Nick Ziroli Turbinator Sport Jet 72" Laser-Cut Short Kit

Overview

The Nick Ziroli Turbinator Sport Jet is an all-wood construction model inspired by the formative years of American jet fighter production. Scaled at 2" to 1' with a 72-inch wingspan, it was designed specifically as a realistic turbine trainer. The Turbinator offers a large flight performance envelope and will fly out and back into short fields that many other jets won't attempt. The design allows the engine to be hidden with no expensive tail pipe required, simplifying construction and operation.

This Varlocity Laser & Models laser-cut short kit provides the precision-cut components required to begin construction, allowing builders the satisfaction of completing the remaining structure using traditional techniques.

About the Model

Nick Ziroli's design follows traditional all-wood construction using built-up balsa and plywood structures throughout. The detailed plan set consists of four large sheets that clearly illustrate all structure as well as showing flap, retract and turbine installation. The Turbinator plan shows the installation of Robart retracts, servos and a Fun-Sonic 12lb turbine engine and features a one-piece wing.

The basic structures use conventional modelling tools and materials such as balsa and plywood, and the techniques are straightforward; easily accomplished by anyone with previous model building experience. The plan includes full-size templates for all the required parts.

Features

• Precision laser-cut balsa and plywood components
• Based on the original Nick Ziroli design
• All-wood traditional construction
• Accurate rib and former profiles
• One-piece wing for simplicity and strength
• Designed for flaps and retractable landing gear
• Engine hidden with no expensive tail pipe required
• Proven flight performance and short-field capability
• IMAA legal size
• Manufactured by Varlocity Laser & Models

Why You'll Love Building It

• Traditional stick-built aeromodelling that's enjoyable from the first rib to final covering.
• A rewarding project for builders interested in turbine-powered models.
• The sport jet design provides an interesting build without the complexity of a full-scale replica.
• Large scale allows for practical installation of retracts and flaps.
• A proven Nick Ziroli design with an excellent reputation among giant-scale builders.

What's Included

• Precision laser-cut balsa wing ribs
• Laser-cut plywood formers
• Laser-cut fuselage components
• Wing ribs
• Tailplane components
• Fin and rudder components
• Lite-ply structural parts
• Additional laser-cut structural components shown on the original plan

Only the precision laser-cut wooden parts are supplied.

What's Required

Mandatory Items

• Original Nick Ziroli plans - Available separately
• Strip wood
• Sheet balsa
• Plywood sheeting where required
• Building board
• Adhesives
• Covering materials
• Hinges
• Control linkages and pushrods
• Landing gear
• Wheels
• Hardware
• Power system
• Radio system

Recommended Accessories (Available Separately)

• Ziroli Turbinator Canopy
• Ziroli Plastic Wheel Wells
• Turbinator Vinyl Graphics
• Robart Retracts (Main and Nose)
• Robart Retract Air Kit
• Wheels Main: 3", Wheel Nose: 2.5"
• Main Fuel Tank: 64 oz rectangle, Header Tank: 4 oz rectangle

Verified Specifications

Recommended Equipment

• 1 × 12-18 lb thrust turbine engine
• 6 or more radio channels
• Servos: Flaps (2) 150+ oz-in MGBB, Ailerons (2) 90+ oz-in BB, Elevators (2) 90+ oz-in BB, Rudder (1) 90+ oz-in BB, Nose Wheel (1) 60+ oz-in BB, Gear (1) 50 oz-in
• Robart Retracts (Main and Nose)
• Robart Retract Air Kit
• Main Fuel Tank: 64 oz rectangle, Header Tank: 4 oz rectangle
• Control Horns: (2) 1/2", (5) 1"
• Hinges: (6) DUBRO #257 LG flat hinges, (15) Robart LG hinge points

These recommendations are based on the original design documentation and common giant-scale building practice. Builders may select equivalent modern equipment to suit their preferences.

Builder Notes

• Recommended for experienced builders familiar with large traditional models and turbine installations.
• If you choose gear or an engine not shown on the plans, have them on hand when you start construction to make any changes needed for mounting.
• Study the plans carefully before starting to build.
• Dry-fit major assemblies before gluing.
• Maintain accurate alignment throughout construction.
• Pay particular attention to the flap and retract installations during the build.
• Keep the tail structure as light as practical.
• Balance the completed aircraft carefully using the published centre of gravity.
• Nick Ziroli Plans recommends covering the airframe with 1 oz fibreglass cloth and finishing resin.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this kit include the plans?
  No. The original Nick Ziroli plans are required separately and are available from ziroligiantscaleplans.com.
• Is hardware included?
  No. This is a laser-cut short kit only.
• Is this suitable for beginners?
  Previous experience with traditional balsa construction and turbine models is recommended.
• Can I install retracts?
  Yes. The original design incorporates retractable landing gear.
• Can additional detailing be added?
  Yes. The large scale provides excellent opportunities for additional detailing.
• Can modern radio equipment be used?
  Yes. Modern giant-scale radio systems are entirely suitable.
• Does the kit include strip wood?
  No. Strip wood and sheeting must be supplied by the builder.
• What covering is recommended?
  Nick Ziroli Plans recommends covering the airframe with 1 oz fibreglass cloth and finishing resin. Iron-on films are also suitable.

Safety & Disclaimer

This product is a precision laser-cut short kit. Strip wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, power system and building supplies are not included unless specifically stated. Builder experience is recommended. Power system recommendations are suggestions only and should be selected to suit the completed aircraft and intended flying style. Turbine installations require additional safety considerations and adherence to local regulations. All specifications are based on the original Nick Ziroli design documentation and are subject to builder interpretation.