Plane Talk: ESM Douglas Dauntless SBD ARF - 2011/03

Plane Talk: ESM Douglas Dauntless SBD ARF
MICHAEL RAMSEY
Above: A Top Flite P-47 dummy radial
engine was easy to adapt to the Dauntless
cowling. An easy-to-fit Tru-Turn spinner hub
realistically completes the front end while
holding the 16 x 8 Master Airscrew
propeller in place.
Right: The author linked each flap surface
to a dedicated servo, so that the
foremost flap and air brake feature could
be operated in a scale manner.
A ready-to-customize
competition potential
scale warbird with
54 MODEL AVIATION
THE DOUGLAS DAUNTLESS has been
called the principle Allied dive-bomber in the
Pacific Theater of Operations. In the American
Navy war effort throughout the Pacific during
World War II, the late carrier strike bomber of
the 1930s punched back at the enemy and
soldiered on even as more advanced warplanes
outflanked it inside its own hangar.
The Dauntless more or less shared the same
duty as the British Fairey Swordfish and
German Stuka, in that despite their slow and
outmoded positions, they were thrown into
battle and earned their places in history as
effective war tools. We owe much of their
success to the pilots who manned them.
Where the Stuka took out land targets ad
nauseam, the Dauntless SBD is claimed to
have taken out thousands of Japanese ships.
(Were the pickings that good?) If the
Swordfish had been built in the same numbers,
would its résumé have grown to be as colorful?
As a warbird, the majesty of the Dauntless
to me is more in its history as a soldier’s tool
than as an aircraft that was capable of
merciless attack, such as the Mustang or
Hellcat. Its character grew from the memory of
my father’s early contract as an industrial
model maker.
He made a master mold of a Douglas SBD-
5 Dauntless in roughly 1/72 scale that was
poured in pewter and sold at museum stores.
As a 10-year-old I thought it was dad’s coolest
job yet. From there I learned more about WW
II and found more heroes to worship.
I wasn’t looking for a model of the
Dauntless, but I seem to be on a warbird kick
lately. ARF Pros (ARFP) is a spin-off from
Troy Built Models, which imports a variety of
airplanes from several manufacturers. ARFP is
now a large-order importer of Ever Soaring
Models (ESM), which has a bountiful line of
popular and unique scale models in 1.20-class
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:29 PM Page 54
March 2011 55
The fiberglass fuselage and cowling are painted, as is the heavy-duty film covering the
wooden wings and control surfaces. Construction and finish are top grade.
Available as an option (at a great price)
are ESM pneumatic retracts made
specifically for the Dauntless. A standard
servo is all that is required to complete
the package.
The SPE 26cc engine is smooth and easy to
start. The author installed a platform
above the engine for the Melody ignition
module and added engine offset.
An air tank rests in simple brackets lined with Velcro. The Xtreme Power Systems 10-
channel receiver performs with bulletproof reliability. Three 6.0-volt batteries are
mounted to the firewall.
ESM sized the Dauntless so that almost
any of the recommended engines can hide
completely inside the round cowling. The
author concealed the cowl-mounting
screws inside.
The outboard wing-flap servo-hatch area
can be modified as shown to accommodate
two upright low-profile servos. Each
surface travels approximately 45° and
closes tightly.
Before seal ing the wheel wel ls with
included covers, locate the LE dowel
holes and through the opening, center
drill the holes in the wing saddle.
Static photos by the author Flight photos by Jay Smith
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:33 PM Page 55
56 MODEL AVIATION
A hatch molded into the tail permits access to the control linkages concealed within.
The wood stabilizer is supported through the fuselage with an aluminum tube.
Threaded brass control horns provided
for the Dauntless flap and air brake
surfaces are f itted with bal l - l inkage
hardware and secured with epoxy in the
hard balsa material.
This model can cruise the field in a
friendly manner at half throttle. Its
wing area and airfoil limit its speed.
Recommended control throws and
CG are nearly perfect.
Long flights sometimes result in running out of gas. At 16 pounds this bomber has a relatively steep glide, but a smooth flare is possible
even at low speeds.
The author performs a
mock bombing run with air
brakes fully deployed.
Retracts tuck neatly into
the airframe and have
proven to be reliable.
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:34 PM Page 56
glow and 50cc gas sizes.
ESM aircraft are factorypainted
to scale, have preapplied
decals, and are covered with a matte
clear coat. They have functional flaps, if
standard on the full-scale versions, and include
standard hardware (screws, pushrods, fuel tank
etc.).
Most ESM fuselages are epoxy resin
fiberglass with fiber and plywood former
reinforcement. The wings are typically built,
covered with iron-on material, and then painted.
The Dauntless paint scheme represents the later
SBD-5 aircraft aboard the USS Lexington after
the battles at Midway. There should be scale
documentation available for that livery.
ESM models offer a lot for the money.
Conventional gear and wheels come in the kit.
If the full-scale version had retracts, the
complete retract system for the model is
available separately. The company sells scale
accessories such as bombs, gear doors, pilots,
external fuel tanks, and more separately for
those who want more realism.
The SBD doesn’t come equipped with every
scale detail, but it’s an excellent canvas that a
modeler can develop to any level of finish. It’s
definitely better than any wood warbird covered
in plastic film I’ve ever seen.
I understand that the ESM line of models
looks and flies realistically. Tom Sullivan
sampled the P-51B a few months ago and
reported pleasing results. I finished the
Dauntless with a similar level of satisfaction.
This line of aircraft comes to US shores with a
specific goal: to offer the
best presentation possible at the
lowest price.
The best price out there for a large warbird
with retracts is approximately $500, which is
what an ESM model in the 1.20 size class costs.
The company’s products are unique, but in the
ARF category they are almost the furthest from
ready to fly.
The definition of a Scale model, after all, is
one that is never finished; its builder stops
working at a certain point. My ESM Dauntless
arrived with such a beautiful scheme and finish
that it inspired me to look at other details to add.
So it took longer to build than I expected.
Out of the box this SBD is a sport model
that can handle any radio system, any power
system, and, for fun, can fit fixed gear, which is
great for the RC pilot who is getting used to the
nuances of flying a warbird. The details I added
more than doubled the build time, and at this
point I’m not nearly done—but it’s flying very
well.
At the price at which ESM designs are sold,
a buyer would be smart to examine each part
extremely carefully. My Dauntless was
constructed incredibly well overall and was
painted far better than I could have done
without years of training and the proper
equipment.
The molded fiberglass appeared neat on the
inside and doubly so on the exterior. The wood
parts looked to be made from the most robust
material possible, using CNC and laser-cut
manufacturing.
Vacuum-formed parts are
used to dress the wheel wells and
center wing bomb area, as well as
fashion the one-piece canopy.
Untrimmed, these pieces are finished with the
same paint used on the larger parts, so the
match is identical.
The clear plastic used is extraordinarily
brittle. Trimming the thin material with shears
is out of the question; it will certainly fracture.
A nibbling tool or motorized grinder and hand
sanding is the only safe means of removing the
scribed flashing from the part.
The hardware package accompanying
ESM products is an understood condition by
ARFP. I’m happy that the model itself is held
to higher quality standards than the screws,
linkages, and other hardware provided,
because the hardware isn’t much good.
I used what I could and found the brass
linkages to be satisfactory. However, during
repetitive use of the other parts, most of the
threads stripped, screw heads snapped off, and
brackets broke. I recommend that you consider
the hardware as the minimum suggestion and
purchase quality fasteners and linkages from
your favorite manufacturer(s).
The ESM SBD is a “blank slate” of sorts,
ready to accommodate any servo, power
system, and engine. The instructions provided
are not suited for the beginner. Some
illustrations are misleading or lack detail, and I
didn’t like the flap/brake control system much
at all.
The included data is correct, but the
March 2011 57
Pluses and Minuses
+•
One-of-a-kind model with endless
detail potential.
• Expertly finished with authentic
appearance.
• Constructed from heavy-duty materials.
• Prepared to suit almost any power and
accessory options.
• Retracts available from ESM and Sierra
Giant Scale.
• CNC and laser-cut engineering/
construction.
• Offered price is hard to beat.
• Flies well with friendly handling. -•
Basic instructions could use more
detail, but included data is accurate.
• Instructed air brake and flap function
not to scale, but can be fixed.
• Provided hardware was brittle or
below quality standards for this class
of aircraft.
• Substantial ballast is required to achieve
the CG (normal).
• Vacuum-formed plastic parts are brittle.
Specifications
Model type: RC scale ARF
Skill level: Advanced builder;
advanced pilot
Wingspan: 71 inches (72.5 inches
actual)
Wing area: 5.7 square feet
Length: 55 inches
Weight: 13.75 pounds (with smallest
two-stroke glow engine)
Wing loading: 38.4 ounces/square
foot
Engine: 1.08-1.80 two-stroke, 1.20-
2.20 four-stroke, or 26cc-32cc gas
Radio: Six channels minimum, eight
to 11 servos
Construction: Fiberglass fuselage
and cowl; wood rudder, horizontal tail,
and wings; plastic details and canopy
Covering/finish: Fuelproof paint over
fiberglass, vacuum-formed plastic, and
heavy-duty film
Price: $299 ($438 as tested)
Engine used: SPE 26cc gas
Propeller: Master Airscrew 16 x 8
three-blade
Fuel: 520cc tank, 40:1 gas/oil mix
Radio system: Futaba 9WC2
transmitter (eight channels used) with
Xtreme Power Systems 2.4 GHz
module; Xtreme Power Systems 10-
channel receiver; three Hobbico CS-
71MG servos; two Hobbico CS-65
servos; two Hobbico CS-35 miniservos;
four Hobbico CS-59 low-profile servos;
three Hobbico Hydrimax 2000 mAh,
6.0-volt batteries; one “W” harness;
two 12-inch Y-harnesses; six 12-inch
extensions; two Hitec HD power
switches
Ready-to-fly weight: 16.075 pounds
Flight duration: 10 minutes
Test-Model Details
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 10:51 AM Page 57
assembly sequences weren’t always my
preferences—especially since I’d planned to
add scale details such as a dummy engine.
Perfectly mounting the engine and that Top
Flite 1/6-scale dummy radial was a personal
goal and achievement.
I also concealed the cowl mounting screws
inside the cowl, which took a bit of doing. As
instructed, the cowling is an easy setup.
The outline of the ESM Dauntless appears
to be accurate compared to three-view
illustrations available on the Internet. The
moments and areas look correct (to my eye).
That noted, I understand that the full-scale
Dauntless was a lofty craft designed for a
single purpose: to dive straight down and take
its crew back to the carrier. It’s not a fast
dogfighter despite the forward-mounted guns.
To assure that the model would cruise and
be comfortable to fly, checking the engine
thrustline was critical. The stabilizer and
thrustline were parallel, and the wing was set
with a measure of positive incidence.
That condition makes the aircraft want to
climb with power, similar to a trainer—a setup
that is not always desired for a warbird that is
missioned for low passes over the field. In
addition, there was no side offset in the
firewall.
I mounted the engine with 2° of downthrust
and right thrust, and I offset the engine up and
to the left so that the propeller shaft poked
through the middle of the dummy radial. That
feat required a great deal of trial and error with
58 MODEL AVIATION
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parts I didn’t want to have to repaint.
All proved worthwhile. My Dauntless still
climbs a bit with full power, but it cruises with
half power and needs minimal rudder
correction when power is applied. I still carry a
bit of down-trim, so I recommend 3° of
downthrust or 1° of positive incidence in the
stabilizer.
I would guess that a glow engine such as a
1.20-1.80 four-stroke would power the model
well and offer an authentic sound. Electric
power could be adapted with careful
modifications.
Regardless, scale models of radial-enginepowered
aircraft notoriously need weight up
front to achieve the correct balance point. I
went with a gas engine for that reason and
because it’s easy and inexpensive to operate.
Even with the gas engine, three batteries
mounted on the inside of the firewall, and the
dummy engine, I poured 4 ounces of lead shot
into the rim of the cowling. The recommended
CG in the manual is spot on!
Flaps and airbrakes were distinctive
features on the SBD and were well executed on
the ESM model, with the exception of their
operation recommendation. As instructed, only
the model’s central wing surface operates as
the flap and only the twin top and bottom outer
surfaces operate as brakes. Per full scale, the
flap function should include the center and two
outer moving surfaces working in unison.
Two low-profile servos will fit, mounted
upright, in the space provided for the single
standard brake servo. With each “flap”
controlled by a dedicated servo, movement is
easy to customize. I have the lower surfaces
linked to a “W” harness, and the upper flaps on
a Y-harness. They are mixed in the transmitter
so that one slider operates the flaps and the
other operates the brake.
As I’ve learned during flight-testing, the
flaps are unnecessary for takeoff and landing,
but they are fun to have and provide me with
options for delivering the aircraft to the
runway. I apply a landing mix so that downelevator
is trimmed in when the flaps are
dropped past 15°. Operation of the brakes is
dramatic; the warbird practically stops in the
air.
To enter a bombing run, I deploy the brakes
and hold down-elevator to hold the Dauntless
in the dive as the engine runs just above idle. I
don’t have a bomb drop, but I want one badly
now.
At the end (before the ground is dispensed),
recovery from the dive is simply a matter of
removing down-elevator pressure; as the nose
points to the horizon, I apply power as the
brakes are retracted. Deflection of my brakes is
approximately 45°.
I don’t want a model warbird with fixed
gear if the full-scale version had retracts. The
ESM retract option is a beautiful package that,
up to this point, is working satisfactorily. The
aluminum construction is beautiful, as are the
hubs on the main wheels.
I opted for a lighter wheel on the tail for
practical reasons but installed the retracts for
best fit, which meant carving out wood in a few
places to ensure that the plumbing didn’t foul.
The system leaks to a small degree, but with
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:35 PM Page 58
60 MODEL AVIATION
Pitch control is comfortable, again because
I followed the recommended rates. If I had
gone by the illustrations in the manual, the
feel would be far too sensitive to manage.
When no wind is present, flaps will
help the SBD slow for landing. Otherwise
it will touch down fast. Tail-high arrivals
seem to be this model’s specialty, and a
dirty-pass abort needs only application of
power to climb the airplane out and reenter
the pattern.
Overall I’m very pleased with the ESM
Dauntless experience. I now have a taste for
scale that has me wanting to fly more and
seriously considering a larger project—or
perhaps one of the ESM International
Miniature Aircraft Association-legal 50cc
engine-powered models.
Go fly! MA
Michael Ramsey
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
ESM/ARF Pros
859 US Hwy. 41 Byp. S
Venice FL 34285
(941) 232-8188
www.arfpromodelplanes.com
Sources:
SPE Engines:
Cermark
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Master Airscrew
Windsor Propeller Company
Box 250
Rancho Cordova CA 95741
http://masterairscrew.com
Futaba
(217) 398-8970
www.futaba-rc.com
Hitec
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Tru-Turn
(281) 479-9600
www.tru-turn.com
Xtreme Power Systems
2440 N. Kiowa Blvd.
Lake Havasu City AZ 86403
www.xtremepowersystems.net
Hobbico
(217) 398-8970
www.hobbico.com
Dauntless cockpit:
VQ Warbirds
www.vqwarbirds.com
Sierra Giant Scale
(440) 476-4885
www.sierragiant.com
80-100 pounds in the tank at the start of the
flight I can cycle the gear probably nine
times.
The surface controls were neatly planned
by ESM. Except for the ailerons, all
linkages are internal. Ball linkage hardware
was included, which I like very much and
used throughout.
The elevator and rudder are cablecontrolled—
another system I favor—but the
provided cable had a low strand count and
seemed to be a brittle stainless material. I
substituted an insulated multistrand cable
for the pull-pull system and was careful to
set the correct tension.
It is best to set the controls mechanically
with the recommended throw limits. Too
much elevator throw can make a warbird
unfriendly. I used the standard servo wheels
on the flaps/brakes, to also maintain the
highest movement resolution possible.
Straight alcohol seems to have no effect
on the paint, nor does lacquer thinner to a
large degree. The paint seems to be
chemically adhered to the covered surfaces,
sealing the film seams, and conforms to the
heat-sensitive material where needed.
Again, I’m impressed with the finish of
my model. I only wish the wood surfaces
could have the paneling detail resembling that
on the molded parts and that the moving
surfaces had a fabric texture.
The SPE 26cc is plenty of power for this
bomber. The three-blade Master Airscrew
propeller turned out to be a successful
experiment, in that it looks great and provides
the thrust needed to perform scale flight and a
healthy power margin. Small gas engines are
loud, but the three-blade propeller helps with
noise abatement.
Because of the force arrangements I
mentioned earlier, with full power the
Dauntless climbs with enthusiasm. The
retracts actuate in a scale manner, and the
doors are a realistic finishing touch. Even at a
stinking 16 pounds, this airplane likes to fly.
I’m sure that its giant wing and fat airfoil
have much to do with its lofty handling.
The Dauntless is a slow roller, and I
needed to use a longer servo arm and shorten
the control horn for maximum throw. That it
rumbles in the roll axis is kind of cool and
makes it feel like a heavy bomber.
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:35 PM Page 60

Plane Talk: ESM Douglas Dauntless SBD ARF
MICHAEL RAMSEY
Above: A Top Flite P-47 dummy radial
engine was easy to adapt to the Dauntless
cowling. An easy-to-fit Tru-Turn spinner hub
realistically completes the front end while
holding the 16 x 8 Master Airscrew
propeller in place.
Right: The author linked each flap surface
to a dedicated servo, so that the
foremost flap and air brake feature could
be operated in a scale manner.
A ready-to-customize
competition potential
scale warbird with
54 MODEL AVIATION
THE DOUGLAS DAUNTLESS has been
called the principle Allied dive-bomber in the
Pacific Theater of Operations. In the American
Navy war effort throughout the Pacific during
World War II, the late carrier strike bomber of
the 1930s punched back at the enemy and
soldiered on even as more advanced warplanes
outflanked it inside its own hangar.
The Dauntless more or less shared the same
duty as the British Fairey Swordfish and
German Stuka, in that despite their slow and
outmoded positions, they were thrown into
battle and earned their places in history as
effective war tools. We owe much of their
success to the pilots who manned them.
Where the Stuka took out land targets ad
nauseam, the Dauntless SBD is claimed to
have taken out thousands of Japanese ships.
(Were the pickings that good?) If the
Swordfish had been built in the same numbers,
would its résumé have grown to be as colorful?
As a warbird, the majesty of the Dauntless
to me is more in its history as a soldier’s tool
than as an aircraft that was capable of
merciless attack, such as the Mustang or
Hellcat. Its character grew from the memory of
my father’s early contract as an industrial
model maker.
He made a master mold of a Douglas SBD-
5 Dauntless in roughly 1/72 scale that was
poured in pewter and sold at museum stores.
As a 10-year-old I thought it was dad’s coolest
job yet. From there I learned more about WW
II and found more heroes to worship.
I wasn’t looking for a model of the
Dauntless, but I seem to be on a warbird kick
lately. ARF Pros (ARFP) is a spin-off from
Troy Built Models, which imports a variety of
airplanes from several manufacturers. ARFP is
now a large-order importer of Ever Soaring
Models (ESM), which has a bountiful line of
popular and unique scale models in 1.20-class
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:29 PM Page 54
March 2011 55
The fiberglass fuselage and cowling are painted, as is the heavy-duty film covering the
wooden wings and control surfaces. Construction and finish are top grade.
Available as an option (at a great price)
are ESM pneumatic retracts made
specifically for the Dauntless. A standard
servo is all that is required to complete
the package.
The SPE 26cc engine is smooth and easy to
start. The author installed a platform
above the engine for the Melody ignition
module and added engine offset.
An air tank rests in simple brackets lined with Velcro. The Xtreme Power Systems 10-
channel receiver performs with bulletproof reliability. Three 6.0-volt batteries are
mounted to the firewall.
ESM sized the Dauntless so that almost
any of the recommended engines can hide
completely inside the round cowling. The
author concealed the cowl-mounting
screws inside.
The outboard wing-flap servo-hatch area
can be modified as shown to accommodate
two upright low-profile servos. Each
surface travels approximately 45° and
closes tightly.
Before seal ing the wheel wel ls with
included covers, locate the LE dowel
holes and through the opening, center
drill the holes in the wing saddle.
Static photos by the author Flight photos by Jay Smith
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:33 PM Page 55
56 MODEL AVIATION
A hatch molded into the tail permits access to the control linkages concealed within.
The wood stabilizer is supported through the fuselage with an aluminum tube.
Threaded brass control horns provided
for the Dauntless flap and air brake
surfaces are f itted with bal l - l inkage
hardware and secured with epoxy in the
hard balsa material.
This model can cruise the field in a
friendly manner at half throttle. Its
wing area and airfoil limit its speed.
Recommended control throws and
CG are nearly perfect.
Long flights sometimes result in running out of gas. At 16 pounds this bomber has a relatively steep glide, but a smooth flare is possible
even at low speeds.
The author performs a
mock bombing run with air
brakes fully deployed.
Retracts tuck neatly into
the airframe and have
proven to be reliable.
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:34 PM Page 56
glow and 50cc gas sizes.
ESM aircraft are factorypainted
to scale, have preapplied
decals, and are covered with a matte
clear coat. They have functional flaps, if
standard on the full-scale versions, and include
standard hardware (screws, pushrods, fuel tank
etc.).
Most ESM fuselages are epoxy resin
fiberglass with fiber and plywood former
reinforcement. The wings are typically built,
covered with iron-on material, and then painted.
The Dauntless paint scheme represents the later
SBD-5 aircraft aboard the USS Lexington after
the battles at Midway. There should be scale
documentation available for that livery.
ESM models offer a lot for the money.
Conventional gear and wheels come in the kit.
If the full-scale version had retracts, the
complete retract system for the model is
available separately. The company sells scale
accessories such as bombs, gear doors, pilots,
external fuel tanks, and more separately for
those who want more realism.
The SBD doesn’t come equipped with every
scale detail, but it’s an excellent canvas that a
modeler can develop to any level of finish. It’s
definitely better than any wood warbird covered
in plastic film I’ve ever seen.
I understand that the ESM line of models
looks and flies realistically. Tom Sullivan
sampled the P-51B a few months ago and
reported pleasing results. I finished the
Dauntless with a similar level of satisfaction.
This line of aircraft comes to US shores with a
specific goal: to offer the
best presentation possible at the
lowest price.
The best price out there for a large warbird
with retracts is approximately $500, which is
what an ESM model in the 1.20 size class costs.
The company’s products are unique, but in the
ARF category they are almost the furthest from
ready to fly.
The definition of a Scale model, after all, is
one that is never finished; its builder stops
working at a certain point. My ESM Dauntless
arrived with such a beautiful scheme and finish
that it inspired me to look at other details to add.
So it took longer to build than I expected.
Out of the box this SBD is a sport model
that can handle any radio system, any power
system, and, for fun, can fit fixed gear, which is
great for the RC pilot who is getting used to the
nuances of flying a warbird. The details I added
more than doubled the build time, and at this
point I’m not nearly done—but it’s flying very
well.
At the price at which ESM designs are sold,
a buyer would be smart to examine each part
extremely carefully. My Dauntless was
constructed incredibly well overall and was
painted far better than I could have done
without years of training and the proper
equipment.
The molded fiberglass appeared neat on the
inside and doubly so on the exterior. The wood
parts looked to be made from the most robust
material possible, using CNC and laser-cut
manufacturing.
Vacuum-formed parts are
used to dress the wheel wells and
center wing bomb area, as well as
fashion the one-piece canopy.
Untrimmed, these pieces are finished with the
same paint used on the larger parts, so the
match is identical.
The clear plastic used is extraordinarily
brittle. Trimming the thin material with shears
is out of the question; it will certainly fracture.
A nibbling tool or motorized grinder and hand
sanding is the only safe means of removing the
scribed flashing from the part.
The hardware package accompanying
ESM products is an understood condition by
ARFP. I’m happy that the model itself is held
to higher quality standards than the screws,
linkages, and other hardware provided,
because the hardware isn’t much good.
I used what I could and found the brass
linkages to be satisfactory. However, during
repetitive use of the other parts, most of the
threads stripped, screw heads snapped off, and
brackets broke. I recommend that you consider
the hardware as the minimum suggestion and
purchase quality fasteners and linkages from
your favorite manufacturer(s).
The ESM SBD is a “blank slate” of sorts,
ready to accommodate any servo, power
system, and engine. The instructions provided
are not suited for the beginner. Some
illustrations are misleading or lack detail, and I
didn’t like the flap/brake control system much
at all.
The included data is correct, but the
March 2011 57
Pluses and Minuses
+•
One-of-a-kind model with endless
detail potential.
• Expertly finished with authentic
appearance.
• Constructed from heavy-duty materials.
• Prepared to suit almost any power and
accessory options.
• Retracts available from ESM and Sierra
Giant Scale.
• CNC and laser-cut engineering/
construction.
• Offered price is hard to beat.
• Flies well with friendly handling. -•
Basic instructions could use more
detail, but included data is accurate.
• Instructed air brake and flap function
not to scale, but can be fixed.
• Provided hardware was brittle or
below quality standards for this class
of aircraft.
• Substantial ballast is required to achieve
the CG (normal).
• Vacuum-formed plastic parts are brittle.
Specifications
Model type: RC scale ARF
Skill level: Advanced builder;
advanced pilot
Wingspan: 71 inches (72.5 inches
actual)
Wing area: 5.7 square feet
Length: 55 inches
Weight: 13.75 pounds (with smallest
two-stroke glow engine)
Wing loading: 38.4 ounces/square
foot
Engine: 1.08-1.80 two-stroke, 1.20-
2.20 four-stroke, or 26cc-32cc gas
Radio: Six channels minimum, eight
to 11 servos
Construction: Fiberglass fuselage
and cowl; wood rudder, horizontal tail,
and wings; plastic details and canopy
Covering/finish: Fuelproof paint over
fiberglass, vacuum-formed plastic, and
heavy-duty film
Price: $299 ($438 as tested)
Engine used: SPE 26cc gas
Propeller: Master Airscrew 16 x 8
three-blade
Fuel: 520cc tank, 40:1 gas/oil mix
Radio system: Futaba 9WC2
transmitter (eight channels used) with
Xtreme Power Systems 2.4 GHz
module; Xtreme Power Systems 10-
channel receiver; three Hobbico CS-
71MG servos; two Hobbico CS-65
servos; two Hobbico CS-35 miniservos;
four Hobbico CS-59 low-profile servos;
three Hobbico Hydrimax 2000 mAh,
6.0-volt batteries; one “W” harness;
two 12-inch Y-harnesses; six 12-inch
extensions; two Hitec HD power
switches
Ready-to-fly weight: 16.075 pounds
Flight duration: 10 minutes
Test-Model Details
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 10:51 AM Page 57
assembly sequences weren’t always my
preferences—especially since I’d planned to
add scale details such as a dummy engine.
Perfectly mounting the engine and that Top
Flite 1/6-scale dummy radial was a personal
goal and achievement.
I also concealed the cowl mounting screws
inside the cowl, which took a bit of doing. As
instructed, the cowling is an easy setup.
The outline of the ESM Dauntless appears
to be accurate compared to three-view
illustrations available on the Internet. The
moments and areas look correct (to my eye).
That noted, I understand that the full-scale
Dauntless was a lofty craft designed for a
single purpose: to dive straight down and take
its crew back to the carrier. It’s not a fast
dogfighter despite the forward-mounted guns.
To assure that the model would cruise and
be comfortable to fly, checking the engine
thrustline was critical. The stabilizer and
thrustline were parallel, and the wing was set
with a measure of positive incidence.
That condition makes the aircraft want to
climb with power, similar to a trainer—a setup
that is not always desired for a warbird that is
missioned for low passes over the field. In
addition, there was no side offset in the
firewall.
I mounted the engine with 2° of downthrust
and right thrust, and I offset the engine up and
to the left so that the propeller shaft poked
through the middle of the dummy radial. That
feat required a great deal of trial and error with
58 MODEL AVIATION
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parts I didn’t want to have to repaint.
All proved worthwhile. My Dauntless still
climbs a bit with full power, but it cruises with
half power and needs minimal rudder
correction when power is applied. I still carry a
bit of down-trim, so I recommend 3° of
downthrust or 1° of positive incidence in the
stabilizer.
I would guess that a glow engine such as a
1.20-1.80 four-stroke would power the model
well and offer an authentic sound. Electric
power could be adapted with careful
modifications.
Regardless, scale models of radial-enginepowered
aircraft notoriously need weight up
front to achieve the correct balance point. I
went with a gas engine for that reason and
because it’s easy and inexpensive to operate.
Even with the gas engine, three batteries
mounted on the inside of the firewall, and the
dummy engine, I poured 4 ounces of lead shot
into the rim of the cowling. The recommended
CG in the manual is spot on!
Flaps and airbrakes were distinctive
features on the SBD and were well executed on
the ESM model, with the exception of their
operation recommendation. As instructed, only
the model’s central wing surface operates as
the flap and only the twin top and bottom outer
surfaces operate as brakes. Per full scale, the
flap function should include the center and two
outer moving surfaces working in unison.
Two low-profile servos will fit, mounted
upright, in the space provided for the single
standard brake servo. With each “flap”
controlled by a dedicated servo, movement is
easy to customize. I have the lower surfaces
linked to a “W” harness, and the upper flaps on
a Y-harness. They are mixed in the transmitter
so that one slider operates the flaps and the
other operates the brake.
As I’ve learned during flight-testing, the
flaps are unnecessary for takeoff and landing,
but they are fun to have and provide me with
options for delivering the aircraft to the
runway. I apply a landing mix so that downelevator
is trimmed in when the flaps are
dropped past 15°. Operation of the brakes is
dramatic; the warbird practically stops in the
air.
To enter a bombing run, I deploy the brakes
and hold down-elevator to hold the Dauntless
in the dive as the engine runs just above idle. I
don’t have a bomb drop, but I want one badly
now.
At the end (before the ground is dispensed),
recovery from the dive is simply a matter of
removing down-elevator pressure; as the nose
points to the horizon, I apply power as the
brakes are retracted. Deflection of my brakes is
approximately 45°.
I don’t want a model warbird with fixed
gear if the full-scale version had retracts. The
ESM retract option is a beautiful package that,
up to this point, is working satisfactorily. The
aluminum construction is beautiful, as are the
hubs on the main wheels.
I opted for a lighter wheel on the tail for
practical reasons but installed the retracts for
best fit, which meant carving out wood in a few
places to ensure that the plumbing didn’t foul.
The system leaks to a small degree, but with
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:35 PM Page 58
60 MODEL AVIATION
Pitch control is comfortable, again because
I followed the recommended rates. If I had
gone by the illustrations in the manual, the
feel would be far too sensitive to manage.
When no wind is present, flaps will
help the SBD slow for landing. Otherwise
it will touch down fast. Tail-high arrivals
seem to be this model’s specialty, and a
dirty-pass abort needs only application of
power to climb the airplane out and reenter
the pattern.
Overall I’m very pleased with the ESM
Dauntless experience. I now have a taste for
scale that has me wanting to fly more and
seriously considering a larger project—or
perhaps one of the ESM International
Miniature Aircraft Association-legal 50cc
engine-powered models.
Go fly! MA
Michael Ramsey
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
ESM/ARF Pros
859 US Hwy. 41 Byp. S
Venice FL 34285
(941) 232-8188
www.arfpromodelplanes.com
Sources:
SPE Engines:
Cermark
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Master Airscrew
Windsor Propeller Company
Box 250
Rancho Cordova CA 95741
http://masterairscrew.com
Futaba
(217) 398-8970
www.futaba-rc.com
Hitec
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Tru-Turn
(281) 479-9600
www.tru-turn.com
Xtreme Power Systems
2440 N. Kiowa Blvd.
Lake Havasu City AZ 86403
www.xtremepowersystems.net
Hobbico
(217) 398-8970
www.hobbico.com
Dauntless cockpit:
VQ Warbirds
www.vqwarbirds.com
Sierra Giant Scale
(440) 476-4885
www.sierragiant.com
80-100 pounds in the tank at the start of the
flight I can cycle the gear probably nine
times.
The surface controls were neatly planned
by ESM. Except for the ailerons, all
linkages are internal. Ball linkage hardware
was included, which I like very much and
used throughout.
The elevator and rudder are cablecontrolled—
another system I favor—but the
provided cable had a low strand count and
seemed to be a brittle stainless material. I
substituted an insulated multistrand cable
for the pull-pull system and was careful to
set the correct tension.
It is best to set the controls mechanically
with the recommended throw limits. Too
much elevator throw can make a warbird
unfriendly. I used the standard servo wheels
on the flaps/brakes, to also maintain the
highest movement resolution possible.
Straight alcohol seems to have no effect
on the paint, nor does lacquer thinner to a
large degree. The paint seems to be
chemically adhered to the covered surfaces,
sealing the film seams, and conforms to the
heat-sensitive material where needed.
Again, I’m impressed with the finish of
my model. I only wish the wood surfaces
could have the paneling detail resembling that
on the molded parts and that the moving
surfaces had a fabric texture.
The SPE 26cc is plenty of power for this
bomber. The three-blade Master Airscrew
propeller turned out to be a successful
experiment, in that it looks great and provides
the thrust needed to perform scale flight and a
healthy power margin. Small gas engines are
loud, but the three-blade propeller helps with
noise abatement.
Because of the force arrangements I
mentioned earlier, with full power the
Dauntless climbs with enthusiasm. The
retracts actuate in a scale manner, and the
doors are a realistic finishing touch. Even at a
stinking 16 pounds, this airplane likes to fly.
I’m sure that its giant wing and fat airfoil
have much to do with its lofty handling.
The Dauntless is a slow roller, and I
needed to use a longer servo arm and shorten
the control horn for maximum throw. That it
rumbles in the roll axis is kind of cool and
makes it feel like a heavy bomber.
03sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/24/11 1:35 PM Page 60