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Squirrel - Rivals AMA Cub
Squirrel: Designed in November 2004 by Darcy D. Whyte, the purpose of the Squirrel design was to make model aviation more accessible through more elegant and efficient building practices. It has become a strong rival to the AMA Cub and is now built in most countries around the world. It is quickly becoming the #1 workshop design.
The Squirrel is an excellent flyer so write your name on it and put on your running shoes!
AMA Cub (AKA: Delta Dart, MAAC Dart, BMFA Dart)
Designed in 1967 by Frank Euling, the AMA Cub has become the most popular beginner model. It has also been a popular choice for workshops. The best starting point for building one is at Bill Kuhl's Dart Page.
The AMA Cub takes 2-3 hours to put together. They fly well in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Builders will need a cork board, wax paper, white glue, hobby knife, sand paper and pins. The kit calls for a pin to hang the rear of the rubber motor. This doesn't work well so if a proper wire hangar is to be made, they will need safety goggles, music wire, pliers and wire cutters.
There is also an AMA Racer which is a slightly more advanced version of the AMA Cub.
The MAAC version is overseen by Model Aeronautics Association of Canada and the AMA version Academy of Model Aeronautics. The BMFA one is available at British Model Flying Association.
Denny Dart
A great simple design by Neil Dennis. Building Model Airplanes From Plans and Materials by Bill Kuhl
This one takes a couple of hours to build but flies even better than the AMA Cub.
Canarsie Canarie
Designed by Don Ross, it is built from solid balsa sheet. Flies well with light balsa. It is featured in Don Ross's book "Rubber Powered Model Airplanes". Plans are also available at: Don Ross.
Don has come up with some innovative techniques for building. On this model the gull wing system is very convenient!
The Canarie goes together very fast but requires contest grade balsa to fly really well. In workshop environments, kids tend to break the gull wings during construction so premaking the wings is a good idea for children. The wire rubber hangar at the back is also good to premake since wire cutting bending and fastening is tricky and is an eye risk.
Canarsie Courier
Also designed by Don Ross. It's an excellent outdoor design. Also from solid balsa sheet. Everyone should build a Courier!
Again, there are some amazing and innovative construction techniques. He has come up with an under cambered wing with a minimum of parts and steps.
