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An RC model of the famous WW-I
RAAFSopwith Pup Replica, currently in the
Point Cook Museum, Australia. This was built
from a highly modified CD Scaledesigns kit. It is
powered by a Saito 62 Four stoke engine.
SOPWITH PUP:
1/5th Scale Model
Here it sits next to my VK Camel, also
1/5th scale. Photo by Ken Young, taken
at Hemet California, 2009
Jerry at the Chula Vista RC Flyers
field, "next" to the Pup. (Composited in
PhotoShop)
Another composite with me and
the two bipes, "in front" of the Pup.
The control links were routed to the
sides to keep the cockpit open for a
full pilot figure.
The typical Pup has a tail skid but this Aussie
replica has a steerable tail wheel for better
ground handling.
The landing gear has a swing axle and shock
cord suspension, just like the real plane.
Working out a feasible exhaust system
was tricky due to space limitations.
The basic fuselage structure early in
the build. Some areas will show later
and must be stained at this point.
The best pilot heads are from
Dragon action figures on eBay.
THE BUILD
The dummy engine starts with a light weight
vacformed ABS part, some straws and Bondo.
Aluminum (lithoplate) is first annealed with
a torch then formed with little plywood
forms. Some buffing and details and they
are ready to mount.
The plastic vacformed cowl is covered
with adhesive backed aluminum foil.
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The cowl cover and cockpit surround are
removable parts for interior access.
The cabanes support the upper wing and must be well braced.
The under carriage is piano wire with
wood overlays and is accurate to scale.
Cockpit combing is done with artificial leather
from a cheap Marshall's purse.
The final instrument panel is installed here.
"In the bones"  (before covering)
Body sections!
The PUP at Weed Wackers Field, Lakeside, CA.
SOPWITH CAMEL:
1/5th Scale Model
This model is built from a VK kit (from Proctor).
The subject is a full scale replica of a Camel
brought to the USA after WW-I which was used
to explore the idea of ship-based aircraft. The
actual aircraft was flown off a platform on the
USS TEXAS battleship. The replica is on display
at the Pensacola Florida Naval Aircraft Museum.
The model is powered by a Saito 62 four stoke
engine and has a gyro on its rudder.
The Pensacola aircraft (above) and
an old photo of the TEXAS.
It fits!
THE BUILD
True scale hardware must be hand made in brass.
This fine veneer is sold for use on violins
and cellos. The scale of the grain is
perfect for this application.
I used this project to learn more
about metal forming. The aluminum
lithoplate is an elegant material and
makes the model special.
OH, NO!!
The maiden flight
was a disaster
when the radio
stopped working.
I had arranged
for a really
expert flyer to
due the honors
but even he
couldn't save it!
After over a year of work, it was time to celebrate :)
So I designed and made up this wine label.
Covering is actual fabric, just like the real aircraft.
Model graphics require lots of research.
THE REBUILD
I let this wreck set on the bench for about
18 months. Then it seemed time to
address it again. The rebuild took about
six months but was very gratifying due to
the plane's success. A new
state-of-the-art Spektrum radio was
installed to fight interference, etc. This
radio has an auxiliary receiver and takes
TWO frequencies at once.
WW-I models are terrible on takeoffs &
landings so I added this little GYRO for
the rudder servo. It is a big help and
can be turned off in flight.
The rebuilt Camel has had many successful
flights and had won numerous awards including
the prestigious Commander's Award at the
1/8th Air Force's Spring Fly-In, Apache
Junction, AZ, 2010.
RC
AIRPLANES
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SOPWITH PUP
SOPWITH CAMEL
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