SAM Airplanes & How-To

How To Build and Fly Old Timer Model Airplanes

The vintage models flown by SAM members are those designed, published or available as kits during the golden era of model aviation, the decade of the thirties to the beginning of WWII. During this period, the methods of construction and flight preparation were perfected and formed the foundation for all model aviation that followed. They are flown in free flight, powered by gas and rubber motors, and gliders.
For the RC enthusiast, or for those whose flying field limits free flight, there are categories for ignition and glow powered engines. Recently several electric powered classes have been introduced to allow flying of these models quietly from fields where glow and ignition engines are not allowed.
Old Timer models were built largely from balsa wood and covered with various tissues or fabrics. Few people now build models this way and the skills to do so are vanishing with those who did so.
It is our objective to use this website as a resource to preserve the skills necesary to build and fly Old Timer model airplanes by publishing and archiving articles on various related topics. Should you have these skills and wish to contribute, please contact the webmaster from the link below.

Ed Hamler holds building sessions at his SAM 27 Chapter in Napa, California. Here he is showing the Earl Stahl Fokker D-VIII model that was the featured design for the 2006 SAM Champs.
Earl's article and plan and construction guidance; care of Ed. Hamler and Ned Nevels.