Built about 20 years ago. Recovered 14 years ago after a dumb thumb. Needs some down Elevater trim, G-26 pulled it around very well. Would out turn  nieuport 28, but was slower due to extra wing. Flies fine, needs differential Aileron to roll smooth. No problems taking off and landing into the wind. You need to work a little harded at cross wind, but can be done. Even off black top. Had to retire it after 20 some years of hard flying.

I have been flying my DR1 for just about a week after a three month build. It has been more than 20 years since I built a giant scale Balsa airplane and I had forgotten what a pleasure it is to create something this size out of a box of parts. The instructions and plans were great. And tech support was awesome.BUSA - you guys rock. Thanks so much for this head turning flyer.

Instructions have several errors,like all do.Read/inventory ahead of building.Mine missing2 wing ribs. MY lower wing saddle needed @ 1/4" spacer to get correct incidence. Hor.stab/elevator needed stiffening.A great kit That builds easy,looks very scale and flies really easy when set up correctly.I do love it.I will buy another kit.

I've bought a few Balsa USA kits but the Swizzle Stick screamed to be built. So after 43 years I rebuilt it, converted it to electric with all wires hidden in the structure. Battery fit perfectly in the fuel tank area. It has a proper cover for the battery. A 2500. 4 cell provides the urge. It was a pleasant build and had some of the nicest wood that I've seen in awhile. Good plans and a thorough manual makes assembly easy and the finished product will stir some pleasant memories. Not flown yet but the ailerons will be really appreciated as the 'trainer' had some unique maneuvers that made it fun to fly. It did the best flat spins from a trainer you could ever want. Increase the throttle to full a tight rotation and hold a slight amount of up ant it would flat spin to the ground with the engine running and begging to go up again. Thanks to Balsa USA for keeping a memory in production for a younger generation to appreciate its unique features. and a smile to ancient builders.

Been needing something just like this for bigger projects and to keep me organized better. Laser cutting is awesome and everything fits perfectly!!! Quality and strength is great as well.

This is my second BUSA kit, following a 1/4 N11. My 17 is powered by a Zenoah 26 (mag). Follow the very clear and concise build manual and it builds easy, fairly quick and accurate. I've been flying the heck out of it, flying very nicely, just like a WW1 scout fighter should and landings are super easy. I scaled it out a bit with the optional aluminium cowl and added a false engine from Mick Reeves. It looks the part and flys the part. Couldn't recommend this enough, thanks you Balsa USA. Here is a quick video of mine: https://youtu.be/7dSuwRAGGkQ

I purchased this kit about 15 or so years ago. This is the most complete kit I have ever had. Everything in the kit is perfect. Just letting folks know they can't go wrong if they purchase this kit. You will be happy with it. Total quality.

I started RC flying back in 1984 and purchased 3 of these kits to get started. You may ask why 3 kits, well that's because at the time I didn't know anything about RC or anyone that could help teach me to fly and I knew it would probably take a few crashes to get to a level that I could take off and fly on my own. Well, after crashing and totally destroying the first 2 I finally got the third one up and flying although not pretty I got it up and down in one piece. The feeling that I had afterwards was intense to say the least. Anyway, I will always be nostalgic about this plane and the ease of building and flying. (5 Stars).

I have been building for over 45 years, mostly scratch building from plans. I bought this kit because I am tired of cutting parts by hand. WHAT A JOY TO BUILD ! The parts are truly "fall out", and everything fit perfectly. She has the "wow factor" at the field, and the first time I took her to a warbird fly-in, she won best WWI. I chose the DLE 85, which is perfect. I quickly bought a 1/3 Stinson, and 1/3 Dr1 (kits) and am in retirement heaven. Hats off for Balsa USA on great flying planes !

This is an awesome kit ,and with all Balsa usa kits I have, it is an awesome flying model as well. Mine is equipped with a Moki 215 radial engine. , the performance is unmatched,as the airplane can handle anything I throw at it .Take offs are straight and predictable, as well as the landings too.This plane will make even the week end flyer look like a pro,there are no bad habbits to report about ,this biplane, and from all that have seen it fly,there bottom jaws, are usually down by there toes, when I land...great plane balsa usa..The realism in how the model flys ,is very similar in how the real plane does as well,this was mentioned to myself everytime, I hit an event or partake in a demonstration flite..I swing a 32-18 prop, and when I throttle down to land this acts like a big brake,when the idle is down around 800rpm.Overall review of this plane is a must have on your bucket list ,for builds and for experiencing how it flies,it is an honest 5 stars,out of 5...thanks Balsausa.

I learned to fly first with a 2m glider hand launched with a OS .15 Max. Then we moved up to the Stick 40. Man, what fun times back then. My best friend and I both solo'ed the ole Stick with a OS .35 Max and 3 channel taildragger. My dad and I built it in the basement, painted the fuse and tail feathers, and monocote covered the wings. I loved this plane for many years! I even towed a banner with it at one of our club fun-fly events one year. Thinking of building another just for old times sake. The stick builds easy, I remember the wing to be SUPER STRONG, with standing many cartwheels during landing and takeoff mishaps. It lands slow, and is very well behaved in the air. All in all, I'd say about the perfect trainer.