Bill Heptig's R/C Aircraft Pictures

The following pictures are of Bill Heptig's R/C aircraft. For more information, bill can be contacted via E-mail at: bill_heptig@datacard.com

This is the Combat Scale Models Pfalz DIII/DIIIa kit. The Pfalz DIII was a late entry in the war as it was introduced in 1917, the difference between versions is a slightly larger elevator in the DIIIa and this is the way this airplane is finished. Jim Dudgeon Designed this kit and is the builder of this plane, The wings are double spar construction, and have the correct undercamberd profile of the original. This example features a fully instumented cockpit, and Jim has added a pilot as well. Most Pfalz's left the factory with a silver finish, and were field modified to conform to squadron colors. This plane is finished in Jasta 10 colors, they had Yellow noses. Fuse is laminated wit 1/16 balsa to achieve the beautiful shape Emphanage is laminated 1/32 for the edges and 1/16 for framing.

The nose of the airplane reveals more of Jims fine work. The model uses an OS .48, and comes with a spinner Jim has created a dummy Mercedes to cover the model engine. Looking carefully you can see the type of rigging points used as attachment for flying wires. The in line engine airplanes feature somewhat longer nose moment than rotary's so make a bit easier flying model, Jim likes to describe here as a "lady".

This is one of our recent offerings. It is an observer machine and has a very large wing. I should appeal to fellows who would like a light wing loading on a scale plane that will be more docile than the average fighter. Some folks may have stayed away from this type of plane (WW1) thinking it would difficult to fly, but with a very large area (1500 Square Inches) it should be very easy to fly. The fuselage is finished laminating wood over it to achieve the wood finish of the original. The Shuttleworth collection has an original example that still flies in airshows. Observer planes are generally under modeled, and so if you have one of these, you'll be unique.

This rear view the Combat Scale models SPAD XIII shows the construction of the airframe to good effect. Someone once said, "If your going to build a SPAD you have to like cutting ribs" the picture shows why, the kit saves the builder from this task of course, the wings are double spar construction with a flat tip, and sheeted on the top. The fuse is congenital box construction with formers to achieve the shape, The many fine stringers achieve the look the plane is famous for, and are made from hardwood. The tail is 1/16 ribs and laminated 1/32 edges.

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