The original Shoestring racer was designed by Rodney Kreimendahl and built by Carl and Vincent Ast at Van Nuys, California. It was built to compete in a new class introduced at the 1947 Cleveland National Air Races, the 190 Cubic Inches class, this designation indicating the maximum engine size permitted. Originally known as the Ast Special it was eventually designated Mercury Air Shoestring. Plans were made available and several were built with different powerplants.

N24ML                     c/n 27                         USA

Single seat racer first flown in 1947

Engine: 100hp(74kW) Continental O-200                                                                                          Length: 17’8"(5.37m)                                                                                            Height: 4’6"(1.37m)Wingspan: 19’0"(5.78m)                                                                                                  No.built: 8+ Range: 400miles(643km)                                                                 Cruising speed: 180mph(289kmh) Empty weight:525lb(226kg)                                                      Maximum take-off weight: 800lb(345kg)

Mercury Air Shoestring Side view 1/144 scale:

Side view 1/108 scale

Side view 1/72 scale