I have discovered that I like building as much, if not more, than flying. I am looking for a new kit to work on. I don't want something that slaps together in a long weekend or two, but a project that can take some time. As I don't have a lot of room in the car, I need to stay with a wing span of around 60 inches and a fuse of <50 in. I really like the WWI scale-type planes, but know little to nothing about who makes the best kits.

Zee

If you were into bipes the Great Planes skybolt was a fun kit with lots of work involved.I built one when it first came out and now have another for this winters project. Other than the old Proctor kits (which I dont know if you can still get) I dont really know who
offers WW1 "kits " in your range.

D&L's Gizmo has a 2-piece wing and builds nicely. The Doghouse and Doghouse extreme also are a lot of fun to build/fly.

Jerry

If you want something that looks like WW-I then take a look at the GP's Elder. It fits the size you want, you won't build it in a couple of week ends and it's cute as the dickens.

Try to find a Proctor Antic. Either Here on RCU or on e-bay.

Definitely not a weekend project and you'll love the way it flies. I had one in the mid-70's (sold long ago) with an OS .60 two stroke. The plane is begging for a 4 stroke.

The GP Elder is being reviewed by a member of our club for RCM magazine. Plane looks fabulous and it flew fine. It flew with a OS 46FX engine. Walt did a great job in building and I agree the kit would be great for someone with WW I interest

A friend just got the elder for a winter project and it looks like a great kit, However I don't think the wing is removable but don't quote me on it. If it is not it my be a problem fitting in your car, I also have to fit my planes in a car and I need a van ........

Dauntae

the elder is a great looking plane. The one I see is a Top Flight....is that the same as the GP? It also looks somewhat like the Eindecker 40 by Balsa USA. Does anyone have this kit or know anything about it?

Zee

GP's and Top flight are one and the same now. Yes the wing comes off for easy transportation.

Sounds like you might be ready for your first plans build.

Check out the plans services, or scan a few books for favourites and post here for plans. Quite a few of us have stacks of plasn or know where to get them.

There's a much larger variety of plans available than kits and nothing beats the feeling of flying something you built form nothing more than plans.

If you feel you're not ready for this, check out Proctor's VK line. Sounds like the size you're looking for. Check out my VK DR1.
Fits in the back of my minivan without removing anything.

If the GP is too simple, and you're not ready for plan building, try Balsa USA kits:

http://www.balsausa.com

They have a nice Eindecker as well as a Taube (in 2 sizes) Newports, Bristols, etc.

Hey Zee,

I am building a Fokker D-7 from Hobby Hanger 40 size, they also have a SE5a Kit and both should be great gentle flying planes.

Look into www.funaero.com for more great WW1 kits and also Flair products, www.flairproducts.co.uk, There are US distributors for these kits too. All the above companies have WW1 kits under 60" WS and around $100-$200 per kit.

Balsa USA has some good kits but the WW1 biplanes may have a wingspan that is over what you want. The monoplanes fit your wants.

I'm getting into the WW1 stuff and I am really enjoying building and learning about these older planes. Have FUN!!!!


Navigator

Look here : MT Models , under Models, Flair, Tiger Moth and Stearman

Michael

I 2nd the GP Super Skybolt...this has been a very challenging kit. Lots of rounded edges (and sanding) but it's fairly easy to follow the directions, and seems as if it's going to be a showstopper at the field.....I'm almost finished with mine, and have had a wonderful time with it.

I'm a builder, and I have found the Sig 1/6 scale clipped wing cub is a lot of fun to build, it's about the same size as a goldberg cub when done (clipped wing version has a scale wingspan, it's a rib bay smaller on each wing than the goldberg cub), but it's a heck of alot lighter and is actually scale, it even builds up similer to the full scale cub (instead of pipes your using balsa sticks. With a .40 to a .48 four stroke, the plane flies nicely. I am not a cub fan, I usually dislike cubs quite a bit.

Hi Zee,

I might recommend Ziroli's DR.1. It has a 63" wingspan and makes a fun building project (provided you like wings). Nick also has a smaller Eindecker. Give him a call, it is worth it just to have a set of the plans for comparative purposes.

Mace Gill
The Aeroplane Works

Well I know you won't be able to find the kit any more except on E-bay. But the Miss Ventage is an excellent airplane to build. You won't buildit in a weekend nor even in a couple of months. But if you can get the plans it is an excellent builder and flyer. I now have two and am building one for a friend. It is a very slow flyer exspecialy with a fourstroker on the front. Mine has a Saito 45 turning a 11-7 prop and after I have it in the air only have to crack the throttle just a little and she will just fly your heart out. I'm also trying to rig up some bomb drops for her just for fun and to give the kids something to see. She has an open rear bay and a bueatiful wing buildup. If you can get one of these or send off to RCM mag for the plans I realy think you would be pleased with this plane try it you'll like it Miky says

I built a Smith Miniplane. Great little Sig kit and beautiful flying biplane. Fits in the jump seat of my Ranger truck fully assembled.

Then, built another one off the plans and bashed it to look like an SE5A. It looks great, but doesn't fly as well as the Miniplane.

Have a Saito .56 4s in the Miniplane and an OS.46 2s in the SE5A. That plus the big flat front on the nose of the SE5A may be the difference.

Picture attached

go to www.proctor-enterprises.com,check out all the antics,the whole vk line,i have three bipes from the 60s and70s and two antics.from the same era.they all fly like a dream and you wont be done in afew weekends.

glad to here the Miss Vintage is a good flying plane as I just acquired one in pristine condition. I also have the Elder 20 and if I didn't know any better I would say the Elder is a knock off of the Vintage.