From Mark T.
I have a Berkeley model kit of an Aeronca Sedan. It is a Henry Struck design from 1949. The wing span is 37 ½”. It says that it can be rubber band, CO2 or .049 for Control line. I need help with picking the electric engine, esc and battery. Also looking for help on the servos. Is this something you can help with or can you recommend someone. Also where is a good source for materials to help build this size airplanes?
The Guillow’s article in Model Aviation is great!!!!!!!!!! My son gave me a B-17 Guillow’s kit I am thinking of doing. My biggest problem is I am allergic to Dope. Are there good alternatives out there.
Mark, I built one of those Berkeley kits in 1955, finished it with the kit silkspan and Testor’s Nitrate dope and put in the recommended rubber motor, but I never got up the nerve to turn it loose. In my book Hey Mister, Will It Fly? I have included a story of the time I finally managed to figure out about balance with another airplane and learned about what would have let the Aeronca be a successful model. Choosing a motor involves a lot of variables, and I have written about it in other blog entries on rcmodel.com. In the simplest sense, work out the correct scale prop diameter, go to a good motor specification chart like the ones from Innov8tive Designs…for example, innov8tivedesigns.com/images/specs/Cobra_2213-26_Specs.htm and pick a motor that will turn that prop reliably on a LiPo pack you feel the model is capable of carrying.
Pretty much any mini-size servos are going to work…buy the best ones you can afford. For building supplies…adhesives and finishing materials that don’t smell check out http://www.deluxematerials.com/
This is a lot of info to try to stuff into one short answer. I’ll suggest that you go through the archives section of rcmodel.com and look for building projects that are comparable to your Berkeley kit …the Dumas Piper J-4 kit conversion is a good one…and see what you can learn.
Bob