Baby Ace D (oz3728)

About this Plan

Baby Ace model D. Scale radio control model. Here is D.B. Mathews' Baby Ace D from Model Airplane News issue 05-84.

Quote: "A scale model that is a pure delight to build and fly, by DB Mathews.

The Baby Ace, by OG 'Ace' Corbin, was originally developed in Topeka, Kansas, in 1929. Closely following the design parameters of the Heath parasol, the Baby Ace was intended to fill a market segment for a single-seat sport aircraft. Production was moved to Wichita, Kansas, in 1930 and a cabin version was developed. Sales were slow and Corbin subsequently moved his operation to Madison, Wisconsin.

Only six were actually built, with others available in kit form. Note this early version differs markedly from our model, most notably in the shape of the empennage and wing tips. The reason for this is that in 1953 Paul Poberezny acquired the rights to the Corbins and, with former WACO engineer Stan Dzik, redesigned the old Ace into the model C. This redesign was published in 'how to' form in Mechanics Illustrated in 1956 and really put home-building and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in motion.

When the demand for plans and kits exceeded the time available to the EAA, the rights were sold to Cliff DuCharme of West Bend, Winsconsin. His Ace Manufacturing company again redesigned the Ace, into the model and made kits available.

Many Baby Ace D models have been built both from the kits and from the plans, they are common sights at most fly-ins and modifications in fin shape and colouration run rampant.

The first step in developing a model for publication is brainstorming for a while. Next I write out an 'objectives list' in hopes I can develop something with appeal to the prospective builder. For the Baby Ace D, my list looked like this:

1. Simple light-but-strong framework with a minimum of parts, yet rigid enough to permit the use of iron-on coverings.

2. Power range from .20 to .35 cid, since nothing in that range has been published or kitted to my knowledge.

3. Use of as many pre-fabricated components as possible to reduce building time and complexity.

4. Low wing loading to provide good low-speed handling and docile flying; the silhouette scale concept.

5. Static and in-flight attractiveness and appeal. On a simple prototype, often just a few details will give the model a remarkable scale-like appearance.

How closely our final product has met its initial guidelines should be evident from the plans and photos. Frankly. I think my Baby Ace D even exceeds my goals. Those who have seen her fly think so too!

Construction: Using a cowl from Fiberglass Master and the pre-bent wire undercarriage and wing kit from Sig's 2-inch-to-the-foot Cub places this scratch-built project somewhere close to the advertisement for the full-size aircraft. The first-time scratch-builder will probably never find a simpler scale model to build, and the more jaded plans builder will find the Baby Ace D a really delightful sport scale project.

Let's discuss the cabanes first. Really, the only even vaguely difficult fabrication in this design is the wire parts. They are not that tough to form if you follow some basic rules. Never attempt to re-bend an error, just toss it out and start over. Use a large set of vise-grip pliers and a bench vise. A cut-off wheel in a Dremel tool is also very helpful.

They are bent up in pairs, directly over the drawings, from 3/32-inch wire. Music wire of this diameter bends rather easily.

Form one front cabane using the drawing for a pattern, then use it as a pattern for the second side. The top right-angle bends need to be parallel with each other. The bottom bends can be left over length, then cut after installation.

Position the two halves over the drawings using a scrap of balsa block of the proper dimension to separate them. Tape and pin them into exact alignment, then join by sweat-soldering (Sta-Brite Silver is splendid) into a section of brass tubing. Use heat from the gun to fully flow the solder all the way through the tubing..."

Update 15/9/2022: Added complete article, thanks to RFJ.

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