This "peanut scale" Fokker Triplane started life as a kit from Lee's Hobbies, and was then modified extensively to include a K&P adjustable thrust bearing, scale spaced sliced ribs. Weight of the structure, is 9 grams. This includes just over 1 gram for the nose bearing and a bunch of solid balsa in the cowl and landing gear wing.
Covered as a Jasta 9 machine, it has been a bit troublesome in the air. Initially I was scared to really give it the power it seemed to need. More recently, I have added some ballast to get the CG well forward, and upped the rubber size as well. It is now flying in a stable right circle, for a bit over 30 seconds. What a relief to make it through the trimming stages before destroying it!
Copyright 1998, Thayer Syme. All rights reserved