Building The Vintage Model Company Pilot

This model was sent to me free for review by The Vintage Model Company. It is the latest offering from their Magnificent Flying Machines range and has just been released as of 19 September 2018. It is aimed at novice builders with little or no experience in building balsa wood and tissue free flight aircraft. But I would add that it would be a great quick build kit for the more experienced builder.
Click the link below to find out more about this kit.
www.vintagemodelcompany.com/v...
The kit is very well designed and you get everything you need in it to complete the build other than tools. The laser cut pieces fit together really well and the parts fit on the scale plans with little to no adjustments. The supplied glue sets relatively quickly but should be left overnight to fully cure. The build guide is clear and easy to follow. One thing to note is if you have little experience then you may find it an easier build if you do not glue the tail section on until you have covered the fuselage with the paper patterns.
Overall a very enjoyable build made even easier by the preformed undercarriage legs and is an ideal starter kit for anyone wanting to get into this hobby.
This video shows in time-lapse the complete build process.
The model weighed in at 26 grams (before balancing)
It took me around 36 hours to complete.
From my few test glides (indoors in my living room about 9’ 2.7M) it looked to have an almost ideal glide slope without having to add any weight to the front or rear.

[@johanbos3651]

Hi Rob, I just ordered a ‘Pilot’ myself to build since I plan to do more models but start simple is the best option. Could you list for me ( and other readers ) what additional tools you used to make it an easy build. The video is a great inspiration and help to master these techniques of building model aircrafts.

[@robbrennanrc]

Hi Johan OK to start with I made my own pin board using some old chest of draws draw hardboard draw bottoms and glued two layers of 3mm cork sheeting on to it. But I have heard of people using cork pin boards. These are the other items I use Reynolds Cut-Rite Wax Paper. To cover the plans so that glue does not stick to the paper. I use Gaffa/duct tape to stick it down onto the pin board. Code 100 Track fixing pins - Peco SL-14. Very thin pins I use to pin through the thicker balsa pieces. (Not recommend by VMC and a lot of builders). DO NOT USE ANY THICKER PINS IF YOU DO PIN THROUGH THE BALSA. IT WILL WEAKEN THE WOOD TOO MUCH. Woodland Scenics Foam Nails (ST1432). Used to pin down all other balsa pieces and to put pressure on glued joints on the outside. Craft knife. I use the Swan-Morton No.3 scalpel which I purchased from VMC. It comes with 5 extra blades. A 12” steel ruler used to help with the cutting of the tissue paper. ZAP CA (Thin) Quick Set Superglue Cyanoacrylate Glue. Used to strengthen the pin holes in the balsa I have pinned through and also to glue canopies on. Pour some out onto a scrap bit of a plastic back and use either a toothpick or a bit of stiff thin wire to pick drops up and place them. Don’t try to pour straight from the bottle as too much will come out. Sand paper is supplied with this kit, but for the most part I use foam backed nail files. Any make of glue stick to hold the tissue before final gluing. Small glass jars with lids (no bigger than 22cc I would say) to water down the PVA glue for sticking the tissue to the frame and to water down the Eze-Dope if you are going to use it. For shrinking the tissue I use my airbrush but a fine atomiser will do just as well. Eze-Dope. Used to seal the tissue if you intend to fly the plane outdoors. If you are only going to fly indoors then you only need to shrink the tissue with water. A pair of long nosed pliers to bend the motor hook and shaft. A large pair of heavy duty side cutters. To cut off the excess of the motor hook and shaft. Well that is everything I can remember I used for this build. Hope it helps.

[@johanbos3651]

Dear Rob, Your answer was beyond my expectations. Perfect ! I have watched ( as preparation for the VMC Pilot which I hope to receive this week ) many KZbin video’s. Yours are top of the bill . But.., I managed to add two tools which you missed in your listing : * Nylon grid clamps set (eg Modelcraft ) * Engineers Square ( eg Modelcraft )

[@robbrennanrc]

Thank you Johan. Dam I knew I should have watched the video to makes sure I had covered everything, but I don't think I did too bad working just from my memory lol.

[@harryrc9263]

It is aimed at novice Builders with little or no Experience ?? Puhhh Rob ,and good Evening. For me, this looks extremely difficult to glue the whole tiny wooden parts exactly.For that you probably need a very steady Hand and above all a lot of patience.It seems like you have all that of it, and you have all my Respect for it! Thank you for this rapid insight into the wonder world of wood model making. Great Work Rob and have a nice Week. Thumbs up of course.

[@robbrennanrc]

Thank you so much Harry for your wonderful comment. But seriously it is meant for the novice builder. If you don't believe me then check pout this build video of mine kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZWzl4eDnJx1laM .And you are very welcome and have a great week yourself

[@scottrodriguez7982]

I have built several planes and this one is a beauty, two thumbs up! Great job and great video.

[@robbrennanrc]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@americanmultigenic]

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this: the combination of great building skills, and classical music is perfect! I just discovered your channel and am looking forward to seeing your other videos. Thank you! I am a "lapsed" aeromodeller, but your video certainly had me thinking about starting another project.

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Wow quite a fascinating build Rob now can we see it fly only joking that's too good to fly you have done a fantastic job Rob give yourself a pat on the back mate 😄😁😄

[@robbrennanrc]

Hi Tony. This is their quickest build kit. If you want to see what one of their more complex kits check out this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYOoiYKAmLyjbsk it's a WW1 Sopwith Triplane. Thanks for the fantastic comment mate.

[@TonysRcTechboom]

@@robbrennanrc will do brother 😁 thanks 😁😀

[@MarkBryanRC]

Well, I for one agree with Harry my friend - Puhhhh - I could not have put it better myself! You make it look so easy - but I understand this is one of the simplest builds - still amazing how you show so beautifully how it should be done! Great build, thumbs up mate! :D

[@robbrennanrc]

Hey Mark. I do kind of know what you and Harry are saying, seeing the flat sheets of balsa and the bag of bits could be a bit daunting. Thank you so much for the fantastic compliment mate.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I agree! Puhhhh - although I might daring enough to try it. I NEED a Cheap side Hobby!!!

[@MarkBryanRC]

Can't get cheaper than this mate! Good way to spend your time! :))

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Well Mate, I might be getting a side Hobby!! 👍👍 They're good looking Models too. Full Stop! I made the mistake of looking at other Videos..... There's ALWAYS going to be something that I can't afford. 😫😜 One Guy built a Large Scale F-4U Corsair, with the Full Wings? OMG it's nice!!! 4 Foot Wingspan! 😱 ... Looked like about a million parts!!! I'd do well to start MUCH smaller. I was talking to one of my "War Buddies" earlier, and he was shocked. He said "You mean you're the ONLY Air Force dude to never have a Model Airplane!!???" 😱😜 Of COURSE I have.... Just never built one of these Craftsman Wood Kits before. I've only done Plastic Models... Built a LARGE Scale B-52, and the other Aircraft my Dad flew, the superlative SR-71 Blackbird!! I've HAD to have told you THAT before. Amazingly, when I've mentioned it to some Basement Warriors, they didn't believe me! 😬😬😣 It's OK though, ANY Internet search of his name will bring him, the Planes he flew, and When he flew them. Regardless, I'm exceptionally Proud of the Man! Sadly, Mr. Internet doesn't seem to care much about my Militry Career... In fact, nothing about me, earlier than 2003. Oh well, right? Anyway, looking forward to getting into one of these Kits!! 😊

[@robbrennanrc]

@@CarminesRCTipsandTricks Well guys no idea what has gone on here but I never got any notification of any of your replies. bloomin YT. Great conversation though and yes I remember you telling me about your dad and the SR-71. Not sure I could cope with being stuck in a pressurised suit for 8 to 12 hours or so.

[@hue4734]

Iim currently trying to convert one of these to rc. L this video was helpful to put it together. Good video 👍

[@depfordbusinesscoaching2212]

Another great video - I need to build a little Pilot with my son. What's you technique for shrinking and doping once you've got the wing in your jig?

[@jmb1231983]

Good job 😊

[@robbrennanrc]

Thank you so much 😀

[@johnrobutka7697]

Hello Rob, Where did you get the clamp you are using at 9:11 in the video? I enjoyed your video on building the aircraft.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

That has really fascinated me!! 😱 I might have a go. Last Balsa Kit I tried, I was 9.... And I'm sure it was more advanced than I was then!! If I was really Daft.... Suppose I could fit a 380 Motor (which I have PLENTY), and a simple RC System, Elevators, Rudders and Throttle only?? If not, the rubber band would suffice I've ALWAYS wanted a RC Aircraft! Wish I had bought one when I still had money.... ~ Carmine 💥 ⛽

[@robbrennanrc]

I think if you mean a 380 motor that comes with the likes of the holiday buggy would be far too big for it. This came in at a whopping 26 grams. I have seen some videos where people have converted rubber powered kits to RC but not found any using a VMC kit.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I agree. Now that I've learned a bit more, I'm thinking a 750mm minimum Wingspan Aircraft would be the smallest I would want to go, with an electric RC Aircraft.... I want good, stable flight.

[@johanbos3651]

Hi Rob, I have finished in 5 days the fuselage . The most challenging action was to cut and glue the first small piece of the thinnest piece of balsa on top of the fuselage. Broke twice so the third was finally okay. Learned a lot by that how to handle this delicate very small balsa. One question how you ‘covered’ the top and bottom of the fuselage. Q1: In my box of VMC Pilot I have thin red stickers for that. Did I interprete the video correctly that you used a piece of balsa , which was -Not- part of the supplied material by VMC ? Which you than glued on the fuselage . PS: I have collected in the mean time almost all of the special tools you kindly listed earlier. Having those makes building fun gives greater chance for a good build. Q2: Did you made the wheels black by paint or a black marker ?

[@robbrennanrc]

Hi Johan. Q1. No you cut out the paper stickers and glue them directly on to the top and bottom of the fuselage. Q2. I used Tamiya XF-2 flat black acrylic paint for the wheels, but I have used a black marker pen in other builds. Once dry I also put a couple of coats of acrylic matt varnish on them to seal them. Hope this helps.

[@nigelcroft5113]

hi rob having watched your build video i am going to buy this kit from my local model shop .steve webb in frodsham i have built planes but always gone for solid wing type always wanted to try built up wing but i always think one crash an thats it but i suppose being light they come out ok i have built lots of boats which are rc thanks for inspiration let you know how i get on cheers

[@robbrennanrc]

Hi Nigel. They do look very delicate but they are quite sturdy, well if you use enough glue that is. My very first build which was the SE5A WWI bi-plane fighter when I did some testing crashed into a cupboard and chair leg and the top wing and and one of the lower wings broke off. But upon inspection most of this was due to some of the struts did not have enough glue to hold them. Since the repair it has crashed quite a few more times with no issues to the wings lol. Thanks for watching and I hope all goes well with the build.

[@nigelcroft5113]

hi rob after watching you build wings on vmc pilot you said spray with water .is this with a fine pump sprayer an how much do you put on do you do top an bottom of wings at the same time an do you still put dope on wings both sides an do you dope fuselage thanks nigel

[@robbrennanrc]

Hi Nigel. Yes you should use a fine mist sprayer. You don't need very much at all. the tissue will start to wrinkle when it is wet enough. Yes spray both the top and bottom at the same time. Once the tissue has shrunk and dried, yes I still dope them. No on this model you do not dope the fuselage. Hope this helps

[@cinema8mm]

Excelente vídeo. Mostra direitinho como montar o elástico

[@robbrennanrc]

Many thanks for watching I am so pleased you enjoyed it. Yes I found that the elastic and be tricky to install on some of these kits. Muito obrigado por assistir Estou tão feliz que você gostou. Sim, achei que o elástico e ser complicado de instalar em alguns desses kits.

[@cinema8mm]

Rob aqui no Brasil não temos opção de bons kits. E eu não sei como dar as voltas corretamente na hélice. Voce pode fazer um vídeo ensinando?

[@michaelgewert4623]

Hi Rob, where can i buy this modell in germany? Do you have any idea? Greetings Michael

[@robbrennanrc]

Hello Michael. As far as I am aware The Vintage Model Company ship world wide. Here is a link to them. www.vintagemodelcompany.com. They also have a contact us page so you could check with them if there are any local distributors. I have found them to be very quick and helpful when contacting them myself. Thanks for watching.

[@kenwiberg6517]

What is the wingspan of this model ? important to know when shooting for a flying weight....

[@robbrennanrc]

The wing span is 19" 48.26cm. Thanks for watching Ken.

[@andrianfalsyah19]

Keren 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇲🇨

[@sureggem1]

What about the flight ?

[@robbrennanrc]

Unfortunately I don't know of anywhere near me indoors that I could use and as it only weighs 26g I think it would need an exceptionally calm day to try to fly it outdoors so since the build I haven't had an opportunity sorry.

[@sureggem1]

Flew mine today. Very few trimming and very nice flight. 800 turns with the stock rubber. Will post video soon.

[@Remoteaddicted]

Fantastic build Rob! Those models are way too fragile for my nitro fingers :D

[@robbrennanrc]

Mine too Charlie, but you find ways around like using my scalpel to pick really bits up and place them. Thanks for watching mate.

[@c150gpilot]

ID the music, pls.

[@robbrennanrc]

Hi the music is as follows and all downloaded from KZbin: Hungarian_Rhapsody_No_2_by_LisztSymphony_No_5_by_BeethovenCan_Can_by_OffenbachRide_of_the_Valkyries_by_WagnerHope this helpsThanks for watching

[@sureggem1]

First flight : kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYm0f4yap5esjpI

[@tiborvon]

Does it fly Rob

[@robbrennanrc]

Hi Tibor. I believe it would if I could find somewhere big enough indoors, but at only 26 grams I don't think it would stand much chance outdoors. Thanks for watching and your continued support.

[@tiborvon]

Ur we buddy

[@tonywright8294]

It would fly outside ,but because of the design it would require a lot of lead at the nose to get the CG right. Otherwise it won’t fly

[@tiborvon]

Thanks Tony. I wouldnt have a clue lol