The Legendary Taube

SMAC Member Steve B.'s winter build project is a Balsa USA Taube 40. The kit is based on the Etrich-Rumpler Taube (Taube means dove in German) that first flew in 1910. Rather than having ailerons on the wings to bank the aircraft into a turn, this plane had flight controls that warped the wing shape. The aircraft was used as a German warplane at the start of WWI, but was quickly replaced by more modern designs. 

Steve did a beautiful job recreating this historic airplane (as he does with all his models). We're looking forward to seeing it fly soon.

Detailed model of the Mercedes engine used in the Taube.

Laying out the wing parts. Notice the plastic sheeting to protect the underlying plans from glue.

Building up the fuselage. Looks like Steve used batteries from his power tools to as weights and jigs.