW190 at the time, brought it in a little short of the runway and was journeying out to get it when both Stukas came in over my head about 30feet or so in a saluting fly by. They flew past, both wagged their wings and powered up as I heard the rush of wind around the prop and airframe, made me feel like I was in the war......really cool to watch these planes. There is even a very effective dive siren made for the plane by someone. I'm not sure I've seen a plane that flies in a more scale manner than these two, very sharp plane on the ground and in the air. Try Dynamic Balsa for a really nice cockpit kit including tail gunner.

shindin

My Feedback: (5)

I've built the Corsair, the stuka, and the zero.... i have to say that i prefer Nick's construction methods over regular "kit" methods..... the stuka is a fairly straightforward build, with a couple exceptions... 1) the hinges for the flaps and ailerons are kind of odd, but certainly not too difficult, and 2) bending 1/4" music wire is a pain that i will certainly avoid in the future! but overall, it builds fairly easily, and even the bent wing is simple, as the joints are all "squared", with no curve to sheet.... i also built the royal corsair sr back in the late 80's/early 90's, and can say that if you built the corsair, you certainly should be able to do the stuka.... it is bigger, but a lot less complicated.......

lennys/shindin

brock

Thanks for the advice.

Any info for a scale working exhaust on Ziroli's Stuka? What about a completely hidden engine in the cowl?

I agree that this should be easier than a Corsair wing.

Any suggestions for covering? Is glass the way to go on a plane this size? or would something such as Coverite with paint be the way to go?

Are there any new ways to add rivot details other than using a pin head to apply glue drops? I have read about the panel lines using primer coats and tape. But curious about the rivots.

STUKA BARRY

HEY DAVE, THERE IS NO DOUBT, STUKA'S RULE. THE LARGEST OUT THERE IS NICK ZIROLI'S. NO DOUBT THAT HIS PLANS ARE THE BEST. IT BUILDS EASY FOLLOWING THE PLANS. THE AIRPLANE WORKS BY THE LATE CHUCK GILL IS ONE OF THE BEST SHORT KITS OUT THERE. MACE GILL IS CARRYING ON THE GREAT GILL TRADITION. THE PARTS ARE CUT TO PROFECTION AND THE WOOD IS GRADE "A". THE ZENOAH G-62 IS THE BEST ENGINE FOR THIS AIRCRAFT. THE CARB IS THE ONLY PART EXPOSED. "BOLD MUFFLER" FROM FLA. (561)344-8785 CAN MAKE YOU A CUSTOM FUNCTIONAL SCALE EXHAUST. THEIR WORK IS TOP NOTCH. AS FAR AS THE GEAR GOES, I RECOMMEND THE WIRE GEAR FROM BOB SHATTLEROE. ITS PREBENT AND HEAT TREATED FOR STRENGTH. IT FITS EXACT AND IS ONLY $25.00 THE FUNCTIONAL OLEO'S CAUSE GROUND CLEARANCE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPATZ. I RECOMMEND GLASSING AND PAINT. THE PANEL LINES CAN BE ADDED IN THE PRIMER. RIVETS CAN BE ADDED BY RIVET TAPE FROM "SCALE SKINS" IN ALA. THE AIR SIREN WHICH IS A MUST AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED, IS FROM "I4C PRODUCTS" OF TULSA OK. A CB ASSOCIATES 4" SPINNER AND A MEZJLIK 22X10 THREE BLADE PROP ARE A GREAT COMBINATION. THE PLANE IS VERY EASY TO FLY, AND HAS NO BAD HABBITS AT ALL. I'VE BEEN CAMPAIGNING ONE FOR EVER AND IT CONTINUES TO "WOW" SPECTATORS. I FLEW FORMATION WITH 5 STUKA'S THIS PAST SPRING AT JOE NALL AND IT WAS A BLAST. JUST HEARING THOSE SIRENS WAS AWESOME. I CANT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE STUKA. ITS IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED IN BULDING AND FLYING ONE. HOPE THIS HELPS.

fw190d9

My Feedback: (1)

Dave, You cant go wrong with the ziroli stuka. Do as the others have said and order the plans and fiberglass parts from Ziroli and the wood kit from on of the well known kit cutters. Try to get a lazer cut kit if you can as the parts are more exact. The prebent gear wires are the way to go, they are very tough and will handle the plane well, you just dont want to bend them yourself(dont ask). A G62 is perfect for this plane and is what I power mine with. The slimline pitts muffler for the G62 will fit entirely within the cowl with room to spare. I would definately glass the exterior for strength, plus its much more resistant to hangar rash. If youve never glassed before, its alot easier than it looks and there are several online sites that detail how its done. Here is a good one:
http://www.arts-hobby.com/fiberglassing01.html
I did the same thing you did as I built my first plane when I was 18(no money) and now Ive just got back into it full force (no time). You will love the stuka, it is definately the easiest to fly and land of all the giant warbirds.
Evan Q.

brock

Well Guys, I greatly appreciate your input. I will go ahead and order the Stuka plans today from Ziroli. I will probably be asking several other questions before I ever begin building, so please be ready for more questions.

Thanks again,
Dave

Texas 3D

My Feedback: (16)

Welcome to the Stuka club. You will love that plane.
Here is mine :

Texas 3D

My Feedback: (16)

and another pic in flight:

Texas 3D

My Feedback: (16)

And here is my Royal Stuka
Can you tell I love them ?

brock

Hey Stuka Builders,

What was the most difficult part of building the Ziroli kit? What would you change or modify?

So far it looks like a good idea to buy the heat-treated, pre-bent landing gear.

Anybody seen a working scale exhaust on one of these kits with a G-62? See any possible problems in trying to attempt this? Will the heat be to much for the fiberglass cowling, if so, is there a way to insulate it? I will have to call the Muffler-specialist person in Florida regarding building such an item.

I like the idea of the sirens for the dive bombing action. I will have to look into that. Also have considered strobe lights on the tips of the 50-cal cannons, if I add that option. I figure a couple bomb drops will be a must too. Any other ideas guys?

Well, so far looks as if I will be adding up a large bill to build this bird. Thank God it doesn't have retracts!

STUKA BARRY

THE CANNONS MAKE THE STUKA LOOK MEANER THAN IT IS AND LOOK GREAT, BU THE STUKA FROM NICK IS THE "B" MODEL. UNFORTUNATELY THE CANNONS WERE'NT AVAILABLE TILL THE "D" MODEL. THE "C" MODEL WAS CARRIER CAPABLE OTHER THAN THAT, NO CHANGE AND ONLY A FEW WERE BUILT.

grahamd1

My Feedback: (1)

Does anyone have a wood list of the Ziroli Stuka ?, having ordered the plan I have to wait several weeks for it to arrive (Located in the UK), if I had the list I could start sourcing me wood in advance.

any other tips would be really welcomed, along with any contruction pics (other than those on Ziroli's site already).

Finally what engine is everyone using ?

bill white

My Feedback: (13)

The Ziroli plans include a wood list. I also pondered the question of an engine that would fit in the cowel w/out cutting the unique, and beutiful cowel. Ziroli reccomends the G 62, but the side mounted carb will not fit in the cowel. I decided to install one of the new engines w/a rear mounted carb, such as the ZDZ 60, which produces more thrust than the G-62, or maybe the new RCS 50. ineither case mufflers that will also fit inside the cowel are available for both engines. Stuka Dave (a preceding commenter) has been very helpful in directing me to available accessories, such as the pre-bent landing gear, which I highly reccomend, because the angles and bends required would be VERY difficult to do for most of us that do not have the proper tools for this kind of complex bending. As stated in preceding comments, the building is sraightforward w/no sophisticated skills required, sven the flaps and ailerons are simplified so that most modelers w/basic skills can build them.

I have been pleasantly surprised at how many stuka oriented people there are out there, and how helpful they all are. It appears that we have our own stuka oriented group. I will subcribe to this thread and watch it closely for further input.

auf wiedersayne, Herr Wilhelm

bill white

My Feedback: (13)

Sorry for all the misspelled words in the preceding post. I really did get past the third grade. I hope the spirit of the message was not damaged by the poor grammar. Rest assured I will now take advantage of the spell checker in the future

Auf Wiedersayne again, Herr Wilhelm

grahamd1

My Feedback: (1)

Hi Bill thanks for the reply, I know Ziroli's plans come with a list and some info on building, but as I am in the UK, it takes a few weeks for the plans to arrive here. So if I had a rough idea on the wood required (the B-25 used tons of 1/8th lite Ply) then I could now start getting it all together.

Very interested in the undercarridge, do you have a web address where I can get it?, the problem is that most of you are in the States, some of us mere mortals are over the pond, so more info would be great.

I read somewhere that someone was using a Super Tiger 4500 for the engine plant (nice and small, gets lost in the cowl).

Graham

bill white

My Feedback: (13)

The problem w/using a glow engine on this model, is that you almost have to install it inverted, and glow engines are cantankerous inverted. Whereas, gas engines don't care. W/out the plans I don't see how you could get started on the plane. What would you use for a pattern? In any case, theres a lot of 1/8 inch ply.

Good luck, Bill

brock

Alright! Got my plans over the Fourth of July weekend. Guess I will need a larger work area than I imagined. Must get to work on that first.

Glad to hear about the other choices for engines. Bill, what do you think about the possibility of having a custom scale exhaust? Would that be possible with the ZDZ 60 or RCS 50 rear exhaust engines?

What types of aileron and rudder mechanisms are recommended for scale, yet ease of function? Is there a hidden rudder mechanism or a scale looking aileron mechanism tip?

What is the advantage of a servo out in the wing over a bell crank assembly? Is it just weight savings?

I have heard from some of you guys that fiberglassing is definitely the way to go with the finish. I was wondering if there are any fanatics out there that fancy the super coverite, and if so why?

Thanks everyone for the great inspiring photos of the models. Keep posting them as they look great and give me ideas.

ProfLooney

Jesse at http://www.lazer-works.com does a short kit for the Ziroli Stuka I think its $125 thats all the parts you woulkd have to cut out yourself. and they are laser cut really nice.

Joe

brock

Found a great web site (I'm sure most of you know all about it), no it's not playboy, it has some decent historical pictures of various Stukas. Here it is: www.luftwaffepics.com The site has 91 different pictures (all free).

Anybody have any other free documentation pictures for the stuka JU-87B?

Anybody know what type of rivets was used on those planes? Raised or flat rivets? Hard to tell from even some of the better pictures I have seen.

grahamd1

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks Bill, you actually answered my question, looks like I need to be buying lots of 1/8th ply. Unlike the USA getting the correct liteness ply is not so easy, so I need to order the damn stuff now.

Thanks again. (ps think I'll go with the Gas engine.)

STUKA BARRY

HEY BROCK, I KNOW THAT MANY ENGINES WOULD FIT THE STUKA, BUT NONE FLY IT AS SCALE AS THE G-62. THE CARB DOES STICK OUT, BUT IF YOU PUT A VALOCITY STAK ON THE CARB AND PAINT IT OLIVE DRAB, IT'LL LOOK LIKE ITS SUPPOSE TO BE THERE. THE G-62 IS THE IDEAL WEIGHT FOR BALANCE PURPOSES ALSO. WITH A MEJZLIK 22X10 THREE BLADED PROP YOU HAVE A VERY REALISTIC HEAVY MEDAL WARBIRD. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU GETTING THE PREBENT GEAR FROM BOB SHATTLEROE. HE BENDS THE GEAR AND HEAT TREATS IT FOR STRENGTH. CANT BEAT THAT. IF YOU HAVE A SCROLL SAW AND A DRILL, I SUGGEST YOU CUT THE PARTS OUT YOURSELF. ITS NOT HARD JUST A LITTLE TIME CONSUMING. THE SELF GRADIFICATION IS WELL WORTH THE TIME. MY 2 CENTS.

grahamd1

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks for the info Stuka Barry, yep I think I will cut me own. Although I can get the short kit for $125, it will cost $140 to ship it to the UK !!!!!!, be cheaper to build it and fly it over the pond...

I keep hearing about the undercarridge legs, how do I get in touch with the guy, does he have a web page or do you have an email address for him ?..

Thanks

SDCrashmaster

Unlock the caps lock on the keyboard. Ever so much more easily read that way. All caps (on message boards) means that your yelling.
Thanks

desmobob

You're wasting your time, Crashmaster. Some people don't care about 'NETiquette (or have never learned capitalization). One way to relieve your eyes of the all-capitals eyesore is to use RCU's "Ignore" feature to filter his posts. Works for me.