Welcome! This site
was created to chronicle my lifelong model aviation hobby, and to provide some valuable resources for visitors.
- Kirt Blattenberger
AMA 92498

My Models:
Airplanes, Boats,
Helicopters, Rockets

Modeling in Erie, PA

Airplanes & Rockets
Modeling Forums

Kirt Blattenberger with E-flight Taylorcraft on Snow Skis - Airplanes and Rockets

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) | Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) | Int'l RC Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
League of Silent Flight (LSF) | National Association of Rocketry (NAR) | National Free Flight Society (NFFS) | Society of Antique Modelers (SAM)

1937 Beechcraft D-17S Staggerwing 4-View
August 1968 American Aircraft Modeler

August 1968 American Aircraft Modeler

[Table of Contents]
Aircraft modeling has undergone significant changes over the decades - both in technology and preferences. Magazines like American Aircraft Modeler, and American Modeler before that, were the best venues for capturing snapshots of the status quo of the day. Still, many things never change, so much of the old content is relevant to today's modeler.

Whether you are here to wax nostalgic, or are just interested in learning history, hopefully you will find what you are seeking. As time permits, I will be glad to scan articles for you. All copyrights (if any) are hereby acknowledged.

This 4-view for the 1937 Beechcraft D-17S Staggerwing were scanned from my purchased copy of the August 1968 American Aircraft Modeler magazine. 3-view for this fine model was drawn by Mr. Björn Karlström. All copyrights (if any) are hereby acknowledged.

"The Model 17's unusual wing configuration—the upper wing inversely staggered behind the lower—and unique shape resulted in a design that maximized the pilot's visibility while minimizing the aircraft's tendency to stall. The fabric-covered fuselage was faired (joined so that the external surfaces blended smoothly) with wood formers (a frame attached to the truss of the fuselage in order to provide the required aerodynamic shape) and stringers (longitudinal members of the frame of the fuselage, usually continuous across a number of bulkheads or other points of support; also known as “longerons”). The Staggerwing's use of retractable landing gear, uncommon at that time, combined with streamlining and reducing the weight of the materials, produced an aircraft that could achieve a top speed of 201 miles per hour (323 kilometers per hour) (but with a landing speed of a stall-proof 45 miles per hour [72 kilometers per hour]), and able to climb at 1,600 feet per minute (488 meters per minute) to a maximum altitude of 21,500 feet (6,553 meters). " - U.S. Centennial of Flight

Airplanes and Rockets - 1937 Beechcraft D-17S Staggerwing 4-View (August 1968 American Aircraft Modeler)

Notice:
The AMA Plans Service offers a full-size version of many of the plans show here at a very reasonable cost. They will scale the plans any size for you. It is always best to buy printed plans because my scanner versions often have distortions that can cause parts to fit poorly. Purchasing plans also help to support the operation of the Academy of Model Aeronautics - the #1 advocate for model aviation throughout the world.

Try my Scale Calculator for Model Airplane Plans.

Posted 6/28/2010

1937 Beechcraft D-17S Staggerwing 4-ViewAugust 1968 American Aircraft Modeler

1937 Beechcraft D-17S Staggerwing 4-View
August 1968 American Aircraft Modeler