Big Bangers for Bigbirds
GIANT SCALE, a fairly recent term, is used to describe RC aircraft larger than what has come to be considered the "usual" RC model. But big birds aren't really new. In the early days of RC, it took a good-sized plane to carry the radio gear needed, and even when our modern lightweight equipment came along, a few dedicated souls stayed with the large format. The problem, however, was finding adequate power. The Giant Scale movement, as we see it today, didn't really get started until gasoline engines of roughly 2 to 3 cu. in. displacement became readily available. For some time, people had been converting chain-saw and other "small" engines for driving propellers, but the real spark was when the Quadra, already converted, became available in quantity.
Bigbangers for Bigbirds
SCRATCH the majority of Giant Scale models, and you'll uncover a Quadra under the cowl. While there are quite a few big bangers available now, the Quadra was the first to appear in any real quantity. Literally thousands are now in use. Most of the Giant Scale kits on the market were designed for the Quadra since it was about the only thing around when the kits were developed two or three years ago. This blocky looking Canadian chainsaw engine has had, and continues to have, a tremendous influence on the whole Giant Scale field.
Big Bangers for Big Birds
THIS INSTALLMENT covers almost the entire size range of Big Bird gasoline burners, from the 1.2 cu. in. Mag Aero to a 4.8 cu. in. special order engine from Roush Mfg. It is interesting to note that both engines are based on Kioritz products. In between the extremes, we look at three more engines: a Roper, a Husky, and a Kawasaki. Refer to Part 1 of this series (April '81 Model Aviation) for a description of our test equipment and procedures. There has been one significant addition to our test equipment. We were beginning to have doubts about our venerable old Heathkit Thumb Tach. Now, thanks to Dick Penrod at Giezendanner USA, we have the use of one of the Giezendanner Digital Tachometers. This device is not only easier to read, but it is much more accurate.
Big Bangers for Big Birds
THOSE OF YOU who have been following this series may remember the lead photos for Part 1 back in the April issue. They showed us doing our thing all bundled up in coats and gloves. (The big ear muffs were as useful at ear warming as they were at sound deadening.) Those first test runs were made in late November and early December, and anyone who thinks that Virginia is too far south to get cold doesn't know about northern Virginia. Our lead photo this time shows Kirby trying to function and survive on a 4th of July weekend at the same location.
Big Bangers for Big Birds
THIS INSTALLMENT of Big Bangers is notable for several reasons. First, three of the test runs were made on a day almost exactly one year after the first run that started this series. The weather, understandably, was very similar to what we had that first time around; cold and cloudy, but no rain. The atmosphere at the club flying field was quite different, however. Last year we couldn't take a deep breath without someone asking either, "What are you doing?" or "Are those model engines?" This time, everyone knew what we were doing, and about the only comment we heard was, "I didn't know there were so many Giant Scale engines."
