KK Chief

KEIL KRAFT CHIEF

Designed by Bill Dean and originally kitted in 1950, the Keil Kraft Chief was advertised as an A2 contest glider featuring "crash proof" plug-in wings.

Here's what Keil Kraft 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.

YOUR KIT

This kit is a laser-cut replica of the original Keil Kraft 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 and strip wood.
Acetate sheet for cabin.
Tissue to cover the model.
Full size printed plan with instructions.

Thanks to Patrick McCauley, David Wright (electric Chief) and Pete Sanders for the use of their photos

We've found this fabulous Super8 footage from the 60's showing the KK Chiefin a not so successful outing:

Find out how to convert the KK Chief to electric power here

The KK Chief full kit is supplied in a medium box. Please use the table below to calculate your likely shipping costs:

For UK deliveries we use either MyHermes  or Royal Mail .

Internationally we use Royal Mail for smaller parcels and envelopes and we use whichever of the big couriers are cheapest for a particular size and destination. We always send all of our kits insured and all but the smallest are also tracked.

Please note that for international orders, you are responsible for any import duties or taxes applicable in your country.

We notify you as soon as your order has been despatched and, if applicable, you will be sent the tracking number. 

If for whatever reason you are not satisfied with your purchase you can return it within 14 days for a full no quibble refund. 

Please Note : All of our kits are made to order, this means it can sometimes take up to 14 days before they are despatched. If you need your kit quicker than that, e.g. as a birthday present, please drop us an email at sales@vintagemodelcompany.com and we will do our absolute best to accommodate you.