In MasterClass Season 2 Episode 2 – “Let the Restoration Begin!”, the team at DU-BRO Pine Ridge officially kicks off the hands-on restoration of a classic Texan RC model. Hosted by Joshua Orchard (a.k.a. Mr. Clean), this episode focuses on one thing above all: deep cleaning and properly preparing an old airframe so it’s safe and worthy of further restoration work.
Along the way, you’ll see smart cleaning techniques, engine care tips, hardware organization ideas, and even some cool hobby news—including a major landing gear update and an AMA plans promo.
For DU-BRO hardware and accessories to support your own restorations, start here
AMA Plans, Texan Trivia & DU-BRO Assortment Kits
The episode opens with an AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) sale: 20% off printed plans using the code BUILD2024, plus a giveaway of Texan plans—the same aircraft Joshua is restoring. It’s a nice nod to builders who love scratch-building and classic designs.
Next, the hosts highlight the new DU-BRO Hardware Assortment Kits. These boxes are packed with fasteners, inserts, connectors, hinges, and more—organized by size and color-coded labels. They’re ideal for restoration projects, especially when you run into stripped holes or missing hardware on older models.
Check out DU-BRO’s assortment kits here
Good News for Landing Gear Fans: Robart Struts & Shocks
A big announcement is dropped early in the episode: the struts and shocks portion of Robart landing gear has been acquired by a fellow modeler with a machine shop. That means continued support and availability of key landing gear components for both vintage and new aircraft—a huge win for the RC community.
Pair your retracts and struts with DU-BRO wheels and landing gear accessories
Texan Restoration: Engine Tear-Down & Spinner Polishing
Joshua then turns his attention to the front end of the Texan. The OS Max BX1 engine is stuck and rusty, capped with a heavily corroded prop nut and spinner. He:
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Disassembles the engine and identifies a “Frankenstein” muffler that will be removed
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Shows the internal rust on the bearings and explains why they must be replaced
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Uses Seafoam to loosen deposits and contamination before further work
He also demonstrates how to clean and revive the metal spinner using a Scotch-Brite pad followed by two stages of polishing compound (coarse and fine) to achieve a mirror-like finish.
For engine accessories, fuel fittings, and related hardware, explore DU-BRO’s engine support lineup: Fuel Tanks
Joshua also emphasizes preventative maintenance: using after-run oil through the glow plug hole and flipping the prop to distribute it. This simple habit greatly reduces internal rust and stuck engines on models that sit for long periods.
Fuselage Cleaning: From Dusty Hangar Queen to Showpiece
The real “Mr. Clean” segment starts when Joshua begins scrubbing decades of grime off the Texan’s Monokote covering:
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Stage 1 – Warm Soapy Water
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Uses Dawn or Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap and a soft cloth
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Removes surface dirt and old hangar dust
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Checks carefully for paper decals that might dissolve in water and explains how to document or reproduce them later
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Stage 2 – Glass Cleaner for Deep Cleaning
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Applies an ammonia-based glass cleaner to remove mineral deposits and stubborn staining
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Stresses testing in small areas first to ensure no damage to decals or lifting of the covering
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These careful steps transform the Texan from a dull, chalky relic into a shiny, presentable airframe—without re-covering the entire model.
For hinge, horn, and linkage replacements you’ll inevitably find during such cleanups, DU-BRO has a full range of hardware:
Backlink 5: https://www.dubro.com/collections/linkage-hardware
Bearings, Boca, and Long-Term Reliability
To wrap up the mechanical side, Joshua revisits the importance of replacing rusted engine bearings, strongly recommending Boca Bearings for quality replacements, including ceramic options. Combined with smart after-run oil habits, this ensures the Texan’s powerplant will be reliable for many more flights.
Trivia questions sprinkled throughout the episode add some fun and history, including naval designations like “SNJ” and the Texan’s nicknames across English-speaking countries.
MasterClass SZN2 Episode 2 is more than just cleaning—it’s a blueprint for how to evaluate, clean, and prepare any older RC airplane for restoration. If you’ve ever found an old model at a swap meet or on a dusty shelf, this episode shows exactly how to bring it back with care, the right chemicals, and the right DU-BRO hardware.
