Sterling P38 flight video.

My 1/2A DPC models repro Sterling P-38 is almost complete. It's been difficult trying to find good weather to paint. I managed to get the final silver coat on it last evening. I'm thinking Golden Bees on it.

Like the way it jumped off the ground , did you find out why one engine stopped prematurely ? Plane looks Good too !

A ha...............now we are getting somewhere. Enya's and a P-38. Nirvana for us so inclined.

Wow, Jerry!
I'm so glad you joined up here.

I love twins. You make me miss my BHM Mosquito. It had small tanks, so flights of about 1:20 were all I'd get. Did you short tank it, or are you also flying smaller tanks? My take-away from your model is a 36" wingspan CAN support a pair of .15s just swell. One of those original kits like yours showed up on eBay a few weeks ago and sold for a reasonable fee. I almost bid, but then "Responsible Me" said "You hoarder, you haven't built enough/crashed enough to add to the pile yet!" After a brief argument with the man in the mirror, I surrendered to reason and turned a blind eye...after all, I have the same kit as Ken.

Ken,
What do you think of Dave Cowell's re-pop Sterling? His kits amaze me with their blend of New Tech laser cutting, and period-correct accessories like plywood bellcranks, wheels, and "stick and pin" pushrods. Pictures on Outerzone plans for the 1/2A model shows one done in silver "something"-kote. I passed traffic with Mike Halbrook (the builder), and he indicated the model builds a bit nose-heavy with Bees. I'm considering either product engines and in-wing tanks or Pee Wees to try to move the CG back a bit. Brenda Lombas (Airsoft Brenda) built hers electric.

Hi… I had trouble getting these motors to run… they both were locked up when I got them. They had been gone through twice. I was stunned when the first popped off and ran. If you watch closely you’ll see the fuel feed on the rh engine disconnect while I’m starting the lh engine. I decided to go for it no matter what. Yes the tanks are small. I was relieved when the first motor quit because I was getting dizzy! Things slowed down a little and line tension was still good. I was a little bit surprised when the second engine quit. Not much glide-it dropped like rock.

The build is documented in the Facebook group BALSA MODEL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

I have mentioned this many times that Sterling profiles are ALL nose heavy even using the period correct engines. The Sterling P-38 is a very old design, it was designed for the Torp.09, OK .09 and OK .14. All these engines are under 3 oz's.  Even the Fox .15  being the largest in case size  comes in at about 2 3/4 oz's is one of the lightest .15's made. It is too heavy for this model. Now when you add a Enya .15, it weighs about 5 oz's therefore weighing almost twice of the above mentioned.

       Jerry I commend your video and enjoyed it. I think you did a terrific all around job and my hats off to you.  The Sterling P-38 is a cool plane, it has a few design flaws such as NO sheeting on the center section which makes a horrible connection between fuse and wing. This can cause excessive vibrations and fuel foaming of the tanks. Essentially, it has two contact points as the entire center is glued to the covering. So if your using iron on covering, you have physically NO attachment other than leading edge and trailing edge. The gear notched into the fuse is another crap design and DPC models essentially copied the original Sterling design on the 1/2A version.

       Jim, I'm almost complete on the DPC P-38. Essentially, I would've changed many things. However, a few things have happened in my life which has consumed a lot of time I was using for other things such as modeling. I built it straight out of the bag. I disagree with a lot of things on this plane just like it's big brother. However, Dave essentially and authentically reproduces the original and I respect that. Generally, I could knock out this and have it flying in a week. This one took to the side burner and I'm nearing completion. My goal is two Bees, regardless of CG, my intent is to just have a cool plane that no one else has. Even if it is only a roundy round.

Very nice Jerry, Congratulations on the build and flight!!!…. Twin sound is awesome!!!…. Thanks for sharing that

As you can see I did sheet the center section for added strength/support… I also gave myself an anchor for the covering. What are the odds of falling into matching enya motors. It was meant to be . I added some tail weight but hey… it all came together and flew!

Jerry, I have to say it's a terrific looking model. It looks pretty darn neat.

Thanks