Imagine sitting inside a cold, cramped, dark box for 33 and 1/2 hours without nodding off to sleep...ever! The reason for your somnambulistic-like behavior is because even the slightest attempt at sleep would result in your instant death. This instantaneous death would be caused by the explosion of 298 gallons of aviation fuel sitting at your feet and fitted to the rear bulkhead of a an active and hot rotary engine. Oh, and there's 152 gallons of Avgas in the wing over your head, too.
This was the test that Charles A. Lindbergh endured from May 21 through May 22 1927 during his recording-making non-stop solo Atlantic flight between New York (USA) and Paris (France). In recognition of his achievement, Lindbergh won the coveted Raymond Orteig prize (established in 1919) of $25,000. He also instantly became the most well-known person on the planet--a real American hero.
The bird that Lindbergh rode to his fame and fortune was a Ryan NYP monoplane named Spirit of St. Louis. It was so-named due to Lindbergh's flying for the mail service based in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as for the financial support of several St. Louis-based backers. Within a scant 60 days, at the cost of approximately $10,580, B. F. Mahoney of Ryan Airlines, Inc. in San Diego, California delivered a completed aircraft with instruments and a Wright engine.
This pioneering and heroic effort is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2017. In honor of this celebration, this model of the Ryan NYP, Spirit of St. Louis is being provided to 3D modelers. This is a complete 1/46th scale model of the Ryan NYP aircraft along with an accurate set of decals. Assembly is straightforward; just refer to the attached photographs. You will also need plastic model cement (we recommend Testors) and masking tape for holding parts in place during the curing of the cement.
Unlike most commercial plastic models, this Spirit of St. Louis can be built in a number of different configurations: from a skeletal view to a foil-covered static display model. Use household kitchen foil and yellow glue for covering your model with this technique. Additionally, you can cover your static model with tissue paper. Use a glue stick for applying the tissue to the skeletal frame.
As a totally experimental departure from these more conventional model construction techniques, you can also try building your Spirit of St. Louis as a flying model. There is a provision for inserting a rubber motor holding post at the rear of the fuselage. You will also need to add a flying propeller to the nose of the airplane. Furthermore, use tissue for covering your experimental flying model. Tissue should only be applied to the flying surfaces (e.g., wings, elevator, and rudder) and not the fuselage. After the tissue has been applied to the flying surfaces, it must be protected with several thin coats of model airplane dope (e.g., SIG Lite-Coat).
Test glide your model prior to attempting a powered flight. The center of gravity should balance under the main spar on both wings. Don't add weight to balance the craft, rather trim plastic from either the nose or the tail until properly balanced. If you're able to make your model fly, congratulations. You are a Lucky Lindy!
This model is being provided by First in Flight Models. Along with this Ryan NYP, there are other models currently being prepared for the upcoming launch of this new modeling company.
Shop for model tissue, propellers, and rubber motors from Peck-Polymers @ peck-polymers.com
Shop for model cement from Scale Hobbyist @ scalehobbyist.com
Shop for model airplane dope from SIG Mfg Co, Inc @ sigmfg.com
