1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

I received the John Marquette 1/3 scale Champ plans some time ago to quote a build for a customer. He decided not to build but those plans just kept staring back at me until I finially gave in and started building one for myself. I used up what little spruce I had here on a few wing ribs and now Im waiting on a shipment of spruce sticks to continue.

Pictured are the two tip ribs W-15 and one W-2 rib. The other 2 pictures are from the November 1991 RCM.

This thread will be ongoing and updated as time and money allow the build to continue but I wanted to start it before I get too far in construction.

Some specs:

Designer: John Marquette
Wingspan: 141 inches
Wing chord: 19 7/8 inches
Fuse length: 85 inches
Stab span: 40 5/8 inches
Vert. fin height: 12 1/4 inches
Engine: 40-50cc

The plans are well done and this thing is build like a brick crapper. Mostly spruce construction with fuse stringers being 3/8" sq. spruce. Drawings include details for scale functioning landing gear also.

Ill try to update at least once a week or so.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

fantastic, keep us posted and good luck.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Great job on a fantastic plane. I'll be following this build of a vey seldom modeled aircraft.







Harry

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Thats awesome!! I love seeing different aircraft being modeled! Seen many full scale champs, and flew one.. Great flying airplane with more room than a cub..

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Not alot of tangible progress, but, progress nonetheless. Im down to 9 of the short ribs (in front of the ailerons) to build yet. Went to a flying buddys shop last night and cut spars out of poplar material and got them laid out and ready to go. Im pushing 70 hours in this thing already and dont even have a wing put together yet, lol.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Can you throw something in for a sense of size, like maybe a can of Coke or a bottle of cold beer?

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

That's awesome! The ribs are even built like the real thing. Should be a monster when completed. Have you decided on an engine? A GT-80 would sound great in a plane that size, plus you could probably use the nose weight with that short of a nose.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

GT-80......blech....(good engine, just not scale)
Supposed to use the Kavan MK50 in it. After seeing this thread, I might just have to build one myself since I have the Kavan engine sitting in the box looking for a home.
Jeff

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Subarubrat.....check the pics at the top of the thread. There is a 12" ruler next to one of the ribs. Ribs are about 16" long without the leading edge forward of the front spar. Front spars are 5'-3" long by about 2" wide.

I havent settled on any engines at the moment. I figure it will take me the better part of a year the get this thing together so Im waiting a bit to see what develops in engines. You never know when the latest and greatest is going to change.

JeffH....That would definetely be the right choice of engine....if i hit the lottery, lol. Instead of building one yourself, why dont you just ship that puppy my way :D

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

what ya got to trade???? I am always up for a deal.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Unfortunetely, not much at the moment. Got rid of alot when I moved last year and have been selling off what I have left to finance this beast. I dont even have enough around here to come close to the price of that bad boy.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

i have the scale molded windshield and glass cowl for this plan acallin your name brent;) donnie in dripping springs trexas

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Just curiious how long it takes to make each rib? People have a misconception about how long it takes for a project like this. You should consider rib stitching the wing also. The additional weicht is minimal.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Each rib is taking me approx. 2 hours including the ply gussets. Its kind of depressing that some nights I may only get one done, lol. Ive managed to convince myself not to assemble anything until all the ribs are complete....only 6 more to go :D

And yes, there will be simulated stitching done on this one. Ive done nothing but framing for customers for the past 2 years and its time for me to do some finish work again. I figure this one is big enough to go all out as much as possible with detail. Full cockpit, rib stitching, inspection hatches, etc.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

OK, so I lied....well....sorta. Didnt want to start anything until the ribs were all done, but I ran outta 1/32" ply for the gussets tonight. Sooooo, didnt want to waste the entire weekend doing nothin. Progress pics of the left wing construction, aileron hinge, and strut mounts.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Nice project. Reminds me of the years I spent building full scale aircraft. A little trick I learned about painting fittings. I used white krylon and let it dry which it does very rapidly. Then I hung the fitting in the oven and baked it for an hour at a low heat setting. Whola! Baked on enamel finish. Seemed very tough!

JEB:D

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Hi there im in australia !! that is the most beautiful large model Champ i have ever seen where can i get plans for this ??? i want to get started on one what a project !!!!!

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

That is Freaking Awsome, Love... Your a True Craftsman.....

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

I read the article in RCM. This is quite a replication of the 1:1 plane. Looks good, keeps the brain working. Keep it up.

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Second that. The workmanship and effort is outstanding, makes me want to build my next one to the same standard (or as close as I can get)...[8D]


Mark

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

i have the same plans for the 1/3 champ, can some tell me where to buy the wind screen, f/g cowl, and does any one make the scale landing gear?

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

cvn70 i have a new in box scale windshield as well as the glass cowl for this plane pm me for details;)

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Where do you find the plans for this bad boy???

Any web link?

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

Here ya go copters.... I will be updating this thread soon but Im currently getting my website up and running. The Aeronca pages are done up to where Im at here but if anyone wants to check out the site it is at http://www.aviationstation.net

RE: 1/3 Scale Aeronca Champ build
 

That thing is BIG<<