Overview
The Midwest Sweet Stik 40 is one of the most beloved sport models in RC history, renowned for its superb flying characteristics and straightforward construction. Designed by Pete Frankenthal and originally kitted by Midwest in the 1980s, this model has earned a reputation as arguably the best flying Stik design available. With a 54-inch wingspan and 595 square inches of wing area, the Sweet Stik 40 offers a perfect balance of performance and practicality.
This Varlocity Laser & Models complete wood kit provides everything you need to build the airframe. All balsa and plywood components are precision laser-cut, and the required strip wood and sheet wood are included. You simply need to supply the hardware, covering materials, adhesives, and power system. The kit is ideal for modellers looking for a rewarding sport project that delivers exceptional flight performance.
Aircraft History
The Sweet Stik 40 was designed by Pete Frankenthal and kitted by Midwest Products in the early 1980s. It was developed as a refined version of the classic Ugly Stik design, with improved flight characteristics and a more streamlined appearance. The Sweet Stik quickly gained a reputation as one of the best flying sport models available, offering a perfect blend of stability and aerobatic capability.
Midwest produced two versions of the Sweet Stik, with the later version being simplified for easier construction while retaining the superb flight performance. The design has remained popular with modellers for decades, and many consider it to be the best flying Stik design ever produced.
About the Model
The Midwest Sweet Stik 40 features a traditional built-up construction using balsa and plywood. The late version, presented here, is considered the easiest Sweet Stik to build and is quite a bit simpler than the original design. The model is designed for .30 to .45 two-stroke glow engines or equivalent power, and four-channel radio control.
The construction uses conventional modelling tools and techniques, and the plan includes full-size templates for all required parts. The model is a great flying plane, with many builders noting its smooth, fast, and capable performance. It is an excellent choice for fun fly events, with its mid-size, powering options, sport performance and fun factor making it widely attractive.
Features
- Complete precision laser-cut balsa and plywood components
- All strip wood and sheet wood included
- Based on the original Midwest kit design by Pete Frankenthal
- Traditional built-up construction
- Accurate rib and former profiles
- 54-inch wingspan for excellent flight characteristics
- Designed for .30-.45 glow or equivalent power
- Four-channel control (aileron, elevator, rudder, throttle)
- Proven flying characteristics
- Simplified late version for easier building
- Manufactured by Varlocity Laser & Models
Why You'll Love Building It
- Traditional stick-built aeromodelling that's enjoyable from the first rib to final covering.
- A rewarding project for builders of all skill levels.
- Arguably the best flying Stik design available.
- Excellent sport performance with a wide flight envelope.
- A proven Midwest design that has stood the test of time.
What's Included
- Precision laser-cut balsa wing ribs
- Laser-cut plywood formers
- Laser-cut fuselage components
- Wing ribs
- Tailplane components
- Fin and rudder components
- Lite-ply structural parts
- All required strip wood
- All required sheet balsa
- All required plywood sheeting
- Additional laser-cut structural components shown on the original plan
This is a complete wood kit. All wooden components required to build the airframe are included.
What's Required
Mandatory Items (Not Included)
- Original Midwest plans - Available separately on Outerzone
- Building board
- Adhesives
- Covering materials
- Hinges
- Control linkages and pushrods
- Hardware
- Power system
- Radio system
Recommended Equipment
- .30 to .45 two-stroke glow engine (or equivalent electric power)
- Appropriate propeller for chosen engine
- 4-channel radio system
- Standard servos
- Appropriate fuel tank
- Spinner
Verified Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Designer | Pete Frankenthal |
| Aircraft | Midwest Sweet Stik 40 |
| Scale | Not specified on the original plan |
| Wingspan | 54 in (1372 mm) |
| Length | Not specified on the original plan |
| Wing Area | 595 sq in |
| Flying Weight | ~5-6 lb (builder's choice) |
| Power Type | .30-.45 glow engine (or equivalent) |
| Construction | Balsa and plywood |
| Radio Functions | 4 (Aileron, Elevator, Rudder, Throttle) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate builder |
Recommended Equipment
- .30 to .45 two-stroke glow engine (Super Tigre .46, OS Max .46 AX, or equivalent)
- Appropriate propeller for chosen engine
- 4-channel radio system
- Standard servos
- Appropriate fuel tank
- Spinner
These recommendations are based on the original design documentation and common building practice. Builders may select equivalent modern equipment to suit their preferences.
Builder Notes
- Suitable for intermediate builders with some experience in traditional balsa construction.
- This is the later, simplified version of the Sweet Stik, which is easier to build than the original.
- Many builders recommend not putting dihedral in the wing for improved flight performance.
- Some builders have used 3/16 balsa for fuselage sides and bottom instead of lite ply.
- Consider using two aileron servos in the wing instead of torque rods for better control and setup.
- Use wing bolts to hold the wing on instead of rubber bands for a cleaner installation.
- Be aware that the plane can come out quite nose-heavy with modern engines. Consider mounting the servos further back or using a heavier tail skid to achieve correct CG.
- Dry-fit major assemblies before gluing.
- Maintain accurate alignment throughout construction.
- Balance the completed aircraft carefully at the recommended centre of gravity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this kit include the plans?
No. The original Midwest plans are required separately and are available as a free download from Outerzone. - Is hardware included?
No. This is a complete wood kit only. Hardware, covering, and adhesives are not included. - Is this suitable for beginners?
Some experience with traditional balsa construction is recommended. - What wood is included?
All balsa and plywood components required to build the airframe, including strip wood and sheet wood. - Can it be covered with film covering?
Yes. Iron-on film is suitable and commonly used. - Can modern radio equipment be used?
Yes. Modern radio systems are entirely suitable. - What engine is recommended?
The design is intended for .30 to .45 two-stroke glow engines or equivalent power. - Is this the late version of the Sweet Stik?
Yes, this kit is based on the later, simplified version which is easier to build.
Safety & Disclaimer
This product is a complete precision laser-cut wood kit. All balsa and plywood components required to build the airframe are included. Hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, and power system 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 Midwest 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.
