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Does anyone think it would be good to have an introductory gas model design available for newcomers to start with? Would it be of any interest to design one through collaboration of this group? It should be easy to build, easu to adjust and fly. Probably for a small gas sized model. Any thoughts?
Denny
Gee, the woods are full of existing 1/2A designs that would be suitable. I think you are asking a question the answer to which already exists.
Probably a better question to pose: “What is a good first Gas model, and what is it about it that makes it thus?”
We already have one.
StardusterX. kits are available. Its easy to build. It doesn’t need to be real straight. It should be contest ready in about 4 trim flights. It could be built by a rank beginner in the middle of East Wheatcrack,Montana and someone could talk through trimming problems with a cell-phone.
For the ‘Duster event, he doesn’t even need to build it. Get it from a dead-guys estate.
Starduster to a Maverick is a pretty easy transition. The Maverick is more competitive. I would argue for the Maverick if the proposed newbie has some building experience. It is a bit harder to build and less tolerant of warps in the wrong place. Its plenty competitive.
If the ‘Duster X was smaller, it could be a bit more competitive in Cat3 events.I would like to throw in the Galaxy….Yup, a little harder to build but more competitive…Or, how about a Mini-Pearl?
John,John,John 😆
Galaxie has the fin in a bad place.
Is the Mini-Pearl really suitable for a beginner?@Dan Berry wrote:
John,John,John 😆
Galaxie has the fin in a bad place.
Is the Mini-Pearl really suitable for a beginner?Yes, I have to go along with the fin in a bad place on ‘Galaxie’.
I built mine over 30 years ago with a longer fuselage and added a thick built up fin on the rear……ST29 powered……was a good thing in it’s day.
I also lowered the pylon a little……still have it here.The easiest to build, easiest to trim model has got to be the RAMROD 250. It would probably fly fine with a Cox sure start engine available in quanity on ebay, cheap. Then it would be eligible for 1/2 A gas, 1/2 A classic, 1/2A NOS. Campbell has plans, short kits and full kits, reasonable. TT micro timer linked to a badge DT to complete the package. Maybe not real competitive in all the classes but enough to get a start. I’ve considered building a plane or two like that as a “trainer”like the rc clubs have to let a spectator give it a try. Recruitment tool? Thermals, Glenn
I submit the somewhat forgotten 1977 Jim Clem designed 1/2 A “Witch Hawk” for possibly the best overall introductory gas model. This forward finned model has good proportions, straight lines, and is very easy to build. The diagonal rib construction is just as easy as straight rib construction, yet is rigid enough to allow use of any lightweight iron-on covering. At 240 square inches of wing area, it is big enough to trim easily, yet it climbs excellent with a Tee Dee .049 and glides very well when built light. This model was kitted for awhile in the early 1980’s and would still be very competitive today in classic power. I’m sure someone provides plans for it. I built my first one in 1978 from plans at age 15 and after hand glides, was trimmed after two power flights! 🙂
Another interesting Jim Clem model is the ‘Bubba Clem’, published in the May 81 MAN and available as plans from NFFS.
It is about the same size (234 sq in) as the Witch Hawk with the same wing construction, but is a high-thrust model with the motor about 1/2 way up the pylon.
Nope, I haven’t built it, so can’t comment on how it flies, but I haven’t heard anything bad about any Jim Clem model, so I doubt it’s a baddy.
As far as beginner 1/2A models, the problem today is first finding a suitable motor. Once that’s done, I agree on the Starduster if a kit can be found. Also that new Top Notch Maverick kit looks good and with the laser-cutting and associated engineering, will likely be as easy to build as anything out there… but darned, at 407, it’s too big to be a 1/2A!
The BMJR Bounty Hunter is not the easiest thing to build, but their new Country Boy kit looks interesting… anyone have their hands on it yet?
And I agree on whether the Mini-Pearl is suitable for a beginner… only if they come with some building skills and have a good trimming coach.
Greg in Mississippi
Hi Denny
Happy Holidays to all of you!
I think there is a need for a SIMPLE sport plane. No timer, no DT, covered with plastic.
My first gas job (we still call them gas jobs?) was a Veco Sioux with a clunker Cub .074 and the cast factory tank mount. No timer, no DT flew it forever until the fuel soaked firewall fell off!
A plane using the Cox product motor and the little clip on helicopter tank, 400+ sq. inches (like Texaco size) a landing gear (it has to have wheels) and a cabin or cockpit. Rugged to take some abuse and heavy enough that it doesn’t thermal away. Maybe we could convert one of those laser cut RC trainers?
Let him get a Cox helicopter or flying saucer(they’re around), learn how to run the engine, fly the helicopter until they blow the blades off and then put the engine in a plane.
My 2 cents
– Norm
I’ve been away from my computer for the past 3 weeks so I’m just getting caught up on this thread. If the question is to develop a new introductory plane than I’d suggest a Galaxy with a shortend wing and stab with a new fus. design. My reasoning is that it is a proven design, trims and flys very well, and due to the geodetic construction is very robust and can take some abuse from the beginner flyer and powered with either the Cox Medallion or the Tee Dee is a great flyer. If by chance the beginner wants to get into the big leagues this plane and it’s construction can take the Cyclons. If the suggestion is for one of a current design model, I reccomend the 250 in. Starduster. It flyes very well with again either the Cox medallion or it becomes a rocket with a Tee Dee.
Scott
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