Does anyone know anything about this manufacturer / supplier ?
http://www.scalercmodels.com/index.html
I was thinking about getting the SPAD, but would like to have some feedback from some people that have done business with them before I plunk down any money.

The selection of models available made me suspicious as well as the availability in several scales. This is just the same old Arizona Model kits (with the same photos that are on the AZM site). The WWI accessories are also straight off of the AZM site. And given the terrible business reputation that AZM has, I'd think twice (and then twice again) before ordering anything from this site since they would obviously have to get it through AZM.

Given the address below, this looks like a reseller for AZM kits (which is itself just a packager of other people's designs).

Mike Beaulieu
Scale R/C Models
84 University Street
Presque Isle, Maine 04769

Still, if this place can actually get their hands on the kits BEFORE CHARGING the buyer, this would eliminate one of the largest complaints about AZM. On the other hand, the quality of the AZM products is still in question.

Some of the other stuff on this site looks pretty interesting though! Can anyone who's more familiar with the other stuff comment on where that's coming from?

For example, the cockpit kits look pretty nice.

Also, despite the silly name, the "Formicator" (under tools) looks worth the $30 bucks.

Ah. Here's the relevant quote:

"Presently we are representing Arizona Models, Jet Hangar Hobbies, M.C. Beaulieu Plan Service, Dynamic Balsa Inc., and Unionville."

Thanks, I appreciate the quick responses.
If this is the correct Arizona Models http://www.arizonamodels.com/ I was unaware that there was questionable quality or customer service issues. I also appreciate the heads up on that.
So if this source is questionable for this kit can anyone recommend a readily available SPAD 13 kit ?
It does not have to be authentic scale, but I want it to look like a SPAD. Just so you understand where I am at in "scale" planes; my next project is going to be a FunAero SE5a. I prefer my planes to fly with authority on a 91 four stroke.

Do a search for Arizona Models here on RCU. You'll find several threads detailing customer dissatisfaction with AZM business practices and product. In short, the designs themselves often come from quite respected scale designers but the quality of AZM kits is lacking and they can't seem to deliver on their promises (and that's the kindest way you'll hear it said).

Thanks again, I have admired your work, you build outstanding model airplanes.

<<can anyone recommend a readily available SPAD 13 kit ?
It does not have to be authentic scale, but I want it to look like a SPAD. Just so you understand where I am at in "scale" planes; my next project is going to be a FunAero SE5a. I prefer my planes to fly with authority on a 91 four stroke.>>

This plane is a little larger than you might want, but it is available and I can say that the quality of BUSA's kits is very good and they build easily. I've built their DR1 (in my avatar) and Nieuport 11. They are not totally true to scale; they are designed to fly and they fly very well. Few people will notice the scale deviations.

https://www.balsastore.com/store/pro...l.php?prod=404

Thank you for the Balsa USA recommendation. I have admired the Balsa USA SPAD on numerous occasions (as well as the rest of their WWI war bird flock) and would love to have one … however it is twice the weight that I am willing to commit too at this point in time.
I have learned not to say never because there was a time I would “never” go bigger than a 46 two stroke, and then it was … I would “never” pay the extra money for a four stroke … LOL … now I am firmly entrenched in the 90 four strokes and the model airplanes that use them … but even this position is weakening since I have a Saito 125 in route to the front door right now.
So maybe someday I will graduate up to the 20 lb models, but for right now I am going to stick to models that weigh 10 lbs or less.

I believe that there are a couple of ARF Spad XIIIs out there in that size but I know of no kits availible. What about scaling down a 1/4 scale?

For the past couple of years I have been trying to stay away from ARFs as much as possible. The biggest reason being that building from a kit greatly slows down the accumulation of airplanes out in the garage. I don't really have all that many (comparatively speaking) but I have more than I can fly on a regular basis.
If the desire to have a SPAD XIII sticks with me, maybe I will try my hand at scaling down a larger sized plan, or maybe just make the jump to larger airplanes.
Today, I got my building area configured for building (instead of repairing) again and cracked open the 60” FunAero SE5. This will keep me busy for quite a while since I am a very slow builder.
I appreciate everyone taking an interest and taking the time to reply.

You don't have to search for Arizona Models, I will supply the threads.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_99734/tm.htm

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_77...tm.htm#7714698

And when I finally got the Spandau, they were sooooooo bad, I could not even bring myself to finish the first one, and did what I should have done in the first place, and put up my own.

Les

<<maybe I will try my hand at scaling down a larger sized plan>>

Plans for all of the BUSA kits are available on their website.

I believe Bob Rich designed a 1/5 scale SPAD 13 for RCM? or one of the Mags. approx. 65" wing. It's a nice scale project. I'll also try to find it and forward any info.

Barry

Check RC Modeler, the plan # is pl-1154 Cat 2, SPAD 13 C-1 63' span, 50-70 4 Stroke there is a build article in the 10-93 issue of RCM also. Have a great day.

Barry

Thanks Barry