Author: J.A. de Vries
Edition: Model Aviation - 1996/07
Page Numbers: 106, 107
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RADIO CONTROL GIANTS

John A. de Vries 4610 Moffat Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80915

A while back I complained that beginning Giant Scale modelers had little choice for suitable "first" modeling subjects. The field of easily built models was pretty well limited to the ubiquitous J-3 Cub. There are, of course, many other high-wing full-scale subjects with gentle flight characteristics, but construction drawings for them are conspicuous by their absence. The net result is that there are a lot of yellow airplanes on Giant Scale flightlines around the world.

Jerry Bates to the rescue! The Mobile, Alabama master draftsman has created an entire series of eminently suitable Giant Scale plans based on the 1939 Interstate Cadet. They’re the answer to yellowing flightlines.

Jerry Bates — Interstate Cadet series (Arctic Tern)

Jerry Bates offers three three-quarter-scale versions of the 1939 Interstate Cadet (the Arctic Tern series):

  • S1A — original 1939 Interstate Cadet
  • 107-inch wingspan
  • S1B — Interstate L-6 WWII observation/liaison aircraft (big greenhouse)
  • S1B2 — Arctic Tern, the "ultimate bush plane"

Items and recommendations:

  • Drawings: $30 each
  • Epoxy/glass cowlings: $40
  • Fiberglass wheel pants (S1A): $17.50
  • Recommended power: .90 four-stroke or Zenoah G-23
  • Plans are computer-generated and include a construction manual

Ordering:

  • Jerry Bates

102 Glenwood St. Mobile, AL 36606

Note: An S1A kit is listed at $175.00 in some listings.

Kits using Jerry Bates' designs

If you prefer to build from a kit that uses Jerry’s designs (including his warbirds), kits are available from:

  • All-American Kit Cutters (Doug McMillian)

365 Dutch Neck Road Hightstown, NJ 08520 Tel: (609) 443-3175

Bellanca Skyrocket (1/5-scale)

Jerry also developed a 1/5-scale Bellanca Skyrocket using G.J. Alaback’s three-views (published in Bill Hannan’s Model Plans & 3-Views International).

Details:

  • 1/5-scale model with a 109-inch wing
  • Suitable power: .120 four-stroke
  • Can represent either the civilian CH-400 Bellanca Skyrocket Special or the Navy/Marine RE-3
  • Fiberglass cowlings available for either version

Prices:

  • Plans: $35
  • Long cowling: $37.50
  • Short-ring cowling: $22

Documentation:

  • G.J. Alaback three-views in Bill Hannan’s Model Plans & 3-Views International are recommended for competition-minded builders.

Ordering/contact for Bill Hannan:

  • Hannan’s Hangar

Box 210 Magalia, CA 95954

Supermarine Spitfire (Mk. IX) — quarter-scale

For builders beyond the newcomer stage wanting a truly magnificent model:

  • Mick Reeves' quarter-scale plans for the Spitfire Mk. IX (109-inch span) are available from Bob Holman.
  • Bob also supplies fiberglass cowlings and spinners.

Prices and ordering:

  • Drawings: $49 plus $3 postage & handling
  • Contact: Bob Holman, Box 741, San Bernardino, CA 92402

Bell Airacuda

My file on the Bell Airacuda grew thanks to Dick Katz of Charlotte, NC, who sent a magazine and a color photo. Dick had considered designing a model of the XFM-1 but had other scale RC projects to complete. His information included great cockpit photos and detailed shots of the twin-engine fighter’s nacelles.

Engineering notes:

  • The project poses challenges such as propeller drive extensions and a nose gear that must sweep through about 120° when it retracts.

Thanks to Dick Katz for the information.

Bill Effinger — W.E. Technical Services / Plan 'N' Pattern

Bill Effinger has a new address and continues to offer patterns and plans:

  • W.E. Technical Services, Inc.

3206 E. Post Woods Drive Atlanta, GA 30339

Bill offers 64 Plan 'N' Pattern sets covering everything from RC-assisted free flight to ducted-fan models. His catalog includes several desirable Giant Scale designs, many of them World War I subjects.

Upcoming and focus:

  • New Plan 'N' Pattern model: 1/5-scale Laird Super Solution (a biplane). Paul Matt drawings and a Williams Bros. 1/20-scale plastic kit are available for documentation. Drawings should be available soon.
  • Bill indicated his future efforts will emphasize models powered by .65-sized (or smaller) engines. He’s not abandoning Giant Scale, but will favor designs that don’t require the more expensive larger engines.

Miscellaneous notes

  • Example built from Jerry’s plans: Douglas SBD by Mike Montalban, Mobile, AL — wingspan 85 inches.
  • The fly-in season has started — hope you’re having fun!

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.