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Building Tips and technical articles. => 1/2 A building. => Topic started by: Larry Renger on January 15, 2008, 04:54:52 PM

Title: American Boy build
Post by: Larry Renger on January 15, 2008, 04:54:52 PM

Here are photos of the American Boy kit I built at the AMA Convention while manning the Knights of the Round Circle booth.  Few tools needed, minimal fittin' and fiddlin'.  Looking good so far.

Without wheels or finish, it is 3.9 ounces.  The engine is the Space Bug, a "tanked" version of the Thermal Hopper.  It is noticeably lighter than the Golden Bee I originally planned to put on the model.  I hope to hit 4.5 ounces finished.

Title: Re: American Boy build
Post by: George on January 16, 2008, 07:59:17 AM

Quote from: Larry Renger on January 15, 2008, 04:54:52 PM

The engine is the Space Bug, a "tanked" version of the Thermal Hopper.  It is noticeably lighter than the Golden Bee I originally planned to put on the model.  I hope to hit 4.5 ounces finished.

Gee Larry, since the Space Bug came out first, I always thought of the Thermal Hopper as a "tankless" Space Bug.  ;D  >:D  H^^

I always hated to mount the Space Bug, Space Bug Jr., and Thermal Hopper (without cage).  y1

Nice Ship!

George

Title: Re: American Boy build
Post by: George on January 16, 2008, 08:12:02 AM

For those who were not around in the early ninteen fifties, here is the reason for the mounting comment: Space Bug, Space Bug Jr., and Thermal Hopper. There was a cage available for the Thermal Hopper for flush radial mounting (I don't have one).

Title: Re: American Boy build
Post by: LARRY RICE on January 16, 2008, 09:48:34 AM

This is an early version of the kit, we made a slight upgrade in the current kit. We now slot the fuselage to fit the stabilizer. I did not see the advantage of a separate piece of wood there. We also went to lighter/larger wheels.
          I hope that you enjoyed the build.
Captain Blackhawk

Title: Re: American Boy build
Post by: Robert McHam on January 16, 2008, 03:34:06 PM

I really like the wheels on this plane. Reminds me of the ones I used to use way back when. That said, larger (easier to roll!) and lighter is certainly an improvement for sure.

Back in the day, though I liked the perfect brand of wheels, I didn't like the fact that besides the engine, they were the heaviest part that was added to the airframe. I liked the streamline wheels because it seemed like less rubber and would be cleaner slipping through the air.

Robert

Title: Re: American Boy build
Post by: Larry Renger on March 03, 2008, 05:54:06 PM

Well, I flew the plane yesterday.  It is a screamer!  4.35 ounces, 35' of lightweight Spiderwire, and it clocked at 54 mph!

It does loops, flies inverted and outsides and figure-eights.  For a Scientific design, it is a winner!

I need to add decorations, but it has a good epoxy finish as a base.  Photos when it is done.

The Space Bug seems comparable to a strong Black Widow, but it is lighter and has more tank capacity, as Andy Borgogna can attest   >:D VD~