Author: Pat Tritle

Edition: Model Aviation - 2021/02
Page Numbers: 56, 57, 58
Model Lockheed Constellation airliner on a dry airfield with mountains in the background.

SMALL-FIELD FLYING

Model Lockheed Constellation airliner on a dry airfield with mountains in the background.
Powell Brown built his TWA Constellation from a Dare/Brodak kit. When it comes to airliners, the Lockheed Connie is synonymous with “class” and was the last of the breed to take us from the piston-airliner era into the jet age.

LiPo battery. Guidance is provided by Suppo servos, with a Spektrum four-channel receiver and a JR 9503 transmitter. Callie Graphics supplied the TWA graphics, which were applied over Solarfilm covering.

Powell commented, “It’s the only airplane I’ve ever built that flew straight and true right off the bench. No trim required—and boy, does it fly like a sweetheart.” Well done, Powell, and it was no small undertaking to be sure.

Yellow and red park-scale Curtiss Robin model airplane on pavement
Ron Struss started with a Pico-Stick-F. With a little cutting and trimming, he came up with his park-scale Curtiss Robin. It’s amazing what can be done with an out-of-production kit and some ingenuity.

White Skipper II model airplane on a wooden deck
At the tender age of 21, Howard Moore’s Skipper II has stood the test of time. The model has undergone several equipment upgrades and hangar rash repairs, but it is still flyable after all of these years.

Model airplane parts and a clear acetate cabin window being formed on a work surface
George makes form-fitting cabin windows using a mold and plug to heat-form acetate. The molded windows fit nicely into the window openings for a clean installation.

I couldn’t get to everything that’s in the hopper and for that, I apologize. However, I will get to it next time around, so for those who have to wait, I appreciate your patience.

For now, I want to offer a hearty “well done” to all. The diversity of projects is terrific, not to mention the quality and ingenuity that went into each.

Until next time, keep up the terrific work, keep building, and do send a photo or two of your latest endeavor. The only thing I like better than seeing your work is sharing it with like-minded people.