Additional Details
The model. The Ugh-LE-Bug!™ is a modern nod to the beloved low-and-slow style of 1/2A sport flying pioneer Larry Renger — featured as a kit project in Issue 6 (Fall 2017) of balsabuilder Magazine and designed and manufactured by Stevens Aeromodel. Built around the WingIt!™ wing construction system, the Ugh-LE-Bug! is a plans-based build: the construction article narrates the process, and the full-size plans carry the geometry from start to finish — a satisfying traditional balsa building experience with laser-cut parts that fit precisely over the drawings.
How it flies. On a 7.4V 2S pack with the SA Sport Park BL250 motor, the Ugh-LE-Bug! is a relaxed, floaty performer — easy to place on a calm day at a park or schoolyard flying site. Builders consistently report that fitting the largest dihedral brace option delivers the most stable, self-righting flight character, making it a model you can cruise and enjoy without having to work the sticks. For pilots flying at higher elevations (above 5,000 ft ASL), the APC 7×3.8 WSF is the recommended propeller alternative — monitor current draw with a wattmeter when testing any new prop-and-battery combination.
Build level and support. This is a suitable project for an intermediate builder, or a first-time builder with support from an experienced mentor. The laser-cut parts register directly over the full-size plans with tab-and-notch precision, and the included construction article walks you through every step. A free preview is linked from this product page; the full project editorial appears in balsabuilder Magazine Issue 6.
This item is frequently stocked and ready to ship — check the product page for current availability. If shown as Cut to Order, please allow 5–7 business days for production.
KIT INCLUDES
- Laser-cut balsa parts package, cut from hand-sorted balsa with tab-and-notch construction
- Strip wood stock
- Pre-bent wire landing gear
- Comprehensive hardware package
- Full-size plans
- Construction article
POWER SYSTEM & ELECTRONICS
Recommended (2S — the setup the Ugh-LE-Bug! was designed around):
| Component | Specification | Product Link |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | SA Sport Park BL250 (55W, 2200Kv) — the motor this kit was designed around | Park BL250 (55W | 2200Kv) |
| ESC | SA Sport 12A Brushless Electronic Speed Control | 12A ESC (JST) |
| Battery | 325–550 mAh 7.4V (2S) LiPo. Our picks: ThunderPower Elite 325 mAh 55C or ProLite X 500 mAh 25C | 325mAh 7.4V 2S · 500mAh 7.4V 2S |
| Propeller (standard) | APC 7×4.1 SF — more thrust, higher amp draw, less conservative option for the Park BL250 on 2S | APC 7×4.1 SF |
| Propeller (alt.) | SA Sport 6×3 HD — a conservative alternative to the 7×4 above, well matched to the BL250 on 2S | SA Sport 6×3 HD |
| Propeller (altitude) | SA Sport 7×3.8 WSF — recommended for sites above 5,000 ft ASL; verify with a wattmeter | SA Sport 7×3.8 WSF |
| Servos (×2) | Sport Micro Servo 04.4g — two required, one each for rudder and elevator | Sport Micro Servo 04.4g |
| Receiver | 3–4 channel park-flyer receiver, ~5–8 g, compatible with your transmitter | Sourced from your preferred dealer |
REQUIRED BUILDING TOOLS & SUPPLIES
The Ugh-LE-Bug! is a film-covered balsa kit — plan on the standard park flyer build kit:
Covering film: 1–2 rolls in contrasting colors. We recommend AeroLITE (2M Roll) or ParkLITE (2M Roll) — both are lightweight iron-on films well suited to smaller park flyers. A covering iron is required; a heat gun is helpful for crisp shrink over compound curves.
Adhesives: CA glue in Thin and Medium viscosities is the default, with Thick occasionally useful. Keep CA accelerator (kicker) and CA debonder on hand. Builders sensitive to CA can substitute aliphatic resin (white or wood glue) without issue.
Hand tools: A #11 hobby knife handle with extra #11 hobby blades (5-pack) or the 100-pack for serious builders. A dual-grit 120/240 sanding block plus assorted sandpaper sheets (120 and 240 grit minimum). Clear tape for hinging and low-tack masking tape for layout work.
Building board: a flat 12″ × 24″ surface.
Build It!
Theturtleguy (verified owner) –
This plane kit is awesome, it goes together really easy and looks sharp when complete. I would recommend getting the motor speed control prop and servos they have listed as they are a perfect match for this little plane. I used the largest dihedral brace on mine as I wanted a fun little plane that floats around in the air and I got just that. This is my third kit from Stevens Aeromodel and they are all of the highest quality. Please support them because we need small companies with high quality kits in our hobby!