T-Bird Triumph

John Woodfield produced an inspiring "build and test fly" YouTube video for this model about four years ago. I was hooked straight away and commented that I wanted one too.

I quickly ordered the 'plan', 'laser cut wood pack' and later the 'additional wood pack' from Sarik Hobbies. Fortunately I found a copy of RC Model World from April 2017 on Ebay, which included the original article by the designer Tim Marsh. These items languished in my workshop for a couple of years until 14 months ago...

Like John W., I decided against the motor option, but unlike John's model mine was otherwise built to plan. It has a fully rounded fuselage, including planking beneath and block-balsa cheeks on each side, along with a two-piece 71 inch gull-wing joined by two 1/8 inch steel dowels and secured with (crash resistant?) rubber bands.

Bare airframe awaiting fettling and finishing

Finished model

Plenty of space for the receiver as the servos are fitted in the wings and fin. Unusual separate wing fairing, attached by magnets (and string)

Wing joiner arrangement, an essential item not shown on the plan

T/V tail includes servos and rubber band attachment

That irresistible 'gull' shape

I think you'll agree it builds up into a very eye-catching model, but it's not a project I'd recommend to inexperienced modellers.

Happy Landings

Russell H