Wendell Hostetler 31% Cessna 182 134" Laser-Cut Short Kit - 3400mm wingspan

Overview

Wendell Hostetler's 31% Cessna 182 is a remarkable enlargement of his already impressive 26% design, created specifically by request and offering builders a true giant-scale challenge. With a commanding 134-inch wingspan and substantial 3,400mm of wingspan, this aircraft delivers an unmatched presence in the air and on the ground. The design follows traditional balsa and poplar ply construction, scaled up to create a model that is both impressive to behold and rewarding to fly.

This Varlocity Laser & Models laser-cut short kit provides the precision-cut components required to begin construction, including fuselage sides, wing ribs, formers, and structural parts crafted from premium poplar ply and high-quality plywood. The kit is designed for experienced builders who appreciate the satisfaction of completing a true giant-scale model using traditional techniques.

If you are looking for a true challenge, this aircraft is a beast.

Aircraft History

The Cessna 182 Skylane began as a tricycle-undercarriage development of the Cessna 180, appearing in 1956. From the 182A of 1957, it was known as the Skylane, and the type quickly established itself as one of the most popular general aviation aircraft ever produced. The Cessna 182 is a four-seat, high-performance, single-engine light airplane that has been produced in numerous variants. This family of aircraft has been the most manufactured worldwide [citation:7].

Introduced with a 230 hp Continental O-470 engine, the 182 was an immediate success with 844 units delivered in 1956. The aircraft's popularity continued to grow, driven by its impressive performance, including a top speed of 167 mph, a range of 715 miles, and a service ceiling of 19,800 feet. Significant improvements were made over the years, including a lower fuselage, swept vertical tail, third cabin window, and the introduction of the deluxe Skylane version in 1958.

More than 21,000 Cessna 182s were built through to 1985, and production resumed in 1996, making it one of the most successful aircraft designs in history. The 182's distinctive high-wing configuration provides excellent visibility, and its rugged tricycle landing gear makes takeoffs and landings forgiving. The Skylane continues to be a beloved aircraft among aviation enthusiasts, and its enduring design has made it a popular subject for large-scale model aircraft.

About the Model

Wendell Hostetler has been a leading large-scale designer for over 25 years, with many of his models taking scale competition honours all over the world. This 31% Cessna 182 is an enlargement of his 26% design, created specifically by request, with all wood resized to fit the new scale. The result is a truly impressive giant-scale model that offers a significant building and flying challenge.

The design follows traditional construction using built-up balsa and poplar plywood structures throughout. The kit includes all key laser-cut parts like fuselage sides, doublers, landing gear mounts, wing joiners and boxes, tail and fin parts, and wing ribs with all cutouts and spar slots. The basic structures use conventional modelling tools and materials, and the techniques are straightforward for experienced builders. The plan includes full-size templates for all the required parts, allowing builders to cut a complete kit before starting construction. Genuine Hostetler fiberglass moldings are available separately through various hobby shops and from Hostetler Plans.

Features

• Precision laser-cut balsa and poplar ply components
• Based on the original Wendell Hostetler design, enlarged to 31% scale
• Traditional built-up construction with heavy-duty materials
• Accurate rib and former profiles
• Massive 134-inch wingspan for unmatched scale presence
• Designed for large-displacement gasoline engines
• Scale-faithful high-wing and tricycle-gear outlines
• Proven flying characteristics
• Genuine Hostetler fiberglass parts available separately
• Manufactured by Varlocity Laser & Models

Why You'll Love Building It

• Traditional stick-built aeromodelling on a truly epic scale.
• A rewarding project for experienced builders seeking a significant challenge.
• The enlarged 31% scale provides an opportunity for exceptional detailing.
• Massive size delivers an impressive presence in the air and on the ground.
• A proven Wendell Hostetler design, now scaled up for maximum impact.
• This is a beast of an aircraft that will be the highlight of any collection.

What's Included

• Precision laser-cut balsa wing ribs
• Laser-cut poplar plywood formers
• Laser-cut fuselage sheet sides
• Laser-cut plywood doublers
• Laser-cut landing gear mounts
• Wing joiners and boxes
• Tail and fin parts
• Wing ribs with all cutouts and spar slots
• Additional shaped parts as shown on the original plan

Only the precision laser-cut wooden parts are supplied. Strip and sheet wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, and power system are not included [citation:6].

What's Required

Mandatory Items

• Original Wendell Hostetler plans - Available separately
• Strip wood
• Sheet balsa
• Plywood sheeting where required
• Building board
• Adhesives
• Covering materials
• Hinges
• Control linkages and pushrods
• Landing gear
• Wheels
• Hardware
• Power system
• Radio system

Recommended Accessories (Available Separately)

• Genuine Hostetler fiberglass cowl and other mouldings
• Aluminum wing tube and sleeve set (size per plan)
• Scale landing gear and wheel fairings
• Large fuel tank
• Appropriate spinner for chosen engine

Verified Specifications

Recommended Equipment

• 1 × Large-displacement gasoline engine (80cc and up recommended for 31% scale) [citation:1]
• Appropriate spinner for chosen engine
• 6 or more radio channels
• High-torque servos suitable for giant-scale aircraft
• Robart or equivalent heavy-duty landing gear
• Large-capacity fuel tank
• Aluminum wing tube (size per plan)

These recommendations are based on common giant-scale building practice. Builders should select equipment appropriate for the completed aircraft.

Builder Notes

• Designed for advanced builders with experience in large-scale models.
• This enlarged 31% version is a significant project that requires patience and skill.
• If you choose gear or an engine not shown on the plans, have them on hand when you start construction to make any changes needed for mounting.
• Study the plans carefully before starting to build.
• As with many large-scale plans, some builders have noted that the plans leave room for builder interpretation, which is part of the traditional scratch-building experience [citation:4].
• Dry-fit major assemblies before gluing.
• Maintain accurate alignment throughout construction.
• Keep the tail structure as light as practical.
• Balance the completed aircraft carefully.
• The high-wing design requires careful selection of balsa and plywood, as strength is a necessity around the cabin area.
• Genuine Hostetler fiberglass moldings are available through various hobby shops on the internet and from Hostetler Plans.

Historical Information

Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company
Country: United States
First Flight: 1956
Primary Role: Light general aviation aircraft

The Cessna 182 Skylane was developed as a tricycle-gear variant of the popular Cessna 180. Introduced in 1956, it quickly became one of the most successful general aviation aircraft ever produced, with over 21,000 units built through 1985 and production resuming in 1996 [citation:7]. The aircraft's combination of performance, reliability, and ease of handling made it a favourite among private pilots, flight schools, and air charter services.

The 182's distinctive high-wing configuration provides excellent visibility, and its rugged tricycle landing gear makes takeoffs and landings forgiving. The Skylane continues to be a beloved aircraft among aviation enthusiasts, and its enduring design has made it a popular subject for large-scale model aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this kit include the plans?
  No. The original Wendell Hostetler plans are required separately [citation:6].
• Is hardware included?
  No. This is a laser-cut short kit only.
• Is this suitable for beginners?
  No. This is designed for advanced builders with significant experience in large-scale models.
• Is the 31% kit available elsewhere?
  This enlarged version was created by request, with all wood resized to fit the new scale. It is offered by Varlocity Laser & Models.
• Can additional scale detailing be added?
  Yes. The massive scale provides exceptional opportunities for additional detailing.
• Can modern radio equipment be used?
  Yes. Modern giant-scale radio systems are entirely suitable.
• Does the kit include strip wood?
  No. Strip wood and sheeting must be supplied by the builder [citation:6].
• What is the recommended engine size?
  The 26% version specifies 3-4 cubic inch engines. For the 31% enlargement, an 80cc or larger engine is recommended [citation:1].
• Where can I get fiberglass parts?
  Genuine Hostetler fiberglass moldings are available through various hobby shops on the internet and from Hostetler Plans.

Safety & Disclaimer

This product is a precision laser-cut short kit. Strip wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, power system and building supplies are not included unless specifically stated. Builder experience is recommended. Power system recommendations are suggestions only and should be selected to suit the completed aircraft and intended flying style. All specifications are based on the original Wendell Hostetler design documentation and are subject to builder interpretation. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for the final assembly, airworthiness, or operation of the completed model. The builder assumes all responsibility for the safe construction and operation of the model aircraft.