Superstar (oz14903)

About this Plan

Superstar II & III. Control line combat. FAI combat models. For 2.5 cc engine.

Update 1/6/2025: Added kit review from Aeromodeller, Jan 1977, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Kit Review: Outlaws Model Products Superstar I.

IN THE CONTEST world, it is rare for any one design to be completely different and superior to its contemporaries - and even more rare for it to be commercially available in kit form. True, in some countries kit models are regular contest winners, but this tends to be because the modellers have 'taken the easy way out' and flown these models not because they are better, but because they are readily available. Design stagnation such as this is a pity, but it does happen.

Just one short season was necessary for competitive combat flying to change completely and that was almost entirely to the efforts of Richard Wilkens. In 1975 his Blasta design was 'the tops', but over the winter he produced the same model with all polystyrene wings and simplified tips, named it Superstar I and had an instant winner. This, he then improved upon by reverting to the larger wing tips of the original Blasta, hollowed out the core of the wings - and presto the Superstar II was born. And every combat flyer knows how successful that was - and still is!

It was thus with more than a little interest that the Superstar I kit was examined, and what a contrast to the 'traditional' kit it proved to be. For a start, there was no 'box' as such - the foam blank from which the cores were cut serving to contain all the bits and pieces, as well as protecting the wings themselves. Clever. All parts were provided - including a metal tank kit - but nothing was die cut, nor in fact needed die-cutting. Examination of the very clear instructions (both written and sketches) plus the informative 'notes' sheet made it very clear that here was a very simple, yet cleverly thought out design.

To say that 'construction got under way' would be a lie - assembly would be a more accurate description. In essence, the model consists of a central ply/balsa/spruce rib which is the heart of the model - the wings being glued on either side, the tailplane slotting into its rear, and the engine pod slides over the front. Such an important item must be made accurately, but as it consists solely of several flat strips, this is no problem - indeed it must be virtually impossible to assemble any part of the model incorrectly. The instructions are not only precise - they are a wealth of information, make every stage abundantly clear, and should be a model for virtually every other manufacturer to emulate. For once the builder is rewarded with the feeling that the designer has actually made a model from a kit himself

As there are so few parts to assemble, a description of the building sequence is unecessary - the photographs reveal all. The only surprising ommision was the fact that while a tinplate tank kit was provided for diesel engine operators, there were no parts supplied for a pacifier pod for a glow engine installation - and surely many, as this reviewer, will be using a Superstar I as their first introduction to glow combat flying. However, details are provided, and the materials consist only of a little *in. sheet balsa and a piece of thin card.

Not surprisingly, the model was soon completed - using five minute epoxy and quick drying PVA as adhesives, there is no excuse for a single evening's labour not resulting in a finished airframe.

The tailplane was hinged to the elevator and covered. with Solarfilm - using the very neat, quick system recommended - and glued to the spruce centre rib strips; then the question of covering arose. There are several options available - ranging from all Solarfilm through to brown paper, but it was decided to use gift wrap paper as it was 'prettier' than brown paper, cheaper than a plastic film covering (gift wrap costs just 16p for two pieces - with plenty of spare left over for Christmas presents !) and it was a technique new to this reviewer.

In fact, it proved very straightforward and very satis-factory. Firstly, just the tips were covered in Solarfilm, then the gift wrap was cut to size, allowing generous overlap at leading and trailing edges. The paper was thoroughly soaked in a bowl of water, the excess being drained off and then laid over the wing (still without motor pod) which was pre-pasted with wallpaper paste. The covering went on easily, and any wrinkles/air bubbles etc. were simply removed. Whilst the top surface was still wet, the model was turned upside down, resting on a couple of pieces of scrap balsa block to lift it clear of the building board whilst the procedure was repeated on the underside. That done, it was left alone for 24 hours while the moisture evaporated and the adhesive set. Very easy, very cheap - and quite adequate.

After the motor pod was added (checking the CG) the whole was fuel proofed by a coat of Ripmax Tufkote, brushed on. Unfortunately, the colour dye in the covering paper ran somewhat, so instead of red roses on a white background, this model now features not-quite-such-red roses on a pink background ! As the paper seemed just a little porous still, the outboard wing was sprayed with hair lacquer as suggested - and it works too ! Smells nice and holds the 'setting' perhaps? The inside of the pacifier pad was fuel proofed by pouring in Tufkote, swirling it around and pouring out the excess.

The engine selected was that favourite of the combat flyer - the Super Tigre G15 glow, and reasons for its popularity soon became clear during the running-in process. Not only does it have a good power output, but it is also remarkably easy to handle..."

Supplementary file notes

Review.

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