I just acquired a "built" Giant scale Ziroli Hellcat. This plane was never flown and will be a major refurbish. I decided this was a good candidate for my favorite part of this hobby, Scale Restorations, as it is well built and straight. It has many issues but is covered in silk and dope and is fairly light so that also makes it a good candidate. First of all, the finish is "rough" to say the least. No problem, I plan on refinishing it anyway because of the many modifications required. It was built with fixed gear which is the biggest modification to be made. All the servos are mounted aft which is horrible as these models already require nose weight. Control surfaces do no have adequate hinges and servo mounts are questionable. The cowling is "built up" and I will replace it with a fiberglass one. The good thig is that the cockpit work that was done is nice. I will change it from a half to full cockpit however. I do give a lot of credit to the original builder for following the plans so well, and the glue joints are very good. I understand that the original builder loves to build but is not a flyer, This is generally a huge issue but I hope to modify his work of art into mine that flies very well. I have a DLE 85 and A DLE111 which I will decide which to use when it is closer to finished with the new cowl and retracts installed. Pictures of original condition and Build thread to follow. Any tips from builders of this model will be appreciated. Also still trying to locate a good used set of Robart or Sierra retracts for this plane.

Thanks,

Flyin' Tim

Stay Tuned 

for sure if I don't. The air tank should be secured with 

more than a wire tie to prevent its rotating b/c of vibration

and kinking the air lines.

(unless it's bedded in silicone that I can't see...)

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