Well we’d been chinooking again so I figured I’d go for a quick visit to Stubfart Airfield and run up the engine on the new bird, and have the pro’s check it over.
It was so warm out that some baby mosquitoes had hatched and were trying to eat me. They’d be dead that very night. I shouldn’t feel sorry for them… but I did, a little bit.
I was met by Baloney Bob and Rotten Rob. They are the last of the Winter Breed. They don’t mind winter flying but their friends are old and fussy Snow Birds and don’t like the cooler temps. They did some formation flying and filled the air with nitro fumes and air rage. It was glorious. Then they turned their formidable abilities on me and the Turd Bird.
Oh, that OS engine runs like a top, dunninit? The old boys went over that bird and through it with a fine tooth comb. I went a bit rich on the high end when I reset the the carbs. But other than a tweak and a small list of minor gripes… the boys pronounced the Bird ready to fly.
I taxied it around and the engine will pull that bird like a champ. The runway was a little choppy, and I want more snow before I take it up. The boys had a few nose-overs on the alternating snow and grass.
That thing is gonna fly and when it does I dunno whether it will be a let down or the high point of all this. When I was a kid I always wanted to do this. Bob and Rob just laughed at me. I guess nobody scratch builds anymore. Everyone buys the ARF’s… they come pre-covered, prebuilt right at the factory, made on jigs by factory workers. You put in your electronics, hang an engine on it and away you go. If it crashes, you buy another one. Or you can buy a kit where all the parts are laser cut. All you do is punch them out, give them a light sand and assemble them…but even that is too much work for most folks. I get that; I myself got frustrated a couple times with this thing and had to take a break. But I eventually did it. I learned to read plans, balance props, and how these things go together.
I will get the few tweaks done, clean it up…and next time out she flies…or dies. Its all good either way.
We all admire fine workmanship and skills, but the aeronautical fact is, with that much gross excess of power and enormous control authority, a cardboard box would fly pretty well. That even sounds like a project for those with the skills and resources. Let not your heart be troubled by minor imperfections, for they are signposts on the way to greater things.
ReplyDeleteThat is true, Ritchie. We have both seen it done. This design is as old as I am and has been flying well the whole time. It is actually quite easy to make and set up once you know where you're going. But... there IS a learning curve to it, and it can be daunting to some. Doubly so for a guy that isn't a wizard with tools.
DeleteI will not be cocky, nevertheless. I have seen too many maiden flights on new models go badly.
I am curious, in the pic of the bed of your truck, what is the two box like structures behind the rear wheel wells and on the side? Does having skis grossly affect your plane? I have never seen snow skis on RC planes, not that I have been around them much. I have a cousin in Michigan and when it snows, he puts his planes away and goes to his version of the man cave and build and repair.
ReplyDeleteThat is a home made aircraft carrier for my taildragger, Cederq. It old the plane steady during transport.
DeleteYes, they fly very differently with skis and floats. My first maiden with the plain will probably be a bit of a pant chitter... ;)
I am familiar with the carrier, my cuz' has something similar, it is the two boxes on the sides of the bed, one on each side.
DeleteMy advice before take off is attempted is that you invite Maj. Tom.
ReplyDeleteMake sure he's in contact with ground control. Get a good supply of protein pills, and put your helmet on. I'd tell you to reach out to Nurse Rachet for some final instructions and encouragement , but rumor has it he's a little busy advising on the mop up action in the Kraine and busy making plans for the new invasion of the Middle East for his Uncle Benjamin.
I have not seen a pair of boots like those since... 1985!
ReplyDeleteGlen I always loved watching the planes and wanted to fly but alas never did. I am anxiously awaiting to see video good or bad of your maiden voyage.
ReplyDeleteI did have one of those that would fly around in a circle, yep crashed and burned pretty quick.
Bear Claw