Cessna Bird Dog Kit This tough, agile little aircraft continued service into the Vietnam war - now designated the O-1. It was also taken up by the US Air Force as a forward air control aircraft, the object of which was to direct fast attack aircraft to the target. The pilots that flew this smallest and simplest of warbirds were indeed brave - shooting at one would not have been difficult. However, losses were far less than may have been feared, simply because by shooting at the Bird Dog, the enemy would give away their position. Nearly 3500 aircraft were built, mainly by Cessna, but also in small numbers by contractors in both the United States and Japan. After their military service, many were sold on as recreational aircraft. They found a particular use as glider and advertising banner tow aircraft. Today a large number of these aircraft are still airworthy – testament to their resilience, but many can also be seen on static display in museums in the many countries that operated them. YOUR KIT This kit is designed for you to build a traditionally constructed, rubber-powered, free flight model of an OE-1 Cessna Bird Dog, operated by the U.S. Marines Observation and Reconnaissance Squadron VMO-2, stationed in Japan in around 1952. This is a simple but striking scheme, however, you can decide to do your own favourite or more complicated scheme if you wish as there are many Bird Dog schemes to choose from. Construction of the model from this kit uses the traditional method of \"stick and tissue\", that consists of a built up balsa wood skeleton (framework), covered with a tissue skin. The balsa frameworks are built over a plan that is printed at the exact scale of the model, which is in essence a real engineering drawing. Power is provided by rubber strip motor that is wound up before flight. Free flight means just that - once the model is launched, it is on its own. It must follow a predetermined flight path established when the model is initially adjusted for flight or \"trimmed\". This type of traditional building technique and flying requires a degree of patience and skill, but is extremely rewarding. Typically for a small model and in the spirit of the traditional kits, profiles are simplified and adjusted from the original and a relatively large propeller is used. This is done so that the model is light and stable enough to fly on its own, is simple in construction and can work with the rubber motor. These adjustments have been done with care and sensitivity so that the shape and spirit of the original aircraft is preserved as much as possible. Also, in the spirit of the traditional kits, additional items required to build the model are things that can be found in the kitchen drawer or are easily available on the high street. KIT CONTENTS Three balsa sheets with precise laser cut parts and strip wood. PVA glue for building the wooden frames. One 150mm diameter plastic propeller. One pre-bent motor hook and shaft. Three low friction plastic ‘nose’ bushings– one for the propeller and two for the undercarriage wheels. Piano wire for the main undercarriage legs and tail wheel. A motor peg (cocktail stick /toothpick). Rubber motor strip. A piece of clear acetate for the windows and “trim tabs”. Tissue to cover the model (green plus a small piece of black). Parts reference sheets (W), full size summary plan sheets (X), scheme diagram sheet (Y) and scheme markings (Z) printed on lightweight paper. Wingspan - 535mm (21\") The Deluxe Materials Balsa Kit Glue Deal (sold separately) Contains: Super Phatic Glue 50ml: Highly penetrating yellow aliphatic glue with \"wicking\" action . Dries to 50% of its weight so ideal for lightweight models. Tissue Paste 50ml: A specially developed tissue paste used for sticking tissue paper to model aircraft. Eze Dope 250ml: Traditional modellers tissue shrinking dope. A safe, non-toxic alternative to the traditional flammable dope liquid. Its safe non-flammable formula has little odour and brushes are water-washable. (Please note: this deal includes only the glues mentioned. The Balsa Kit must be purchased separately.)