RC GIANT SCALE
PILOT FIGURES FOR RC GIANT SCALE AIRPLANES
By Sal Calvagna | rcgiants@optonline.net
WELCOME BACK. Whether you’re building, assembling, buying, or repairing RC Giant Scale models, they all should have this one option in common: a pilot figure. I define it as an option because it’s not necessary for the operation of a model; however, the unwritten rule is that if there’s a cockpit, there should be a pilot.
I’ve seen some modelers turn to the absurd and use anything from a space alien to Lego figures, but the overwhelming majority of Giant Scale modelers who spend weeks, months, or even years creating their masterpiece go to extra lengths to include a pilot in the cockpit.
There are a number of companies that offer figures in various sizes, complexity, and cost. Let’s take a look at a few.
For World War I, World War II, or civilian aircraft that require a bust figure, Mike Johnson, of Aces of Iron Productions, Inc., has a good assortment of figures from 1/3 scale down to 1/8 scale. The figures are highly detailed but come unpainted. There’s a lot of information on the website, including how to properly size a pilot and a tutorial on how to paint the figures. They’re lightweight, look great, and are easy on the pocketbook.
Adam Martin, of Warbird Pilots, offers full-figure pilots for the discerning modeler. They come in popular sizes for military and civilian aircraft but also include jet-age and helicopter pilots. Adam offers a servo-operated head on most of the figures. This option comes fully installed and is ready to go. You just have to attach it with a Y harness to your rudder servo and you’re good to go.
Adam also has something called the Random Servo Motion Generator, which is a small, printed circuit board that can operate a scale turret or any application where random motion is desired. It can control one or two servos independently and can be turned on or off through a transmitter channel. Servo speeds, the time between movement, and position end points are all programmable.
Best Pilots offers ultrarealistic, museum-quality pilot figures. Each figure is a sculpted portrait, wearing the most accurate flight gear in the hobby. Best Pilots figures are in the cockpits of award-winning models all around the world! They are available painted or unpainted.
Motion RC has some inexpensive pilot figures, and Tyler Gray Models offers some outstanding full-body figures.
If you choose not to buy a premade one, consider fabricating your own. I had a black and white photo of the great aircraft designer Igor Sikorsky, from the year 1914. Because I was building one of his early designs in 1/6 scale, I went to eBay and found a huge source of 1/6-scale figures and accessories.
I purchased a 1/6-scale unclothed figure, black boots, white shirt, black leather jacket,
and pants. I then contacted a company called That’s My Face to sculpt a 3D-printed head of Igor from the photo I provided. (This company no longer seems to be in business; however, there are many other 3D head-sculpting services available online.) The only item I couldn’t find that I had to make myself was the helmet. I made this out of balsa and faux black leather. You can see the results in the photo.
In closing, a pilot figure can range from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
I’m sure there’s one out there to fit your budget and needs. Don’t be that pilot who shows up to the field with a nice-looking Giant Scale model with no pilot.
Summer is right around the corner, so let’s get those new Giant Scale models ready. Until next time.
SOURCES:
Aces of Iron Productions Inc.
info@acesofiron.com
www.acesofiron.com
Motion RC
(224) 633-9090
www.motionrc.com
Best Pilots
lylevasser@yahoo.com
https://bestpilots.typepad.com
Tyler Gray Models
(541) 521-9564
www.tylergraymodels.com
Warbird Pilots
(203) 528-4352
www.warbirdpilots.com
