New Giant Scale models for 2015
by Sal Calvagna
rcgiants@optonline.net
Welcome back. Summer is in full swing and that means Giant Scale flying events should be taking place in all 50 states of our grand union, so get out and head to the field and have some fun! This month’s column selections are all World War I aircraft. One was recently completed and test flown, another completed but has yet to be flown, and one is under construction. It just goes to show you that Giant Scale modeling is alive and well.
Balsa USA S.E.5a from Across the Pond
Ted Galbraith of North Weald, Essex, England, recently completed a magnificent 1/4-scale Balsa USA S.E.5a. Having seen some fine examples at
Warbirds Over Delaware in the past, Ted has been smitten with Balsa USA models in attendance throughout the years. He chose the S.E.5a because it was one of his favorite aircraft from World War I. Ted was able to purchase the kit from a dealer in the United Kingdom. Here is what he had to say about the kit when it arrived:
“I was very impressed with the amount of wood in the box and the instruction book. This has to rank as one of the most comprehensive guides I have ever seen in a kit.
“By paying due regard to the instruction book, the build and final assembly is a relatively straightforward process. Okay, the wire work needs a bit of care, but other than that, the finished model comes together nicely, albeit just a bit on the large size for my small building room.
“When it came time [to] finish the model, a great deal of time was spent looking for an attractive color scheme to apply. There were many schemes to choose from, including some of the well-known aces from WW I. Thanks to the Internet, I found a scheme that represents an S.E.5a from the American 25th Pursuit Squadron that was based at Toul Aerodrome on the Western Front in November 1918, piloted by Lt. Joseph E. Boudwin.
“The 25th used color to identify different flights. Red was used for A flight, white for B flight, and blue for C flight. An interesting fact about this particular aircraft is that two days after the squadron took part in combat missions, the armistice was signed and World War I came to an end.”
2014. It was built using Kerry Sterner plans. The 1/3-scale model spans 110 inches with a fuselage length of 75 inches. It was built using tried-and-true stick-built construction. Of course, Mike has added scale details such as original-type hinges and the correct faux radial engine.
Mike designed the Siemens Halske Sh.III 11-cylinder rotary engine for this model. The engine kits are available from Nick Ziroli Plans. The model will be powered by a DLE-111 gas engine swinging a Xoar 28 x 8 propeller and should weigh in at roughly 40 pounds when completed.
The full-scale aircraft was another example of a sesquiplane, meaning that it was not a true biplane because the lower wing area was less than half of the upper wing area.
A 1/3-Scale Siemens-Schuckert D.III
Mike Gross of Mastic, New York, started this project in December
The model is covered with Solatex and finished with enamel paint. It is powered by a Zenoah G-38 engine. Ted is waiting for a calm day for the first flight.
The Siemens-Schuckert D.III started out as a fighter aircraft, but after some initial teething issues and an engine retrofit, the aircraft was returned to active service as an interceptor with home-defense Jagdgeschwaders (Luftwaffe fighter wing). Warned of approaching bombers, pilots would scramble to their fast-climbing aircraft to attack the formations.
A 1/3-Scale de Havilland D.H.1
Andy Marone of Manorville, New York, built this 1/3-scale D.H.1 from his own drawn plans using the Windsock Datafile #148 three-view. The model spans 164 inches with a length of approximately 110 inches and an all-up weight of 53 pounds. It is powered by a 3W-85 gas engine swinging a 28 x 8 propeller.
Andy covered the model with Sig Koverall and a few coats of nitrate dope. All fittings were handmade and
the model uses a scale pull-pull setup for the rudder and elevator and a scale closed-loop system for the ailerons.
The model won Designer Scale at this year’s Westchester Radio AeroModelers (WRAM) Show. It was test-flown in early spring; Andy reports that it flew stably and with plenty of authority with the 3W-85 gas engine.
That’s all for this month. See you next time.
SOURCES:
Balsa USA
(906) 863-6421
www.balsausa.com
Sig Manufacturing
(641) 623-5154
www.sigmfg.com
Nick Ziroli Plans
(631) 467-4765
https://ziroligantscaleplans.com
