Author Topic: Envoy (Read 2377 times)

tom brightbill · « **on:** January 29, 2013, 12:25:46 PM »

Having built one in the mid 60's, I think it will be fun to try it again. Other than the usuals (uniflow, weight box, and adjustable leadouts), are there any other suggestions? Thanks

john e. holliday · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2013, 06:23:19 PM »

Keep it light.

tom brightbill · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2013, 07:29:43 PM »

Thanks for Doc, I should have included that in the initial post. Guess it's old timers kicking in.

L0U CRANE · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2013, 02:23:39 PM »

Tom,

Keep it light, of course...

There are newer engines with a bunch more power than the TeeDee it was designed for. Should make things more 'positive.'

If you live at reasonable altitude, a good runnng TeeDee should handle it well, but more power will allow you to use longer lines. ...Give it more room to fly in. I'm up around 5000' above sea level, which makes it more critical on a TeeDee.

When all goes well, up here, it is a delightful model to fly. Go for it!

Jay · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2013, 04:07:19 PM »

Is there any place where you can get ribs for the Envoy? I hate cutting ribs

Roger Vizioli · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2013, 08:24:52 PM »

Try Walter Umland, for laser cut ribs.
R....

tom brightbill · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2013, 12:00:48 AM »

Well, now the truth must come out (since the plane is almost finished). I got all the materials, and a working set of plans, got ready to start cutting, then said, what the hell--- I redrew the outlines to look like an old favorite of mine. I've decide to refer to it as Half a Shark. There is the Shark 45, 35, 15, and now this. The wing is basically the Envoy with different tips and slightly different flaps. The fuse is the same length and surface locations, with the wing raised a touch. Trike gear. I'll try to post a pix soon. AUW = 9 oz. prior to covering. Using film to keep the weight down.

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2013, 11:04:51 AM »

Tom's been sending me pictures of the build from his cellphone, without cc'ing himself.

I bet if you look, Tom, you'll find ways to download to the computer from an Android phone without having to pay your cell company the data fees.

At any rate, I was looking forward to seeing that thing in person today, but the rain has started in earnest (and in Redland, too). So it'll have to wait.

Bill Little · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2013, 12:28:04 PM »

That really looks sharp, and I like it! Should be a very nice flying 1/2A.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

tom brightbill · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2013, 07:14:06 PM »

Now I need to do some pin striping and find some fuel. Final weight is 11 oz. with .5 in the tip.

ray copeland · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2013, 07:58:03 PM »

Tom, that is really nice!!! Hope it flies great for you!

tom brightbill · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2013, 08:44:10 PM »

Seems right as it sure doesn't look like an Envoy any more...

Duke.Johnson · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2013, 09:55:54 PM »

I showed my oldest son. He loves it.

tom brightbill · « **Reply #13 on:** March 16, 2013, 11:25:35 PM »

Bill, Ray, Duke, thanks guys for the support. I found a crack in the venturi housing on the TD, so I ordered another. I guess that will give me time to do the detailing and make some lines. Again, thanks for the good words.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2013, 08:15:19 AM »

Looks great. Hope it flies as well as it looks also. Don't let Dan McEntee see it as he is a Sharkman.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2013, 09:57:18 AM »

That is one great looking model! Bring it to one of our 1cc contests and wring it out.

1/2 ounce of tip weight may be a bit much. Look carefully for "hinging" when test flying.

tom brightbill · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2013, 10:30:40 AM »

Hi Larry, I might bring it to Eugene next month. Do you have a suggestion on initial line length (and tip weight)?

Larry Renger · « **Reply #17 on:** March 18, 2013, 09:06:53 AM »

Assuming a TD .049 swinging a Cox 5x3 black prop, and .008 cable lines, 42' should be about right. If you use .012s cut that down to 38'. 10 lb test Spectra has about the same drag as the .008s.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #18 on:** March 21, 2013, 12:12:51 AM »

A question based from one of your offline comments, how close is the Envoy to a baby Shark?

tom brightbill · « **Reply #19 on:** March 21, 2013, 09:18:09 AM »

Larry, The basic sing is the same, tips changed, flaps radius added to follow the tip shape. Forward fuse is the same, top profile, fin, and canopy location changed to match the Shark, as well as the bottom profile. The stab area is slightly increased with the Shark outline, but span is the same. The stab elevator hinge line is moved back to match the Shark.

tom brightbill · « **Reply #20 on:** April 28, 2013, 04:14:52 PM »

Update: Finally got everything together, I learned that 1/2A stuff can be a bit more difficult to find these days. Maiden flight on 42' x .008 lines was quite acceptable, the flaps needed a tweak, but balance and throws were good. It will corner on a dime, and loops too tight, about 10 feet, maybe less. That's something I'll have to adjust for. Half ounce tank is too small, will change to a Hayes 1 oz. as soon as I can get one. The 49 year old TeeDee ran beautifully.

Curare · « **Reply #21 on:** April 30, 2013, 07:50:00 PM »

Things happen fast don't they!