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History: The Sopwith Camel, along with the Fokker Dr.1, is one of the most well-known aircraft of not only the First World War, but of any era. Thanks to a cartoon beagle, the Camel has transcended aviation circles and become something of a pop culture icon too.

Designed by Herbert Smith of Sopwith Aviation and designated the F 1, the Camel received its nickname from the hump shaped covering enclosing twin Vickers machine guns fitted on top of the fuselage and firing through the propeller arc. Another distinctive feature of the squatty little biplane is the straight upper wing and significant dihedral of the lower wing.

The Camel was often powered by a 130 h.p. Clerget rotary engine and this contributed to its terrific maneuverability. With a rotary, the entire engine revolves at high speed with the propeller. This great clockwise spinning mass allowed the Camel to make extremely tight right-hand turns. It also caused many fatal accidents for pilots learning to fly the aircraft. Anyone who’s had the fortune to see and hear a vintage rotary in action won’t soon forget the experience.

First joining frontline service in 1917, the Camel proved a match for any other aircraft of the war. With nearly 5,500 built it was the most successful scout aircraft of the period in terms of number of enemy destroyed.

The Green RC Models Camel carries the markings of an aircraft flown by American ace George Vaughn. A replica of this Camel, built in the 1970s from original plans and drawings, is on display at the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH. Vaughn is well-known to WWI aviation buffs as one of the highest ranking American aces with 13 kills; six of those while flying Camels. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Vaughn first flew with the RAF before joining the 17th Aero Squadron of the newly created USAS. According to records he was flying Camel 6034 on September 22nd, 1918 when he shot down two Fokkers during an attack in which his group was outnumbered five to one. For this action, and another encounter on September 28th, Vaughn was awarded the DSC.

Reviews by RCgroups:.................many thanks Fokker Ace for this review!!!!!!

I like this model! For me this is what the hobby is all about; the Camel looks fantastic in the air and I’m happy making nice circuits around the field. If I want to do wild aerobatics, go fast, or fly on windy days, I have other models. The Camel is made for calm mornings or evenings. Against a nice sunset it’s easy to let your mind wander back to the 1918 Western Front as the Camel floats by in near silence.

With few minor difficulties encountered, I highly recommend this kit to anyone with an interest in early aircraft. I faced unfortunate circumstances that delayed my build several weeks, but the results are worth the troubles. Experienced builders could have this together in a couple evenings. If you choose to do some painting or detailing, allow a leisurely week or more to finish. Yes, it\'s an ARF and probably heavier than a true kit build, but the great looks and high quality make it a winner. This Camel has inspired me to build my own WWI subjects. I think the best models always give you the momentum to move onward and upward.

Pluses:

• Very complete package
• Great scale looks for an ARF
• Rigging and pull-pull adds to the scale feel
• Cool landings and looks super in the air
• Overall high quality

Wingspan: 960 mm

Wingarea: 19sq.dm

Length: 650mm

Flying weight: 735g (with brushless motor)

Radio: 4 channels 4-5 servos

Category: Biplane/scale/warbird

Flying skill: Intermediate

Scale gun included

Box measurement: 970mmx210mmx220mm