|
|
|
The Great Planes Fokker DR-1 EP ARF is a pre-built balsa and plywood R/C parkflyer version of the historic WWI Triplane. It takes advantage of technology breakthroughs in electric power for long flight times and maintenance-free operation. The quick build ARF is ready to fly in just a few hours of assembly time. For my complete review on RC Universe, go here. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monocoupe
Click here for my 7' Monocoupe electric conversion on RC Universe. Click here for my "Monocoupe on Floats" thread on RC Universe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1913 Rapid
In March 2006, I purchased this scratch-built design of a 1913 Rapid at a
local auction. It was built in 2003 from Peter Rake proto-type plans by local
modeler, David Ottney. The model came with a geared Speed 400 motor, 9x6 prop,
and two GWS servos. I just couldn't pass it up!
From the
Czechoslovak Aviation History: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Graupner GeeBee The 1928 GeeBee Sportster X was an early racing model from the Golden Era of aviation.
Check out my review of the Graupner GeeBee on the E-Zone.
The Graupner Gee Bee is a foam ARF scale model of the 1928 Gee Bee Sportster. It is designed to fly on a direct drive Speed 480 motor with an all up stock weight of about 24oz. The plane has rudder, elevator, aileron, and throttle controls. The wing houses two servos that can either be connected to a single aileron channel or to separate channels for advanced aerobatics. For my review, I used a Hitec 555 micro receiver and 4 HS-55 servos. The ESC was built-in to the Speed 480 Plus power system. I used the stock Graupner 8-cell 500AR pack for initial testing and then alternately tried a new HE cell 1100mAh pack. I also used the stock Graupner 6.5x4 semi-scale nylon prop and Graupner 6053.31 prop adaptor for 3.2mm shafts. You can check out my entire review of the Graupner GeeBee on the E-Zone.
The GeeBee takes off with much more power using a Plettenberg Freestyle 24 brushless motor. Check out my power system upgrade and review of the Plettenberg Freestyle 24 brushless motor here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W.W.I. German Taube This early observation aircraft (circa 1909) was called by the French, "the Invisible Aircraft". Because of the translucence of the clear doped linen covering the Taube was almost invisible when above 12OO feet. The world's very first "stealth plane"! It was one of the last WWI Scouts to use the wing warping method of control. The word 'Taube' means 'dove' in German and you can see how it got it's name. Specifications:
My Taube is finished in more traditional German colors that makes it easier
for the pilot (me) to see from the ground. A "stealth plane" is not a good idea
for R/C.
I was just about to leave a
local auction after I sold all my stuff that I had brought when this plane came
up for sale. It was beautifully built and setup for glow flight but never flown.
It was clean and "slime-free". After reviewing the size and weight of this ship, I decided that an inexpensive E3D-like power system will work just fine. I also just happen to have one lying around. My Hacker Helio Courier has become a donator for standard size servos and a Futaba R127DF receiver. Although the Taube 40 is a big ship it has a relatively huge wing area and only needs a limited amount of power.
Although I knew the wingarea
was huge, I didn't expect my geared Endoplasma to power it so nicely. Unlike the picture I posted
above, the final position of the flight pack was way forward up against the
firewall. Balsa USA e-mailed me the CG of 3.5" from the leading edge.
Here are some interesting links to more information about the historic Taube: My plan to fly it at a local show worked out well. The combination of a historic design kit flying on electric power (especially a cheap $20 R/C car motor) was well received at the 2002 RCCR Ray Edmond Memorial Fly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ikarus Bleriot III
I recently upgraded my Bleriot III to use #14 carbon reinforced "Fireline" from Berkely on my pull-pull control system and a new pilot "Slim" from Hobby Lobby. He weighs only a couple grams. Specifications:
Modifications from Stock:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wingspan:
40.1 in ... Wing Area: 253 sq in ... Weight: 12.4 oz Charles Lindbergh had to fly non-stop across the Atlantic to hear the roar of the crowds. Generate the same excitement in just 10-12 hours with the Spirit of St. Louis Park Flyer ARF! The fuselage, 1-piece wing and tail group already have a painted silver finish. Fairing material for the struts and realistic, scale-like landing gear is provided and painted — just cut it to length. A replica radial engine, scale-like spinner and decals for authentic markings are also supplied. With its all-foam airframe, the Spirit is exceptionally light. The included 280-size motor can provide slow, gentle loops, graceful rolls and simple stall turns. With a 350mAh pack, you can count on up to 5 minutes of flight...and the admiration of onlookers when you land. Check out my review on the Spirit of St. Louis here. For more information on the Spirit of St. Louis go here. Additionally, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum hosts an informative Milestones of Flight Web page. |
