Starduster X

[Bill Shailor]

My oldest son, Paul, is building a Starduster X. I had the kit for years. The last one I built was in the 60’s. Back then I didn’t worry about wing warps or thrust. If they flew, great! If not, back to Joe’s Hobby Shop for another one. Anyway, what wing warps should it have and what type of thrust?
It will have a T.D. .049 and a Cox grey 6-4 prop.
Thanks,
Bill

[DAN BERRY]

No thrust adjustments.
Washout both tips 3/32. Wash-in the left main 3/32. Fly left/left. Launch it straight up. Consider a different prop. I use an APC 6×2. It makes a bit over 20,000 rpm. Other props didn’t haul the freight as well.

[Ed Hardin]

Bill, great little plane, it was my first free flight model built in the early 60,s as well. I still fly them in the Starduster X event. I agree with Dan on the trust and warps, it will fly the way you point it , so straight up is the way to go. I have a TD .049 with the APC 5.5×2 prop, you will need the bushing Lee Campell sells for the APC props, Nelson head and plug, fine thread NVA and pressure bladder stuff from fellow Tennessean Hank Nystrom. All it needed for trim was a little left rudder tab, flys great.
Good luck to Paul with the X.
Ed

[JLorbiecki]

WHAT?!?!?!?! A Shailor with an engine (after all these years)…I am in shock….Now you need to get fuel, a battery, a timer, etc…You can not use a winder and torque meter to start it. Also, PLEASE DO NOT HOLD THE PROP BEFORE THROWING IT!!!

I always like Paul…

Welcome to the dark side!!!

[DAN BERRY]

I am in total agreement with John, DON’T hold the prop before launching. Also, the delayed prop release isn’t a good idea.

[Bill Shailor]

But if he doesn’t hold the prop, won’t all the torque burn off???
Thanks for the tips!
Bill

[Timer Guy]

Bill, contact me if you need a radial mount or fine thread (for pressure) NVA for the TD.

[Bill Shailor]

Hank, I think he’s going to go with the Cox red tank and standard set-up for this first one. He has the firewall on and set up already. He’s home for Christmas break and is really sailing along. He hopes to have it done by the time he goes back.
Thanks, All, and Merry Christmas!
Bill

[RANDALL RYAN]

I remember Bill flying OT gas, well, .02 Replica anyway. What was that Bill, a Clipper???

[Bill Shailor]

Randy,
It was a Clipper. The half-A size. On the plan, it had an option for rubber power and a dummy engine detail. Flew pretty well!
You have a good memory!
Bill

[RANDALL RYAN]

I remember when Dad offered to take your indoor box to the gym on the roof of his ’66 Dodge too!!!

[Anonymous]

Anyone have any idea what the “X” in Starduster “X” means?
The 1/2A, 350, 600, 900 seem self explanitory.
Just wondering…
Cheers,
Rob

[JIM MOSELEY]

Think it was just a tag for a smaller version of the standard 1/2A.
You could always ask Sal, of course 😀

[REYNOLD MAZZOCCO]

@Jim Moseley wrote:

Think it was just a tag for a smaller version of the standard 1/2A.
You could always ask Sal, of course 😀

I always thought that the X fit between the 1/2A and the 350. Don’t know why it was called the X…maybe his 10th design?

Rey

[Anonymous]

Yup. The X is definetely between the 1/2A (41 1/2″) and the 350 (51 1/2″).
The “X” is 45″.
Could it have anything to do with the Vertical Takeoff from the ground…It has the dowels on the stab and fin?
Am I beating this death??
Anyone have a favorite Starduster?
Still wondering.
Cheers,
Rob

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