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Post by greggles47 on May 17, 2013 23:34:52 GMT -7
Here's the latest build. The Mini Roadrunner. a 2.5cc combat model. 42" wing span. This one for a Brodak .15. Greg Attachments:
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Post by jehold66203 on May 18, 2013 9:50:22 GMT -7
Sounds like a lot of wing for a Brodak .15, but then I remember the Roadrunner Combat plane had very little construction. Have several British designs that were short kits from the UK bay site.
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Post by greggles47 on May 18, 2013 16:23:32 GMT -7
Doc,
Like Leigh Mallory in WW2 I like big wings!
I have used bigger wings for 15s. If built light (around 14 oz) the performance is dynamic!
They're not the fastest model but not much will turn with it.
I run the Brodak on 10% nitro and use an 8X4 prop. 52"3" lines.
Greg
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Post by greggles47 on May 18, 2013 16:26:14 GMT -7
The original Roadrunner was an open combat model.
At the end of its development it was 49" span, ROG rules necessitated a wheel. It also had coupled flaps. Hot 40's took them over 100 mph and out turned the flying wings that were popular at the time.
Greg
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Post by greggles47 on May 23, 2013 0:33:42 GMT -7
And now it's off! off the board that is. AUW just a tick under 15oz, so I'm happy there. Cant' wait for the weekend to give it her maiden flight. The weather's going to have to get better tho' Greg Attachments:
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Post by greggles47 on May 27, 2013 3:32:58 GMT -7
Now I wish it had rained all weekend.
It didn't survive its maiden :-(
Still not sure whether it was pilot error, or some other problem.
Greg
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Post by jehold66203 on May 30, 2013 16:22:29 GMT -7
So what is the story?
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Post by greggles47 on May 30, 2013 23:10:19 GMT -7
Like a lot of good stories it is a mystery.
First flight, it took off and grooved the way all previous models like it, so it was really just like flying its predecessor.
Flicked it to inverted, just as before - only a little outboard wing high - easy fixed.
Loops - inside, a little more open than the previous one, but no vices. Loops - outside, just a touch tighter than insides.
Lazy eights - really just able to steer wherever was wanted, nice open ones take up half a lap, enjoyed the tight outside turn. Then tighten them up and it hangs out well and then.......
During the transition from inside to outside, I must have become disoriented, because it just dived straight into the ground, almost like I aimed for it.
Still not entirely sure of how or why, but I suspect it may have something to do with my inverted flight technique where I roll my hand to horizontal.
Greg
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Post by jehold66203 on May 31, 2013 7:16:31 GMT -7
That would do it if nothing broke in the control system. I have concentrated on having the handle vertical while doing maneuvers, but still catch myself rotating the hand during some maneuvers.
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Post by greggles47 on Sept 2, 2013 4:42:04 GMT -7
Time for another new one.
This one is similar to the Mini Roadrunner, but has extended fuselage length, and shorter chord. Also some cosmetic changes, so that it'll not look very much the same at all.
Looking to see the effects of a thicker wing section and higher aspect ratio.
Pictures to follow, when it looks more interesting than a pile of balsa.
Greg
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Post by greggles47 on Sept 11, 2013 2:21:33 GMT -7
Here's the new one, finally looking like it'll fly. The High Aspect is really apparent, now I have the tips on. Attachments:
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Post by jehold66203 on Sept 14, 2013 12:12:34 GMT -7
That looks like it should do the trick. Reminds me of the Winder Combat plane of years ago with a fuselage.
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Post by greggles47 on Sept 16, 2013 4:43:29 GMT -7
Thanks mate, I've been building, this construction method since the mid 60's. Mostly the mini Roadrunner ('cause it flies nicely). The few variations have flown well, but for sentimental reasons I keep going back to the original. This variation, is similar in looks to Bob Fisher's Eclipse - .hippocketaeronautics. If it flies as well I will be pleased. sorry I don't know the Winder This one now has all the balsa added, and hit the scales at 8oz. Needs the outer tip shaped then dope & cover. Still has a chance of sub 16oz. Greg Attachments:
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Post by greggles47 on Sept 23, 2013 0:21:33 GMT -7
Painted now, and a few small jobs before she gets airborne. Attachments:
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Post by jehold66203 on Sept 26, 2013 6:43:25 GMT -7
Looks good. Hope this one works.
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Post by greggles47 on Sept 28, 2013 3:54:09 GMT -7
Well it survived its maiden - just.
Windy enough to blow a dog of a chain, and at times I was getting the full plan view.
I still don't know if it flies well or not, it was 4 minutes of heart stopping action, and once the fan stopped the fun began all over. I think I did well to get it down unscathed.
Hope nest week the wind stops.
Greg
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Post by Garf on Nov 28, 2013 18:18:51 GMT -7
If it survived really bad conditions, it must be a good one.
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Post by jehold66203 on Nov 29, 2013 8:27:54 GMT -7
Well is it tail heavy or controls too sensitive?
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Post by greggles47 on Dec 2, 2013 14:52:37 GMT -7
I think it's a combination of slightly tail heavy & a wing warp.
I've been off flying with a wounded thumb, so I've spent some time getting the wings as straight as my eyes can tell. So next flying session should see some action.
Greg
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Post by greggles47 on Jan 19, 2014 14:44:47 GMT -7
I've had a couple of outings with this model now.
I'm still not happy with how it goes. It persists in flying inverted with o/b wing high. WIll add a trim tap to see if that solves it.
But worse still is how slow it turns, I'm really more used to models that really snap. This one confounds me, it should be better. Maybe try turning a few more revs will sharpen it up.
Greg
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