Allied Flying Models
by John Ernst

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This is a DPCM laser cut balsa kit of a Nieuport 24.
The span is 18", and the weight w/o rubber is 25.5 gms. The scheme is based on a profile of 1917 Japanese colors in WSDF special Nieuport Fighters vol.2. The tissue is chalked to be ligt gray, and all the markings are also tissue. The wheels are turned balsa with paper discs.

Here are some photos of my stick and tissue Sopwith Pup. I've attempted to model the prototype.The kit was from DPC models, and the span is 16".

The Nieuport is based on a Guillow's kit, but is much lightened. The span is 18". The color scheme is loosly, very loosly based on a Nungesser mount.

British Aerial Transport (B.A.T.) Monoplane

12.10.03 This is a balsa and tissue scratch built "dimescale" version of a British Target drone, of which I know very little about. Dimescale means that it is simple in construction and detailing, and is built in a manner similar to those balsa and tissue kits of the 30's that cost a "dime". The plane os balsa covered with tissue. The roundels are also tissue adhered with gluestick to the CDL colored undersides. The rigging is elastic thread colored grey. The weight is 14.5 grams and will hopefully fly on a single loop of 3/32" rubber.

Airco DH5

1.16.04 This is the DPCM Laser Cut kit of the Airco DH5. The span is 15.25 in. I'm working on this kit as part of the DPCM Kit Cook-Up on the SFA Forum site: http://www.smallflyingarts.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl

So far, the fuselage is almost complete sans decking and cowl. The tailfeather outlines are made from laminated strips (wet) of 1/16 x 1/32 balsa and formed around cardboard templates. Both the rudder and elevators will be operable - hinged with twist tie wire. Construction is held in place on a steel board with magnets.

1.27.03 Framework

Sopwith Triplane

This is a 1/24 scale (15.9" span) balsa wood free flight model of a Sopwith Triplane. It is scratch built from reduced plans drawn by Mike Midkiff. So far, I've completed the fuselage, rudder and stab. I've built the prototype stab over the WSDF 3-view - the plans called for the later version. I'll post photos as soon as possible. Each side of the fuselage was built from 1/16" sq sticks, with the cabane struts integrated into the fuselage sides .

A platform, or jig, was made from 1/8" foam board to assist in building the fuselage "box". On it, a copy of the top plan view was attached, and slots were cut out where the cabane struts were located. The cabane strut of each side was inserted into the corresponding slot in the top view, and the fuselage box was cobnstructed "inverted" over the plan. Cross "stringers" were cut to length and attached to each side of the fuselage. 2"x2" square Corian samples were used to square up the fuselage during construction .

Once complete, the fuselage box was removed from the jig and the top and side cowl cheek formers were added. These are made from 1/32" balsa sheet. Stringers for the side cowl were added at this time. These are 1/16"x1/32" strips .

1/4" thick balsa rings were added to the fuselage front as the cowl - to be sanded to shape later. The cockpit decking was also added at this time. The photo shows a cardstock template that was made in place. It has since been replaced with 1/32" sheeting .

AeroGraphics Sopwith Triplane

8.04.03 This is the beginning of the recently released Aerographics Sopwith Triplane kit. It's being built as a "kit review" for FLYING MODELS MAGAZINE. The kit is a 22" span printwood version of the Triplane at the Shuttleworth Collection, and is designed for either CO2 or Electric power. This version will be electric.

1.05.04 Finished!!!!