Curtiss JN4-D2 "Jenny"

Back in 2023, I had the opportunity to buy this Curtiss Jenny from a good friend of my late uncle Jack. I didn’t hesitate because the model had been expertly built by the latter from the excellent Proctor Enterprises (*) kit back in 1983 as a first project after his retirement as a military pilot. He was so proud of this build and rightfully so. He flew the model quite a bit, but I can’t say how many flights it had before he sold the Jenny to his friend. I don’t think this friend actually flew the model. Anyway, I was happy to be able to take possession of this piece of model aviation history.

old photo of uncle Jack's Jenny ready for flight

old photo of the Curtiss Jenny with static prop

At first, it was not my intention to fly the model as it had some issues (like a few broken brass fittings), but towards the end of 2025, I started changing my mind so I investigated the feasibility to make her fly again.

the assembled Jenny took quite some space in my workshop during the restoration work

The previous owner had substituted a slightly larger engine, a brand new OS MAX FSA 81. I don’t know which engine was installed previously, but it could well have been an OS MAX FS70 Surpass as it is about the only engine with the same mounting dimensions. The FSA 81 needed some disassembly and cleaning as it had gummed up during storage. I received only a scale static balsa propeller with the model, so I installed a suitable flying propeller.

new OS FSA 81 installed with a scale looking 15-6 wooden flying propeller

I replaced the old fuel tank, installed new fuel tubing and checked all the controls and servos. Incidently, fuelling is done through the cap on top of the radiator. Another unique feature is the fact that the sticks and pedals in both cockpits follow the movement of the associated control surfaces. These control surfaces are actuated by cables, exactly like the full size. The power switch is activated with the throttle lever (from either cockpit). A new 2.4 GHz receiver with gyro stabilization was installed, together with a new airborne battery. The landing gear and tail skid have some kind of suspension in the form of rubber bands. These of course needed replacement which I found in a Veritas shop.

new rubber bands for main gear suspension

I’m waiting for a calm day to put the Jenny into the air again, 43 years after she was built, but I will first do some engine runs at home to make sure everything is fine before flying. I will update this page as soon as I have further news.

(*) Proctor Enterprises are still in business at time of writing (Jan 2026) and the kit can still be purchased, see their website.

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