[Peter_H]

Builders/Owners/Pilots:
Mike B.
Peter H.

Aircraft:
FAIRCHILD A-10 / OA-10 THUNDERBOLT II »WARTHOG«
Manufacturer: Mibo Modeli (Mibo Jets) www.mibojets.com
Distributor: Roger Shipley www.jetadic.com
Version: 1st generation

Specs:
Scale: 1:5.8
Wingspan: 118 in
Wing Area: 2100 sq. in.
Length: 108 in
Kit weight: 50 - 60 lbs.
Turbines: 2 X 17 to 28 lbs thrust
Functions: elevators, ailerons, rudders, throttles, flaps, landing gear, brakes, canopy

Project History:
A number of years ago a bunch of club members from the Niagara Region Model Flying Club Inc. www.nrmfc.ca joined together to build a club project during the winter months. It was decided a .15 size Wild Thing would be a very easy, inexpensive and fun airplane to build. We all had a great time cutting out wood, building, covering and then flying as a group. The next winter, we all agreed on a Cloud Dancer designed by Fred Reese, then a .40 size Wild Thing, next we went larger and built five 25% Midwest Extra 300s (group members were now down to 5 people). Some finished their Extras some didn’t and over time, we couldn’t all agree on what to build next. In 2000, Mike and I started on a project of our own. We have always liked large scale models and we each had a 40cc gas engine looking for a new home. So, we decided to build a Ziroli DC-3/C-47. We worked on it one night a week during the fall and winter months and, in 5 “long” years (950 hours) we finished and flew our largest most complex scratch built project. We shared the costs, building and flying. Last winter we took a break while members continually asked with anticipation what our next project would be.

This is it, the A-10. We chose it for a number of reasons; large wheels and high lift wings in order to fly from grass fields, highly maneuverable not like the DC-3, engines mounted high on the aircraft for less chance of FOD damage, it’s quite unique in our circle of clubs and there’s the wow factor - it’s big for a jet. Scratch building was a consideration (mostly for cost) but spending another 5 or so years was daunting. Amazingly, a first generation kit became available on R/C Universe for a fraction of a new kit’s price including a number of optional parts (thanks Jeremy). It is highly prefabricated, has outstanding craftsmanship, is much more complex and yes, much more expensive. It’s doubtful either of us alone could purchase and build a model of this nature. That’s why like the DC-3, Mike and I joined forces (and funds)!

People have suggested we start this build thread in order to detail the building process and allow others to follow the progress. Our reason is a bit more selfish. We hope to tap the expansive knowledge from R/C Canada members out there. This is our first “jet” and we’ve got lots to learn – we’re going to need help!
So, here goes……..

[Peter_H]

Prior to the official “start date” we spent some time inventorying the parts, removing 11 garbage bags of Styrofoam peanuts used for packing the model, and tended to the landing gear which over the years had begun to show some signs of surface rust. The kit arrived from Louisiana in a nicely made crate by the seller measuring 10 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 ½ feet high! Although very large, it only weighed 60 lbs. The border guards questioned how large a “model airplane” could be. He then compared the crate to a coffin, looked us over for a minute, then waved us through - not before charging us with the taxes, (OUCH)!

[AJCoholic]

Thats awesome! The A10 is probably my dream jet... although I'd settle for a smaller one for a pair of MW54's

Good luck and its going to be amazing!

AJC

[Wayne22]

Oh man...what a project..... I'm sure if it wasn't for the fact that it needs two ($$$) engines, you would see more of them flying. .......

Years ago in RCM. Mike Pastro did a construction article on a 40 pusher A-10. I ran across his prototype in a swap meet and bought it. It flew beautifully....but always in the back of my mind,.......if it was bigger, with turbines, and tons of ordinace slung under the wings............<insert dream scene here> ..........

You have a great project there, and I look forward to reading your progress reports......

[scaleguy]

Originally Posted by AJCoholic

Thats awesome! The A10 is probably my dream jet... although I'd settle for a smaller one for a pair of MW54's

Good luck and its going to be amazing!

AJC

DITTO!

Andrew I knew there was a reason I liked you!

Here is some more inspiration Mike and Peter.

[Peter_H]

Hey guys, glad to see there are other "Hawg" fans out there. We'll need a ton of "inspiraton" Jim.

To prevent the rust on the landing gear from getting worse, we disassembled, sanded, cleaned, painted and lubed all the parts including the O-rings for the brakes.

November 20, 2007 – the official start date.
The instruction manual is meant for “experienced builders” (also known as vague), so Mike and I had to determine some sort of building order since there are no step by step instructions. We decided the first step was to mount the wings. With pictures from other builders and a little head scratching, we commenced cutting wood for inside the fuselage to support the wing tube as it goes through the fuselage. This is a “first generation” kit as there have been many upgrades and modifications since. We hope to incorporate some of these upgrades while we progress with the building.

[SteveD]

Awesome Peter ,good luck on your project.Looks like a glass fuse,you going to glass the wings and tail also?
Steve

[RC_MAN]

I'm sure the two of you will do a great job. Bring it to our Jets over Leamington in May to show it off.

Peter

[Mlefebvre]

I`m doing one for two wren 54

the plug is almost done with all rivet and panel line.

everything will be ready for this summer.



Martin L
17997

[Peter_H]

Thanks Steve! Good to hear from you. Have you gotten any other flights on your DC-3. We didn't get many this year but now have 20 successful flights! Yes, A-10 fuse is fiberglass and the wings are foam sheeted with balsa. The work is incredible! Even all the flying surfaces are hinged! If the DC-3 took us 5 years, we are already at year 4 with this one! We will be fiberglassing the wings, stabs and flying surfaces.

Peter, we'd love to bring out the A-10 to Leamington next year, thanks. By then we should have it on it's gear and all "assembleable"

Martin, WOW. Any pictures of your A-10 and where are you from?

Peter