78th Fighter Group
78th Fighter Group
78th Fighter Group Aircraft Scale Models
Radio Control Scale Thunderbolt
Tom Smith, a long standing member of the 78th Virtual Fighter Group, provided these pictures of his latest R/C(radio controlled) model aircraft. The Thunderbolt is detailed as a P-47D, MX-W of the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group. According to Tom, it is between 1/5 and 1/6 scale( wing span around 90 inches ), has a retractable landing gear(pneumatic) and working flaps. It is powered by 1.8 cubic inch glow plug engine( the fuel is a alcohol / nitromethane mixture ). As soon as the weather "breaks" in the Tidewater, Virginia area, Tom plans on giving this bird it's maiden flight.
P-47D, MX-W: A 1/5 scale detailed radio control model Thunderbolt constructed by Tom Smith. ( Picture Source: Tom Smith )
Tom, recently retired from the Navy, has been active in this hobby for about six years specializing in scale military WW II aircraft. Other models in Tom's "Hangar" are shown below.
Tom Smith's current scale R/C model aircraft collection including a P-51D, P-47D(latest addition), PT-22, P-40(hidden from view) and a P-39. ( Picture Source: Tom Smith )
Click here for additional pictures of Tom's models.
The P-51D is done in the 352nd Fighter Group colors(George Preddy's ship). It is 1/5 scale(84 inch wingspan) with a retractable landing gear(pneumatic) and flaps. It is fully detailed and weighs 20 lbs. " Easy to fly if you don't go too slow. You do have to be careful in the turns(no airspeed indicator or stall warning...)". It is powered by a 2.1 cubic inch 2 stroke glow plug engine. The Ryan PT-22 is 1/4 scale(90 inch wing span) and weighs only 18 lbs. Tom reports it " flys like a trainer and a real floater....fun to fly". It also has 1.8 cubic inch glow plug engine. The other two models are a 1/8 scale P-39 (Aircobra) and a P-40, both done in non-specific pre-WW II colors. They each have a 0.61 cubic inch glow plug engine and have flaps and retractable gear. Both are about 10 lbs and also " easy to fly". Tom reports, " During my 6 years in the hobby, I have crashed(unintentionally..of course) about 15 airplanes( ....including 3 P-51s and a real nice VF-17 Corsair on its maiden flight). It is a harsh learning experience". When asked what it takes investment wise to get into the hobby, Tom replied: " The two(2) smaller aircraft( 1/8 scale) are "Top-Flite" kits and run about $150 each. The radio transmitter( a six(6 ) channel is recommended... if your goal is detail scale models...for throttle, aileron, rudder, elevator, flaps and gear retracts) and can be found for about $120. Four channel transmitters are less, but there are not enough channels for a detail scale model. The engine is about $150 ". Tom also notes: "Crashes never damage the radio transmitter or hardly ever damage the engine, although the balsa wood air frame does take a beating along with your ego". " To get started into the hobby, you can get a " Trainer " aircraft kit(recommended), engine and a radio transmitter(again, invest in a 6 channel if your goal is scale) for about $250. A starter kit and all the required accessories will run another $50. Your local hobby shop will set you up and probably know where the closest flying field can be located( also, read the " R/C Club Notices" on the shop bulletin board). If you live in the Tidewater(SE Va) area, I would be pleased to help out. "
( Tom can be reached at tomnvickie@earthlink.net )
Phoenix IPMS member rescues Fred Swauger's Presentation P-51D Model
The Phoenix ("Craig Hewitt") Chapter of the IPMS( International Plastic Modeling Society ) provided a display of scale plastic aircraft models for the benefit of the Association members during the Reunion in Peoria, Az.. Fred and Lori Swauger in a discussion with one of the IPMS exhibitors, Larry Grapentine, mentioned that Fred's personal presentation P-51D model had recently been damaged in an home accident. To make a long story short, Larry offered to repair Fred's model. This model had been presented to Fred in recognition of his wartime service* to the Czech Republic. The pictures below show the condition of the model before and after Larry's efforts. Larry also mounted the model on a wooden display base and added a pilot figure.
_
Fred Swauger's model P-51D, MX-E, s/n 44-15495, shown before and after the repairs and enhancements by Larry Grapentine( IPMS ). ( Picture Source: Larry Grapentine )
A 1/48 scale( ~quarter scale) model of Major Benjamin I. Mayo's 82nd Fighter Squadron P-47D-25-RE, MX-X, s/n 42-26671, " No Guts - No Glory " , was built and featured by Larry Grapentine( Pheonix IPMS ) at the 78th Reunion in Peoria, Az.. ( Picture Source: Larry Grapentine )
Pictures featuring other scale models displayed by the Phoenix IPMS modelers at the Reunion can be found on the " Reunion 2000 " report page.
* Fred Swauger's story from his USAAF training days to the fateful mission of April 16, 1945 can be found on this web site in the " Portraits and Profiles " section.
Return to the General Interestgsection.
