Re: I'm working on...

Douglas R. Jones (djones@iex.com)
Wed, 29 Nov 1995 09:10:33 -0600

>A friend of mine has a 1/6 Dr1 which he built from the VK kit plans. He is an
>experienced pilot (instructor rating) and the model flys very well. However
>taking off is very tricky. The model is powered by a 50 or 60 size two stroke
>and engine torque is very significant. If you apply too much power, the model
>topples over before it moves very far. Too little power and the rudder is
>totally ineffective and ground looping can become an issue (depending on the
>quality of the runway surface). It also has a tendency to nose over if a wheel
>hits a rough spot before it has reached sufficient speed for the controls to
>become properly effective. Once in the air, the amount of power seems to be
>just right and the model is a pleasure to watch.

A good friend of mine is flying the Flair Dr1. He feels the bast way to take
off is to place the model on the runway, have some one hold it, run up the
power and then have the holder let go. This minimizes the chances for ground
loops. With practice this could be made to look pretty nice!

>Some of problems due to the surface of the runway (we fly off grass of similar
>quality to a golf course) may be less apparent if the model was 1/4 scale or
>larger although the engine torque problems may remain. I imagine the 1:1 scale
>version was probably quite a handful.

I know Frank Ryder wrote that his 1:1 was a handlful and he had a steerable
skid and brakes!

Thanks Paul! I appreciate the tips. With a lot of luck and a concious effort
to minimize the bashing, I may have it ready for next flying season.

While on the subject of Dr1s. I need to decide on a particular prototype to
do. I want something colorful, maybe even gaudy. Any suggestions on a
particular craft?

TIA,
Doug
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both Time and Space' | IEX Corporation
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