Quote from: Paul Smith on December 20, 2025, 10:24:05 AM
The Flying Clown, as currently used for Brodak 15 Clown racing can be built light and used as a full pattern stunter with a TD .049.

And, of course, also entered in OT, Classic, N-30, profile, and F2b.

8 ounces ready to fly, less fuel.

I have one of these I got at a swapmeet for next to nothing, it was well used and abused. I made a new fuselage for it out of 1/4", new tail bits out of 3/32? and run the snot out of it with a TD.09 on 45' lines. It very quickly became one of my top 3 in the hangar. 10/10 highly recommend!

Again a great plane, but not a 1/2 A. 👎☠️

Going to allow 1cc engines is a stretch.(Which I do 🙀)

Late to the party.  Still confused by the discussion of "How big can I make a 1/2A plane?"  I understand flying 1/2A planes.  My growth got stunted at 6 years old.  That's when I flew my first control line airplane, a Cox PT-19. I did the normal progression.  1/2A control line, then into RC, then into full scale, then back to RC, and then back to control line.  Even though I've built and flown everything from 1/8A to quarter scale, I've always, always, always defaulted to 1/2A planes.  Yes, I'm an unapologetic Cox fanboy.  When I design something new, I usually target around 160 square inches.  Can it be bigger? Sure.  But try finding light, quality balsa these days without ordering contest balsa online.  Around 160 squares can be built with the balsa you get at the local hobby and craft stores that'll fly fine.  Want bigger?  There are .074, .09, .11, and .15 engines out there.

Now, do I understand the challenge of building a nice, light plane that's bigger that'll fly on a TD .049?  Yup.  I love challenges.  But to me, the term 1/2A is very specific and it...  Ummmm...  I don't really know where I want this post to go.  But I don't see a need to overthink it.  Want more squares, get a 3/4A engine and go have fun.

I was recently gifted with a 1/2A treasure. Jim Mayfield designed and published a unique 1/2A srunter called the "Charger". He gave the original model to Hank, a friend, and now, years later it has come to me! I will pass it on to Warren Walker for his Man Cave/BBQ hangout/workroom/museum.

I am attaching a photo. It has a Medallion .049 for power and with a bit of care could be flown. But we wont!

It is full pattern capable on 30' lines. Plans are available on Outerzone.

Quote from: Larry Renger on February 26, 2026, 08:23:20 PMI was recently gifted with a 1/2A treasure. Jim Mayfield designed and published a unique 1/2A srunter called the "Charger". He gave the original model to Hank, a friend, and now, years later it has come to me! I will pass it on to Warren Walker for his Man Cave/BBQ hangout/workroom/museum.

I am attaching a photo. It has a Medallion .049 for power and with a bit of care could be flown. But we wont!

It is full pattern capable on 30' lines. Plans are available on Outerzone.

The Charger by Jim Mayfield was published in the October 1970 issue of American Aircraft Modeler magazine.  He gives credit to Charles Mackey and Bernard Ash for the offset thrust idea.  Jim was a really good flyer in Southern California during the 60's.  There is a picture of Jim and his immaculate Toronado at the 67 Nationals in Wynn Paul's Stunt History where he placed 9th.

Keith

Quote from: Larry Renger on February 26, 2026, 08:23:20 PMI was recently gifted with a 1/2A treasure. Jim Mayfield designed and published a unique 1/2A stunter called the "Charger". He gave the original model to Hank, a friend, and now, years later it has come to me! I will pass it on to Warren Walker for his Man Cave/BBQ hangout/workroom/museum. [...] I am attaching a photo. It has a Medallion .049 for power [...] It is full pattern capable on 30' lines. Plans are available on Outerzone.

Thanks, Larry for posting that. I mentioned your post in Cox Engine Forums and located the plan in Outerzone.

I like this design as it brings the best out of the Cox front rotary intake engines. Love the thick wing rib profile for stunt. I am thinking a slight downsizing may be good for Cox reed valve power as well. Perhaps a Cox .020 Tee Dee downsize, too?

I was delighted to happen upon a Cox .15 Sportsman for a song not long ago, appears to be very low mileage. Too bad that the 1960's RTF Piper Comanche never really caught on. (Perhaps a victim of R/C?) I was amazed by the fine details Cox produced on that model, such as the realistic landing gear.

I measured the model this morning.

29" wingspan
8" root chord
4" tip chord
174 sq.in. Area
8 ounces!

Beautiful construction, silkspan covering, japanese tissue decor. A real work of art.

🤠👍✌️

Quote from: GallopingGhostler on February 27, 2026, 11:31:52 AMThanks, Larry for posting that. I mentioned your post in Cox Engine Forums and located the plan in Outerzone.

I like this design as it brings the best out of the Cox front rotary intake engines. Love the thick wing rib profile for stunt. I am thinking a slight downsizing may be good for Cox reed valve power as well. Perhaps a Cox .020 Tee Dee downsize, too?

I was delighted to happen upon a Cox .15 Sportsman for a song not long ago, appears to be very low mileage. Too bad that the 1960's RTF Piper Comanche never really caught on. (Perhaps a victim of R/C?) I was amazed by the fine details Cox produced on that model, such as the realistic landing gear.

Quote from: Trostle on February 26, 2026, 11:32:26 PMThe Charger by Jim Mayfield was published in the October 1970 issue of American Aircraft Modeler magazine.  He gives credit to Charles Mackey and Bernard Ash for the offset thrust idea.  Jim was a really good flyer in Southern California during the 60's.  There is a picture of Jim and his immaculate Toronado at the 67 Nationals in Wynn Paul's Stunt History where he placed 9th.

Keith

Another thing about Jim Mayfield.  He was an excellent builder and finisher.  That Toronado would be a front row or near front row airplane at any Nats.  And it was light.  Based on Frank Williams Electra  (as were many designs from Southern California during that period all with McCoy .40's - like Bart Klapinski's Tempest).  I do not know the weight of Jim's Toronado, but he felt it was too light and added about 4 ounces of lead in the fuselage to make it fly better!!