PBY Catalina (oz6153)

About this Plan

PBY Catalina. Scale model for RC. 67in span, 520 sq. in area for (2) .10 - .15 engines and 3 channel RC. Model # pl-649. Designed by Bud Chappell. Featured in RCM 7-76.

Quote: "The Consolidated PBY Catalina is ugly! The streamlining that it does possess is compromised by many examples of parasitic or induced drag. It cannot boast of speed, or comfort, or nimble maneuvering to offset its numerous drawbacks. But in its own way, like the DC-3 and the J-3 Cub, it has earned its place in a select group of aircraft that promote unbridled nostalgia and great affection. These facts, when mixed with a little challenge, make the Catalina an ideal subject for one of the Classic Models,.

The features that make it easily recognizable by anyone with the slightest interest in aviation are the same features that seem to cause model designers to shy away. A pylon-mounted wing with struts is not so bad in itself, but the fact that the pylon base must be removable and waterproof is a little more difficult. Adding twin engines to the above, apparently must have exhausted nearly all of the enthusiasm to develop this model; pointed up by the obvious lack of an R/C kit, or even plans except for one or two attempts that have been around for a long time.

The Catalina is not an easy model to build. The construction methods used are not very difficult, but many methods are incorporated in this plane that require lots of time and patience. On the other hand, if you enjoy building Sport Scale models and especially hydro models, the results and rewards that this airplane can give in return are worth all the time and trouble.

Weighing in at approximately 5 pounds, the plane is powered by two O.S. .10 R/C engines, which I promote and plug all the time. They simply do a great job. The plans are designed as a three channel machine, and I'm sure, as I write this, someone will be thinking that two .15's and ailerons would be even better. Very possibly they are right, but my basic premise in developing Sport Scale models is to keep power, size, weight, and cost at the level where it is sensible and attractively economical.

Apparently, some modelers don't feel secure when considering a twin engined model unless they have two .40's or .60's to haul their creations around. l don't agree with this waste of power and actually feel that many scale-type ships that are built this way suffer terribly from over-power and speeds far in excess of aircraft structural capability and pilot control ability. In general, keeping the model light, simple, and adequately powered is the formula for me. This keeps cost at a minimum, and produces a really flyable airplane.

And flyable is the Catalina's best quality! Taxi her into the wind, open the throttles, a little back-pressure on the stick has her barreling along on the step and then comes that majestic rise from the water - that exhilarating transformation from boat to airplane! Make your climbing turn to the left, trim a little if you like, and bring the throttles back to one-half. Watching her cruise overhead with that twin-engine gutteral sound always brings out goose humps on my neck. How about you - do you get the same feeling? Are you raedy to start building? Ifso, let's go.

First, study carefully the plans. Try to visualise the different steps involved..."

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics, thanks to pit.

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