Overview
The Nick Ziroli AT-6 Texan/SNJ/SAAF Harvard is a meticulously designed 1/5 scale model of the legendary North American trainer. With a 101-inch wingspan and traditional balsa and plywood construction, this design captures the distinctive lines of the aircraft that trained more military pilots than any other in history. The result is a model that is both practical to build and rewarding to fly, suitable for experienced builders who appreciate traditional aeromodelling and warbird scale fidelity.
This Varlocity Laser & Models laser-cut short kit provides the precision-cut components required to begin construction, allowing builders the satisfaction of completing the remaining structure using traditional techniques.
Aircraft History
The North American AT-6 Texan, known as the SNJ in U.S. Navy service and the Harvard throughout the Commonwealth, was the advanced trainer that prepared thousands of Allied pilots for combat during World War II. A total of 15,317 aircraft were built through 1945, making it one of the most widely produced military training aircraft in aviation history.
In South Africa, the aircraft became synonymous with military flight training under the name Harvard. The South African Air Force (SAAF) operated the Harvard for decades, where it trained generations of military pilots and became one of the country's most recognisable aircraft. Its distinctive radial engine note earned it legendary status, and for many South Africans, the sound of a Harvard overhead remains an enduring reminder of the nation's rich aviation heritage.
The Texan was designed as a bridge between primary trainers and front-line combat aircraft, featuring retractable landing gear, flaps, and handling characteristics that prepared pilots for the high-performance fighters they would eventually fly. Its forgiving yet demanding flight qualities made it one of the finest advanced trainers ever built.
Today, only a fraction of these remarkable aircraft remain airworthy, but the Texan—still affectionately known as the Harvard in South Africa—can be seen and heard at air shows around the world. Its unmistakable radial engine, elegant lines, and graceful aerobatic performances continue to captivate aviation enthusiasts and preserve the legacy of one of history's greatest training aircraft.
About the Model
Nick Ziroli's design follows traditional giant-scale construction using built-up balsa and plywood structures throughout. The plan set consists of four large sheets that clearly illustrate all structure as well as showing installation of flaps and retracts. The AT-6 Texan/SNJ plan shows the installation of Robart retracts or fixed wire gear, servos and a Zenoah G-62 engine and features a three-piece wing.
The basic structures use conventional modelling tools and materials such as balsa and plywood, and the techniques are straightforward; easily accomplished by anyone with previous model building experience. The plan includes full-size templates for all the required parts.
Features
- Precision laser-cut balsa and plywood components
- Based on the original Nick Ziroli design
- Traditional built-up construction
- Accurate rib and former profiles
- Three-piece wing for easier transportation
- Designed for flaps and retractable landing gear
- Scale-faithful outlines and radial engine profile
- Proven flying characteristics
- IMAA legal size
- 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 experienced scale builders.
- The three-piece wing and robust structure provide a practical and enjoyable build.
- Large scale allows extensive detailing if desired, from cockpit interiors to radial engine replication.
- A proven Nick Ziroli design suitable for both sport flying and competitive scale events.
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
- Additional laser-cut structural components shown on the original plan
Only the precision laser-cut wooden parts are supplied.
What's Required
Mandatory Items
- Original Nick Ziroli 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)
- Ziroli AT-6 Texan Fiberglass Cowl
- Ziroli AT-6 Texan Canopy (3-window or 6-window)
- Ziroli AT-6 Texan Wheel Housing
- Ziroli AT-6 Texan Air Scoops
- Aluminum Wing Tube and Sleeve Set - 1.25" x 30"
- Robart Retracts (Main and Tail)
- Robart Retract Air Kit
- Wheels Main: 5", Wheel Tail: 2.5"
- 3 1/4" AT-6 Spinner
- 32 oz rectangle fuel tank
Verified Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Designer | Nick Ziroli |
| Aircraft | North American AT-6 Texan / SNJ |
| Scale | 1/5 (2.4 in = 1 ft) |
| Wingspan | 101 in (2565 mm) |
| Length | 70 in (1778 mm) |
| Wing Area | 1500 sq in |
| Wing Loading | 37-50 oz/sq ft |
| Flying Weight | 24-32 lb |
| Power Type | 50-75 cc gasoline engine |
| Construction | Balsa and plywood |
| Wing Configuration | Three-piece wing |
| Wing Incidence at Root | +2.5 degrees |
| Stab Incidence | +1 degree |
| Dihedral | 3.25 in under W16 |
| Engine Offset | 0 right, 0 down |
| CG Location | 5 3/4 in behind leading edge of wing center section with gear down |
| Difficulty | Experienced builder |
Recommended Equipment
- 1 × 50-75 cc gasoline engine
- 3 1/4" AT-6 Spinner
- 6 or more radio channels
- Servos: Flaps (2) 150-200 oz-in MGBB, Ailerons (2) 90+ oz-in BB, Elevators (2) 90+ oz-in BB, Rudder (1) 120+ oz-in BB, Gear (1) 50 oz-in, Throttle (1) 50 oz-in BB
- Robart Retracts (Main and Tail)
- Robart Retract Air Kit
- 32 oz rectangle fuel tank
- 1.25" x 30" wing tube
- Control Horns: (4) 1/2", (2) 3/4"
- Hinges: (24) DUBRO #257
These recommendations are based on the original design documentation and common giant-scale building practice. Builders may select equivalent modern equipment to suit their preferences.
Builder Notes
- Recommended for experienced builders familiar with large traditional models and warbird construction.
- 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.
- Dry-fit the wing center section and outer panels before final assembly.
- Maintain accurate alignment throughout construction, paying particular attention to the flap and retract installations.
- Keep the tail structure as light as practical.
- Balance the completed aircraft carefully using the published centre of gravity.
- Nick Ziroli Plans recommends covering the airframe and wing with 1 oz fibreglass cloth and finishing resin, and the elevator, rudder and ailerons with cloth covering such as Solartex.
- Nick Ziroli designs are equally at home at the local sport flying field or the winner's circle at prestigious scale events such as Top Gun and the Scale Master's; you can add as much detail as you like.
Historical Information
Manufacturer: North American Aviation
Country: United States
First Flight: 1 April 1935 (as NA-16 prototype)
Primary Role: Advanced Trainer
The North American AT-6 Texan was the most widely used advanced trainer in history. It was the aircraft that gave thousands of Allied pilots their first taste of high-performance flying, preparing them for fighters such as the P-51 Mustang, F4U Corsair, and P-38 Lightning. Its rugged construction and forgiving handling made it ideal for teaching combat techniques and carrier landing procedures.
Over 15,000 T-6s were produced by the end of the war, serving with the US Army Air Forces as the AT-6, the US Navy as the SNJ, and the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth air forces as the Harvard. The aircraft remained in service with some air forces into the 1990s, a testament to its superb design. Today, restored Texans are a highlight of air shows worldwide, their powerful Wright R-1340 radial engines producing the distinctive roar that has become synonymous with the golden age of aviation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this kit include the plans?
No. The original Nick Ziroli plans are required separately and are available from ziroligiantscaleplans.com. - Is hardware included?
No. This is a laser-cut short kit only. - Is this suitable for beginners?
Previous experience with traditional balsa construction and warbird models is recommended. - Can I install retracts?
Yes. The original design incorporates retractable landing gear, with options for Robart retracts or fixed wire gear. - Can additional scale detailing be added?
Yes. The large scale provides excellent opportunities for additional detailing, including cockpit interiors, panel lines, and radial engine replication. - 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. - What covering is recommended?
Nick Ziroli Plans recommends covering the airframe and wing with 1 oz fibreglass cloth and finishing resin, and the elevator, rudder and ailerons with iron-on cloth covering such as Solartex.
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 Nick Ziroli design documentation and are subject to builder interpretation.
