Customer Reviews

Rubber Powered Model Airplanes: Comprehensive Building and Flying Basics Plus Advanced Design-Your -Own Instruction

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I haven't built a model plane in 40 years, but have begun to do so again as a result of my daughter's interest in paper-and-stick models. Looking for guidance, I came across this book by Don Ross. It is an ideal place for a neophyte to start. Mr. Ross builds a foundation for understanding models by taking the reader through building a simple rubber powered stick model, progresses to an R.O.G., and finally, built-up models. That's just the beginning. Detailed discussions of rubber motors, propellers, trimming the aircraft for flight, model design, etc. complete a very fascinating introduction to rubber powered flying machines. I have read this book twice so far. And still I have not absorbed all that Mr. Ross has to tell me.

Two minor criticism: 1-There are a couple rough spots in the writing--things the editor should have caught. (But with careful re-reading I believe I understood what was being said.)

2- More drawings and pictures would be welcome, though there are many excellent drawings in the book already. (May be that's why I would like more!) It would be great to see additional examples of the planes Mr. Ross designed.

If you want to build rubber powered planes, or even only think you do, this book by Don Ross provides a launching pad for your aspirations.

I would rate this book as one of my top picks for someone wanting to get a complete understanding of rubber powered free flight. It not only covers the basics to allow a beginner a good start, but has sufficient content to teach the seasoned fligher a trick or two.

I got this book because this is the book that seems to be recommended the most for people with an interest in building rubber-powered models. For the most part, it's a good book that does provide a good introduction to the hobby. However, I agree with a previous reviewer that a glossary would be helpful, and also this book is sorely in need of updating. It's clear that the book was written some time ago, and the copyright's just been renewed periodically. The instructions for the models could really use a parts list of what's needed (so that you don't have to go thru the directions over and over again trying to figure out what you need), and I think the book in general needs a good editing.

very good book on the subject. i've been building models for almost fifty years and i learned things about building rubber powered models i didn't know. very good section on props and rubber powered model design. if i had this book when i started building i believe my modeling career would have been much easier. a great book for beginners and old timers alike.

I was pleasantly surprised at the completness of this book. I will be able to use this book in my 9th grade technology class for basic flight information. The advanced information will also be used by the students entering the science olympiad.

Having recently purchased and read Don Ross' RUBBER POWERED MODELS:COMPREHENSIVE BUILDING AND FLYING BASICS, PLUS ADVANCED DESIGN YOUR OWN INSTRUCTION, I have a suggestion to the author and/or publisher.....provide a glossary of definitions to define the many abbreviations that the "veteran" hobbyist use. Since the book is aimed mainly at the "newcomer" that may not understand "OOS" means "Out Of Sight"(for example) he/she may feel that the text is too technical miss the great advice of an experienced modeler. This is not a criticism but a suggestion coming from someone that enjoyed the book, but wondered what a few of the abbreviations meant. I especially liked the chopping tool plan. Thank you for an informative book on a great hobby.

Even after twenty five years of building and flying models. I find myself still refering to this book. Instructions on building and trimming your first models, as well as information on designing and building you own designs. Also included are many innovative and creative way of making your models lighter, stronger, and increasing flight times.

There's more than enough to help beginners or advanced pilots to get started, and there's plenty to intrigue the expert too. Great value and rare to find someone with the knowledge and ability to communicate so well.

If you like to make model airplanes which i did when i was a teenager, this is a very helpful little book

Good book for learing techniques for working with balsa. It has plans for building some balsa airplanes, but I purchased it to learn techniques and tips. Worth the money because some of these tips have been lost over the years.