Ford Trimotor (oz12932)
About this Plan
Ford Trimotor. Rubber scale model airliner.
Direct submission to Outerzone.
Quote: "Hello again, fellow modelers…this effort is entitled “Great Expectations.” We must all have a model that we’ve constructed many times...in our minds...but never gotten around to actually building. I've always seen Sterling Models Inc. Ford TriMotor as an intriguing subject. Their plan definitely lends itself to some weight-saving approaches. Meanwhile…my imagination sees adventure…Indiana Jones…and before that, maybe even something involving the venerable Captain Biggles (for those who recall that far back.). At last I’ve summoned just enough inspiration.
Soooo…this is a vintage Sterling Models Ford TriMotor, kit E12…from my shop shelving where it has languished for many decades. Over time, the kit itself has survived something of its own journey, complete with depredations. The fuselage is scratch-built while the wing and empennage are from kit furnished materials. Engines are likewise kit supplied vacu-formed parts.
Overall wingspan is in the realm of 35”. Propellers are 4.5”dia…which of course would never suffice to fly her. Sterling supplied a 7”dia prop for No.2 motor…which is still too small…so all three are just for the sake of appearance. While I’ve minimized detail and paint, don't hold back with your own effort...the Ford TriMotor just oozes history and adventure.
On November 27 and 28, 1929, Commander Richard E. Byrd (navigator), chief pilot Bernt Balchen and two other crewmen, the copilot and a photographer, made the first flight above the geographic South Pole in a Ford Trimotor that Byrd named the Floyd Bennett. The “Tin Goose” (as the Ford TriMotor was affectionately called) awaits you!"
Supplementary file notes
Decals.
Corrections?
Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)?
That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction
-
Ford_Trimotor | help
see Wikipedia | search Outerzone
------------
Test link:
search RCLibrary 3views (opens in new window)
ScaleType: This (oz12932) is a scale plan. Where possible we link scale plans to Wikipedia, using a text string called ScaleType.
If we got this right, you now have a couple of direct links (above) to 1. see the Wikipedia page, and 2. search Oz for more plans of this type. If we didn't, then see below.
Notes:
ScaleType is formed from the last part of the Wikipedia page address, which here is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Trimotor
Wikipedia page addresses may well change over time.
For more obscure types, there currently will be no Wiki page found. We tag these cases as ScaleType = NotFound. These will change over time.
Corrections? Use the correction form to tell us the new/better ScaleType link we should be using. Thanks.
Do you have a photo you'd like to submit for this page? Then email admin@outerzone.co.uk
User comments
This will make a great blow-up to 200%, 68" span and around two pounds in weight. Three small outrunners on 2S will fly a lightweight like that around in fine styleSimon Craven - 07/04/2021
Add a comment
- Ford Trimotor (oz12932)
- Plan File Filesize: 1745KB Filename: Ford_Trimotor_oz12932.pdf
- Supplement Filesize: 36KB Filename: Ford_Trimotor_oz12932_decals.pdf
- help with downloads
Notes
* Credit field
The Credit field in the Outerzone database is designed to recognise and credit the hard work done in scanning and digitally cleaning these vintage and old timer model aircraft plans to get them into a usable format. Currently, it is also used to credit people simply for uploading the plan to a forum on the internet. Which is not quite the same thing. This will change soon. Probably.
Scaling
This model plan (like all plans on Outerzone) is supposedly scaled correctly and supposedly will print out nicely at the right size. But that doesn't always happen. If you are about to start building a model plane using this free plan, you are strongly advised to check the scaling very, very carefully before cutting any balsa wood.
Terms of Use
© Outerzone, 2011-2025.
All content is free to download for personal use.
For non-personal use and/or publication: plans, photos, excerpts, links etc may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Outerzone with appropriate and specific direction to the original content i.e. a direct hyperlink back to the Outerzone source page.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's owner is strictly prohibited. If we discover that content is being stolen, we will consider filing a formal DMCA notice.