Author Topic: Vagabond (Read 4996 times)

Tom Niebuhr · « **on:** October 17, 2015, 10:32:55 AM »

Here is the completed drawing for the "Vagabond". Span = 34" for Fox .35. External elevator horn is to allow for adjustment of pushrod and/or elevator movement.

Intention of the "Vagabond" is to have a more realistic bipe with more span for a better glide. It uses "Hobo" ribs and can be flown in various configurations

Doc Holiday is building the first "Vagabond".

Contact me for full size plans.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2015, 12:15:35 PM »

Oh you let the cat out of the bag. This was to be my secret weapon for next season once I learn to fly.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2015, 01:00:24 PM »

Doc,
Sorry that the cat ripped a hole in the bag.

I hope that there will be more interest in the "Vagabond". It should be a fun airplane.

I would build a "Vagabond" right away except that I am trying to build a "Jet Falcon" for Classic at the Nats. The wing is covered and finished. The tail surfaces are also ready. I cut the laser parts for the fuselage and doublers and have started to build the fuselage.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2015, 10:29:09 PM »

That's real cute, Tom! I hope you'll have details of an electric version. No, I really don't, I'm just BS'ing you on that score.

Steve

john e. holliday · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2015, 04:05:44 PM »

Super easy if I had electric. Eliminate the hardwood engine mounts and put in formers for electric gizmos.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2015, 02:52:07 PM »

I simplified the struts.

I had originally had them bolted on, but it is easier just to insert them into the ribs after covering and painting.

I had also forgotten the tail wheel. (senility)

Be my guest to make it electric if anyone desires.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #6 on:** October 22, 2015, 11:51:53 AM »

Hey fellows the cute little post lady just handed me a package that had the 'Vagabond" in it. Plans look much different in person. I will be using the glued in struts, also I think I will add a tank floor just below the tank to beef up nose a little. Some one told me Fox 35 Stunts have a vibration history. Thanks to Tom Niebuhr for another great design.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2015, 12:57:07 PM »

Doc,
I use a tank floor when I build, but I wanted to keep it simple.

When I finally build a Vagabond, I will probably add balsa to each side of the struts to give them shape. That is strictly cosmetic.

I also build using a crutch. I recommend that since it helps with vibration.

Clancy Arnold · « **Reply #8 on:** October 22, 2015, 01:38:23 PM »

Doc
When can we expect a flight report?
Clancy

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #9 on:** October 22, 2015, 02:46:02 PM »

Clancy,

Give Doc a small break. He just got the plans.

I know that he has several other projects going too.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #10 on:** October 22, 2015, 05:48:21 PM »

Some people have no patience.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #11 on:** October 22, 2015, 06:17:01 PM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on October 22, 2015, 05:48:21 PM

Some people have no patience.

Doc,

Why are you typing when you could be building?

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2015, 07:15:58 PM »

Is this model intended to be a "Slob" type of airplane? Just curious. My first impression is to ask about no stagger in the wings, the need for flaps, and the length of the nose and tail moments. The nose looks a little long and tail a little short. Not trying to be critical, just curious as to the design philosophy. I do like the looks of the airplane, though. Keep us advised, Doc!
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

john e. holliday · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2015, 10:14:15 PM »

Yeah Wayne I should cutting wood. I work at my own pace at times.

Yes Dan Tom was trying to make a Bi-Slob type plane that looks good. Just hope I can do it justice. Was told Ron P., the designer of the Bi-Slob would fly the pattern with it.

Would have been in the shop this PM, but watched a couple of good movies. Jarassic Park and Fire In The Sky. Now to bed.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #14 on:** October 23, 2015, 11:56:23 AM »

Dan,
The Vagabond moments are very close to the Slob and it also has oversize tail surfaces. Having external aft pushrod allows for adjustment of elevator movement.

We will know about any needed changes after some Vagabonds are flying. The long top block adds to an illusion of a long nose.

There are two to be built at this time. One in Kansas, the other in Canada. Possibly more in the near future.

I have a major priority build of the Jet Falcon, before I can build a Vagabond myself.

The object is to have an airplane that is multipurpose for sport flying.

I can also add that I had two Slobs before Ron and I published it in Flying Models, and I have a total of four. Dan Banlock built one in those early days also. In fact, we flew double slob in those early days too. Being so short coupled it tends to be quite squirrely.

Ron Pavloer also built a Staggerwing Slob (lower wing forward) that he called the "Stagger-Bi. It did not perform as well. Stagger is not needed to perform well.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #15 on:** October 23, 2015, 06:55:11 PM »

Update, no pictures yet, but started cutting ribs, even though Tom said he had laser cut ribs. Also started on the engine plate and have sent Tom a question about it. This one is going to be fun. Worked on the B-25 also. Guess I'm getting old as I had to get the wire bender to bend the 1/8th wire.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #16 on:** October 24, 2015, 02:13:38 PM »

Doc found a few minor things to change, That's why we build a prototype. Doc's inputs are great.
This will be a good, fun, airplane.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #17 on:** November 20, 2015, 03:43:16 PM »

Doc's Vagabond is coming along well.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #18 on:** November 20, 2015, 04:22:02 PM »

I admit I was wondering about that little zig at the end of the inboard engine bearer...and the "1/4" Plap" !!!

Steve

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #19 on:** November 20, 2015, 05:47:07 PM »

Steve,

Zig Zag?

If any one wants to build it with no flaps, I would not object.

So far, Doc is doing a great job on his Vagabond.

Here is the latest drawing update.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #20 on:** November 20, 2015, 09:33:48 PM »

Ty,

Simplicity is the answer to most questions.

Personally, on all my stunters, I use 1/8" pads under the engine lugs. I typically use a tank shelf with room for height adjustment.

The "Vagabond" tank vents are up to the builder. Interestingly, my 3 slobs just had the tank glued in right on the mounts and no pads, and the simple vents. The famous "slob" uses this simple system and it works. (No Stagger either)

Many people seem to think that a bipe has to have stagger. The reason for positive stagger, starting in WWI, was for pilot visibility. It moves the CG forward, requiring a longer tail moment.

Ron Pavloer had a version of the BiSlob that he called the "Stagger-Bi" with negative stagger ala the Beech stagger wing . It did not turn the same in inside and outside maneuvers. It looked nice, but he was not totally happy with it and never build another one with stagger.

Stagger is not needed for the "Vagabond" which is simply a sport airplane.

Yes, the "Vagabond" has short wings and large tail surfaces. Again, it is a sport airplane and is meant to anything you want to do. It has more span which will improve glide over it's slobby distant cousin, but remember that bipes have a lot of drag, and most will not have a long glide.

While it is possible that someone might fly stunt events with a "Vagabond", it is not intended to win the Nats. It is simply a fun airplane.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #21 on:** November 20, 2015, 10:29:09 PM »

Quote from: Tom Niebuhr on November 20, 2015, 05:47:07 PM

Steve,

Zig Zag?

No, just Zig. Angled cut on end of motor bearer in top view of fuselage.

If any one wants to build it with no flaps, I would not object.

It says "1/4 Plaps". Typo, I'm guessing, but I have no idea how you type into CAD.

So far, Doc is doing a great job on his Vagabond.

As expected. He's got good helpers out there in the shop.

Here is the latest drawing update.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #22 on:** November 21, 2015, 07:24:55 AM »

Ty,
I'm in trouble all the time.... just ask my wife.

Steve,
Gee Wizzzz; "Plaps" looked good to me! Also the zig."

I guess that's why we injunears have pruuf reeders! I can't tiip eeder.

I made the changes. Is riit now?

Thanks,
Tom

I

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #23 on:** November 21, 2015, 10:12:08 AM »

Ty,
Check "The rest of the story" for pictures of the "Stagger-Bi".

Avaiojet · « **Reply #24 on:** November 21, 2015, 12:06:17 PM »

Tom,

What a nice clean profile on your Vagabond. I like it for many other reasons and not just because it ends in "Bond."

Vintage look to it also.

I wish I didn't have these building projects and wish I could get out to the field more.

The Vagabond is perfect for grass!

Outstanding!

Charles

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #25 on:** November 21, 2015, 01:46:30 PM »

Ty; the reason most of us use a standard tank in these planes is so they will saber dance easy when at the first part (rich) of the tank, and then do other tricks as the engine leans out. If you have never flown a slob it is like nothing you have ever flown. Jim Lee is a master slobber along with many others. You cannot fly one without grinning ear to ear. Watch some of them on youtube.

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #26 on:** November 21, 2015, 07:55:51 PM »

Ah! well then. You already know. I thought I remembered that you had at least one at one time. They are a hoot to fly.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #27 on:** November 22, 2015, 09:01:03 PM »

The Bi-Slobs are a blast. The Tulsa Glue Dobbers used to have a free style event for stunt and the Slobs would take over. Best show was when Jim Lee and the lat Marvin Denny were going to have a fly off. I launched for Jim and was told to move fast. He didn't even roll before going vertical. It was so much fun watching the two of them work those Slobs. Also I'm trying my best on the Vagabond. Finished shaping the stab/elevator and getting ready to cover top side of bottom wing and bottom of top wing. Still need to cut the struts.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #28 on:** November 23, 2015, 02:48:42 PM »

Doc,
Looking forward to more updates on your "Vagabond"