The Modern Kit

In 2008 Ultra Hobby Products will begin offering a “new” type of Control Line Stunt kit. I have put the word new in quotations because this is only new to CL Stunt. The rest of the model airplane hobby: RC (all facets), Soaring, Free Flight, Combat, even Rubber Power has embraced this technology long ago. We are not calling these ARFs, as they require more than just a few hours of assembly to be ready to fly. The kit does come with pre-built components; wing, fuselage, stabilizer, elevators, rudder which must be assembled and finished. Go into any hobby shop in any part of the world and this is what the ‘average’ kit consists of in 2008.

With considerable prodding from Brad Walker (who deserves a huge Thank You for his efforts) UHP is set to offer the first in our new line of Component Kits; the Gieseke Nobler. If you know anything about CL Stunt then you know the name Bob Gieseke. My brother Doug Moon, Brad Walker, Mike Scott, myself and many others in the Dallas, TX area have had the privilege of flying with and being coached by Bob over the years. I must admit that when it comes to flying I am never more nervous than when I am trying to put in a good flight with Bob watching. His input means that much to me. So, when it came time to decide what would be our first in the new line of Component kits the Gieseke Nobler was an easy choice. We have been offering a laser cut kit of the Gieseke Nobler for several years now, and it is very popular. This is the 1968 version, slightly different than the Top Flite version, and Classic legal.

As previously mentioned the UHP Gieseke Nobler Component Kit comes with a pre-built wing, fuselage, rudder, stabilizer, and elevators. A fiberglass cowl is also included. Upon initial inspection I was very impressed with the build quality of each component. Incredible only begins to describe it. All parts are laser cut and the fit and finish is top notch. Also, the covering job done on the plane is first rate. We have elected to use clear SLC covering material. This is a tough, yet lightweight covering material that can either be scuffed and painted or covered with silkspan and painted.

Building the Gieseke Nobler Component Kit is a straightforward process that barely requires instructions. Before gluing any surfaces together be sure to remove any covering material where components are to be mated. This will insure a wood to wood joint. Once this is accomplished the first step is the mounting of the engine. It is easier to do this before the plane is assembled. Once the engine is mounted install the tank and all necessary plumbing. Fit the balsa engine cover piece, relieving whatever wood necessary to clear the blind nuts and mounting screws. The cowl should be fitted at this time. Be sure to relieve sufficient air intake and exit areas in the cowl for proper engine cooling. Once all this has been done remove the engine and tank and fuelproof the entire engine and tank compartments with thinned epoxy.

The next step is to install the wing into the fuselage. Wow, already! Yes! Test fit the wing into the fuselage. Once satisfied with the fit, install the pushrod and flap horn and the flap to elevator pushrod. Install the wing again, sliding the pushrod into the fuselage. Now, test fit the stabilizer with the elevator horn installed. Connect the pushrods and flap and elevator horns. Make all necessary adjustments to achieve proper alignment of the flaps and elevators. Glue the wing in place using 30 minute epoxy. Once the wing is dry, glue the stabilizer into place, once again using 30 minute epoxy. Check the alignment as it dries and make any adjustments before the epoxy dries.

The plane is now ready for final assembly. Using 30 minute epoxy, glue the flaps and elevators into place. Keep rechecking all the alignments. Glue the rudder and dorsal fin into place. Epoxy the balsa engine cover into place. Use a strong filler such as Epoxolite or Microballoons to fill in the gap around the engine cover. Install the landing gear and tailwheel wire and the Gieseke Nobler Component Kit is ready for finishing.

As mentioned before the Gieseke Nobler Component Kit can be finished in one of two ways. The clear SLC covering can be scuffed and painted. If you choose to go this route add your fillets at this time, then lightly sand the entire plane with 600 grit paper. Now the plane can be painted per your favorite method.

We recommend first covering the plane with 00 silkspan and then painting. This method adds virtually no weight while adding considerable strength. Since the silkspan is being put on top of the SLC film it requires very little dope or Polycrylic to adhere the silkspan. There is nothing for the dope or Polycrylic to soak into, as it normally does when being applied to balsa. In essence, this is a traditional model airplane finish. It is being applied on top of the SLC film instead of wood. After applying the silkspan apply the fillets and finish the plane with model airplane dope or automotive paint; whichever is your preference.

The Gieseke Nobler Component Kit should weigh in the low to mid 40 oz. range when completed. This is with a modern .36 or .40 motor installed. The prototype weighs 43 oz. with a Thunder Tiger 36 engine for power.

I have flown several Gieseke Noblers over the years, and what struck me about the Gieseke Nobler Component Kit was that it felt exactly like any kit or scratch built G Nobler I’ve flown over the years. After about a dozen flights I was having a hard time distinguishing between the G Nobler Component Kit and my tried and trusted laser cut kit of the G Nobler. I have used my old standby G Nobler in many a contest, including Top 20 day at the Nats and would not hesitate one bit to replace it with the G Nobler Component Kit.

Is it BOM legal? I don’t really know, and I don’t really care. It’s a good looking plane that is a good flier. We aren’t trying to provide a world-beater here, just a good flying plane that is well built and provides good quality for the price. If the purchaser had a good time building and flying this plane and leaves the circle with a smile on his or her face, then I consider that a success.    Steve Moon