Howard DGA
This model of a Howard DGA is a "Nickel" model, meaning a model which used to be sold for a US-nickel many decades ago. But nowadays these models aren't sold anymore and the materials alone are worth more than a nickel. These models are small with a span of 10" or 25 cm. Construction is very simpel and thus also very light. A free downloadable plan can be found on my plan page.
The model is built from 1,5 x 1,5 mm balsa sticks. Hardest part is bending the stringers in the nose. To achieve this I held the sideframes in my tea and kept them against the side of the hot tea cup. This makes the sides pliable and after drying they keep there shape
 |
 |
 |
Covering
The model is covered in clear mylar. After covering the model is sprayed using a Tamiya spraycan.
 |
 |
 |
The black letters are rub-on letters. But the model is far to fragile to use
them as rub-on. I took a sheet of regular paper and gave it a thick coat of PVA
glue. When the glue was dry I rubbed the letters on the shiny layer of glue. I
then put the paper in a shallow tray of water which dissolved the PVA, releasing
the black letters.
The colourscheme and registration are pure fictional.
 |
 |
 |
Flying
I started trimming in the summer of 2006. The stability iswasood, but it didn't climb very well on a loop of 0.035" rubber. In 2010 a slightly thicker motor and a trimtab on the left wing did the trick. During the Interscale 2010 the model circled nicely to the 8 meter high ceiling.
 |
 |
 |
