Bob Nelitz is internationally known for his outstanding modeling efforts. His current Taylorcraft reflects a great effort and follows in the wake of his 1/3 J-3 Cub. With a span of 112 in. and wing area of 2352 sq. in. it certainly falls into the "giant" classification.

Margaret Richie won the 1966 National Aerobatic Championship. The T-craft really represents one of those super efforts in aerobatic history since Margaret flew her pattern with grace relying on skill rather than brute horsepower to impress the judges. Fortunately, this is not an obscure aircraft and a full color photo-pack is available from BOB BANKA Scale Model Research ....

Sheet one shows the fuse, firewall, windshield pattern, landing gear details and instrument panel. Also included are isometric drawings for fin coverings. The plan uses a shaded area for the starboard side which includes an operating door. Several building hints are suggested and scale markings are depicted.

Sheet two shows the right wing panel wing rib patterns, scale hinged ailerons, fuselage top view, left side of the stab and elevator, wing struts, and various wing and strut details.

IMPRESSIONS:
In a single word -- OUTSTANDING. The drawings are very well done and immediately convey a feeling of professionalism and confidence. There is detail where needed (landing gear and strut arrangement) and building hints that should prevent any problems. It is really a credit to Bob's talent that so much has been included on only two plan sheets. Although only one wing panel is shown, I don't think this will be a major inconvenience. Certainly the designer's experiences with his other world-class scale miniatures are reflected in all phases of the plan. It is also evident that the materials used for construction are a good choice yielding strength and lightness. At 28 pounds, the T-craft will have a wing loading of 27 ounces per sq. ft. Based on other high-wing aircraft of this type, this is probably close to perfect. I fear that if it could be built much lighter it would lack penetration.

Also appealing in a bird of this size is the two-piece wing panels. Although you would be transporting a lot of fuselage (88 in.) a single wing panel is a neat 21" x 49". This is a prime consideration when packing this giant in the family vehicle.

CONSTRUCTION:
Materials are predominantly spruce, plywood, and balsa. The required spruce does not exceed 48" which means that savings can be realized by purchasing standard four foot sheets and ripping them to size. Actually, using Balsa USA's current price sheet the total cost for all necessary balsa would be only $25.58. Thus, even though this is one big bird, the airframe costs are quite reasonable.

Additional items necessary to finish include steelwall tubing for the landing gear and an assortment of aluminum and brass for mounts and pushrods. Bob's original was covered with Dacron and again this seems like a good approach since it is quite reasonably priced and yields a strong, realistic finish. A fiberglass cowl is available from Hobby Barn, and pre-built landing gear from R & M scale specialists.

The original few with a Quadra Q-50 using a 22-8 Zinger prop. I doubt that anyone would want to use less power than the Q-50, but also this is not intended to be a jet. Realistic flight speeds are a necessary ingredient for the overall effect of this beauty.

If this type of project appeals to you then clipped wing Taylorcraft plans by Bob Nelitz would be a great starting point. The plans are beautifully drawn, uncluttered, yet contain all the necessary detail. With the right amount of effort you will end up with a great example of one of America's foremost aerobatic airplanes.

Available from Bob Nelitz, Cedarbridge Scale R.R. #4 Creemore, Ont., Canada, Lom Igo, Price $30.00 plus $3.00 shipping.