CONSTRUCTION By Ron Peterka Photos by Ken A. Young & Ron Peterka
Stinson Reliant SR-5E
A precision scale copy of the straight-wing classic
T;e Stinson SR-5E Reliant is a beautiful example from a time in aviation when sharp looks were just as important as aero- dynamics. Powered by a big Lycoming or Wright radial engine, more than 1,300 Reli- ants were produced from 1933 to 1941. Dif- ferent models of the Reliant (from the SR-1 to the SR- 10) were made during that time and included both civilian and military
versions. There were two distinct types of
Reliants: the straight wings (up to the SR- 6)
and the gull wings (from SR- 7 onward).
If you decide to build this straight-wing
Stinson for competition, collect all the documentation you can find before beginning
construction.
THE MODEL
This is a precision scale model and requires
advanced building skills, so this article will
only cover special areas of building. The
rich surface details make for an impressive
model with great presence in flight and
on the flightline. All materials are readily
available and include balsa, light ply, ply-
wood, and fiberglass. I used the Stits Pro-
cess for the covering and painting, which
matches the materials and colors used on
the full-scale aircraft. The horizontal stabi-
lizer and elevator have been enlarged about
FUSELAGE
The fuselage is built up much like an old
rubber-band model with two nearly identical sides (don’t forget the baggage door on
the right side). Both cabin doors are operable. My model has the cabin and baggage
door frames framed in basswood. Multiple
flat hinges simulate the miniature piano
hinges used on the full-scale aircraft doors.
There is a 1/32-inch plywood doubler inside the forward section of the fuselage,
but if you plan on a complete cabin, you
