Now for something totally different - - - -

[Joe T.]

All,

I have been working on a new concept (actually, it isn't as new as I thought - see MIG-8) for a Light Sport Aircraft. The wife and I have been building a 1/3 scale R.C. model for about 3 years. We had some issues with the instrumentation which cost us almost a year to straighten out. But, we finished the model last month.

I had some issues after the model was painted. It took a while to resolve. One was wheels. I am on my forth type of wheels (four sets). I think I have finally found an acceptable wheel. The original light weight wheels (foam) just could not take the vehicle weight. Next, a set of pneumatic ‘balloon’ wheels/tires. John, the R.C. pilot, had been concerned about the balloon wheels/tires. Plenty of ‘shock absorption’ but the wheels tended to wander. Then we tried lawnmower wheels. Worked well, but no shock absorption and there was a concern about their grip. So, after looking a LONG time, I think I found a set that has some shock absorption but do not wonder. Ultra Lightweight WHEELCHAIR WHEELS!

But, we finally made it to the airport!!!

Some photos at the airport. Kathy and I took the model to the airport yesterday (Wednesday, July 23, 2014) afternoon. John was there and helped unload the trailer and assemble the model. Then, we did some taxi runs.

We will continue taxi testing and gradually move up to rotation speed. This model is different from any John has flown. It is heavy. It is not as powerful as John’s typical models. So, he is taking his time and learning about its ground handling qualities, etc.

Still photos attached.

First flight when John and the model are ready!

Joe T.

 

[Kratos]

I love hobbies like this! Awesome!

 

[ARtraveler]

I used to love flying those smaller models powered by a McCoy 35. I crashed most of the ones I flew. So it was a build it, fly it, crash it scenario. Don't know which was more fun.

I am very impressed with some of the equipment that is used these days. Love to watch stuff like that, but my skill level would not allow me to be a pilot for sure.

You have a beautiful plane there. Thank you for posting and bringing back some fond memories for me.

 

[Bob Denman]

Wow!!

That is a real Beauty!! :congrats:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

That looks really cool. :clap: I hope you'll also post some pics after you get it off the ground.

I used to love flying those smaller models powered by a McCoy 35. I crashed most of the ones I flew. So it was a build it, fly it, crash it scenario. Don't know which was more fun.

I am very impressed with some of the equipment that is used these days. Love to watch stuff like that, but my skill level would not allow me to be a pilot for sure.

You have a beautiful plane there. Thank you for posting and bringing back some fond memories for me.

My dad used to build/fly scale models. In retirement, he treated it like a job, and was in the hobby room (formerly the garage) almost from the time he got up until supper. He also had a cycle - build, fly, crash, rebuild, etc. He kept a couple of "trainers" for practice that were easier to rebuild and only flew his scale models of real planes after he got good at it. He had several models of planes he had flown/owned in full-scale, and won several static display awards for them. They're now on display at the local RC hobby shop.

 

[retread]

My RC experience goes back to the rubber band escapments, Dennymite .60, Forester .99, 7 foot J-3 Cub days. Then I discovered girls.

john

 

[Dan McNally]

Very cool!

 

[Chupaca]

Very cool..!!

great look. Amazing it is almost a flying wing. Flew some of them U-control could not afford radio control back then..good luck and looking forward to pictures in the air...:2thumbs: :clap:

 

[grumpybob]

Cool! Hope it flies as great as it looks.

 

[ValCruzSpyder]

Caught My Eye

This is a serious hobby that I never got to experience. I have seen my neighbors venture out to fly (pilot) their Remote-controlled Aircraft, and have marveled at the sight of their flights! I can really appreciate their elation upon their return from a full day of flying. The thrill of piloting my Spyder is the closest I will ever get to that same feeling. And you should see THIER faces when me and my wife cruise back into the neighborhood on our RT...PRICELESS!!!!!!

That is one good looking aircraft. Hope you are enjoying your flight time!!!!:yes::yes:

 

[Lin]

When she flies

When she flies, I'd love to see a short video. I love the design!

 

[frankm]

Beautiful aircraft. I would be very interested in seeing a video of it in flight. This takes me back to my youth when I dabbled in control line and free flight. I never could afford the RC scene though.

Frank

 

[Magdave]

Never went bigger that 1/4 scale myself but it was a lot of fun and depressing when things went bad I couldn't do all of these tricks only about 75% myself.

 

[Magdave]

and the bad :yikes: ( by the helicopters can't fly they are so ugly the earth repulses them :roflblack