FF Scale

Author: Dennis Norman

Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/06
Page Numbers: 127, 128, 129

FF Scale

by Dennis Norman

[email protected]

Chris Starleaf builds a DC-6

by Dennis Norman [email protected]

Multiengine subjects have long been exotic favorites of FF Scale. They are glamorous, but structurally complex and a challenge to trim and fly. Today’s Flying Aces Club (FAC) is blessed with a number of excellent builders who are designing and flying multiengine aircraft.

Chris Starleaf is arguably today’s most prolific designer and competitor in FAC multiengine competition. On December 6, 2012, Chris reported in the Hip Pocket Builders forum (see “Sources”) that he was beginning to build a 60-inch wingspan Douglas DC-6 for FF Rubber competition. Starting with a Pat Tritle DC-6 design built several years ago for electric RC, Chris has modified and lightened Pat’s design for rubber-powered FF Scale.

Chris became interested in the DC-6 last fall because of the success of his 64-inch wingspan, rubber-powered B-24J, which he initially built in the winter of 2005 and 2006 from an enlarged version of a B-24J that I designed and built in 1990.

As I did, Chris had moderate success in flying his B-24J and damaged it several times throughout the years. It was not the easiest model to transport, fly, or fix.

Chris eventually flew his B-24J at several contests and averaged roughly 60 seconds per flight. Best of all, by that time the flights did not result in damage. In early October 2012, he had an 82-second flight at the Pensacola FAC gathering. He felt that it was the best that he could expect from the B-24J because of its weight and drag.

The DC-6 he is finishing has 20% more wing area than the B-24J and is aerodynamically cleaner. He believes that it will be roughly 30% lighter than his B-24J.

Designing and building a large FF Scale model can be a double-edged sword. Lighter structure potentially increases flight time, but conversely, lighter structure poses a threat to structural integrity and survival.

Thanks to the Hip Pocket website, Chris’ progress on the DC-6 has been meticulously photographed and described online. The forum permits others to follow his progress and to raise questions along the way, which he patiently answers.

One of the challenges of flying a subject the size of a 60-inch DC-6 is the question of how the model can be hand launched. Chris jokingly admits to having large hands, which helps, but in a more serious vein, he believes that the DC-6’s low-wing configuration with its large wing fillets provides the answer. The sturdily designed fillets should be strong enough to ease concerns about carrying and launching the model.

Chris has considered stiffening the fuselage around the area where it will be held, but is concerned about adding weight. He is designing the model to have a fully detachable wing and stabilizer to help with transportation and storage. Chris intends to permanently join the rudder to the fuselage.

Pres Bruning

Another excellent designer, builder, and FAC leader is Pres Bruning. His designs have graced Flying Aces News, magazines, and club newsletters for decades.

One of Pres’ most successful multiengine models was his 30-inch wingspan Martin B-26 Marauder, published in the November 1984 issue of Flying Models. I recall a Cloudbusters contest near Detroit when Pres entered his new B-26 in an FAC World War II Mass Launch Combat event. His competitors were all flying single-engine subjects.

Everyone admired Pres’ B-26, but thought that it had little chance of winning. Pres handily outflew the competition and ultimately won the event with a spectacular, nearly out-of-sight flight.

Pres is highly respected for his abilities as Constellation. He initially planned to build the model with a 30-inch wingspan, but opted for a long-wing version of the Super G and lengthened the model's span to 34 3/4 inches. The finished model weighs 4 ounces minus the rubber motor. Flight testing will begin shortly and if successful, Pres' Connie should be flying at this year's FAC Non-Nats, July 17-20, in Geneseo, New York.

I admire the Constellation for its aerodynamic beauty. In the early 1990s I mused about building a FF Scale Rubber Constellation and discussed the possibilities at length with the late Hurst Bowers.

Hurst began a successful career in the U.S. Army Air Force in the 1930s and eventually rose to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force. He was the director of the AMA Museum, now named the National Model Aviation Museum, when it was based in Reston, Virginia.

Hurst witnessed the birth and evolution of the Constellation and felt that the first short-bodied Constellation was the most handsome of the line. I agreed and began gathering research materials in the 1990s, but other models and matters delayed beginning its construction until roughly four years ago.

I prefer to build multiengine subjects

Eric Clutton's B-24J

Rubber-powered multiengine aircraft are exciting, but FF Scale also has a warm spot for powered multiengine models. Eric Clutton, 86, a dear friend of the late Gordon Roberts and mine, sent me a picture of his scratch-built B-24J, which uses four brushed electric motors and is powered by two LiPo batteries.

Eric's legs no longer permit him to pursue FF, but flying simple RC allows him to keep flying.

FF Scale in Uruguay

Tom Schmitt sent me an email concerning the efforts of Marcelo Pricoli of Uruguay, who is leading an enthusiastic effort to promote FF Scale activity in that country. Marcelo's club, Jy44 School of Free Flight of Uruguay, consists of a number of young modelers who are building models from Earl Stahl plans.

With Tom's help, I contacted Marcelo and received several photos of Jy44 club members and their fine models. I was struck by a dramatic picture of young Dylan Osores as he was ready to launch his PT-19, finished in National Navy of Uruguay colors.

The DC Maxecuters have generously given time and attention to Marcelo's efforts and the club has been enthusiastically supported by local volunteers.

SOURCES: