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64" KK CHIEF
Designed by Bill Dean and originally kitted in 1950, the Chief was advertised as an A2 contest glider featuring "crash proof" plug-in wings.
Here's what was said back in 1950:
"The Chief is an advanced contest design to the A-2 Nordic specification. Good looks combined with outstanding performance were the main object in mind when the model began to take shape on the drawing board. Three features which were felt to be essential were as follows: Plug-in wings, for ease of transport, "knock-off-ability" in crashes and good lines. An auto rudder, to ensure that whilst the model went up straight on the line, a turning flight would result when it was released. A safe, reliable and easy to build dethermaliser. These features are all to be found on the model, together with the structural strength necessary to stand up to the strains of towing up in all weathers."
Anecdotes from fliers down the years have shown, that in many cases, the crash proof wings were actually more hindrance than help and received wisdom suggests that a redesign of the wing mount arrangement is well worth the effort.
We supply the kit as originally designed, but a quick trawl of the online forums should yield advice for better layouts.
AT A GLANCE
- Wingspan: 64" (162.6 cm)
- Power system: Free-flight; glider
- Manufacturer: KK replica
- Designed by: Bill Dean
- Difficulty: Intermediate
YOUR KIT
This kit is a laser-cut replica of the original KK Chief. Construction of the model from this kit uses the traditional method of "stick and tissue", that consists of a built up balsa wood skeleton (framework), covered with a tissue skin. The balsa frameworks are built over a copy of the original plan that is printed on high quality paper at full size. Free flight means just that - once the model is launched, it is on its own. It must follow a predetermined flight path established when the model is initially adjusted for flight or "trimmed". This type of traditional building technique and flying requires a degree of patience and skill, but is extremely rewarding.
KIT CONTENTS
- Balsa wood sheets with precise laser cut parts
- Strip wood
- Balsa sheet and block
- Acetate sheet for cabin
- Tissue to cover the model
- Full size printed plan
- 5 pages of instructions
- Window template
NOT INCLUDED
- Glue
- Modeling tools
Thanks to Patrick McCauley, David Wright (electric Chief) and Pete Sanders for the use of their photos
INCLUDED IN YOUR KIT
This is a basic list of kit contents that will be updated with a more detailed list soon.
- Plotted plan
- Laser cut parts
- Tissue covering
- PVA Glue
Only Suitable For Ages 14+
Choking Hazard - Contains small parts, keep out of reach of children.
UK SHIPPING
Most orders are shipped via Royal Mail’s Tracked 48 service.
For larger or heavier orders, we use UKMail/DHL to deliver your package on a Next Working Day service.
Shipping is free to UK Mainland addresses for orders over £30.00, otherwise we charge £6.00 for Royal Mail Tracked 48 parcels and £12.00 for UKMail/DHL Nest Working Day.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
Smaller items
Items that fit within Royal Mail International Tracked Medium Parcel parameters (59cm x 17cm x 15cm weighing less than 2kg) can be sent to most countries outside the UK.
For example up to 3 of our smaller 18” wingspan kits can fit into one of these parcels.
A parcel like this currently costs around £14 to Europe and around £18 to send to the USA and will take up to 3 weeks to arrive. This is because Royal Mail hands over the parcel to the local Post Office service for your country who have to clear it through customs and then deliver it to you.
The Royal Mail tracking code also transfers over to the tracking for your country’s postal service.
Larger items
For items that do not fit within Royal Mail International Tracked Medium Parcel parameters, we use standard international couriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS.
These companies use something called volumetric weights to calculate the cost of shipping.
For example, a Balsa Basics RC bundle kit that measures 102cm x 34cm x 16cm and weighs 2.5 kg is actually calculated at 14kg!
This makes these very expensive to send outside the UK - a large kit can cost nearly £40 to send to France.
PRODUCT REVIEWS
This is a superb kit, much the same as it was in the 'fifties', please see my blog 'Electric Chief'. DW
The pop out wings are a problem. despite this it is a great slope soarer. Once in a lift it can be difficult to bring down! Even when weight is increased by making a 1/16th ply fuselage it still soars.
Built the around 1964 after some success with the caprice. The wings were fitted to the fuselage by means of a plywood tongue about 1.5".wide by 1" deep. These plugged into a box arrangement in the fuselage roof made from balsa wood. It was suggested that the be held there by strips of adhesive tape. I modified this to use elastic bands making it more secure and easier to remove. With hand launched test flight the aircraft flew very well. On the tow line it rose very well but as I was about to release it the bow into which the wings were plugged collapsed. The wings flutter to earth safely but the fuselage was rendered into match wood. If the problem of the wing fixings could be solved I think it would make a fine aircraft.
Bought the model from the Vintage Model Co about a month ago. It arrived relatively quickly considering the kits are made to order. Laser cut parts an absolute god send. So far it appears to have plenty of balsa wood. The celluloid for the windscreen was cut wrong so it didn't fit, but after a quick email, they sent out a new piece with no quibbles - good service. Building the balsa frame is easy enough. I have not got to the rudder control or dethermaliser yet. The plans are not particularly clear so we will have to see how we go with the instructions. This is an issue with the original KK plans. So far pretty pleased with it. Take special care in setting up the wing box so the wing tongues are a tight fit and reinforce it as the instructions state. I would class myself as a novice and apart from a few school boy errors on my part which I managed to save, it's pretty easy to build.
As a 70+ year old I remember building this huge model glider in the early 1960's. Laser cut parts? Surely, half the fun was cutting out all the bits with a Keil Kraft knife and getting "high" on the dope? However, in my day getting "high" meant actually flying the thing! lol
So glad to see this still available. I loved this glider, building one in the early 60s. In central London, I could only test glide it in Kensington Gardens from the slope near the Round Pond. Test glided it once in Holland Park. It landed near some kids playing football. One of them picked it up, threw it straight up it the air and broke the box as it stalled and crashed! TWERP. As an adult in the 80s, I built a replica in Newcastle upon Tyne. Managed to tow it up on Town Moor!! Then made the mistake of letting my inexperienced friend have a go. He pulled too hard on the line and snapped the box at a great height. End of that one. Now in Florida, but don't think I'll be building another. Don't let me put anyone off though. The glide was rock solid. One of the joys of my life to see it.