In MasterClass Season 2, Episode 3 – “It’s Alive!”, DU-BRO takes us deep into the world of RC airplane restoration with the legendary Texan model. Hosted by Joshua Orchard (affectionately nicknamed Mr. Clean after his obsessive cleaning demo in the previous episode), this session is as much about preserving history as it is about modeling skills.
The featured aircraft is a well-built but tired Texan originally constructed by Bryce Connor for DU-BRO’s former owner, Jim Broberg. Bryce was a Navy veteran who helped rescue survivors from the USS Indianapolis—so this model carries real historical weight. Joshua’s job? Respect that legacy while bringing the airplane back to flight-ready condition.
While you enjoy the story, you’ll also pick up a ton of practical tips you can apply to your own hangar.
For DU-BRO hardware and accessories to support your next restoration, start here:
Cleaning, Stripping, and Recovering the Tail
Joshua starts at the back: the rudder and tail surfaces. Years of dust, hanger rash, and aged covering meant the fabric had to go. He uses a hair dryer to gently soften the adhesive and peel off the old covering, then sands and wipes with acetone to remove residue.
To ensure the new covering bonds well, he applies a dedicated covering adhesive and re-covers the surfaces using film that’s been professionally color matched. Since yellow covering changes over time, he had an automotive paint shop match the shade—exactly the kind of detail that separates quick repairs from true restorations.
For fresh hinges, horns, and linkage hardware on your own models, DU-BRO’s got you covered:
Tightening Covering, Clear Coats, and Fuel-Proof Finishes
The Texan’s existing covering wasn’t replaced everywhere—much of it was simply tightened and revived. Using a heat gun on low, Joshua shrinks loose, sagging film back into crisp, smooth surfaces.
Because this is a glow/gas model, he stresses the importance of fuel-proof clear coats. He explains the difference between 1K and 2K clears, recommending 2K for long-term resistance to gasoline and environmental wear, while noting 1K is fine in some cases.
If you’re tying your covering work into new fuel systems or tank installs, check out DU-BRO’s fuel accessories:
Hardware Refresh: Bearings, Clevises, and Retracts
Inside the fuselage, Joshua replaces tired radio gear with modern servos and receiver hardware. He also renews all the silicone tubing on DU-BRO metal clevises—a small detail that dramatically improves safety and reliability.
The engine gets a full inspection, including removal of rusty bearings and installation of new ones, followed by a polished spinner that looks nearly new. The pneumatic retract system is simplified using Y-fittings to reduce potential leak points and ensure consistent operation for multiple touch-and-goes.
For linkages, pushrods, clevises, and safety hardware like Safety Lock Kwik-Links, visit:
Safety Lessons and Scale Details
One of the most powerful parts of the episode is Joshua’s prop safety PSA. After a prop nut loosened and the propeller departed during testing, he uses the moment to reinforce:
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Always stand clear of the prop arc
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Think about where the model is pointed before starting
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Treat even “small” engines with respect
He also dives into details like 3D-printing a missing intake vent, carefully removing original decals, and planning to reapply them after clear coat to preserve the model’s heritage.
If you’re building or rebuilding a classic kit and want a clean, reliable switch installation like Joshua uses, the DU-BRO Universal Kwik Switch Mount is a perfect companion:
Why This Episode Matters for Modelers
MasterClass SZN2 Episode 3 isn’t just entertainment—it’s a master lesson in respectful restoration. You’ll learn:
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How to evaluate an old model without over-rebuilding it
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Smart ways to refresh covering, paint, and hardware
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The value of fuel-proof finishes and modern radio gear
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How to integrate new parts while preserving a model’s story
If you’ve ever found a dusty gem at a swap meet or inherited an old airframe from a friend, this episode shows exactly how to bring it back to life—safely, beautifully, and with the right DU-BRO hardware backing you up.
