After building a first rubber-powered free flight that has a simple framework such as an AMA Cub or the Squirrel without wing airfoil ribs, the next step will most likely be to build a simple ROG model with curved airfoil ribs. The Minnow ROG by Lloyd Shales would be a good choice for such a model. All balsa parts are laser-cut including the strip wood which is cut to length and the angle at the end is pre-cut. This requires that you identify those pieces which have an angle that differs from straight across and match up the placement with the plans. This only applies to the vertical fin, so it is not much extra work. I was able to remove the laser-cut parts completely by carefully breaking the small tab areas of balsa and sanding this off. It is possible to build the entire kit without using a sharp tool. The balsa was not real light, but if it was any lighter a beginner would easily break it while handling as the pieces are smaller than found on complete beginner models.

Tissue paper is pre-cut to fit all the surfaces with no extra, so you need to be careful to put it on correctly or it will end up short if it is overlapping on the other side. There is no dihedral brace at all and the wing is glued solid; that is no rubber band hold down. Time will tell how well this holds up.

So far I have only done some test flights with hand winds but the plane flew perfect with no trim adjustments needed. Even with reduced power the Minnow was able to ROG (Rise Off Ground) easily.

In conclusion I would think the Minnow would make a good second model that will fly well both indoors and outdoors in near calm conditions.

Bill Kuhl