Super Flying Models: Eindecker

Model Airplane News, Jun 2003 by Abbe, Peter

The instruction manual leaves the finishing of the pilot, wing center section and machine gun up to the builder's imagination. These parts are made of transparent plastic, and they should be trimmed and painted before you attach them to the wing. I applied some inexpensive brown and black enamel to the insides of these parts. After I had cut out and assembled the pilot, I painted the face using Testers acrylic paint. This paint works well because it can be mixed to achieve the desired colors.

Once you've secured the pilot, wing center section and "machine gun"to the wing, it's time to attach the flying wires. The flying wires are made out of a silver elastic cord that you must cut into several specific lengths. Electrical connectors are then crimped to the ends of the cord for attachment to the wing. The wires on the wings should be screwed into hardwood blocks under the covering; the tail wires are simply screwed into the balsa. Although these wires are not functional and could be omitted, the final result is well worth the little bit of extra effort they require.

With the detail work out of the way, the only things left to do are to set up the radio, check the wing alignment and balance the model. I balanced it using a 2-ounce heavy prop hub on the nose of the Saito .56. The wing alignment was nearly perfect but did require that I glue an 1/8-inch plywood shim to the top of the leading-edge hold-down key to keep the leading edge tight to the wing mount.

CONCLUSION

The Eindecker .46 is an excellent value for any builder who is looking to recreate an aircraft with antique charm. It is easy to build, complete, and it looks fantastic. Its flight characteristics make it an excellent choice for beginners who are looking to move up from a basic trainer to a mildly acrobatic tail-dragger. Whether in the air or on the ground, my Eindecker continues to draw compliments wherever we go.

APC Props; distributed by Landing Products (530) 661-0399; apcprop.com.

JR; distributed by Horizon Hobby Inc.

Super Flying Models; distributed by Horizon Hobby Inc.

Horizon Hobby Inc. (800) 338-4639; horizonhobby.com.

MonoKote; distributed by Great Planes (800) 637-7660; greatplanes.com.

Powermaster Hobby Products Inc. (512) 285-9595; powermasterfuels.com.

Saito; distributed by Horizon Hobby Inc.

Testors Corp. (815) 962-6654; (800) TESTORS; testors.com.