Blue Sky Models JD Falcon

Product Reviews · 11 of 11 known posts recovered

Dave Simons · Dec 23, 2002 07:26 PM

Tom Niebuhr has put an enormous effort into producing this kit. He is fortunate that the original designer, John D'Ottavio is his flying buddy and between them they have corrected all the errors in the previously published drawings. The beautiful CAD drawings are even signed by John - can't argue with that for authenticity!

The kit comes in a strong box, that survived shipping halfway round the world and the ravages of Australia Post. Shipping took 5 days, with nil damage on arrival.

This is one of the finest kits I have ever seen - the wood selection is simply amazing - hand picked Lone Star timber. Not one piece needs to be replaced. This wood quality only comes mail order from a speciality supplier, in my part of the world, or else months spent driving around model shops buying one sheet here, one there. The savings in gas is impressive.

All components are laser cut, the ribs already set up for a twin rod jig system. The turtle deck is premoulded sheet balsa, rather than block - lighter and easier to assemble too. All ply components are cut, ready for assembly. Everything fits together so well, I'll be using a lot of Cyano on this one. There is absolutely no excuse for building heavy from this kit - I'll predict 38-40oz with a good finish and a .40 engine & muffler.

No control system hardware is supplied, as Tom figures that most builders will want to do their own thing - good move. The hardware that is supplied is high quality- Brodak mostly. The prebent detachable landing gear is remarkably accurate - saves me the usual drama of making 2 LH items the first time round!

Very comprehensive instructions, with lots of photos are supplied, with some useful tips and ideas, for those of us who have been building for a million years - and thought we knew it all!

For someone looking for a classy classic, with the bonus of saving a heap of time by building from a high quality kit, this is a strong contender.

No declaration required, I gladly paid the going price, Tom has promptly answered all queries. Now all I need is the time to build.

jobellcrank · Dec 23, 2002 07:45 PM

#1 source

Sounds to me like Blue Sky has a winner here. I've always iked the looks of this plane. So happy to see it done so well as you say. I'm looking forward to getting one for myself in the future.

John

I'm wondering why everything is spinning around?

John Miller

Steve Helmick · Dec 24, 2002 01:58 PM

#2 source

LAST EDITED ON Dec-24-02 AT 02:01 PM (CDT)

I would add that the price is $150 USD plus shipping. Does anybody else think that it looks a lot like a smaller Impact? Steve

Steve http://www.nwskyraiders.com/index.html

Dave Simons · Dec 24, 2002 03:46 PM

#3 source

Or, maybe the impact looks like a scaled up JD?

Ty M. · Dec 24, 2002 08:01 PM

#4 source

Lets face it, they all look alike in the dark. Ha

TomN · Dec 29, 2002 01:44 PM

#5 source

Hey guys.

John designed the J.D.Falcon before Paul was old enough to pick up a handle!!

Besides, the Falcon is one great flying airplane!

Tom N.

Tom N

tom hampshire · Feb 07, 2003 01:39 PM

#6 source

Tom - A runaway winner... The only custom kit which matches Walt Umland's stuff for quality. Every piece is obviously hand selected to do its assigned task at minimum weight. The only gripe I have is it's way too nice to build, I want to sit and fondle the pieces some more. It's not for everybody, its a serious piece, not just another kit to build quickly and get into the air with. I won't build mine 'til next winter, because it deserves a first rate building effort. For it's intended purpose, the price is a great saving of time and effort, as compared to the effort necessary to find and buy the pieces to make up the kit. Tom Hampshire

elmores · Feb 10, 2003 06:05 AM

#7 source

Picture?

Tony 'buildem,flyem,crashem,mendem,flyem' Elmore

http://www.the.elmores.btinternet.co.uk/telmore.html

mcm · Mar 01, 2003 09:26 AM

#8 source

where can I see a pic of this or find info out to order one?

TomN · Mar 05, 2003 11:13 AM

#9 source

Here's a picture of the J.D.Falcon that I had at the '93 NATS. The kit is identical to this airplane, and is exactly like John D'Ottavio's 1961 Falcon.

Also, look at the ad in Stunt News, and Allen Brickhaus will talk about the kit in the stunt column of the upcoming June 2003 Flying Models.

Richard Oliver will have a Falcon made from the kit at VSC later this month. It will be powered by a Ro-Jett .40 R.E.

My own kit prototype, which is pictured bare bones in the Blue Sky Models ad will be finished in a couple weeks also. It will powered by a Ro-Jett .40 S.E.

Richard will have some kits at VSC. You will be able to purchase a Ro-Jett engine and kit, as a package, $10.00 off the engine and $10.00 off the kit.

Tom N.
[email protected]

Tom N

TomN · Mar 14, 2003 04:53 PM

#10 source

LAST EDITED ON Mar-14-03 AT 05:00 PM (CDT)

Here is the first J.D. Falcon completed..built from the Blue Sky Models kit. Richard Oliver has just finished it and he will have it VSC.

Tom N