114 MODEL AVIATION
A detailed look at the Micro Bipe kit from Radical RC
Micro-Flying Dave Robelen | [email protected]
The Radical RC Micro Bipe,
classified as a “micro” because
of its size, is possibly the hottest
micro model on the market!
At roughly 50 mph, this little
airplane has speed, rapid
responses, and has quickly
become a spectator favorite.
The author’s 1910 Deperdussin is a 24-inch-span fun-scale model
that performs on the slow side of micro flight.
Finished with Coverite CoverLite, the Deperdussin has a long
tail moment with a generous stabilizer.
Also included in this column:
• A look at Dave’s Deperdussin
fun-scale model
• John Krouse finds a new, bright
covering material
• Details of Dave’s Living Room
Flyer
HELLO, MICRO FANS. Another
opportunity for me to share with you has
rolled around. I have several projects to
discuss and a unique covering material to
look at.
I will tackle what is possibly the hottest
micro-size model on the market: the Micro
Bipe. This is a kit from Radical RC
(www.radicalrc.com). Classified as a
micro aircraft because of its size,
considering the model’s weight and power
it is more of a park flyer.
The kit offers the option of building the
model with two different lengths for the
upper wing. The longest version has a
14.5-inch wingspan and that is what I
chose. Material is included to build the
upper wing with a 10.5-inch span, but I
felt that my reflexes were likely
inadequate for that combination.
The kit itself is a nice package. The
sheet from which the wood parts were cut
was obviously selected for the application
and it was of the highest quality.
Because I scratch-build so many
original models, it is unusual for me to
tackle a kit project. In this one, all the
wood parts were laser cut and the laser
work was outstanding. Every part fit in its
intended location, and much of the model
could be assembled before applying any
glue. Does anyone remember the Top
Flite Jigtime FF models from the early
1960s? The Micro Bipe carries the
concept to a new level. Essentially the
woodwork can be assembled “in the air,”
gluing as you go.
09sig4.QXD 7/25/06 2:15 PM Page 114September 2006 115
John Krouse’s model is covered with Mylar ribbon from inside a Kodak printer
cartridge.
The author’s Living Room Flyer, the
Walker Jr., weighs 5.4 grams, has a 10.8-
inch wingspan, and has a total wing area
of 60 square inches.
In the LRF contest the score increases
with the model’s maneuverability, and
extra credit is given for doing touch-andgos
or landing on a small table.
I chose Solite film to cover my Micro
Bipe because it is respectably light and not
too difficult to work with. For power I
used a Medusa 12mm 4000 kV brushless
motor spinning a 4 x 2.5 GWS propeller
direct drive. The controller is a Castle
Creations Phoenix-10, and the battery is a
700 mAh 2S Li-Poly. Three GWS Pico
servos handle the controls, and a Berg
Microstamp receiver sends the
transmitter’s signals. This whole package
has proven to be a good value and reliable
in flight.
How does it fly?
Thankfully I took the little Micro Bipe
to a field with tall grass for the initial
flights! Everything was in good trim
except my reflexes. This little baby honks
around the sky like a mad hornet and is
quick as lightning on the controls.
After I got past the initial bloopers, the
fun began. That little direct-drive Medusa
sounds wild coming out of a fast Split S,
and the roll rate is incredibly rapid,
making it possible to perform four or five
level rolls without touching the elevator. It
can pull up into a huge loop while
maintaining speed throughout. On the
subject of speed, 50 mph in level flight is
a conservative estimate.
For all the speed and rapid responses,
this little airplane is not the least bit
“twitchy” or less than smooth on the
controls. If you are looking for a new
challenge with a quality product, try this
one. I enjoy taking it to the club fields
where the “big” guys are flying and
chasing down their projects in flight. The
little Micro Bipe has become a favorite
with the spectators too.
On a different note, I have been working
the slow side of micro flight. The pictures
show my new 24-inch Deperdussin funscale
model. It flies best indoors in a
gymnasium or similar building or outside
on a calm day. The flying speed is
incredibly slow and even a mild breeze
can make a mess.
It has stick-and-frame construction,
similar to an FF Rubber model, with light
wood throughout. My largest mistake was
choosing to cover it with Coverite
CoverLite material. The Deperdussin has
a long tail moment with a generous
stabilizer, and mine ended up slightly tailheavy.
I am not criticizing a fine product, but
merely noting that there is a time and
place for different materials. There is a
neat chart of covering weights at
www.homefly.com that compares a wide
variety of products. I would have been
better off to choose tissue or the synthetic
tissue sold by www.bphobbies.com.
There’s always a next time, right?
The equipment is a Microbatics single
Li-Poly cell system from www.smallrc.com.
The motor is the M5-3-36 brushless, with
the BL-1 controller.
The receiver is the narrow-band servo
model, and there are two PinPoint servos
driving the controls. These are pull-pull
with finely braided fishing line between
09sig4.QXD 7/25/06 2:17 PM Page 115the servos and horns, which has worked
out well.
The battery cell is a 210 mAh Li-Poly,
which is good for 10- to 15-minute flights
at cruise power. To say the Deperdussin is
not aerobatic is putting it mildly; it is one
of the gentlest models I have flown.
Except for some of the relatively delicate
structure, it would make a fine trainer—
especially for that FF enthusiast who is
getting tired of the chase.
One of my regular contributors—John
Krouse, 1124 Pipestem Pl., Rockville MD
20854—has found what appears to be a
new source of brightly colored covering. A
picture shows John’s model with the
covering applied. I am going to let him
describe what he has found.
“The main claim to fame of this indoor
microelectric RC model airplane is the
digital-age material used for covering the
wing—namely Mylar ribbon from the
inside of a Kodak photo printer color
cartridge. Discovered by accident (like
many ideas!), it comes in three brilliant,
transparent colors: magenta, blue (shown),
and yellow.
“The material has some desirable
properties for model-airplane application.
It’s lightweight—roughly 50% less than
Reynolds Wrap and 25% less than 5-
micron RA Microlite or Japanese tissue. It
doesn’t shrink, so it is good for building
fragile, warp-proof wings. In flight, it
seems to glow as the light shines through
the open balsa framework.
“The actual model is designed/built
around the now-familiar Plantraco
Butterfly electronic components. Launch
weight is slightly less than 5 grams,
supported by a 2.5 x 8-inch wing.”
Thanks, John, for bringing this new
source of covering to our attention. By the
way, the model looks neat too!
John isn’t the only one working with
original models based on the ultralight
Plantraco flight pack. One of the Internet
bulletin boards, www.smallrc.com/forums/,
began running a contest for what has
become termed a Living Room Flyer, or
LRF. Because it is not in my nature to miss
a good contest, I decided to join the fun.
Some of the rules are as follows:
maximum room size is 20 x 20 feet, flight
must be supported by wings(s), use of a
variety of materials will be considered,
aesthetics will count, and the score will rise
according to the maneuverability of the
model.
116 MODEL AVIATION
There will be extra credit for the
ability to land or do touch-and-gos on a
small table. Although the contest will
probably have closed by the time this
makes it into print, reviewing the results
and modeling techniques could be
instructive.
For my part I decided that my best
chance was a slow-flying model that had
a tight turning radius. This began to spell
biplane and the pictures show the result.
This is actually a nearly direct scaledown
of an earlier design of mine,
intended to fly at walking speed. Oddly, I
named it the Walker, so I guess this one
will be the Walker Jr. Calculations
suggested a cruising speed of
approximately 4.5 mph, and this seems
reasonable after test flights.
The equipment is something of a mix.
The drive and propeller are the same as
the Plantraco Butterfly’s, and so is the 30
mAh Li-Poly battery cell. The actuator is
a MicroAct from www.bsdmicrorc.com.
The receiver is the light Plantraco.
Some of the specifications include a
10.8-inch wingspan, a total wing area of
60 square inches, and a weight of 5.4
grams. Much of the fun came from
selecting the best material for the various
components.
I still feel that balsa is the most
suitable for frameworks such as the wing
and tail, and in this case the tailboom.
Carbon-fiber rod makes dandy wing
struts, as well as the landing-gear axle.
Meanwhile, light foam seemed just right
for the main fuselage, with a slightly
heavier grade for the wheels.
The choice of covering was simple:
Polimicro from www.indoormodel
supply.com. This is the lightest covering
available short of microfilm.
The selection of adhesives also proved
to be interesting. Medium-grade
cyanoacrylate does a fine job of
assembling the balsa frames, and 3M-77
spray contact cement is the glue of choice
to hold the Polimicro on. Ambroid does a
fine job of fastening the struts to the
wings. (I might want to loosen them
later.) RC/56 canopy glue is a good
selection for holding the actuator in place,
and five-minute epoxy was the glue of
choice to assemble the wing system to the
fuselage. Does your shop have all these
adhesives?
I am running out of space, so I’ll pick up
part two of the LRF saga next time.
If you have a picture or two to spare, I
would love to see somebody else’s
projects. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/09
Page Numbers: 114,115,116
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/09
Page Numbers: 114,115,116
114 MODEL AVIATION
A detailed look at the Micro Bipe kit from Radical RC
Micro-Flying Dave Robelen | [email protected]
The Radical RC Micro Bipe,
classified as a “micro” because
of its size, is possibly the hottest
micro model on the market!
At roughly 50 mph, this little
airplane has speed, rapid
responses, and has quickly
become a spectator favorite.
The author’s 1910 Deperdussin is a 24-inch-span fun-scale model
that performs on the slow side of micro flight.
Finished with Coverite CoverLite, the Deperdussin has a long
tail moment with a generous stabilizer.
Also included in this column:
• A look at Dave’s Deperdussin
fun-scale model
• John Krouse finds a new, bright
covering material
• Details of Dave’s Living Room
Flyer
HELLO, MICRO FANS. Another
opportunity for me to share with you has
rolled around. I have several projects to
discuss and a unique covering material to
look at.
I will tackle what is possibly the hottest
micro-size model on the market: the Micro
Bipe. This is a kit from Radical RC
(www.radicalrc.com). Classified as a
micro aircraft because of its size,
considering the model’s weight and power
it is more of a park flyer.
The kit offers the option of building the
model with two different lengths for the
upper wing. The longest version has a
14.5-inch wingspan and that is what I
chose. Material is included to build the
upper wing with a 10.5-inch span, but I
felt that my reflexes were likely
inadequate for that combination.
The kit itself is a nice package. The
sheet from which the wood parts were cut
was obviously selected for the application
and it was of the highest quality.
Because I scratch-build so many
original models, it is unusual for me to
tackle a kit project. In this one, all the
wood parts were laser cut and the laser
work was outstanding. Every part fit in its
intended location, and much of the model
could be assembled before applying any
glue. Does anyone remember the Top
Flite Jigtime FF models from the early
1960s? The Micro Bipe carries the
concept to a new level. Essentially the
woodwork can be assembled “in the air,”
gluing as you go.
09sig4.QXD 7/25/06 2:15 PM Page 114September 2006 115
John Krouse’s model is covered with Mylar ribbon from inside a Kodak printer
cartridge.
The author’s Living Room Flyer, the
Walker Jr., weighs 5.4 grams, has a 10.8-
inch wingspan, and has a total wing area
of 60 square inches.
In the LRF contest the score increases
with the model’s maneuverability, and
extra credit is given for doing touch-andgos
or landing on a small table.
I chose Solite film to cover my Micro
Bipe because it is respectably light and not
too difficult to work with. For power I
used a Medusa 12mm 4000 kV brushless
motor spinning a 4 x 2.5 GWS propeller
direct drive. The controller is a Castle
Creations Phoenix-10, and the battery is a
700 mAh 2S Li-Poly. Three GWS Pico
servos handle the controls, and a Berg
Microstamp receiver sends the
transmitter’s signals. This whole package
has proven to be a good value and reliable
in flight.
How does it fly?
Thankfully I took the little Micro Bipe
to a field with tall grass for the initial
flights! Everything was in good trim
except my reflexes. This little baby honks
around the sky like a mad hornet and is
quick as lightning on the controls.
After I got past the initial bloopers, the
fun began. That little direct-drive Medusa
sounds wild coming out of a fast Split S,
and the roll rate is incredibly rapid,
making it possible to perform four or five
level rolls without touching the elevator. It
can pull up into a huge loop while
maintaining speed throughout. On the
subject of speed, 50 mph in level flight is
a conservative estimate.
For all the speed and rapid responses,
this little airplane is not the least bit
“twitchy” or less than smooth on the
controls. If you are looking for a new
challenge with a quality product, try this
one. I enjoy taking it to the club fields
where the “big” guys are flying and
chasing down their projects in flight. The
little Micro Bipe has become a favorite
with the spectators too.
On a different note, I have been working
the slow side of micro flight. The pictures
show my new 24-inch Deperdussin funscale
model. It flies best indoors in a
gymnasium or similar building or outside
on a calm day. The flying speed is
incredibly slow and even a mild breeze
can make a mess.
It has stick-and-frame construction,
similar to an FF Rubber model, with light
wood throughout. My largest mistake was
choosing to cover it with Coverite
CoverLite material. The Deperdussin has
a long tail moment with a generous
stabilizer, and mine ended up slightly tailheavy.
I am not criticizing a fine product, but
merely noting that there is a time and
place for different materials. There is a
neat chart of covering weights at
www.homefly.com that compares a wide
variety of products. I would have been
better off to choose tissue or the synthetic
tissue sold by www.bphobbies.com.
There’s always a next time, right?
The equipment is a Microbatics single
Li-Poly cell system from www.smallrc.com.
The motor is the M5-3-36 brushless, with
the BL-1 controller.
The receiver is the narrow-band servo
model, and there are two PinPoint servos
driving the controls. These are pull-pull
with finely braided fishing line between
09sig4.QXD 7/25/06 2:17 PM Page 115the servos and horns, which has worked
out well.
The battery cell is a 210 mAh Li-Poly,
which is good for 10- to 15-minute flights
at cruise power. To say the Deperdussin is
not aerobatic is putting it mildly; it is one
of the gentlest models I have flown.
Except for some of the relatively delicate
structure, it would make a fine trainer—
especially for that FF enthusiast who is
getting tired of the chase.
One of my regular contributors—John
Krouse, 1124 Pipestem Pl., Rockville MD
20854—has found what appears to be a
new source of brightly colored covering. A
picture shows John’s model with the
covering applied. I am going to let him
describe what he has found.
“The main claim to fame of this indoor
microelectric RC model airplane is the
digital-age material used for covering the
wing—namely Mylar ribbon from the
inside of a Kodak photo printer color
cartridge. Discovered by accident (like
many ideas!), it comes in three brilliant,
transparent colors: magenta, blue (shown),
and yellow.
“The material has some desirable
properties for model-airplane application.
It’s lightweight—roughly 50% less than
Reynolds Wrap and 25% less than 5-
micron RA Microlite or Japanese tissue. It
doesn’t shrink, so it is good for building
fragile, warp-proof wings. In flight, it
seems to glow as the light shines through
the open balsa framework.
“The actual model is designed/built
around the now-familiar Plantraco
Butterfly electronic components. Launch
weight is slightly less than 5 grams,
supported by a 2.5 x 8-inch wing.”
Thanks, John, for bringing this new
source of covering to our attention. By the
way, the model looks neat too!
John isn’t the only one working with
original models based on the ultralight
Plantraco flight pack. One of the Internet
bulletin boards, www.smallrc.com/forums/,
began running a contest for what has
become termed a Living Room Flyer, or
LRF. Because it is not in my nature to miss
a good contest, I decided to join the fun.
Some of the rules are as follows:
maximum room size is 20 x 20 feet, flight
must be supported by wings(s), use of a
variety of materials will be considered,
aesthetics will count, and the score will rise
according to the maneuverability of the
model.
116 MODEL AVIATION
There will be extra credit for the
ability to land or do touch-and-gos on a
small table. Although the contest will
probably have closed by the time this
makes it into print, reviewing the results
and modeling techniques could be
instructive.
For my part I decided that my best
chance was a slow-flying model that had
a tight turning radius. This began to spell
biplane and the pictures show the result.
This is actually a nearly direct scaledown
of an earlier design of mine,
intended to fly at walking speed. Oddly, I
named it the Walker, so I guess this one
will be the Walker Jr. Calculations
suggested a cruising speed of
approximately 4.5 mph, and this seems
reasonable after test flights.
The equipment is something of a mix.
The drive and propeller are the same as
the Plantraco Butterfly’s, and so is the 30
mAh Li-Poly battery cell. The actuator is
a MicroAct from www.bsdmicrorc.com.
The receiver is the light Plantraco.
Some of the specifications include a
10.8-inch wingspan, a total wing area of
60 square inches, and a weight of 5.4
grams. Much of the fun came from
selecting the best material for the various
components.
I still feel that balsa is the most
suitable for frameworks such as the wing
and tail, and in this case the tailboom.
Carbon-fiber rod makes dandy wing
struts, as well as the landing-gear axle.
Meanwhile, light foam seemed just right
for the main fuselage, with a slightly
heavier grade for the wheels.
The choice of covering was simple:
Polimicro from www.indoormodel
supply.com. This is the lightest covering
available short of microfilm.
The selection of adhesives also proved
to be interesting. Medium-grade
cyanoacrylate does a fine job of
assembling the balsa frames, and 3M-77
spray contact cement is the glue of choice
to hold the Polimicro on. Ambroid does a
fine job of fastening the struts to the
wings. (I might want to loosen them
later.) RC/56 canopy glue is a good
selection for holding the actuator in place,
and five-minute epoxy was the glue of
choice to assemble the wing system to the
fuselage. Does your shop have all these
adhesives?
I am running out of space, so I’ll pick up
part two of the LRF saga next time.
If you have a picture or two to spare, I
would love to see somebody else’s
projects. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/09
Page Numbers: 114,115,116
114 MODEL AVIATION
A detailed look at the Micro Bipe kit from Radical RC
Micro-Flying Dave Robelen | [email protected]
The Radical RC Micro Bipe,
classified as a “micro” because
of its size, is possibly the hottest
micro model on the market!
At roughly 50 mph, this little
airplane has speed, rapid
responses, and has quickly
become a spectator favorite.
The author’s 1910 Deperdussin is a 24-inch-span fun-scale model
that performs on the slow side of micro flight.
Finished with Coverite CoverLite, the Deperdussin has a long
tail moment with a generous stabilizer.
Also included in this column:
• A look at Dave’s Deperdussin
fun-scale model
• John Krouse finds a new, bright
covering material
• Details of Dave’s Living Room
Flyer
HELLO, MICRO FANS. Another
opportunity for me to share with you has
rolled around. I have several projects to
discuss and a unique covering material to
look at.
I will tackle what is possibly the hottest
micro-size model on the market: the Micro
Bipe. This is a kit from Radical RC
(www.radicalrc.com). Classified as a
micro aircraft because of its size,
considering the model’s weight and power
it is more of a park flyer.
The kit offers the option of building the
model with two different lengths for the
upper wing. The longest version has a
14.5-inch wingspan and that is what I
chose. Material is included to build the
upper wing with a 10.5-inch span, but I
felt that my reflexes were likely
inadequate for that combination.
The kit itself is a nice package. The
sheet from which the wood parts were cut
was obviously selected for the application
and it was of the highest quality.
Because I scratch-build so many
original models, it is unusual for me to
tackle a kit project. In this one, all the
wood parts were laser cut and the laser
work was outstanding. Every part fit in its
intended location, and much of the model
could be assembled before applying any
glue. Does anyone remember the Top
Flite Jigtime FF models from the early
1960s? The Micro Bipe carries the
concept to a new level. Essentially the
woodwork can be assembled “in the air,”
gluing as you go.
09sig4.QXD 7/25/06 2:15 PM Page 114September 2006 115
John Krouse’s model is covered with Mylar ribbon from inside a Kodak printer
cartridge.
The author’s Living Room Flyer, the
Walker Jr., weighs 5.4 grams, has a 10.8-
inch wingspan, and has a total wing area
of 60 square inches.
In the LRF contest the score increases
with the model’s maneuverability, and
extra credit is given for doing touch-andgos
or landing on a small table.
I chose Solite film to cover my Micro
Bipe because it is respectably light and not
too difficult to work with. For power I
used a Medusa 12mm 4000 kV brushless
motor spinning a 4 x 2.5 GWS propeller
direct drive. The controller is a Castle
Creations Phoenix-10, and the battery is a
700 mAh 2S Li-Poly. Three GWS Pico
servos handle the controls, and a Berg
Microstamp receiver sends the
transmitter’s signals. This whole package
has proven to be a good value and reliable
in flight.
How does it fly?
Thankfully I took the little Micro Bipe
to a field with tall grass for the initial
flights! Everything was in good trim
except my reflexes. This little baby honks
around the sky like a mad hornet and is
quick as lightning on the controls.
After I got past the initial bloopers, the
fun began. That little direct-drive Medusa
sounds wild coming out of a fast Split S,
and the roll rate is incredibly rapid,
making it possible to perform four or five
level rolls without touching the elevator. It
can pull up into a huge loop while
maintaining speed throughout. On the
subject of speed, 50 mph in level flight is
a conservative estimate.
For all the speed and rapid responses,
this little airplane is not the least bit
“twitchy” or less than smooth on the
controls. If you are looking for a new
challenge with a quality product, try this
one. I enjoy taking it to the club fields
where the “big” guys are flying and
chasing down their projects in flight. The
little Micro Bipe has become a favorite
with the spectators too.
On a different note, I have been working
the slow side of micro flight. The pictures
show my new 24-inch Deperdussin funscale
model. It flies best indoors in a
gymnasium or similar building or outside
on a calm day. The flying speed is
incredibly slow and even a mild breeze
can make a mess.
It has stick-and-frame construction,
similar to an FF Rubber model, with light
wood throughout. My largest mistake was
choosing to cover it with Coverite
CoverLite material. The Deperdussin has
a long tail moment with a generous
stabilizer, and mine ended up slightly tailheavy.
I am not criticizing a fine product, but
merely noting that there is a time and
place for different materials. There is a
neat chart of covering weights at
www.homefly.com that compares a wide
variety of products. I would have been
better off to choose tissue or the synthetic
tissue sold by www.bphobbies.com.
There’s always a next time, right?
The equipment is a Microbatics single
Li-Poly cell system from www.smallrc.com.
The motor is the M5-3-36 brushless, with
the BL-1 controller.
The receiver is the narrow-band servo
model, and there are two PinPoint servos
driving the controls. These are pull-pull
with finely braided fishing line between
09sig4.QXD 7/25/06 2:17 PM Page 115the servos and horns, which has worked
out well.
The battery cell is a 210 mAh Li-Poly,
which is good for 10- to 15-minute flights
at cruise power. To say the Deperdussin is
not aerobatic is putting it mildly; it is one
of the gentlest models I have flown.
Except for some of the relatively delicate
structure, it would make a fine trainer—
especially for that FF enthusiast who is
getting tired of the chase.
One of my regular contributors—John
Krouse, 1124 Pipestem Pl., Rockville MD
20854—has found what appears to be a
new source of brightly colored covering. A
picture shows John’s model with the
covering applied. I am going to let him
describe what he has found.
“The main claim to fame of this indoor
microelectric RC model airplane is the
digital-age material used for covering the
wing—namely Mylar ribbon from the
inside of a Kodak photo printer color
cartridge. Discovered by accident (like
many ideas!), it comes in three brilliant,
transparent colors: magenta, blue (shown),
and yellow.
“The material has some desirable
properties for model-airplane application.
It’s lightweight—roughly 50% less than
Reynolds Wrap and 25% less than 5-
micron RA Microlite or Japanese tissue. It
doesn’t shrink, so it is good for building
fragile, warp-proof wings. In flight, it
seems to glow as the light shines through
the open balsa framework.
“The actual model is designed/built
around the now-familiar Plantraco
Butterfly electronic components. Launch
weight is slightly less than 5 grams,
supported by a 2.5 x 8-inch wing.”
Thanks, John, for bringing this new
source of covering to our attention. By the
way, the model looks neat too!
John isn’t the only one working with
original models based on the ultralight
Plantraco flight pack. One of the Internet
bulletin boards, www.smallrc.com/forums/,
began running a contest for what has
become termed a Living Room Flyer, or
LRF. Because it is not in my nature to miss
a good contest, I decided to join the fun.
Some of the rules are as follows:
maximum room size is 20 x 20 feet, flight
must be supported by wings(s), use of a
variety of materials will be considered,
aesthetics will count, and the score will rise
according to the maneuverability of the
model.
116 MODEL AVIATION
There will be extra credit for the
ability to land or do touch-and-gos on a
small table. Although the contest will
probably have closed by the time this
makes it into print, reviewing the results
and modeling techniques could be
instructive.
For my part I decided that my best
chance was a slow-flying model that had
a tight turning radius. This began to spell
biplane and the pictures show the result.
This is actually a nearly direct scaledown
of an earlier design of mine,
intended to fly at walking speed. Oddly, I
named it the Walker, so I guess this one
will be the Walker Jr. Calculations
suggested a cruising speed of
approximately 4.5 mph, and this seems
reasonable after test flights.
The equipment is something of a mix.
The drive and propeller are the same as
the Plantraco Butterfly’s, and so is the 30
mAh Li-Poly battery cell. The actuator is
a MicroAct from www.bsdmicrorc.com.
The receiver is the light Plantraco.
Some of the specifications include a
10.8-inch wingspan, a total wing area of
60 square inches, and a weight of 5.4
grams. Much of the fun came from
selecting the best material for the various
components.
I still feel that balsa is the most
suitable for frameworks such as the wing
and tail, and in this case the tailboom.
Carbon-fiber rod makes dandy wing
struts, as well as the landing-gear axle.
Meanwhile, light foam seemed just right
for the main fuselage, with a slightly
heavier grade for the wheels.
The choice of covering was simple:
Polimicro from www.indoormodel
supply.com. This is the lightest covering
available short of microfilm.
The selection of adhesives also proved
to be interesting. Medium-grade
cyanoacrylate does a fine job of
assembling the balsa frames, and 3M-77
spray contact cement is the glue of choice
to hold the Polimicro on. Ambroid does a
fine job of fastening the struts to the
wings. (I might want to loosen them
later.) RC/56 canopy glue is a good
selection for holding the actuator in place,
and five-minute epoxy was the glue of
choice to assemble the wing system to the
fuselage. Does your shop have all these
adhesives?
I am running out of space, so I’ll pick up
part two of the LRF saga next time.
If you have a picture or two to spare, I
would love to see somebody else’s
projects. MA