Sterling Olympic Challenger
 

Anyone interested in seeing this kit built.
I just pulled it out of the pile today and am thinking about tossing it together.
I'm thinking a Thunder Tiger GP bushing 40 would be a perfect engine for this little guy.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...6c23ef444.jpeg
This is the Olympic Challenger kit. I always liked the looks of it and am looking for a small kit to build to burn a little time. It looks to me that most of the hardware included in the kit needs replaced with modern hardware.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...1a0491a1d.jpeg
Kit contents and photo
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...832e1a38a.jpeg
Kit contents and military cover scheme

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...99091b014.jpeg

Yes...DO IT...
 

I always enjoy a good build thread.
Great way to get Ideas, and see how others may tackle certain task.
plus it just PLANE fun :)

How old is it?
 

Are there any dates on the box, plans or manual. Or do you remember when you bought it?
I don't remember that one.. Should be a fun plane..

I got it from a guy on the classifieds and I’m guessing 1975 or so. It is kit RC-39. There is a section on the plans where it was folded and is completely brown from age. Wood is actually in great shape but cutting is pretty bad.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...6de8b8c4d.jpeg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...0ec04753d.jpeg
Here is the questionable hardware. I will replace it all with modern stuff and build the nose instead of the plastic cowl. Dig that front strut with no steering

Here is the tail moments all built and hinged up pretty much ready to cover. I’ll set them aside for now and start the fuse
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...c244d7da4.jpeg

Great to see another build.

Here are the fuse parts ready to be assembled, it took quite awhile to separate them cleanly from the trees. I think I know why so many guys scratched kits back in the 70’s. It was probably quicker and easier than getting kits to assemble strait and clean
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...80fc5fd60.jpeg
Fuse sides complete and ready to assemble
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...da56e9c36.jpeg
Feeling pretty good about this warranty being included. Lots of nostalgia here. Warranty not so much
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...177bee591.jpeg
Formers and landing gear rib’s assembled ready to install

It looks like getting this fuse straight will be the biggest challenge that I’ve run into yet. Wood fit is really tough around the formers and it seems almost every piece will need to be altered to get a nice fit. I’m thinking it will be ok but can’t get in a hurry when parts fit this poorly.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...d93c61f69.jpeg
Fuse loose layup

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...1da6fc0e6.jpeg
Fuse sides

Here is the fuse starting to come together, it looks like it will be pretty light when completed.
I have room for an 8 oz. tank so my choice for engines is either a Super Tiger .29 abc or a Thunder Tiger .40 gp. The ST weighs 11.8 oz. and the TT weighs 11.4 oz. Looks like the bushing 40 gets the nod
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...cf9dbb8ee.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...65fcfb4b4.jpeg
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Here is where I start changing out hardware that come supplied with the kit and start adding what I think will work better. Above is the 1/8 landing gear and steel mounts that came with the kit. Below is a decent set up of 5/32 gear and a Dave Brown .40 mount which allows me nose steering. I will be using the lower set up.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...2cb76092c.jpeg

A little more changing as the fuse comes together, I decided to sheet the cockpit area instead of adding plastic windows. The windows can be replicated with a piece of Ultracote and save the hassle. Tank is in, mount with steering arm, throttle cable, so engine now can be mounted. I will then shape a nose of balsa and toss the plastic cowl.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...2c5302b99.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...7eecfe0ce.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...bdf00b880.jpeg

The old plane is coming along nicely. You'll be flying it in no time.
Sure does bring back memories of the past...

Thank You
I'm actually having fun with it, regardless of all the things I don't like about the kit.
I will try to keep this under 4 pounds flying weight, not sure how that will go yet.
So far things have been going well considering all the changes.
It's fun to try and bring life to these old kits..............

Here the nose is roughly shaped and engine temporarily installed. Next is to pull the engine, fuel proof the compartment and sand and finish shaping. I’ll set the fuse aside for now and start the wing assembly. I think it will clean up nice and look fine once covered. All up weight on fuse,tail feathers, and engine is 1 pound 9.4 ounces.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...da46ee511.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...c9b1bf37d.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...e6f7f0708.jpeg

Here is my favorite piece of the entire kit. This is the area of the plans I talked about being discolored almost to a brown color. It shows you just how long this kit sat untouched in someone’s shop.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...10003b70c.jpeg

I started a wing today and was surprised at how well it went even
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...97aa038e4.jpeg
Die cut ribs
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...ba26a83e0.jpeg
Wing bottom
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...9af719f32.jpeg
Wing top
with all the die cutting issues. It went fairly smooth with few problems. It feels fairly strong and is complete minus a wing tip and the center sheeting. All up weight so far for this wing is 3.3 ounces. Not bad considering 4 pounds is my target weight.

First wing is built and set off to the side. All up weight ended up being 4 oz. With only the aileron left to add. It turned out light and straight. Off to the next wing….
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...e38a43c5c.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...5b3c5295b.jpeg

Isn't it crazy how the design "technology" has changed over the years.
Look at the size of the control surfaces compared to what we see today...

Landing gear blocks in the wing with wire gear... Don't see much of that any more...versus the cut and shaped aluminum flat bar screwed to the bottom of the fuse..

gotta ask, what the heck are those valves out of?

Rick,
Those valves are made for Caterpillar, not sure what they went to, something big for sure.
I just use them as weights to hold things down to the table.

Control surfaces are made in 2 sizes, one for rc and one for control line........rc is cut in half

Here is the basic construction completed with other wing in place. From here on out will be sanding, covering, and radio installation. I will join the wings next and glass the center section. As you can see my shop is very basic with no fancy tools. This should show anyone can build an old kit easily. I’ll update the thread as I progress.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...233e74498.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...d914e7e63.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...34a338201.jpeg

Looking GOOD...
Now the real fun begins....
I am always trying to come up with some kind of snazzy color scheme on my planes. Sometimes all I do is create a lot of work and a mess of colors on an airplane..
But hey, I can guarantee there is never another one that looks like mine...:rolleyes: