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Re: New mystery model

Posted: 19 Aug 2019, 18:08
by tiptipflyer
Thanks for your input and your ideas guys.
The forward fin location is the reason for sure, and an additional subfin will impove things also. But it is a classic model, one of the first kitted R/C models here in Germany and I will fly it as close to its original appearance as possible. Therefore I will not add a subfin or move the rudder further back.
I increased the rudder area with a transparent plastic part which is almost invisible in flight or from a short distance but works a treat. As you can see in the picture you have to look very closely to see it.
The model flies quite nicely now and I am pleased with its behavior.
SAM_3798.JPG
Frank

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 22 Aug 2019, 21:42
by Igull
Jeez Frank, I need to frequent this forum more often, creepily, on my computer as I type is the plan for a Graupner Electra - almost finished drawing the parts for the wing and tail.
Yours looks exceptionally nice - graphics maketh the plane of course !
I'll need to visit again for inspiration :-))
Neil

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 24 Aug 2019, 10:18
by Stew
What a good looking model! Is it just me or is there something very cool about the older Graupner models and radios?

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 24 Aug 2019, 14:49
by tiptipflyer
Thanks guys.

Neil, inspiration is huge factor, I got tons of it in this forum. Everytime when I am on vacation I think up something new (or old) and return with new projects in mind. I just returned from a vacation and my head is full of new projects. I am just working on the wing of the Wagtail from your laser parts kit and lots of others in mind.

No it´s not just you Stew, I also find all the old models (not only Graupner) extremely cool.
That´s the reason I have so many of them and just building another two. And the high point is, when they are flown with a radio working like the original (S/C button, reeds or vintage propo).

Frank

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 11 Dec 2020, 14:14
by tiptipflyer
A new restauration had started.
I got the model some time ago in very bad shape and rescued it from the garbage bin.
Most of the woodwork , mostly repair, is already done, a little more sanding, covering and painting and it will be ready to go.
Power will be a HB15 IC engine and three servos, aileron, elevator and throttle.
The plane is called Chico, a Graupner model from 1979, it´s no old-timer but it qualifies as a vintage model.
Chico2.JPG
Chico1.JPG
More pictures maybe next week.
Cheers
Frank

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 11 Dec 2020, 15:04
by PaulJ
There is a Chico in our club..... an excellent model and flies really well! Lack of undercarriage makes it a great hack model for rough field flying and it is on my ever lengthening "To Build" list :roll: . The plan is on Outerzone ( https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=4661)

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 11 Dec 2020, 15:26
by Martin
Similar sort of layout, and motor size to the SAS Blob I used to enjoy flying about twenty years ago (it was an old design by then). SAS is short for 'Soar Ahead Sailplanes' - designed and sold by Alan Head - and of course the 'Ahead' part of the company name is a pun on his own name. The Blob, and other SAS models were/are really gliders, but Alan used to fit small motors so he could demonstrate them at shows. The motor versions went so well that he had to start kitting those too!

Alan is a great talker, and I, along with many others, were often trapped in his tent/stall at the shows - you'd ask a simple question about one of his models, and then he'd talk to you for the next hour or two! :lol:

The Blob was not as pretty ad the Chico - though it did have a bit of taper on the wings, which I think looked good. The wings were thin-section blue foam, obeche-laminated, and the fuselage was a square-section, made mostly from thin ply. It flew great - I fitted an O.S. 20 in mine (bigger than Alan recommended) and it would go like a pylon racer on full throttle. :lol:

The picture isn't of mine - I found this one on the modelflying.co.uk website.

Image

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 18 Dec 2020, 07:09
by tiptipflyer
The Graupner Chico is almost ready.
Only the engine is missing. RC equipment and tank are installed.
Due to our complete lockdown, the maiden flight will be in February at the earliest, all our flying fields are closed UFN.
That will give me plenty of time for furhter projects.
Chico5.JPG
Chico4.JPG
Frank

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 18 Dec 2020, 12:26
by Martin
Lovely job, as always, Frank! Did you 3D-print the cockpit tray and pilot's headrest?

Re: New mystery model

Posted: 18 Dec 2020, 12:51
by tiptipflyer
Thanks Martin,
no, they are made of Balsa. That is faster than 3D-print.