A few of my favorite things
Paul Bradley
bradleyep@ix.netcom.com
This might not be how the well-known song goes, but it’s how a small-field flier might see his or her favorite things. Take, for example, some older model designs that are on Jim Lueken’s list of favorite things. He sent me a nice photo of two models from the early 1960s that have been built as current-day small-field fliers.
First is the high-wing Ken Willard Schoolboy. That design appeared as a January 1962 Model Airplane News (MAN) construction article. Jim’s current-day rendition of the model retains the classic balsa-and-tissue construction, but it is electric powered. The original aircraft was intended for a Cox .010 glow fuel engine. Jim also added elevator to the rudder-only design.
As a stablemate to his Schoolboy, Jim built the cute Aubrey Kochman-designed Lil’ Roughneck from the November 1963 issue of American Modeler. That design was also rudder only, and used a Cox .010 for power. Jim retained the rudder-only control setup, but again went with electric power.
I share Jim’s fondness for both of these models. My first successful RC aircraft build was the Schoolboy. I built it from the magazine plans right after the construction article was published. I flew mine on a single channel with the equipment that was available. It logged many flights at my local schoolyard.
I have also liked the Lil’ Roughneck design since it was first published. I have not yet built one, but with Jim’s excellent example, I may need to correct that situation. Both models are reported to be great small-field fliers. Plans for each can be found on the Outerzone website listed in “Sources.”
On the subject of plans, I want to mention that Jim is the proprietor of a great online business called Plans and Things. He offers modeling books and Free Flight plans that can be used for nice small-field RC models. You will find the website listed in the “Sources” section.
Flying Favorites
Another way that aer modelers show favoritism for a model is by how often they fly it. Reader Ron Ogren, from Orchard Park, New York, sent me a nice note regarding such an airplane. Here is his description of that aircraft:
“I recently came across a Micro-X kit of a Stinson 125, the prototype for the Stinson [Model 125] Voyager. The RC kit was designed for a Cox .049, but I built it with electric power and added ailerons.
“The motor is a 2822/12-1,000 with a two-cell 1,300 mAh battery. My colors are taken from the Air Classic magazine, which featured a story of a restored Stinson Voyager used by the Civil Air Patrol [CAP].
“The CAP used these during World War II as submarine spotters along the coasts. This model has a 38-inch span and weight of 17 ounces.
“We now have 62 flights [on the model]. It flies as expected, is fun, and with the added ailerons, is very maneuverable.”
I would say that 62 flights qualify this as a favorite model. Thanks, Jim and Ron, for sharing some of your favorite models.
T-28 Meets Ron Sims
What happens when you hand past Model Aviation contributor Ron Sims, of St. Joseph, Missouri, a ParkZone Ultra Micro T-28 Trojan and a May 1947 issue of MAN? (Strange question, I know.)
As it turns out, that old issue of MAN happened to include a three-view and
Give Model Aviation contributor John Krouse an opportunity to use X in the description of a model, and see what he turns out. The photo with this column tells the tale of John’s X-Plane.
John had two GWS 30mm fan units that were not in use. He coupled them with two 7mm brushed motors and created a unique way of mounting them on a model. Not only is the motor mounting unconventional, each motor is controlled by its own Plantraco 900 MHz receiver and 90 mAh LiPo battery. Differential motor control is not being used.
The dual receiver/battery setup keeps the current draw within the limits of the built-in receiver’s ESC. Directional control is provided by a magnetic actuator connected to the bottom-mounted rudder.
The 17-inch model has a flying weight of 32 grams. John said its flying qualities are “exciting.” I’ll bet. Neat model, John.
That is it for this installment. As always, let me know what you are up to in the world of small-field flying.
SOURCES:
Paul Bradley
10201 Scarletoak Dr.
Independence KY 41051
bradleyp@ix.netcom.com
www.parmodels.com
Outerzone
www.outerzone.co.uk
Plans and Things
plansandthings@gmail.com
www.plansandthings.com
Shapeways
www.shapeways.com
