Andy:

Pica used to be "Dave Platt Models" and that should tell you their designs are good. As far as the wood and cutting are concerned, they are switching to laser cutting, if you get one of them they're great. The die-crushed ones are still good, though.

Giant scale? A 1/6 Extra 300 is not. When you get to a 1/3rd scale Extra 300 you're up to 100" span, that's giant. If, however, we are talking about a 1/6 C5a that would be over 37', truly giant scale. Even an L-1049 Constellation would be 21' span in 1/6 scale.

So, you see, Giant scale isn't the scale ratio, it's the size of the scaled plane regardless of the ratio. To me, giant scale starts at 100" wingspan. IMAA requires 80" for a monoplane, or 1/4 scale, whichever is smaller. So, the Extra 300 would be IMAA legal at approx 75" span. Biplanes have a lower minimum size, don't remember what it is.

Hope this helps, at least a little bit.

Giant scale planes,
. Give lifting pains.

Bill.