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Proctor Jenny

a build-review by Jim McIntyre

U N D E R - C O N S T R U C T I O N

Introduction

When I began discussions about reviewing a scale kit with a goal of entering a competition with the end result, I have to admit I was less than enthusiastic. You see, my last two competion aircraft were built from kits and I found the modifications required to make the kits competitive were likely more effort than a scratch build might have been. Well, Dean is nothing if persistent, and I have long had my eye on Proctor's Jenny so when pressed, this was my choice.
The curtiss JN4D "Jenny" captures my imagination for a romantic time when war was over and the Army was selling off their surplus Jennys. This single event gave birth to the barnstormers who made a livving "hopping rides" and performing crazy stunts like wing walking and "snatch the handkerchief". Many hollywood movies further glorify this era, one my favourites being "The Great Waldo Pepper".

Jenny wasn't the only barnstormer but likely the greatest in number. I love the lines of the Jenny, the rigging is phenomonly complex yet a study in simplicity, the construction; from my favourite "flying funiture" era of handmaid aircraft that lent herself well to the simple tools available to perform repairs (often as simple as wood and fencing wire).

Documentation

Sourcing good documentation is critical if you plan to compete. You're judged on how well your model matches your documentation but what's implied here is that you cannotexpect to be awared high marks if your documentation is incomplete or of poor quality. I've given up on subjects I really waned to model simply because I couldn't source sufficient supporting documentation. Truly a dissapointing decision.

In the case of this Jenny, I originally wanted the Jenny used in the movie "the Great Waldo Pepper", you know, the one that was crashed into the top of a merry-go-round. I was delighted to hear it was being re-built locally by the Tigerboys in Guelph but in the end I learned she is basically a basket-case future project. :(

So... I continued researching. I didn't want any old Jenny, especially not the common markings. I really wanted a Canuck Jenny, not just because I am Canadian but because the Canuck has 4 ailerons making her much more controllable, especially with those huge wings.

After much research, I found what I was looking for. A Canuck Jenny with good colour pictures available including advertising logos I can match paint colours to support my documentation. She even had a history I could relate to as Cole Palen once owned her (I'm a big fan of his Rhinebeck museum).

Packaging


An uninteresting but all too important subject. All too often I've experinced a well thought out kit ruined by poor packaging.
When I received delivery, I was quite surprised at the small size of the package, roughly half what my Tigermoth (same wingspan) was. My first impression is very positive as I notice Obvious attention payed to packing, efficient use of space yet no damage.

Plans

The plans came rolled of course (I can't believe some manufacturers still distort plans by folding them).
Crisp, clear, beautiful. I'd heard these plans were suitable for framing and I wasn't disappointed. Simply put, these are the best plans I've laid eyes on to date, I can feel the excitement as the evening wanes .. I'm tired but I can't stop reading, visioning the build ahead... I always begin a build by studying the plans, trial fitting pieces and generally trying to build a 3d model of the 2D plans in my mind.

Build

Ok, enough drooling ... to work!
Fuselage construction