One of the challenges that the giant scale modeler faces is to emulate the flight characteristics of the full-scale prototype. Reducing size and shapes does not seem to be a great problem, but often our miniature creation will not perform up to its expected capabilities. Obviously, we cannot reduce weight, wing area and engine power to the same scale. Imagine a full-size engine weighing 280 lbs., when reduced to a quarter scale would weight 70 lbs. Model weight, power, and wing loading can, however, be successfully reduced. Bear in mind that these are ideal goals and in some instances may be impractical to imitate.

The following formulas can be applied when attempting to scale down to quarter scale:

WEIGHT: to calculate true quarter scale weight.
Thus, an aircraft that weighed 1845 lbs. would yield a model weighing 14.71 lbs.

POWER: To determine power requirements for true quarter scale speed:

WINGLOADING: Wingloadings figure for full size in lbs x 2 = wingloading quarter scale in ozs.
Ex: Chipmunk
The formulas shown should produce a replica that will imitate its big sister. Of course, we must be practical since many other factors can creep in during the building process. I believe that wingloading is the one area where many models fall short. It is not uncommon to see giant scale models that have loadings over 45 oz./sq.ft. These usually have to be grossly overpowered and as a result pose grave danger should the airspeed be reduced too much in a landing attempt or when power is lost. That's why the Cubs and lightly loaded Bipes seem to be around longer.