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Balsa Plans


wellsprop

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Hi all,

 

I've had a bit of an epiphany (I suppose) regarding making models from scratch out of balsa - having started, and really enjoyed, my first balsa build*.

 

I was just wondering if there is some sort of forum anyone is aware of that is great for balsa plans, I'd be keen to find some more.

 

* yes, I realise I am probably showing my youth somewhat, as many of the more experienced members here will have started making models from balsa. How we are spoilt now with so many plastic kits!

 

Cheers all, and I look forward to posting my first balsa in the RFI hopefully before long :)

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello wellsprop,

 

FWIW I completely agree with John Aero on the plans and choice of wood (assuming you don’t want a flying RC model).

Despite my name you don’t really need any special tools either - a basic fretsaw, a chisel or two and some sandpaper is all you need to get started. If you do have a crack at this I would suggest posting a WIP thread as there’s heaps of free advice available here. Finally - for your first project pick a relatively simple subject and stay clear of biplanes! 🙄

 

 

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18 hours ago, John Aero said:

All you need is plans with sections. and I have hundreds. There are many to be found in old copies of many magazines such as Aeromodeller.  Take a tip, use Basswood or English Lime wood.

 

John

 

9 hours ago, Bandsaw Steve said:

Hello wellsprop,

 

FWIW I completely agree with John Aero on the plans and choice of wood (assuming you don’t want a flying RC model).

Despite my name you don’t really need any special tools either - a basic fretsaw, a chisel or two and some sandpaper is all you need to get started. If you do have a crack at this I would suggest posting a WIP thread as there’s heaps of free advice available here. Finally - for your first project pick a relatively simple subject and stay clear of biplanes! 🙄

 

 

 

Thanks both!

 

I managed to find a website called OuterZone which has loads of fantastic balsa plans (many from Aeromodeller). Currently got a K8b glider on the go, just need to put the decals on really :)

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  • 2 weeks later...

Ill have a dig about my of my bookmarks - im also a fan of balsa modelling and there are a few sites with thousands of plans etc about! 

 

3 of note - 

https://aerofred.com/ -  24,000 Plans

 

http://rc-plans.com/catalog/1002   - Few thousand plans

 

http://www.profili2.com/eng/default.asp  - this is a program for exporting/plotting/printing plans, but is freeware and comes with a few thousand plans.

 

 

Between these and OuterZone already mentioned, that should be enough to keep you going

 

 

Then there is always  - https://www.the-blueprints.com/blueprints/    - Not designed for 'balsa modelling' but just a good site for blueprints, which could always be used as a starting point for more exotic projects!

Look forwards to seeing where ambition and inspiration takes you! :) 

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On 12/15/2019 at 1:35 PM, Kushan_Farsight said:

Ill have a dig about my of my bookmarks - im also a fan of balsa modelling and there are a few sites with thousands of plans etc about! 

 

3 of note - 

https://aerofred.com/ -  24,000 Plans

 

http://rc-plans.com/catalog/1002   - Few thousand plans

 

http://www.profili2.com/eng/default.asp  - this is a program for exporting/plotting/printing plans, but is freeware and comes with a few thousand plans.

 

 

Between these and OuterZone already mentioned, that should be enough to keep you going

 

 

Then there is always  - https://www.the-blueprints.com/blueprints/    - Not designed for 'balsa modelling' but just a good site for blueprints, which could always be used as a starting point for more exotic projects!

Look forwards to seeing where ambition and inspiration takes you! :) 

Excellent thanks!

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  • 3 months later...

maybe a little late... for solidwood modeling, i go to solidmodelmemories, lots of plans there,, im into solids and stick and tissue, built several of each,finished a continental  fokker d8,comet 50% mess bf109,comet cessna,have many plans from sites,try FLYING ACES CLUB site,many there,both solid and s&t

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Another vote for solid model memories.  A good starting point would be the wood ID plans prepared for USN immediately following Pearl Harbor.  They include instructions for carving from solid for high school students so any plastic modeller should be able to manage a passable representation.  It may not match Eduard detailing but the feeling of achievement is great!

A P-40 is the traditional starting point now as there seem more SMM members from the US.

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4 hours ago, flying t said:

maybe a little late... for solidwood modeling, i go to solidmodelmemories, lots of plans there,, im into solids and stick and tissue, built several of each,finished a continental  fokker d8,comet 50% mess bf109,comet cessna,have many plans from sites,try FLYING ACES CLUB site,many there,both solid and s&t

 

Nope, not too late, thanks for the heads up :)

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  • 7 months later...

After starting plastic modelling at around the ago of nine, I got into balsa modelling at secondary school, via Aero Modeller magazine. Each month, there was usually a set of plans for either a glider or a control line aircraft.

As for tools, an early Swan-Morton craft knife, a few dressmaking pains ad a sheet of sanding paper.

I never progressed as far as radio controlled models but back in the mid '90's there was a set of plans for a 12 foot wingspan B-52 Bomber, two channel slope sorer. I missed buying that issue and have kicked myself ever since. Mind you the investment in balsa know, maybe I should let the idea go...

 

Colin

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I have a 1/32 thereabouts Kiel Kraft Hurricane sitting on my bookcase. I haven't covered it in tissue, although I have all the necessary.

Our club had a nostalgia theme at Telford several years ago, with lots of vintage kit boxes, and the Hurricane was there among all the plastic.

No idea what the reaction was, as I wasn't there.

I also have set of 1/32 plans for the Handley Page Gugnunc, which I intend to use to scratch one in plastic.

 

There is a certain satisfaction just working from scale plans instead of just making up pre-formed stuff.

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19 hours ago, bentwaters81tfw said:

I have a 1/32 thereabouts Kiel Kraft Hurricane sitting on my bookcase. I haven't covered it in tissue, although I have all the necessary.

Our club had a nostalgia theme at Telford several years ago, with lots of vintage kit boxes, and the Hurricane was there among all the plastic.

No idea what the reaction was, as I wasn't there.

I also have set of 1/32 plans for the Handley Page Gugnunc, which I intend to use to scratch one in plastic.

 

There is a certain satisfaction just working from scale plans instead of just making up pre-formed stuff.

 

Totally agree with you there! 

 

Although since getting a 3D printer I'm now doing it all in CAD and printing rather than using balsa :)

 

Even so, its not quite the same! 

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