New Plans
If there is a plane you would like to see developed for foam board, let me know. Just use the contact form and tell me what you are interested in.
Focke Wulf TA 152
Kurt Tank designed this modified Focke Wulf as a high altitude, high speed fighter interceptor. At 472 mph it was lethal but saw little action in 1945. This model could have gone two ways - roll and curl for a scale look or super simple nearly profile build. For a quick build and serviceability we chose a flat sided fuselage. The large wing rubber bands on the bottom giving access to the servo(s) and easy replacement if needed. With the large span and light weight this is somewhat a motor glider.
You can lighten the model more by removing the paper from all fuselage parts.
1.45sqft, 40" span, 5.5-6oz
You can lighten the model more by removing the paper from all fuselage parts.
1.45sqft, 40" span, 5.5-6oz
| old_guy_rc_focke_wulf_ta152.pdf |
Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny"
This plane will fly like a kite, so calm days will be required.
With very little dihedral the plane may tip stall so keep turns gentle. This wasn't an acrobatic plane, it flew slow and level. It isn't over powered either so it will float around at about a walking pace. Two sheets Dollar Tree foam board.
44" span - 3.2 sqft wing area, 7.5 oz, 1System Pod, rudder only - or add elevator if you like!
With very little dihedral the plane may tip stall so keep turns gentle. This wasn't an acrobatic plane, it flew slow and level. It isn't over powered either so it will float around at about a walking pace. Two sheets Dollar Tree foam board.
44" span - 3.2 sqft wing area, 7.5 oz, 1System Pod, rudder only - or add elevator if you like!
| old_guy_rc_curtis_jenny.pdf |
Sikorsky S-16
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The Russian made Sikorsky S-16 makes a very light model, 26" span, very simple build. Uses the 1 System Pod.
Rudder only - 6 oz - 1.6 sqft for a glider like wing loading at 3.75 oz/sqft | ||
Start here - for success
Tomboy
Definitely your first RC Plane! - Really
The Tomboy by Vic Smeed
from Aeromodeller November 1950
This plane has been redrawn for one sheet of foam board. Super simple and a proven design. The extreme dihedral makes this plane a very level flier, and responsive to rudder. Starting here will help you learn the basics with minimal frustrations. You can crash this plane all day and still fly. I have nosed into the ground, run into posts and still fly. It really will fly itself!
30" span, 150 sqin/6 oz
The Tomboy by Vic Smeed
from Aeromodeller November 1950
This plane has been redrawn for one sheet of foam board. Super simple and a proven design. The extreme dihedral makes this plane a very level flier, and responsive to rudder. Starting here will help you learn the basics with minimal frustrations. You can crash this plane all day and still fly. I have nosed into the ground, run into posts and still fly. It really will fly itself!
30" span, 150 sqin/6 oz
| old_guy_rc_tomboy_4.pdf |
Beginner - easy build and fly
LazyDazy - based on the Thermal Thumber by Maurice Bryceland in 1941, re-designed for foam and the Old Guy 1System pod.
A nice motor glider, will catch thermals and soar.
Super simple build, very stable assisted freeflight with rudder and throttle. 40" span 240 sqin/7 oz - 1 hour build time
A nice motor glider, will catch thermals and soar.
Super simple build, very stable assisted freeflight with rudder and throttle. 40" span 240 sqin/7 oz - 1 hour build time
| old_guy_rc_lazydazy_plan.pdf |
Super Flier!~The TomKat trainer was first designed by Marcus Goller and flown back in 1992. It stemmed from years of study, trials and successes. The combination of dihedral, upturned wingtips provide for an easy flying and forgiving characteristic. Learn to do loops, rolls, ROG with the TomKat 34" span
178 sqin/6oz - 1 hour build time
178 sqin/6oz - 1 hour build time
| old_guy_rc_tomkat.pdf |
G Elias & Bro Airsport - 1928
Buffalo NY. This range of aircraft was designed for the everyday person wanting to fly. There was a Airsport, Aircoupe and Trainair model. The coupe had a two seat enclosed cockpit. http://www.earlyaviators.com/celias.htm
30" span 212 sqin - 6 oz
Buffalo NY. This range of aircraft was designed for the everyday person wanting to fly. There was a Airsport, Aircoupe and Trainair model. The coupe had a two seat enclosed cockpit. http://www.earlyaviators.com/celias.htm
30" span 212 sqin - 6 oz
| old_guy_rc_elias_airsport.pdf |
Dormoy Bathtub
The "Flying Bathtub " was designed, built by Etienne Dormoy
The Dormoy Bathtub competed in the 1924 and 1925 National Air Races, winning the Rickenbacker Trophy in 1924.
The plans here are semi-scale with enlarged tail surfaces and a fuselage modified to accept the 1Systempod.
Constructed from foam board and bamboo skewers.
Rudder/Throttle - 30" span - 90 sqin - 5 oz weight
The Dormoy Bathtub competed in the 1924 and 1925 National Air Races, winning the Rickenbacker Trophy in 1924.
The plans here are semi-scale with enlarged tail surfaces and a fuselage modified to accept the 1Systempod.
Constructed from foam board and bamboo skewers.
Rudder/Throttle - 30" span - 90 sqin - 5 oz weight
| old_guy_rc_dormoy_bathtub_plane.pdf |
Fun build semi-scale WW1
Once trimmed these planes fly sweet!
French Neiuport 11 "Bebe" is a very elegant airplane. The wings sweep back slightly. It will float with its big wing area.
29" span
188 sqin/6 oz - 2 hour build time
29" span
188 sqin/6 oz - 2 hour build time
| old_guy_rc_neiuport_11.pdf |
German Fokker D7 can be decorated in any number of ways. Easier to balance with its longer nose. 27.5" span
190 sqin/6oz - 2 hour build time
190 sqin/6oz - 2 hour build time
| old_guy_rc_fokker_d7-3.pdf |
British SE5A has a lot of wing area with its big lower wing.
24" span - Revised plan - truer to scale March 2016
1.5sqft/6 oz - 2 hour build time
24" span - Revised plan - truer to scale March 2016
1.5sqft/6 oz - 2 hour build time
| old_guy_rc_se5-a-4.pdf |
By request! The Fokker D8
Uses the 1 System Pod, rudder only, 28.5" span 1 sqft wing area, 5.5 oz all up weight. Revised plans 3-2016
Uses the 1 System Pod, rudder only, 28.5" span 1 sqft wing area, 5.5 oz all up weight. Revised plans 3-2016
| old_guy_rc_fokker_d8-1.pdf |
Morane Saulnier Type G which can be decorated as an Eindekker as well. This plan accepts the 1 System Pod - Span 32" 155 sq in 5.0 oz rudder only.
Plan shows both Eindekker and Morane
Really nice flyer!
Plan shows both Eindekker and Morane
Really nice flyer!
| old_guy_rc_morane_type_g.pdf |
Hansa Brandenburg KDW
This big float plane accepts the 1Systempod and should be equipped with rudder and elevator to flare landings. The plan needs two sheets of foam board. Takeoffs and slow speeds are easy with 3 sqft of wing area.
30" span 10 oz weight - three channel
30" span 10 oz weight - three channel
| old_guy_rc_hansa_brandenburg_kdw.pdf |
More Complicated Builds
New Improved & larger Plan! Scale 1":1'
Fokker DR1 - the most iconic plane of all
This is a calm day flier and will get bounced around by wind, but it's worth it to see it fly! Limit rudder throw until you get the hang of it.
24" span - 200 sqin/6.5 oz - 5 hour build time
Fokker DR1 - the most iconic plane of all
This is a calm day flier and will get bounced around by wind, but it's worth it to see it fly! Limit rudder throw until you get the hang of it.
24" span - 200 sqin/6.5 oz - 5 hour build time
| old_guy_rc_fokker_dr1.pdf |
Macchi 5 - Italian Seaplane and Fighter Reconnaissance
The battery needs to be moved from the pod and into the hull for balance. This model requires a lot more patience and careful alignment. 3-4 hours build time depending on skill level.
The hull gets a coat of gloss latex for water proofing.
30" span, 170 sqin/6.5 oz
The battery needs to be moved from the pod and into the hull for balance. This model requires a lot more patience and careful alignment. 3-4 hours build time depending on skill level.
The hull gets a coat of gloss latex for water proofing.
30" span, 170 sqin/6.5 oz
| old_guy_rc_macchi_5.pdf |
WWII - Warbirds
Great fliers - easier to trim
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The Warbirds are all designed for the 1System Warbird Pod
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The 1System Warbird Pod holds the motor, battery, receiver and ESC in a slide in pod. The 1system pod is held in place by a bamboo dowel. It's easy to change from one plane to the next. Pull the dowel, pull out the pod and unplug the servo.
This pod requires the HobbyKing 2.4ghz 3 ch receiver and the 10a HobbyKing ESC 1A UBEC #21247 for a better fit. 350Ah 2S Lipo battery, Turnigy 2203C 1400kv/60w #36277 Outrunner Motor, Turnigy micro servo.
This pod requires the HobbyKing 2.4ghz 3 ch receiver and the 10a HobbyKing ESC 1A UBEC #21247 for a better fit. 350Ah 2S Lipo battery, Turnigy 2203C 1400kv/60w #36277 Outrunner Motor, Turnigy micro servo.
| 1system_warbird_pod_.pdf |
The Warbirds
These planes all have larger horizontal stabilizers, and the wing has been moved up and given more dihedral. It takes very little rudder to turn and dive, so go easy on the rudder throw (about 1/2" both ways) It's best to give short blips of rudder and wait for reaction. They track straight and level and will climb with throttle. To land just back off throttle very slowly and guide back into the breeze as they gently glide in.
They are designed for EZ build. You can modify as you master techniques. Side mounting the servo exposed is crude but you will appreciate the serviceability. Once you master the techniques you can then modify, add elevator, scale details.... For now EZ building decorating and EZ flying is the goal.
Building in a moveable elevator is a good idea. It will allow you to trim at the field. I have added elevator with servo to several models and it makes it easy to trim. Keep the throw minimal so you don't over control. Just 1/2" total throw at the rear of the elevator keeps the action smooth.
They are designed for EZ build. You can modify as you master techniques. Side mounting the servo exposed is crude but you will appreciate the serviceability. Once you master the techniques you can then modify, add elevator, scale details.... For now EZ building decorating and EZ flying is the goal.
Building in a moveable elevator is a good idea. It will allow you to trim at the field. I have added elevator with servo to several models and it makes it easy to trim. Keep the throw minimal so you don't over control. Just 1/2" total throw at the rear of the elevator keeps the action smooth.
P-51D - Back in the 1990's I built a very light P-51D with a lot of dihedral and rudder only control. It flew beautifully. And that was when electronics weighed 6 oz. Here it is again with a 30" span. It's semi-scale with enlarged tail surfaces, proportionately larger span, lots of dihedral and wing moved up slightly and forward. Awesome flyer! Smooth and gentle. This will be a fun one to decorate!
30" span, 5.5 oz
30" span, 5.5 oz
| old_guy_rc_p51-d_mustang.pdf |
JU 87B - Stuka
Another in the WWII warbirds series. Takes about 4-5 hours to build. Tail surfaces enlarged. 2 degrees down and right thrust.
My model needed about 15 grams weight at the tail and so the top rear fuselage could have been given a foam cover. This model will ROG from grass and flies awesome!
30" span 164 sqin / 6.5 oz
Another in the WWII warbirds series. Takes about 4-5 hours to build. Tail surfaces enlarged. 2 degrees down and right thrust.
My model needed about 15 grams weight at the tail and so the top rear fuselage could have been given a foam cover. This model will ROG from grass and flies awesome!
30" span 164 sqin / 6.5 oz
| old_guy_rc_stuka.pdf |
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Supermarine Spitfire Mk1
Very similar to the P-51, the Spitfire has a longer chord wing and more wing area. This model flies so well I studied it and noticed it has less dihedral than called for, so now all 29-30" span models get 1" at each wingtip. 30" span 5.5oz |
| old_guy_rc_spitfire_mkiv.pdf |
ME 109-E4 and the 1System Pod that fits all WWII Warbirds for quick change from one plane to the next.
30" span
5.5 oz weight
| old_guy_rc_me109_e.pdf |
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Yak 3 was a superior fighter for the Russians in WWII. Well loved by the pilots, hated by the Germans. This model takes liberties with a larger wingspan, and larger stabilizer. 30" span. Flies really well and similar to the P-51.
5.5 oz | ||
Hellcat & Zero - first in a series of curl and form
F6 Hellcat - Curl and form plan
This model is a slightly more advanced build. Once you get the hang of rolling the foam over a cushion into a curled form you'll see how easy it is. 8-12 hour build time.
The fuselage is made from three sections that butt glue together to form a very realistic looking Hellcat.
My model has 3 channel, rudder elevator throttle. Fits the 1System Warbird pod 29" span, 1.07 sqft 6.50 oz
This model is a slightly more advanced build. Once you get the hang of rolling the foam over a cushion into a curled form you'll see how easy it is. 8-12 hour build time.
The fuselage is made from three sections that butt glue together to form a very realistic looking Hellcat.
My model has 3 channel, rudder elevator throttle. Fits the 1System Warbird pod 29" span, 1.07 sqft 6.50 oz
| old_guy_rc_hellcat.pdf |
A6NS Mitsubishi "Zero" - Curl and form plan
This model will be very light like its full-size namesake. It is a straight forward build and is designed for two-three channel control. The wing rubber bands on giving access to the servos. This model uses the 1 System Warbird pod.
5.5-6 oz, 1 sqft 29" span
This model will be very light like its full-size namesake. It is a straight forward build and is designed for two-three channel control. The wing rubber bands on giving access to the servos. This model uses the 1 System Warbird pod.
5.5-6 oz, 1 sqft 29" span
| old_guy_rc_zero.pdf |
Grunau Baby llb Glider
While drawing up this Grunau Baby llB I couldn't help but notice the similarity between it and the Colditz glider. It is obvious some German slipped the POWs drawings. The only difference is the wingspan and tail outline. (And the swastika) You could make one fuselage and just swap the wing.
It is drawn here with optional elevator control. 1.05 sqft - 2-2.5 oz - span 44.5" - scale 1" : 1'
It is drawn here with optional elevator control. 1.05 sqft - 2-2.5 oz - span 44.5" - scale 1" : 1'
| old_guy_rc_grunau_baby.pdf |
Colditz POW Escape Glider
Here is a 1" to 1' scale model of the Colditz "Cock". It was built in secret behind a false wall in the Colditz Castle during WWll by Allied POWs. It was built to carry two men to a nearby field across the river. It never flew so now you can decide for yourself - Would it have worked? 33" wingspan, Empty airframe weight 23 grams, Target weight 2.0 oz - 1.4 sqft lifting surface (w/lifting stabilizer) It can be launched off a hill, tow launched or launched by elastic line.
rudder only, needs 1 oz of electronics to balance, so the HK GT2 3 ch rcvr, 3 gram servo and 3.7v 1s 180mah lipo will do. This glider floats!
Here is a 1" to 1' scale model of the Colditz "Cock". It was built in secret behind a false wall in the Colditz Castle during WWll by Allied POWs. It was built to carry two men to a nearby field across the river. It never flew so now you can decide for yourself - Would it have worked? 33" wingspan, Empty airframe weight 23 grams, Target weight 2.0 oz - 1.4 sqft lifting surface (w/lifting stabilizer) It can be launched off a hill, tow launched or launched by elastic line.
rudder only, needs 1 oz of electronics to balance, so the HK GT2 3 ch rcvr, 3 gram servo and 3.7v 1s 180mah lipo will do. This glider floats!
| old_guy_rc_colditz_glider.pdf |
Nostalgia
Mattel's Superstar
"Where ever you are, up in the sky, Superstar is there"
Re-Creation of the 1971 Superstar. "The Plane with a Brain"
30" span, foam and colored packing tape coloring. I had one of these and it flew very well. I was puzzled by how crooked the prop was not understanding side and downthrust at the time. Accepts the 1System pod for rudder and throttle control.
"Where ever you are, up in the sky, Superstar is there"
Re-Creation of the 1971 Superstar. "The Plane with a Brain"
30" span, foam and colored packing tape coloring. I had one of these and it flew very well. I was puzzled by how crooked the prop was not understanding side and downthrust at the time. Accepts the 1System pod for rudder and throttle control.
1 sheet foam board construction. Drawings from actual model.
| old_guy_rc_superstar.pdf |
Cox PT19 Trainer
Remember that Control Line PT19 Plane in every Department store, Toy and Hobby Shop when you were a kid? Boy, I wanted one of those. I used to get so dizzy I was glad when the fuel ran out and would just fall down laughing.
Here it is in an RC version that has elevator and rudder. It can be staked on a 50 foot tether for RC control line flying or free flight RC assist. Uses the 1System Warbird Pod.
1.34 sqft - 6 oz
Here it is in an RC version that has elevator and rudder. It can be staked on a 50 foot tether for RC control line flying or free flight RC assist. Uses the 1System Warbird Pod.
1.34 sqft - 6 oz
| old_guy_rc_pt19_trainer.pdf |
Field Box - Plane Cradle
Build a field box to carry props, batteries, tape, screwdrivers, penny weights..... The cradle will softly support your plane when changing batteries, pod, adjusting ....
Made from one sheet of foamboard. 15 minute build time and will save you forgetting things at the field and damaging planes
Made from one sheet of foamboard. 15 minute build time and will save you forgetting things at the field and damaging planes
| old_guy_rc_field_box.pdf |
