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Radio Controlled Toys:For the last few years we have been playing with radio controlled toys, mainly airplanes, as a way to have some fun constructing them, and flying. We have a couple of RC cars, (2 1/8th scale nitro-powered off-road buggies), a 1/10th scale Clodbuster RC truck to which we have done a number of modifications (including Clodzilla 4 kit) and custom parts using our milling-machine, and half-a-dozen RC airplanes. GeeBee R2:More detail on its own page here. Electric Bird Of Time:
Small GeeBee R1:
Converted Aeronca Chief:This plane started life as a Comet rubber band kit. After building it in our first small apartment, where the fumes from the tissue dope would drive us out for the day after each coat, we took it to a park for the first flight under the rubber band power system. That flight was rather disastrous as a gust of wind came along just as it launched, sending the 48" wingspan rubber band plane vertical, and then into a tailslide into my arms. After that experience we decided to just hang it as a display piece. Some years later, after learning to fly RC on our Zagi, I realized that the small servos and Lithium Ion battery packs now availalbe would provide a great system of controling the plane in flight. I did some surgery to the tail surfaces and firewall to mount controls and a 280 gearbox & motor. Power comes from 3 Lithium Ion cells. All up weight is a bit over 8oz (yes ounces). For a 48" wingspan this is extremely light. In flight it is extrememly gentle, and will mush along down to about 4mph, and top speed is near 12mph. All easy enough to keep up with on foot if desired. With throttle control it will fly for almost an hour before needing fresh batteries. Clodzilla IVDetails on its own page here. |