Up
           

Minimoa Gallery

Pictured below is the legendary 17 meter wingspan Minimoa. First flown in 1935, it established a number of records, including the world altitude record in 1938, using cumulonimbus cloud lift to reach 21,939 ft. It was flown by Richard du Pont to win the US championship in 1937. It was a marvel on wings in its day.

The kit under construction by Pete in the following photographs is a 1/3 scale model (5.67M) of the Minimoa manufactured by CNC-Modelbauktechnik Bayer and distributed by both Endless Mountain Models (the kit-specific page on EMM's website can be found here) and Shredair.

Click on the individual pictures for a larger (800x600) version.

The kit is clean and precise, all parts are CNC machined, and the construction techniques well thought out.

There is, however, no mention of a tow hook. I opted to keep it simple and build it as shown.

Landing on the hook should not be possible unless you land on the top of a fence post, considering the angle between the skid and the landing wheel.

[ed: Master-builder Pete at work, with evidence of a lifetime interest in soaring to his left, right, front, and above.]