Introduction

The GWS DH82a TIGER MOTH 400 is a full-function foam R/C airplane. (GWS stands for Grand Wing Systems). By “full-function” we mean that it employs four transmitter controls to manage throttle, ailerons, elevator and rudder. It is a lightweight, electric-powered biplane model of the famous between-the-wars British primary pilot trainer.

The De Havilland Tigermoth joined the RAF Service in 1932 and served as its Primary trainer until 1952. 30 years? It must have been one great trainer. Some Tiger Moths remained in service up to 1959. Many are now highly-prized civilian aircraft while others still fulfill their original role as a trainer. However, most Tiger Moths still working as trainers are mostly used by experienced pilots getting “tail dragger” ratings.

The GWS Tiger Moth meets all the aircraft requirements of the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ (AMA) Park Pilot Program. The aircraft weighs less than 2 pounds (the Program’s upper weight limit) and has a level top speed under 60 mph (the Program’s upper speed limit). For complete Park Pilot aircraft details, follow this link.

The AMA Park Pilot Program offers non-AMA members the opportunity to become AMA members at a much reduced cost. Park Pilot membership includes a great magazine “Park Pilot”, $500,000 personal liability insurance, $2.5 million liability insurance for the flying field owner (see insurance details) and membership in the world’s largest sport aviation association – the AMA. For complete information and details about Park Pilot membership, just click here.

CONTENTS

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The box is very colorful and shows informative pictures of the airplane. The initial question was going to be would it look as good when assembled out of the box as it looked on the box cover? There are a lot of parts to assemble but then this is a biplane and a scale biplane at that.

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To complete and fly the model you will need a transmitter, a receiver, three servos, a battery pack for the motor and a speed controller. This GWS ARF comes without any radio or flight system. GWS does supply the electric motor, gearbox and the propeller.

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A CD is included that shows all of the other GWS products that you can buy.

The primary parts are all made out of expanded foam that has been molded to create an airplane. The wing, stabilizer and vertical fin are molded as one-piece items.

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The pre-molded fuselage comes in two separate halves. It differed from the instructions in that the white foam used in the instructions had already been painted yellow at the factory. The foam was light but also fairly stiff and dent resistant.

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A closer look shows the internal shaping and cut-outs for the servos, radio receiver and battery. You can also see the ducting for air to cool the Electronic Speed Control (ESC), the Battery Eliminator Circuitry (BEC) and motor battery. Notice the many broad interior surfaces that are used for gluing the halves together. The broader the gluing area, the easier it is to prevent any glue from reaching the exterior finish. The Tiger Moth should be an easy fuselage to assemble cleanly.

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The fin and rudder are molded as one piece. The stabilizer and elevators are also a one piece molding. The builder will have to cut them apart along their hinge lines.  

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All of the clevises, horns and steering components are attached to a plastic “Christmas tree” for easy identification. Another “Christmas tree” is provided with all of the components that you need to fit the wheels and aileron pushrods. This clear plastic tree is not shown here because it would not photograph easily.

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The main and tail wheels are very lightweight. The undercarriage wires for both the main wheels and the tail wheel arrive already bent to the correct shape.

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The engine cowling is made of thin black plastic and is simply attached to the fuselage with small screws. Some mold flashing will need to be cut away from the cowling’s rear section but that is not hard to do.

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