Jodel Robin DR400 (oz16470)

About this Plan

Jodel Robin DR400. Radio control scale model. Wingspan 1680 mm.

Note this kit included a pre-formed fibreglass fuselage, and veneered foam wings.

Discontinued kit from Graupner.

Quote (google-translated): "The JODEL Robin DR 400/180 R is a scale-like RC model airplane. To achieve good flight characteristics, some modifications were necessary compared to the original, but these do not detract from the overall appearance.

The original aircraft is not an aerobatic plane. The model is also not designed for aerobatics. The JODEL is not suitable as an introductory model, but rather for a model airplane builder who already has experience flying multi-axis models.

An accessory set, item no. 278, is available for customizing the model. This set includes wheel fairings, seats, etc. For rough flying conditions, it is recommended not to equip the model with the wheel fairings. A paved runway is always preferable for takeoff and landing.

The JODEL can be equipped with the tow coupling, item no. 68, for use as a tow plane.

For towing RC gliders, e.g., the MINI NIMIBUS, item no. A tow dolly is required for models 4253 or 4255. A suggestion for building a tow dolly can be found on page 22. Materials for building the dolly are not included in the kit.

The flying weight depends on the chosen equipment for the model. If the 5 kg limit is exceeded, the applicable regulations must be observed. During demonstrations, always ensure a safe distance from the aircraft. Never fly over people..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 26/12/2025: Added kit review (in French), also catalog page (from 1982/83 catalog), thanks to Pit.

Quote (google-translated): "Test Bench. Graupner Jodel Robin DR400/180.

Its name, Jodel Robin, is a calling card, so there's no need to introduce this aircraft, universally known on model flying fields and in flying clubs. Its modern and sleek silhouette, a welcome change from the ever-present Rallye, makes it easily identifiable with its double dihedral and spacious cockpit. A model not to be missed, and at the 1978 Paris Air Show, Graupner presented a very nice 1/5 scale kit of the aircraft. A choice piece indeed, and having received a copy of the kit at the end of winter, we rushed to test it for you, but let's be honest for ourselves too, because really... I won't tell you any more.

A very prefabricated kit: Graupner had accustomed us to kits with an impressive number of parts, albeit of excellent precision, but the Robin is an exception. The kit includes a fiberglass fuselage, sheeted expanded foam wings, and a stabilizer.

Let's take stock: — The fuselage is made of fiberglass and epoxy without gelcoat (hence the appearance of micro-bubbles during painting), but with a very good axial fit. — The wing is in three parts, sheeted in balsa (extra) with a pre-sanded leading edge and the aileron and flap ducts pre-installed. These ducts terminate in cavities where the control linkages will be placed. — The cockpit is attractive, rigid, and clear. — The various finishing elements: fixed landing gear, steerable nose gear, ABS engine cowling, wheels, camellocks, hinges, control valves, CAP (presumably referring to a specific component), threaded control linkages, contact adhesive, vinyl, and epoxy. — The wooden parts are of good quality, as usual: the frame, rudder, and elevator are milled into shape. — The instrument panel is to scale and needs to be cut from the plans and glued onto the fuselage.

In short, we have a very complete kit that allows you to build a very decent semi-scale model, especially if you also buy the additional hardware, including the aluminum canopy frames with rivets for attachment, the ABS seats, and the wheel covers.

A Look at the Assembly: Given that the Robin is heavily prefabricated, not aimed at beginners, that you readers particularly prefer to read about flight tests, and that the box contains a detailed plan, instructions with numerous construction photos and pictures of the real Robin to refine the model's appearance, and two exploded views of the aircraft which we've included alongside for clarity, I'll keep this section brief.

In the fuselage, all the gluing is done with epoxy, and overall, there's little work involved. Installing the torque converters (we reinforced the engine bulkhead with resin and fabric in preparation for mounting a 15cm engine), fitting the canopy, gluing the stabilizer in its designated slot on the fuselage, and attaching the fin spar - these are very routine tasks. All the details still need to be put in place: the camellock, the hinges (whose locations are pre-milled in the relevant parts), and the radio, of course, which will require the utmost care as it is a vital component of the device..."

Supplementary file notes

Catalog page.
Exploded view.
Instructions.
Review.

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