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Author Topic: E-Ringmaster  (Read 3656 times)

Offline Jim Carter

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E-Ringmaster
« on: November 13, 2016, 09:08:09 AM »
Greetings!  Well, I finally stuck my "foot" in it!!!  I decided to see if I could scratch build an Electric Ringmaster.  It was an interesting project and yet fun.  Other than Jim Mynes' bird, I've only see the photos of what others have done.  Although there are a myriad of separate items to choose from, I didn't care to do a "pick and choose" hodge podge so I ordered the full Brodak system for the .19-.35 engine size, BH-1833 to be confident that I'd have a suitable setup to start with.   I think the most challenging part of the build was making the motor mount.  I remembered some pictures of one made by one of the pilots from South America so I figured I'd try something similar.  I had some aluminum angle which I cut and shaped to fit the motor mount and then bolted the two halves to the fuselage.  Most of the construction of the fuselage, empennage and wing was rather straight forward without modification.  However I had to figure out where and how to mount the battery.  What I decided on was to make a tray of sorts, built into the first panel of the outboard wing.  I used a piece of 1/16" plywood plate superglued into the structure. After covering the plane with black monokote, I used two Velcro straps held in place using superglue and screws. I charged the battery on Thursday afternoon and this morning I took it out for the first flight.  I used a set of the 60# hi-vis yellow Spectra lines to control it and after my buddy pressed the start button and released it it was off to the races!  I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of pull although I think it was a bit lighter than an equivalent say Fox .35 engine.  I made a few wingovers and climb and dives to see it there were any bad habits but other than possibly having too much elevator throw, I was pleased and satisfied with the performance.  Regrettably, I didn't time the actual flight, but I'd guess it flew about 4 or 5 minutes; long enough to do the majority of the Beginner Pattern.  It was fun.  Now it's time to find a new owner for it so I can fund my next project!!  : )  If you're interested, drop me a pm.

Offline Russell

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2016, 02:41:17 AM »
Very nice looking build! Sorry to hear you are already unhappy with it and selling it.

I'm building a Super Ringmaster, went also with a Brodak setup but with a larger motor.

Offline Jim Carter

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2016, 09:45:11 AM »
Very nice looking build! Sorry to hear you are already unhappy with it and selling it.

I'm building a Super Ringmaster, went also with a Brodak setup but with a larger motor.
Hi!  I believe I may have given the wrong impression  :-\.  It's not that I'm unhappy with it, no, no!!  I'm very pleased with the performance.  It's just that I often sell many of my "fun" builds so I can fund other projects without angering the wife :).  It's how I fund my personal builds and new projects during those periods between orders from my regular customers or special orders.  I found the motor that came with the Brodak setup was quite sufficient, at least for my flying skills!!   LL~ LL~

Offline John Rist

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2016, 08:29:58 AM »
As a youngster I had a black Ringmaster.  Tried to do a demo flight in lighted ball park at a Boy Scouts night rally.  I didn't crash it but it was a nightmare.  Every time I flew above the fence it would disappear.  On the next flight tied a white handkerchief streamer to the tail and all was good.   LL~  LL~  LL~ 
John Rist
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Offline Jim Carter

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2016, 11:29:57 AM »
As a youngster I had a black Ringmaster.  Tried to do a demo flight in lighted ball park at a Boy Scouts night rally.  I didn't crash it but it was a nightmare.  Every time I flew above the fence it would disappear.  On the next flight tied a white handkerchief streamer to the tail and all was good.   LL~  LL~  LL~ 
Kool!  :)

Offline Pat Johnston

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2016, 07:28:49 PM »
I made up an E-Ringmaster early this year along with an E-conversion of the very original prototype of the Brodak Shark 402.  Both weighed in the 28-29 ounce range.  The Ringmaster flew marginally as has been my experience with most all S-1 Ringmasters.  The Shark 402 at the same weight and approximately the same wing area flies like an animal.  Incredible corners, great flying plane.  The biggest difference is the airfoil.  Both use the APC 10-6E prop and run in the 9500 to 10,000 RPM range.  I have a design for a conversion to the Ringmaster which uses my "+P" wing.  Same area and shape as the original S-1, but a tremendous difference in performance.
All this to say, do not get discouraged if you make up an E-RM and are unhappy with the performance.  The issue is not the electric power, but the actual plane.
Pat Johnston
Advanced Design Technology
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Offline FLOYD CARTER

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #6 on: December 24, 2016, 03:31:49 PM »
Well, the well-known problem with most Ringmasters is too much weight!  I don't see how anyone can get an E=Ring down to acceptable stunting weight.  My own "reduced weight" Ring had many parts built-up and uses an OS FP20.  Final flying weight was 19 oz.  That's the real secret!

Floyd
89 years, but still going (sort of)
AMA #796  SAM #188  LSF #020

Offline Pat Johnston

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2016, 08:51:26 AM »
True story, Floyd.  The last IC Ringmaster I built was a little under 23 ounces with an FP25.  The flying qualities were still marginal.  The change to the "+P" airfoil made a world of difference, even at 28 ounces.
I bet your 19 ouncer does fly well.  That is what it takes for one to be good.
Pat Johnston
Skunk Works

Offline Fredvon4

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2016, 10:42:13 AM »
Poo just got a tad discouraged

Building a PJ RM S-1ish Gold kit, and is already at 22.6 oz with OUT silk on wings yet... all else is finished

I was hoping to bring this in around 28~30 Oz

Perhaps the good strong (absolutly as described) BBTU OS 20 ABN/C I have--- will haul it well enough

Now waffling between, the always planned, 5mm Silk n dope or just Larry Renger it with Poly and SLC.....hummmm
"A good scare teaches more than good advice"

Fred von Gortler IV

Offline john e. holliday

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Re: E-Ringmaster
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2016, 11:01:51 AM »
The Renger method works on other than Poly-Span.  There is a picture of mine using Poly-Ester cloth jacket lining material.   If you want the silk look, put the silk on the normal way and let it shrink.   Then use either SLC from the Corehouse or the Material I used.  The silk only needs to be adhered around the edges and tight.  Iron the SLC on just sealing the edges.   Then I use the iron to finish shrinking the SLC and once shrunk I go over it again adhering it to the Poly-Ester.  Don't use a hot air gun except as a last resort on some wrinkles and then be very cautious.  Instead of doping and sanding and then doping for what for me was usually 8 coats of dope, this new method was done in tow settings in the shop.  Total I would say was about 8 hours for me as I had to locate some of the tools I use.  Go look at my post,   My Secret Weapon. H^^

It's in the Paint and Finishing section.
John E. "DOC" Holliday
10421 West 56th Terrace
Shawnee, KANSAS  66203
AMA 23530  Have fun as I have and I am still breaking a record.


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