Uploaded February 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Real Thing RC Airplane
This video covers a build of the Aug 1973 RC Modeler magazine design of the Real Thing RC model airplane. I take the original plans from RCM (you can download at the link below), scale them up to a 30" wingspan RC model and make this version out of 3/16" foam board.
The video will demonstrate how to make the wing using the "10 minute method" in video below. The fuselage and tail surfaces are all made from foam board. And of course the model is powered by a brushless electric motor. Three channels of control are used for elevator, aileron and throttle.
I did a redo of the wing, extending the wingspan by four inches a trying to save a bit of weight.
The model of the Real Think did not fly. I might have had a warp in the wing, but I think the main issue was the model was a bit too heavy for this wing area.
I see this as one of the advantages of foam board RC airplane construction, the ability to "fail fast." If I were to build a second time (and I might!!), I'll use the plan's 46" wingspan. I think that would work about right.
Motor: Park 250
Castle Talon 25 ESC
Three HS-55 servos
3 cell lipo
9X6 prop
3/16" foam board
Here is a link to my YouTube Channel:
youtube.com/c/TimMcKay56
Many thanks in advance for a post of this video on Facebook, it truly helps the channel a lot!
Regards,
Tim
Real Thing plans:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/12xzJuyBk6Jup5va7HTUAi7xJJcOqRFTB?usp=share_link
How to enlarge plans video:
youtu.be/juqHQ3xEd_w
Twin RC airplane design:
youtu.be/GCaVsRhk7U4
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Project overview
03:43 - Sketch the plans
04:24 - Build the wing and fuselage
07:23 - Wing struts
09:04 - Fuselage update
13:10 - Two months later . . .
18:04 - Flying field
Real Thing RC Airplane
This video covers a build of the Aug 1973 RC Modeler magazine design of the Real Thing RC model airplane. I take the original plans from RCM (you can download at the link below), scale them up to a 30" wingspan RC model and make this version out of 3/16" foam board.
The video will demonstrate how to make the wing using the "10 minute method" in video below. The fuselage and tail surfaces are all made from foam board. And of course the model is powered by a brushless electric motor. Three channels of control are used for elevator, aileron and throttle.
I did a redo of the wing, extending the wingspan by four inches a trying to save a bit of weight.
The model of the Real Think did not fly. I might have had a warp in the wing, but I think the main issue was the model was a bit too heavy for this wing area.
I see this as one of the advantages of foam board RC airplane construction, the ability to "fail fast." If I were to build a second time (and I might!!), I'll use the plan's 46" wingspan. I think that would work about right.
Motor: Park 250
Castle Talon 25 ESC
Three HS-55 servos
3 cell lipo
9X6 prop
3/16" foam board
Here is a link to my YouTube Channel:
youtube.com/c/TimMcKay56
Many thanks in advance for a post of this video on Facebook, it truly helps the channel a lot!
Regards,
Tim
Real Thing plans:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/12xzJuyBk6Jup5va7HTUAi7xJJcOqRFTB?usp=share_link
How to enlarge plans video:
youtu.be/juqHQ3xEd_w
Twin RC airplane design:
youtu.be/GCaVsRhk7U4
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Project overview
03:43 - Sketch the plans
04:24 - Build the wing and fuselage
07:23 - Wing struts
09:04 - Fuselage update
13:10 - Two months later . . .
18:04 - Flying field
