Reproductions of the Carl Goldberg rubber powered Free Flight models

The models in this section represent reproductions of the old Carl Goldberg rubber powered Free Flight models. The design of the parts included tabs and slots that helped insure that each part could only fit one way during the assembly of the model. The Goldberg sheet balsa models did not have color printed on the parts. They included water slide decals and were intended to be decorated with color dope. Like the Jigtime models, the Goldberg sheet scale models were also great flying rubber powered models. 

The models shown here along with the plan packages are a best attempt to reproduce the original series in their original form. Each plan package includes a scan of the original kit plan along with some building notes. All of the plans are in the Adobe PDF format. Each package contains multiple pages that are printed on U.S. legal size paper (8.5" x 14"). A link is provided with each model description to download the associated plan package. WHEN PRINTING MAKE SURE THAT PRINT SCALING HAS BEEN TURNED OFF.

A description of the method I use to print the parts directly on balsa is provided here. Just click on the link.

NOTE - A very good alternative to printing the parts for these models directly on balsa it to use T-shirt iron-on transfer paper. This material comes in 8 1/2" x 11" sheet size and works very well for transferring the drawn parts to balsa. A summary of the process for doing this is covered here. The major advantage of using this process is any printer can be used. To make it a bit easier to use iron-on transfer paper to create the full color parts for these models an alternate parts drawing package is provided. This drawing package has been laid out for 8 1/2" x 11" sheet. A link to the iron-on transfer package is provided in each model section of this page.

I do hope that if you decide to build any of these models, you will receive as much enjoyment as I have from my trip down memory lane.

Paul Bradley

All drawing not identified as coming from another source copyright 2002-2016, Paul Bradley, All rights reserved

Carl Goldberg Models
This is a reproduction of the Goldberg Shoestring. Carl Goldberg developed the Jigtime models while he owned Top Flite models back in the 50's. After he left Top Flite and started Goldberg Models he introduced a competing line of all sheet scale looking models. One was the Shoestring. The Goldberg models did not have background color printed on the balsa. They had some lines printed, but no color. They were intended to be finished in color dope if the builder wanted color. Water slide decals were included in the kits for markings. This reproduction had the color and markings printed on the balsa in the fashion of the Top Flite Jigtime models. The Shoestring is a very good flyer. (400kb). Iron-on transfer paper layout package (46 kb).

This is the Goldberg Spirit of St. Louis. I added the color and markings shown in the photo. The original kit provided a few reference lines on bare balsa. Thanks go to Gregory West  for making scans of the kit plan and parts available to develop this reproduction. (554kb). Iron-on transfer paper layout package (39 kb).

This is the Goldberg Ranger 21. I added the color and markings shown in the photo. The original kit provided a few reference lines on bare balsa. The colors and markings used are based on the kit box art. The Ranger 21 is an excellent rubber powered sport Free Flight model. It has a 21" wing span and is essentially a larger version of the Jigtime Rascal 18. Carl Goldberg designed both models. The Ranger 21 uses straight lines for the flying surfaces where the Rascal 18 has elliptical outlines. There are two versions of the plan packages. The fuselage is too long to fit on a standard legal size sheet. If you can print on 11x17 sheets, or if your printer supports banner printing, the first package has the fuselage shown in one piece.(363kb)  If your printer will not print on sheets larger than legal size, a second version of the parts has been created. The package shows the fuselage sides as two pieces divided near the middle of the wing. A fuselage former is located at that spot so there is plenty of reinforcement at joint in each fuselage side. This package is available here (366kb). Iron-on transfer paper layout package (53 kb).

This is the Goldberg Cessna 180. I added the color and markings shown in the photo. The original kit provided a few reference lines on bare balsa. The colors and markings used are based on the kit box art. The model has a 20.5" wing span and like the others in the series is a good flyer. This package is available here (567kb). Iron-on transfer paper layout package (148 kb).

Ranger 28 frameworkRanger 28 left frontRanger 28 left rear

This is the Goldberg Ranger 28. The Ranger 28 is a tissue covered balsa framework model. The structure is some what unique as the fuselage is not built from sticks as is typical of a tissue covered balsa framework model. The original kit came with die cut parts that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The kit plan did not provide a profile drawing for the fuselage. The accuracy of the assembled fuselage sides depended on the precision of the die cut parts. The wing and stabilizer are covered only on the top surface.

 With a wing span of 28", this model is excellent for introducing less experienced modelers to the world of tissue covered built up frame structures. It is capable of very nice flights when built from medium light wood. The plan/parts package is available here (1,543kb)

If you would like to build a Ranger 28 and would like to avoid cutting all the parts by hand a full laser cut kit based on this drawing package is now available from BMJR Model Products.

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