Hi all,
here is my latest profile model, it's a Guillow's Zero.
Built from the outerzone plan here: https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=12841
It's again, made out of foam, even the ribs. It is a bit on the fragile side, but on the other hand, maybe it can survive hitting the walls a bit better ;)
Here is a short video:
Cheers
Alex
Hi Alex,
Your profile models are great!
Inspired by your models, I took a look at outerzone and downloaded two Guillows plans. Just something to build in between other projects.
However, as a "scaler," I couldn't resist tweaking the plans a little.
The P-51D plan was supplemented with the panel joints on the wings, and the Me-109 plan was further refined, as the wings correspond to the G version, while the fuselage is more like the E version. So I adapted everything to the G version and also marked the main panel joints. The landing gear will also be moved from the wing to the fuselage. I have enough color schemes for both types and am sticking to my intention of only building Swiss Air Force types. I will use balsa wood as the building material. How far I go with the detailing will become clear during construction. The models should remain lightweight.
So far, I only have one profile model in my fleet: Praga E-114E "AirBaby."
But I have other plans in the archive (projects).
Have fun building more models!
Peter
Thanks Peter :)
Yes, I like the fun/effort ratio of profile models :D
The Praga looks great!
Cheers
Alex
I think the 4500 series that Guillow is offering may be essentially the same as this older series, though they don't have as many choices. They don't have a Zero or a Mustang, but they have a couple of new choices.
If they're still using the same sort of wood as they did some years back, wear steel toed boots.
I did already build the Mustang and the Hellcat of that series. The Mustang from balsa, the Hellcat from foam. I omitted the landing gear on both.
They fly pretty well on 1/16" rubber. As much as I enjoy working with balsa, the foam is a bit more forgiving, when it hits the walls.
Here is the P51D:
And here is the Hellcat:
Cheers
Alex
Quote from: 9600baud on Feb 22, 2026, 09:00 AMI did already build the Mustang and the Hellcat of that series. The Mustang from balsa, the Hellcat from foam. I omitted the landing gear on both.
They fly pretty well on 1/16" rubber. As much as I enjoy working with balsa, the foam is a bit more forgiving, when it hits the walls.
Cheers
Alex
A balsa model won't break from hitting the walls if it's light enough, but it might have to be pretty light. Maybe two or three grams for a nocal. An extreme example is the EZB I built which survived a 20 or 30 foot vertical dive onto a wood floor under power. Just the power of something like a loop of .040" rubber, I admit, but that's all it needed.
Hi Alex,
I agree with lincoln, a light balsa model rarely suffers damage from a collision.
What I would suggest, since you are already into profile models is to build a No-Cal model.
For a variety of reasons, slower and longer flying being one of them. Much lighter, yes a bit larger at 16" wingspan, but also suitable for next year's event in Nijmegen.
They do take longer to build than a simplier all-balsa model, but also point to the "proper" scale construction for later.
You probably know it already, some plans in the Plans Gallery but many more elsewhere to be found.
https://hpa.aeromodelling.gr/plans/categories.php?cat_id=147
George
Yep, thanks guys. I agree, the lightness is the key. For now I enjoy both materials.
I have already two full-size No-Cals, one flys great, the other is not so easy to trim. And another balsa No-Cal is already on the building board.
Even if Nijmegen is not so far from here, it's still a long way to go :D
Cheers
Alex