1954 SEA-CAT
#2
Senior Member

I built this Sea Cat about 9 years ago for a pal of mine. We flew it off out runway using a metal landing gear. It flew great but real slow.We never flew off water. My pal died several months ago, and i have model in my shop. The power is a OS26 four cycle. I plan to fly it again in the spring
#3

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Hi Shorty;
Greetings from a very wet and soggy Florida.
The Sea Cat by the late Henry Struck was presented as a construction article in Model Airplane News back in the early 50s, can't remember the date rite now, my magazine archives is in Phoenix, and I am in Florida for a couple more weeks. I have the magazine, badly mouse eaten, [I purchased a bunch'o'old mags a while back], anyways, I can make you a copy of said article if you want it. I also have an original Berkeley kit of the Sea Cat; you have to hand out the kudos to these old timers, designing such advanced models at the time of shuch primitive radio equipment, makes you kind of wonder as to how they did it. I will close for now, best regards from Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast,
Joe Nagy.
Greetings from a very wet and soggy Florida.
The Sea Cat by the late Henry Struck was presented as a construction article in Model Airplane News back in the early 50s, can't remember the date rite now, my magazine archives is in Phoenix, and I am in Florida for a couple more weeks. I have the magazine, badly mouse eaten, [I purchased a bunch'o'old mags a while back], anyways, I can make you a copy of said article if you want it. I also have an original Berkeley kit of the Sea Cat; you have to hand out the kudos to these old timers, designing such advanced models at the time of shuch primitive radio equipment, makes you kind of wonder as to how they did it. I will close for now, best regards from Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast,
Joe Nagy.
#4

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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Longwood ,
FL
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I have a complete Berkely Sea Cat kit in the original box....too bad, but the box top was almost completely destroyed during my move from California to Montana 1 1/2 years ago.
I was very fortunate to have bought the kit from a hobby shop when it closed in San Diego over 20 years ago.
Any idea what the kit is worth today? It's all there, newver started, and totally complete.
Harley Condra
BVM REP
JetCat REP
I was very fortunate to have bought the kit from a hobby shop when it closed in San Diego over 20 years ago.
Any idea what the kit is worth today? It's all there, newver started, and totally complete.
Harley Condra
BVM REP
JetCat REP
#5

Henry Struck's article was in the August, 1954 issue of Model Airplane News. I've wanted to build it since '54 but never got a round tuit.
-Dave
P.S.: Hmmmm. RCUniverse is showing a slightly smaller version than what I uploaded. My original is small, but more readable. If you want it emailed, PM me.
-Dave
P.S.: Hmmmm. RCUniverse is showing a slightly smaller version than what I uploaded. My original is small, but more readable. If you want it emailed, PM me.
#6
Senior Member
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I dunno, but have received a rash of requests on the Sea Cat recently.
Back a few years ago, I laser cut the ribs for a wing, as mine was damaged. I am going to make another run of ribs, tips, float strut, etc. for the Sea Cat but only for the main wing. No other parts. These of 3/32, 1/8 and plywood. I cannot locate my pile of 3/32, but ought to have those parts in hand before end of February. The other two sizes have been cut and are in a pile out back. No plans available. You need to use the originals or copies to locate where to glue parts. And remember, this A/C has some non-standard sized wood involved.
If you want a copy of wing parts, contact me via P.M. with your address or zip code so I can figure shipping cost. It used to be near $20 for everything, but due to recent postal rate increases, this same may be at $22 now.
Remember, this for main wing only.
Wm.
Back a few years ago, I laser cut the ribs for a wing, as mine was damaged. I am going to make another run of ribs, tips, float strut, etc. for the Sea Cat but only for the main wing. No other parts. These of 3/32, 1/8 and plywood. I cannot locate my pile of 3/32, but ought to have those parts in hand before end of February. The other two sizes have been cut and are in a pile out back. No plans available. You need to use the originals or copies to locate where to glue parts. And remember, this A/C has some non-standard sized wood involved.
If you want a copy of wing parts, contact me via P.M. with your address or zip code so I can figure shipping cost. It used to be near $20 for everything, but due to recent postal rate increases, this same may be at $22 now.
Remember, this for main wing only.
Wm.
#7
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: east middlebury, VT
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I have a complete kit with the box in good condition setting in my attic. To build on the famous "someday" time frame. How can I help you?
#9

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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Napa,
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This RCU classifed seller doesn't seem to have a clue...[&:]
http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=268687
(I don't want this post to look too stupid if someone gives him a "heads up" and he retitles his listing. This is a built Sea Cat, but he does not know what to call it.)
His asking price seems close to reasonable - if you happen to be in his area and could inspect and pick it up it in person.
Arlen
http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=268687
(I don't want this post to look too stupid if someone gives him a "heads up" and he retitles his listing. This is a built Sea Cat, but he does not know what to call it.)
His asking price seems close to reasonable - if you happen to be in his area and could inspect and pick it up it in person.
Arlen
#10
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
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For those of you who are interested, I have plans for the Berkeley Sea Cat, Custom Privateer, Privateer, and the Jetco Navigator in high resolution digitized .PDF format ready to e-mail. I am offering these for free to those want a copy. Just e-mail me at [email protected] and note the plan(s) you want. I will send them by return e- mail.
Planeman
Planeman
#11
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Greensburg,
LA
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add my name to the list. have set of plans, so the wing ribs will come in handy some future day. Dick Stamm, PO box 177, Greensburg, La, 90441. thanks dick
#13
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Marion, IA
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I built a Sea Cat several years ago and have had many good flights on it. The horizontal stab had too much negative incidence, about four degrees if I remember right. I reduced it to about one and a half and it worked well. If I were to make one more change I would make the pylons the floats are on an inch shorter. If you are not perfectly into the wind on takeoff the wing will dip catching a float and drag the nose around. Overall a very pleasant plane to fly.
#14
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Join Date: Jun 2020
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I have a flying example now, and have flown it for over 40 yrs.........ya I know, but true. I have lots of experience with the model, what do you need to know ????
#15
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Join Date: Jun 2020
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I have been flying one of these, on again and off for over 40 yrs. Water flying is a entire different plane from land and wheels on so many levels. You will have a blast, nice looking model too