Description
The Vintage Model Co. | Flying Model Kit | Cessna Bird Dog
This kit is designed for you to build a traditionally constructed, rubber-powered, free flight model of an OE-1 Cessna Bird Dog; operated by the U.S. Marines Observation and Reconnaissance Squadron VMO-2, stationed in Japan in around 1952. This is a simple but striking scheme, however, you can decide to do your own favourite or more complicated scheme if you wish as there are many Bird Dog schemes to choose from.
Construction of the model from this kit uses the traditional method of "stick and tissue", that consists of a built up balsa wood skeleton (framework),
covered with a tissue skin. The balsa frameworks are built over a plan that is printed at the exact scale of the model, which is in essence a real engineering drawing. Power is provided by rubber strip motor that is wound up before flight. Free flight means just that - once the model is launched, it is on its own. It must follow a predetermined flight path established when the model is initially adjusted for flight or "trimmed".
This type of traditional building technique and flying requires a degree of patience and skill, but is extremely rewarding.
Typically for a small model and in the spirit of the traditional kits, profiles are simplified and adjusted from the original and a relatively large propeller is used. This is done so that the model is light and stable enough to fly on its own, is simple in construction and can work with the rubber motor. These adjustments have been done with care and sensitivity so that the shape and spirit of the original aircraft is preserved as much as possible.
Also in the spirit of the traditional kits, additional items required to build the model are things that can be found in the kitchen drawer or are easily available on the high street.
Kit contents:
~ Three balsa sheets with precise laser cut parts and strip wood.
~ PVA glue for building the wooden frames.
~ One 150mm diameter plastic propeller.
~ One pre-bent motor hook and shaft.
~ Three low friction plastic ‘nose’ bushings– one for the propeller and two for the undercarriage wheels.
~ Piano wire for the main undercarriage legs and tail wheel.
~ A motor peg (cocktail stick /toothpick).
~ Rubber motor strip.
~ A piece of clear acetate for the windows and “trim tabs”.
~ Tissue to cover the model (green plus a small piece of black).
~ Parts reference sheets (W), full size summary plan sheets (X), scheme diagram sheet (Y) and scheme markings (Z) printed on lightweight paper.
Happy crafting: happy flying!