The first model was built in 1963, designed and built for my senior thesis.  I think it was flown a couple of times, then destroyed in testing for the thesis.  Anyway, a few years ago, I dug out the thesis for a friend who likes such things    and realized that the model is my only documented classic legal design!     So I built one.  It was a disaster in a number of ways too boring to detail out here, but eventually got tuned in to the point that I took it to VSC last year to be my Classic entry.  It had a vibration that had already destroyed a couple of elevator clevises, and the third time was the charm, totalling the plane.

OK, I now have the control setup, the balance point and the engine setup that are needed.  So I only need to cure the vibration.  I lengthened the nose to reduce the noseweight requirements (I went too far, but that is fixable) and added 1/8" doublers in the nose instead of 1/32" ply.  That should dampen things down nicely.  In addition, as you can see in the photos, no more clevises!!!!

I beefed up the spars, not because of flight loads, but because I keep breaking the things handling the model!

The new model weighs in at 5.6 ounces, so the performance should be excellent.

Finish is 3 thin coats of KlassKote clear epoxy on the wood parts and Yellow Coverlite on the wings (no finish required!)  The engine is a single port Golden Bee with the smallest venturi.  The only modifications are to use a copper tube fuel pickup, the Kavan tank extender and a new stainless steel petal style reed.

Fuel capacity is very marginal, so I will have to play with line lengths and props and fuel to make the entire pattern.  I could just barely get through with the final 2 laps last year.

I'll fly it tomorrow!!   

I like the simplicity.  What are the numbers?  Span?  Area?  Length?

Why not use a babe-bee with an external tank, or a product engine?

RSM would, indeed, be the one to kit the model, sorry, Larry.  The design is not open to modification in any significant way, since the whole point is to be Classic and Leprechaun legal.  I suggest you continue with whatever project you are working on.

The wingspan is 24.5", chord 5.5" resulting in a 132sq.in. wing.  The elevator throw is about 20deg in each direction.  Final balance point to be determined.

The reason to use the Golden Bee is that is the engine I used on the original model.  Since I plan to fly this in Classic competition, authenticity is important.  Changes from the original design have been kept to a minimum, with the wing, planform and airfoil all as accurate as I can make them.

I flew the model yesterday, and it shows decent potential. Unlike most 1/2A models, this one is TOO smooth.  I could do wingovers, but didn't risk a loop.

I cut the nose back 3/16" last night to move the CG back.  I will also widen the handle spacing I am using, as the handle was set up for a 2" bellcrank model with a short horn. 

I finally got back to tuning this plane in.  I got through a full pattern.  The elevator neutral needed re-setting, and I think a bit of tailweight and possibly wider handle spacing are in order.  Then I am in the ballpark.  I want to fly it at VSC and get in the requisite 3 flights.  I have no illusions of winning (no matter what I have to fly!).  Survival and not embarrasing myself (again) are the goal.

The engine is performing nicely on 12% Nitro and just making the full pattern.  I do need Armor All in the fuel to get a steady run.  I thought that the 1/8" doublers locked to the wing would dampen all the vibration, but the engine with tank extender must be flexible.