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For Those in Search of a New Project #387

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:27:36 -0600

The Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-150 family was a series of prototype interceptor aircraft that used rocket boosting. Designed and built by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union from the mid 50's onward. The initial missile-armed version, designated Ye-150, flew for the first time on 8 July 1960, after extensive ground checks of systems and a delay in delivery of a flight-worthy engine. Flight testing progressed slowly, hampered by the very short life of the R-15 engine (barely sufficient for pre-flight ground checks and a single flight), as well as problems with aileron buffeting, brake parachute failure, and the engine accessory gearbox disintegrating. Manufacturer's flight tests, over 42 flights, revealed very high rates of climb, impressive maximum speed (Mach 2.65 at 19,100 m (62,700 ft) using less than full throttle), and a phenomenal service ceiling of at least 21,000 m (69,000 ft).

xTool S1 Laser - Dowmers New Journey

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:46:03 -0600

Hello all, Welcome to my new journey and foray into the Laser cutting world. I know there are many experts out there, so as I dip my toes into this sea of bright lights, smoking wood and engraving, I hope I will gain some great knowledge from all of you along the way.

Years ago when designing and building my Travel Air Mystery Ship LINKY , I learned CAD and expanded my knowledge of the 2D interface. (Still working on the 3D aspect ) and the parts were sent out to be laser cut be a company. This worked great for the time. CO2 Lasers were “the thing” and very expensive so it made sense to send out me files. However, Lasers have come a long way with the advent of Blue Diode Laser, and price has come down considerably for Hobby quality laser cutting and engraving. This takes me to the present.

While I’ve been designing a super scale Fleet Model 1 Biplane LINKY, I’ve been thinking about cutting files and the building process. Sending my CAD files out to a cutting company creates time delay and quality issues (eg. something doesn’t quite fit, so I make changes, then have to send files out again or cut by hand etc.). I wanted to have better control of the process. So I made a big investment in my building journey, and purchased a Laser cutter. I know some others are doing this such as Teus and Alfred, among others were very helpful with information.

Ok windbag, what did you get?

I purchased an xTool S1 20 Watt Blue Diode Laser machine. They were on sale during Amazon Prime (not through Amazon forum image) and the price was the lowest I’ve seen in a year. So I made the plunge with the Finance Director’s approval of course.

Here’s a pic below and it should arrive in about a week and I can start learning how to use it and test cutting pieces so I can get settings dialed in so everything for the Fleet fits nicely.

Why this Laser, aren’t there cheaper Lasers out there?

Yes, you are right. However, I chose the xTool for several reasons.

1. Safety: Lasers have the potential to be extremely hazardous in three aspects. (vision damage, fire hazard, and smoke and air quality fumes etc.). Especially with the possibility of vision damage if used improperly or accidents happen I wanted a built in safety enclosure.

Many cheaper Lasers have good cut quality, but are on an open gantry layout. (Meaning they are open to the environment, unless you design or purchase separately an enclosure, air ventilation, safety glasses etc.). For safety, I wanted a unit designed to be fully enclosed. I looked at comparable brands and for a complete unit with air/smoke extraction, fire detection, Emergency cut-off, Full Laser enclosure, metal honeycomb bottom, and air cut assist all together, xTool had the best price and quality.

2. Excellent reviews and support (important for a neophyte like me). I really know nothing, so this was a big step for me and information and support is critical.

3. Why 20 watt diode power? More power is always better right?

First, it depends on what I’m using the Laser for. I’m a hobbyist and not a business. So I don’t need blindingly fast cut speeds and fast cycle times with large batch jobs that a larger more powerful CO2 laser would afford.

Blue diode lasers have come a long way and are very affordable compared to CO2 lasers. In addition, they are also easy to clean, no mirror alignment issues, smaller and more compact than comparable CO2 lasers with a lower price point. 20W power allows me to cut all the balsa and lite ply I normally build with up to 1/4” in one pass and (advertised 15mm thickness capability with multiple passes). 40W would have been nice, but excessively expensive for my needs (the budget didn’t allow with retirement) and 20W has finer resolution than 40W for engraving as well. For my needs, 20W was a win and a good price point.

4. The added bonus with the xTool S1 is the laser module is interchangeable. If I want to upgrade to a 40W module. I can purchase just the module and swap out.

5. The cutting bed for the xTool is one of the larger cutting beds for lasers in its class with a 19.5” x 13” processing area which is plenty large enough for cutting wing ribs and fuselage formers. It also has an optional conveyor belt pass through, so I can cut infinitely longer pieces in the future.

In summary, I’m excited about developing ribs and interlocking structures and cutting and fitting to check my work immediately and making any adjustments. Now I’m in charge of my quality control and can make adjustments on the fly. Very cool

There doesn’t seem to be much xTool posts on this site, so I’ll post when the machine arrives, unboxing, setup and cutting a material test array. I’m happy to provide and info I can to anyone who is interested.

I’m really looking forward to cutting some wood,

Cheers

Jason

The HAT!

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:16:03 -0600

I wear this hat everywhere I go. And doing all I do! She shows some sweat and grime but she still fits like new! My favorite hat. Lane

Don Smith P 51 - Kit/Project Input

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:27:31 -0600

Hi All . . .

I am a bit of a "lurker" here, but read a lot of what of what you skilled folk do.

I am more of a build and fly sport scale guy.

Anyway, I am no stranger to large P 51s. We redrew the original Nosen P 51 plans to fix some of the ugly fuse issues. We also added a 3 piece wing design with retract mounts We called it the "Nosen Not" design for fun. I have built a few.

After 700+ flights, I had a battery and/or radio failure and the Nosen P 51 flew into the ground. Ugh. Oh well, it certainly owed me nothing after 10+ years . . .

Anyway, I have been preparing to rebuild/replace it, but came across a Don Smith P 51 deal that was stupendous. I bought it for pennies on the dollar, literally. It is a full Precision Cut kit from 2009, but never opened or unpacked. I looked the wood over, it seems in perfect shape?

I am VERY impressed with the kit quality - EVERY part has a printed label on it - Also included were plans, Alum hub 6.5" scale wheels, a 7" spinner of good quality, Canopy, a fiberglass cowl and belly scoop with some resin exhaust manifolds. Also had a new set of Robart 154 retracts, but those are going to be too small and will be replaced with Sierra units.

Anyway, enough gloating - I see very few threads or comments on the Don Smith P 51.

Looking for any inputs and experiences please. How's it fly? This project will be at least a year out as I am finishing 3 other planes right now - D9, P 47, ME 109E ( Yea, yea, I know ...)

Best I can surmise, the weight will be around 45 lbs? Anybody have a real build weight? This will play into the powerplant selection. I use Q 100s in my Nosens and they have more than enough power - but have a flat bottom sport wing.

Any kit/design "pitfalls" I should be aware of? I know to keep the tail light if possible... But - I may make a 2 pc fuse for transportation. The plans show a 3 pc wing design already.

I am not sure if I will do a build thread as I might embarrass myself

Jim

A picture of my deceased Nosen P 51

Smart fly battery sharing?

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 09:54:46 -0600

This may be simple to many but I’m no electronics guy so please excuse me if the answer is as plain as the nose on my face. I’ve been simply plugging in dual LiFe packs into my receivers for redundancy. I use two receivers so this means two packs and two switches for each receiver. If I use a Smart fly can I use it to share two batteries with one output to each receiver meaning each receiver will have a backup. A simple yes/no answer will suffice.

Free Engine w/Seagull Bucker Jungmeister

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:08:30 -0600

Free Engine! Buy the plane and get the engine for free!
I am parting with my Seagull Bucker Jungmeister. Fully loaded and flown. 65" wingspan - 5 Hitec 645MG servos on all of the control surfaces and a ball-bearing Futaba on the throttle. Two 5-cell NiMH batteries (one for receiver/servos and one for the engine ignition) - and Stinger 26cc engine with optical shut-off installed for separate channel. Also included is 3-axis gyro which really smooths out the take-off roll and coordinated turns. Dual battery heavy-duty switch and fuel dot installed. Small repair made to vertical fin from a nose-over, but virtually invisible. Ready to fly - just install your own receiver and go.

$500. The kit is currently out of stock at Legend, and is $500 just for the plane alone, unassembled. I have over $1K invested in it (model, servos, gyro, batteries, engine). Would be a pick-up only in Staunton, VA or within reasonable meet-up distance.

(HOW DO I UPLOAD PHOTOS?)

130% enlarged ziroli f9f-2 panther

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:15:42 -0600

This is a custom enlarged 130% Ziroli Panther short kit. Package includes the plans and all cut 3/32" lite ply parts.

98.3" wing span.

93.7" long.

1,775 Sq.In. wing area.

$300

For Those in Search of a New Project #386

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:25:58 -0600

The Edo OSE was a 1940s American single-seat multi-role floatplane designed and manufactured by the Edo Aircraft Corporation. In 1946, Edo designed its first aircraft, the Edo OSE. Two prototype aircraft (designated XOSE-1) were built and flown in 1946. The XOSE-1 was a single-seat low-wing cantilever monoplane with a single float and fixed wingtip stabilizing floats. The wings could be folded for shipboard storage. The aircraft was designed for a variety of roles including observation and anti-submarine patrols. Unusually, it was designed to carry a rescue cell on the underwing hardpoints, which would be capable of carrying a single person when used for air-sea rescue. Eight production aircraft (designated XOSE-1) were built to a United States Navy order but none were accepted into service. A two-seat training conversion was carried out as the XTE-1, but production TE-2 aircraft were cancelled.

2026 USA Scale Team @ World Scale Champs

Thu, 23 Jun 2026 05:29:28 -0600

Click logo to view latest Pics and Realtime Video from 2026's FAI F4 (B-C-H) Team at the Buckminster, United Kingdom Word Scale Championships (WSC).

AT-6 build

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:48:17 -0600

Hi gang! I have the short kit, plans, canopy, and fiberglass bits all on hand. I intend to run a VVRC 40cc twin, which should do the trick.

I've done a bit of searching, but can't find any/many builds that have been completed and flown. Is there a dark secret behind this? Any help or advice will be appreciated!

2026 FAI World Scale Championship Pics

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:42:32 -0600

Welcome to RCSB's photo focus on the 2026 FAI F4 World Scale Championship (WSC) conducted in Buckminster, United Kingdom. Every FAI Country CIAM conducts scale competition following the standardized FAI F4 competition code to determine whom will represent them at the WSC. RCSB's international subscribers can enjoy seeing CIAM competitor's planes as each is Static and Flight Judged from WSC's Start to Finish (July 10th - 18th 2026).

N.A.S.A.’s Role In FAI F4B (Control Line Stand-Off Scale) and F4C (Radio Control Scale)/F4H (Radio Control Stand-Off Scale):

The purpose of the Scale Team Selection Program is to select eleven (11) AMA members to comprise a team to represent the United States in the F4C and F4H (R/C Scale) and F4B (C/L Scale) events at the WSC (FAI World Scale Championships).

FAI F4 Scale Team Selection:

The teams are selected by competing in static judging and flying at a single elimination qualifier at the International Aeromodelling Center, Muncie, Indiana every other year, in conjunction with the AMA Scale Nationals hosted by N.A.S.A. The results of the flying competition and static judging determine the team members. The four (4) top-placing competitors in F4C, F4H, and F4B will comprise the U.S.A. CIAM (AMA) team, with the competitor placing fourth in the three classes serving as team alternate. The rules governing the finals are contained in the current FAI Sporting Code.

2026 WSC U.S.A.'s CIAM (AMA) FAI F4C & F4H R/C Team Members:

The 2026 F4C (RC Scale) and F4H (RC Standoff Scale) Team:

(L to R) Tim Dickey–Waco Cabin (F4C), Ben Andrus–Fairchild 24 (F4C), Mike Barbee–Hawker Fury (F4H), Keith Numbers–FE8 (F4H), Jack Buckley–Aeronca Champ (F4C), and Peter Fynn–Southern Martlet (F4H).

____________________________

2026 WSC U.S.A.'s CIAM (AMA) FAI F4B C/L Team Members:

The 2026 F4B Control Line Scale Team:

(L to R) Mike McHenry–L4H Grasshopper, Pete Bauer–BN Islander, Pete Mazur (alternate member)–F8F-2 Bearcat, Kathy Bauer–Shoestring Racer, and Orin Humphries–Stearman.

....
Stay tuned for the latest pics/videos and eventual U.S.A. CIAM (AMA) F4 (C-H-B) Scale Team standings. RCSB's Richard Crapp (U.K.) announced today (6/22/2026) there is an excellent field of 115 confirmed competitors in the 2026 FAI F4 WSC.

We will do our best to see you can easily navigate to witness as much as possible from USA team memebers and WSC publiciy.

Cheapest ca possible

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:40:05 -0600

I have a friend that goes to these local clearance sales for Amazon returns, He is bringing home sometimes TONS of super cheap CA. He is buying it for pennies. He has the entire door of a refrigerator full of it.

The other day he bought a brand new 6 cell 5000 mah. battery for 1 dollar ! It tests out fine and he is using it in a large trainer right now.

For Those in Search of a New Project #385

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:56:16 -0600

The Sikorsky S-40 was an American amphibious flying boat built by Sikorsky in the early 1930's for Pan American Airways. During World War II they were used by the United States Navy for training. This was the first of flying clippers, large flying boats of the 1930's used for long distance air travel. More advanced designs soon followed, but the S-40 was a big step forward as it could carry 38 passengers as opposed to the S-38's eight.

One of our community needs our help!

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:55:33 -0600

Fellow RCSB'er and long time member Whitney Philbrick (Whitpusmc) and his family just suffered a devastating house fire June 16th. They literally lost almost everything. This is a a hard working family trying to raise their kids and now they have no home and are staying in a hotel until they can find a rental home to stay in while they try and rebuild.

Like you, I cannot imagine the devastation of having your life turned upside down like this and losing everything. I know we all will send our prayers and thoughts to him and his family but what they really need right now is help clothing their kids and themselves and keeping a roof over their head while they go through the process of trying to rebuild their lives.

One of their friends have set up a GOFUNDME to help them raise funds to transition through all this. I am asking everyone who can afford it to contribute what you can to help a member of the RCSB family.

You can find the GOFUNDME by clicking on this link. Please give what you can... No amount is too small and it would mean the world to Whit and his family.

Thank you all for your support of this and please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mike

Ziroli AT6 Scale Cowl

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:27:03 -0600

Does anyone know of a more scale cowl for the AT6? The stock cowl looks rather un-scale.

Jerry Bates 1/4 scale SBD Dauntless Cowl

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:47:02 -0600

Is anyone aware of any company producing the cowl for the 1/4 scale Dauntless? I haven’t found anyone online. Fiberglass Specialties has a 1/4 scale cowl for a Jemco kit, but I have no idea how close this will be to fitting.

For Those in Search of a New Project #384

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:39:48 -0600

The Miles M.9 Master was a British two-seat monoplane advanced trainer designed and built by aviation company Miles Aircraft Ltd. It was inducted in large numbers into both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Fleet Air Arm (FAA) during the Second World War. The Master can trace its origins back to the earlier M.9 Kestrel demonstrator aircraft. Following the failure of the rival de Havilland Don as a satisfactory trainer aircraft, the RAF ordered 500 M9A Master advanced trainers to meet its needs. Once in service, it provided a fast, strong and fully aerobatic aircraft that functioned as an excellent introduction to the high performance British fighter aircraft of the day: the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane.

An extra Battery for a 1/4 Super Cub ?

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:37:12 -0600

A friend gave me a Hangar 9 Super Cub and I converted it to electric. Since I'm using an ESC opto type (with no BEC) I wired in a separate BEC unit to the main battery leads.....using a "Y" lead for 2 pack setup. My concern at this point is that besides powering the motor The pack is also used to power up the receiver and servos. At this time I have not considered using a power box such as used by those flying large models with lots of heavy duty servos and other accessories.

However I am considering the purchase of one or maybe two 6.6V LiFe battery packs and using them to power the BEC unit and thus the receiver and servos Rigging up the connections and switch is no problem.

Since this plane is not a high performance model am I wise to use that setup or would the addition of a power box be advised?

Servos are not digital or extra heavy duty.

Yak 152 Project

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:35:19 -0600

I've always liked the Tucano and PC21 models. Currently, there are versions close to 1/3 scale, which I consider excellent, but they generally need to be powered by turboprops or electric motors. Recently, I saw a model that, while not one of the aforementioned models, bears a slight resemblance, at least to my taste.

The model I'm interested in replicating is the Yak-152. I've tried to find 3d views or plans to reproduce the model with some accuracy, but I can't find anything that allows me to take measurements to carry out the project. Does anyone have any information to help me get started?

Hello from Spain

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:22:43 -0600

Hi, I am new here even I am 40 years in the hobby. I fly sport planes and Jets mainly, but I flew aerobatics in the past. My goal is to learn and improve the construction processes, while also maintaining my piloting skills, because I'm already 68 years old and it's unlikely I'll be able to improve much further. Nevertheless, I'll try to stay as informed as possible, since new products and techniques are what attract me to the hobby right now. Thank you for welcoming me to this group of scale model enthusiasts.