Smith Miniplane
 

Photos are of a 50% original design Smith Miniplane. I would like to have done a build thread on this plane but it has taken a lot longer than planned to get to this point. Only need to do some finish sanding and it will be ready to cover. Just wanted to share it with the rest of you scale modelers. Wingspan is 102", weight estimated to finish at 45 pounds, 3W-150 for power. Transmitter is shown for size reference.

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Hello

good looking Oldscaleguy. I hope I will it see flying in May for Mint Julep Scale Meeting!.

Good Job!

regards Reiner

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Hi S:
Aweome size. I was wondering what you have been building. Thank you for sharing

Dave

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

HEY OLDSCALEGUY ~ WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BIRD. ANXIOUS TO LEARN OF YOUR FIRST FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS! SHOULD BE A *****CAT ON LOW RATE AND A BLAST ON HIGHT RATE. VERY BEST WISHES! LAKEFISH4

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Great looking Miniplane!!!Did you scale up some plans to 50%?Be sure and post some pics of the finished plane.

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Myself and another fellow drew up a set of 25% scale plans in the early 80's. No cad (at least for me) at that time. I used those plans and doubled them making necessary structural changes. Actually we sold the 25% plans along with a fiberglass cowl for quite some time during those days.

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Very nice thus far! I look forward to doing battle in May! Not so fair since I have machine guns :-)

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Did you make that fiberglass cowl?Looks beautiful.

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

My pilot might have a secret weapon.... ya just never know. :)

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

The cowl was a joint effort among friends. I started the plug a friend finished it for me while I was starting construction on the plane. Another friend made the mold and the fiberglass cowl. Tons of work in that one part. Between that and the landing gear, they were the most time consuming to figure out.

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

About time you get that thing done.
Jeremy

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Jermey maken any more babies for the grandparents??
Nice job Steve!!

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Hey Dave how are you all? No more babies for a while. Are you all coming to the Mint?

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

No argument there. Will be glad to get it done so something else can be started.

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

If you need a good test pilot you know where I live!!

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Good one Dave, you are welcome to come here for the maiden though. We can either celebrate or cry in our beer..... :)

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Covering begins tomorrow..... finally.

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Aw, it looks so sad, all in pieces like that...

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Not sad!!! did you see the size of his only beer can!!!
We expect updates Steve!!

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Hello Oldscaleguy
which colour will get the nice Biplane?

regards reiner

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

No problems on the updates, will do that.
This SMP will replicate the original SMP designed and built by Frank Smith in 1957. Mrs. Smith actually sent me these pictures in 1982.

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Didn't he give you color chips or paint info, Stits ?

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

The documentation indicates that it is 1956 Ford yellow. I did find a 1956 Ford color chip chart on ebay. I sent the information to Stits but they could not seem to hit the correct shade of yellow and eventually gave up. Shannon took the chip to the local Sherwin Williams store and they hit it perfectly. So, for the first time, I will be painting a plane with latex. Keep you fingers crossed!

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

Top wing and rudder covered. Pretty exciting, huh?

RE: Smith Miniplane
 

What are you covering with?:D