Sam Snyder, Master Builder
[ Click on Photo to See Project Photos ]
NOTE: Most of these photos are available in higher resolution on request

DeHavilland DH-108 Swallow
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Started Jan 2008 & Completed Aug 2008
This is Sam's 2nd model of the DH-108. The first was sold a few years ago, but Sam liked it so much he decided to do another version.

This is the first of three prototypes of the DH-108: Model # TG/283

Note: The wing-top pods contained anti-spin parachutes which did not perform as desired and were eliminated on the two subsequent prototypes. This feature was not implemented on this model, for obvious reasons!

RQ-17 UAV
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Started Aug 2007 & Completed Nov 2007
The RQ-17 drone is a double-delta design. It is an approximate quarter-scale copy of a UAV observed in early 2005 flying over the higly-classified and secret Area 88 in northwest Australia, reported by some to be the area used by the US to develop unmanned aerial vehicles. It is thought the RQ17 has already been tested in combat situations in remote areas of Afghanistan as early as 2006. The operational range is about 88 miles in the present design, making it practical to be carried on Stryker M1127 Reconnaissance Vehicles to provide protection and observer capabilities.

From reports, the full-scale RQ-17 employs a special terrain-following system which permits it to fly as low as 25 feet using a new GPS-based autonomous flight system. It is also anticipated that it will use the new classified mini-missile system that reportedly can track and kill un-armored vehicles and personnel at ranges of up to three miles from the release point, allowing the RQ-17 to make lightning hit-and-run forays directly into enemy convoys and defensive positions.

Details on the full-scale RQ-17, if ever really built, may be released at that time. Information, however, will be provided on this jet turbine-powered model by Sam Snyder as construction and flying progress....

RQ-16 SYZYGY UAV
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Started Jan 2007 & Completed Apr 2007
Sam has had this RQ-16 design under development on the design board of his imagination for some time, ever since he first saw the original prototypes fly down the Ho Chi Minh Trail in 'Nam - one of the first drones ever used in real combat, or was that a dream he had while enduring those endless monsoons?

Sam named his drone the SYZYGY, a term meaning 'a kind of unity, especially through alignment or coordination, a kind of conjunction'. Fitting.

The completed weight for the 96 inch span, twin-boom jet is 22 pounds. It first flew at the Mississippi Afterburner event in April, 2007.

Yakovlev Yak-40 Soviet Airliner
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Started May 2006 & Completed Jan 2007
This is the construction project for a 102 inch span, scale flying model of the Yakovlev Yak-40, a commercial passenger aircraft.

Sam's model is be a scratchbuilt version, built from his own plans, and be powered by one 14-pound thrust jet turbine engine. The interior of the model is detailed like that of a private version of the Yak-40, including seats, tables, etc.

This Yak40 model first flew in April 2007 at the Mississippi Afterburner event.

Martin RB57D Canberra Spy Plane
Click on image to view construction
Started Sep 2005 & Completed May 2006
This is the construction project for a 102 inch span, scale flying model of the Martin RB57D Canberra - a high altitude reconnaisance aircraft.

Sam's model is a scratchbuilt version, built from his own plans, and is powered by two 14-pound thrust jet turbine engines. This is a 'long-wing' version of the original English Electric Canberra.

Lockheed U2/TR-1 Spy Plane
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Started Mar 2005 & Completed Aug 2006
This construction project is for a 1/12 scale flying model of the U2/TR-1 Dragon Lady, and is a scratchbuilt version. It is powered by a 14-pound thrust jet turbine engine and has a 104 inch wingspan.

This U2 model is highly susceptible to even minor cross winds, like the full-scale version, and suffered a major crash at a jet event in Mt. Pleasant in late 2005 while being test-flown by a friend of Sam. However, it was quickly restored and has received many awards at jet events across the east.

deHavilland D-110 Sea Vixen
Click on image to view construction
Started Oct 2004 & Completed Mar 2005
Sam over-whelmingly prefers to build all his models from scratch, developing his own plans from plans and photos of the original aircraft, but this project involved a major bashing of an existing kit by Bob Violett Models of Florida!!

The Sea Vixen was first flown in early 2005 at several jet events in the east and has won several awards for workmanship.

Dornier DO-17 Bomber
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Started Feb 2004 & Completed Oct 2004
This is a model of the very successful DO-17 bomber used extensively by Germany in WWII.

Sam's scratch-built model of this aircraft sports a 96 inch wingspan and is powered by two OS-108 engines. It is a faithful and beautiful rendition of the bomber.

The D0-17 flew successfully in 2007.

Dornier DO-23 Bomber
Click on image for photos. No costruction photos available.
Started Aug 2003 & Completed Feb 2004 )
This is a scratch-built version of this old bomber flown by the Germans in the period betwenn WWI and WWII. It is a faithful reproduction of this aircraft, including the rails used by the crew members when moving between forward and aft cockpits during flight!

This DO-23 model has flown in several events and won awards, primarily that of Best Craftsmanship.

DeHavilland 108 Swallow
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Completed in 2002
Sam's model of the Swallow was an instant success when flown in jet meets in 2003 and later. It won many awards, including Best Craftsmanship.

The original Swallow was known for its instability, and killed its pilot in a devestating crash. The model was unstable until Sam finally found the sweet spot of the center of gravity. Since then, it was a pleasure to fly.

This model of the Swallow was sold to an enterprising modeler who is in the process of making molds that will be used to make kit parts to sell.

Avro Vulcan, Post-WWII Bomber
Click on image to view construction
Started in 2001
Completed and Flown in 2007
This is a huge, 108 inch wingspan, scratch-built model of this beautiful British bomber.

This awesome plane was delayed in its first flights due to being slightly overweight when construction was completed.

First flight at Waco TX

In the meantime, the Vulcan won awards when displayed staticly at meets. A waiver was from AMA was finally granted and the Vulcan made its first two flights on the weekend of 11 August 2007 at Waco, Texas. And it flew magnificently!

Click HERE to see the 1st-flight photos
Click HERE to see the 2nd-flight photos
Lockheed Sirius
Click on image to view construction
Completed circa 2000
This is a scratch-built version of the Sirius.

Sorry, no construction photos are available.

British Spitfire Fighter
Sorry, no contruction photos.
Completed ?????
Scratch-built.

Sorry, no constuction photos are available.

Soviet MiG-15 Korean War Vintage Jet Fighter
Sorry, no costruction photos.
Completed ?????
Scratch-built.

Sorry, no constuction photos are available.

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