J.A. Skyraider

[chris46]

Jimmie Allen Skyraider
I was so impressed with the B-A Parasol, which I built two years ago, that I decided to build another model from the Jimmie Allen series. I chose the Skyraider. It was developed for a competition sponsored by SKELLY Oil Company in 1936.  It is essentially an enlarged version of the "Skokie," which has enjoyed considerable success in competitions. The wingspan is 26 inches.
The Skyraider is a classic high-wing aircraft and looks similar to a man-carrying aircraft from the 1930s.
I purchased a short kit from Volaré Product for this purpose.
I will refrain from giving a detailed description here, as the construction of the model follows the classic principles of the time, but will document the construction with a few pictures.

[chris46]

Nevertheless, I would like to point out a few things:
The plan calls for solid wheels. I thought that spoked wheels would be more suitable for this model. Making them myself would be very time-consuming, so I looked for another solution. An old 1:18 scale model car from Burago had such spoked wheels. Since the rubber tires were very heavy, I replaced them with foam tires that I made myself.
All wing tips, rudder, and elevator tips are made of bamboo. This material is very stiff and difficult to bend. Therefore, I laminated all these wing tips in six layers of 0.5 mm balsa wood.
I also attached plastic exhaust pipes to the bottom of the hood. These give the model a touch of realism.

Chris (to be continued)

[chris46]

All parts have now been covered with 17g/m2 paper and coated with two layers of dope. I then sprayed the parts with yellow paint

Chris

[chris46]

Today, January 1, 2026, rollout of the Jimmie Allen Skyraider. The model is now ready to be flown and trimmed. I'll keep you posted.

Chris

[ZIP.58]

Wow!
That looks awesome. Congratulations on your model. I'm already looking forward to flying together.
Pete

[MKelly]

Wonderful!

[OZPAF]

At the airport in the 1930's - waiting for the passengers to board! Very neat.

John

[gravitywell]

Some guys have too much talent.  Its beautiful.

[chris46]

Here are a few additional details:
The instrument panel in the cockpit, the engine cowling with cooling vent and exhaust pipes, the elevator and rudder with my own logo, and the landing gear with spoked wheels.

Chris