Author Topic: The Yaking Clown build (Read 9994 times)

Jim Roselle · « **on:** July 25, 2013, 02:42:36 PM »

I've heard enough good things about the Baby Clown that I snapped up a kit when I saw a good deal on eBay. Problem is I really don't care for the look of the plane at all:

I've decided to make mine look as much like a Yak-50 as possible:

There seem to be alot of very experienced builders on the forum and I am open to any suggestions or advice that may be offered on this build.

Thank you,
Jim

Duke.Johnson · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2013, 02:59:04 PM »

I'm not that builder your looking for, but great idea. Looks nice so far.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2013, 08:41:17 AM »

As owner of two flyable Baby clowns and having had at least two others in the past, I can tell you that as long as you keep the weight down around 7 ounces, you will have a VERY good flying, competitive model.

What engine do you plan to use? One of mine has a PAW .061, the other, a Medallion 049. The latest one is detailed here and there throughout this forum, mostly related to my experiment with SLC film over Polyspan covering. This model came out 7.041 ounces ready to fly.

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2013, 09:48:05 AM »

I am planing on using a Tee Dee .049/.051 on bladder pressure. I just purchased a norvel .049 and may use it if I can figure it out. I have only ever owned cox engines.

I am planing on redoing the stab/elevator to a more scale appearance, having the elevator "split" by the rudder. If I keep the area and the elevator/stab ratio the same should I be OK or is this a design parameter better left alone?

Thank you,
Jim

Larry Renger · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2013, 11:24:58 AM »

The Tee Dee will be a LOT of power for this plane. Plan on at least 45 ft lines or a 6x2prop.

If possible, I would stretch the stab and elevator as much as you think will look OK for appearance sake. You will get smoother exits from squares and smoother level flight.

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2013, 11:52:28 AM »

I figure stab/elevator around 11x3.5 will put me in the ballpark for 25% of wing area and give me classic "stunter" lines. I figured on 45 foot lines. Any extra space between the plane and the ground is a good thing, especially with my skill set

Ron Cribbs · « **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2013, 03:36:55 PM »

Jim,

Here is the fuse from an original PDQ Baby Clown kit.

I know you are already past the point of no return, but I thought I would post it anyway as it looks better than the Brodak version at least to my eye anyway.

Ron

Larry Renger · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2013, 04:12:03 PM »

The Brodak version is a Baby Clown only if you view it from afar with the sun in your eyes. The sizes and shapes are all off from the original. I compared my plane to an original kit.

That said, it is a really good flying machine! I currently have two flyable, and kits for three more. Enough clowns to fill a Volkswagen!

Because we only found out about the inaccuracies after flyin the design as OT legal, we still allow it here in So. Ca.

Ron Cribbs · « **Reply #8 on:** July 27, 2013, 04:35:02 PM »

I am surprised it is OT legal. It is way off apart from the wing and stab/elevator. I am
Pretty fond of the original look even though I currently fly a Brodak version. It does fly well Larry, I agree.

Ron

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #9 on:** July 27, 2013, 04:53:34 PM »

Quote from: Ron Cribbs on July 27, 2013, 03:36:55 PM

Jim,

Here is the fuse from an original PDQ Baby Clown kit.

I know you are already past the point of no return, but I thought I would post it anyway as it looks better than the Brodak version at least to my eye anyway.
Definitely better than the Brodak version but still a little "cartoony" for my taste.

Jim

Ron

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2013, 06:17:07 PM »

Quote from: Ron Cribbs on July 27, 2013, 04:35:02 PM

I am surprised it is OT legal. It is way off apart from the wing and stab/elevator. I am
Pretty fond of the original look even though I currently fly a Brodak version. It does fly well Larry, I agree.

Ron

I have to say that your full size clown with the checkerboard wing is an awesome looking airplane.

Jim

RknRusty · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2013, 07:00:58 PM »

Quote from: Jim Roselle on July 27, 2013, 06:17:07 PM

I have to say that your full size clown with the checkerboard wing is an awesome looking airplane.

Jim

I'd say so too. I put 4 of Ron's still photos of it in flight on my computer's desktop background rotation.
Rusty

don Burke · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2013, 07:42:37 PM »

Quote from: Jim Roselle on July 27, 2013, 04:53:34 PM

Here's the original plans and a 3-view. They have quite an array of plans available. On second thought most probably know about this link anyhoo!

http://www.model-plans.co.uk/PDQ%20kit%20plans/PDQ%20baby%20clown.htm

Ron Cribbs · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2013, 09:21:08 PM »

Quote from: Jim Roselle on July 27, 2013, 06:17:07 PM

I have to say that your full size clown with the checkerboard wing is an awesome looking airplane.

Jim

Thanks Jim and Rusty,

I like it too, sure hope I don't auger it in. Luckily it can turn so quick it keeps me out of trouble.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2013, 01:41:48 PM »

Thanks for the plan link. I may just have to build a REAL BabyClown!

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2013, 05:22:16 PM »

Fuselage ready for silkspan:

All landing gear attachment points filled in as I fly from a wing stooge over grass:

Put a balsa cheek on the inboard side to hide the engine. I made it match the scale cowling lengthwise but didn't account for the fact that the fuselage is narrower top to bottom than a Yak-50. I guess it will give it a "racy" look

. Weight is at .857oz, curious to see what silkspan and filler coats add.

Jim

RknRusty · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2013, 08:39:13 PM »

Looks good, JP. I like the cheek. I'm thinking of doing something like that to the Yak-9. I'm still working on the wing right now though.
Rusty

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2013, 09:16:26 PM »

Quote from: RknRusty on July 28, 2013, 08:39:13 PM

Looks good, JP. I like the cheek. I'm thinking of doing something like that to the Yak-9. I'm still working on the wing right now though.
Rusty

I like to hide the engine so it looks as much like an airplane as possible from the pilots side. Plus installing blind nuts makes it seem like I know what I'm doing.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2013, 09:45:56 PM »

Blind leading the blind?

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2013, 10:42:41 PM »

Quote from: Larry Renger on July 28, 2013, 09:45:56 PM

Blind leading the blind?

Exactly!

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2013, 10:22:58 PM »

Progress is being made:

Fuse is covered with "silkspan" that came in the kit, seems more like tissue to me. Two coats full strength dope, about six or seven coats thinned 50/50 mixed with a liberal amount of talc. Sanded between coats and ready for paint. I used 1/32 ply scrap from the fuse doublers to make the elevator brace/horn mount. Elevator/stab is just a hair over 20% of wing area. Elevator/stab area ratio is essentially 50/50.

Jim

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #21 on:** August 06, 2013, 06:53:07 AM »

I decided to sheet the leading edge for a consistent airfoil across the wing. I also think it is a great way to add strength without adding a lot of weight and I like how it makes the finished model look.

Everything as shown weighs in at 5.46oz., only thing left is ultracote on the wing and epoxy to hold it all together. I anticipate being well under the 7oz. mark when done.

RknRusty · « **Reply #22 on:** August 06, 2013, 12:49:47 PM »

Quote from: Jim Roselle on August 06, 2013, 06:53:07 AM

I decided to sheet the leading edge for a consistent airfoil across the wing. I also think it is a great way to add strength without adding a lot of weight and I like how it makes the finished model look.

Everything as shown weighs in at 5.46oz., only thing left is ultracote on the wing and epoxy to hold it all together. I anticipate being well under the 7oz. mark when done.

Nice job, JP. That'll be lighter than my Baby Streak/Tee Dee .051 combo, and it's plenty fast on 40' with a 5 or 5-1/4 x 3 prop. If it's not too windy I even fly it on 45'. If that Tee Dee runs as well as all your other engines, you'll have a wild fun time with your freestyle sport stunting. I'm looking forward to seeing it go.
Rusty

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #23 on:** August 07, 2013, 12:44:27 AM »

Quote from: RknRusty on August 06, 2013, 12:49:47 PM

Nice job, JP. That'll be lighter than my Baby Streak/Tee Dee .051 combo, and it's plenty fast on 40' with a 5 or 5-1/4 x 3 prop. If it's not too windy I even fly it on 45'. If that Tee Dee runs as well as all your other engines, you'll have a wild fun time with your freestyle sport stunting. I'm looking forward to seeing it go.
Rusty

Thanks Rusty. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it flies. It will be about the same power to weight ratio as my baby ringmaster but with lower wing loading and a longer tail moment.

Jim

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #24 on:** August 07, 2013, 02:31:06 PM »

Starting to look like an airplane:

Really wishing I had gone the silkspan/Rustoleum route on the tailfeathers but what's done is done. There's always the next one.
Out of town for a wedding this weekend then a busy work schedule next week. I will have it finished next week but may not have a chance to fly it for a couple weeks.

Jim

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #25 on:** August 12, 2013, 05:15:11 PM »

Here is the inspiration:

And the result:

My El Cheapo Harbor Freight digital scale says 6.72oz and it reads about .2oz high so let's just call it 6.5

Can't wait to see how it flys.

Jim

Ron Cribbs · « **Reply #26 on:** August 13, 2013, 10:50:16 AM »

Looks excellent Jim!

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #27 on:** August 19, 2013, 01:03:51 PM »

Quote from: Ron Cribbs on August 13, 2013, 10:50:16 AM

Looks excellent Jim!

Thanks Ron, I finally got out to fly it this morning. Love it! Flight report and video of my sloppy, panicked flying style posted on the Cox Engine Forum.

Jim

RknRusty · « **Reply #28 on:** August 19, 2013, 03:18:48 PM »

Quote from: Jim Roselle on August 19, 2013, 01:03:51 PM

Thanks Ron, I finally got out to fly it this morning. Love it! Flight report and video of my sloppy, panicked flying style posted on the Cox Engine Forum.

Jim

I watched it, good flying. If there isn't a little panic mixed in with 1/2A sport flying, you must be doing something wrong. I think the Baby Clown just made my list of planes to build.

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #29 on:** August 19, 2013, 09:06:27 PM »

As per Rustys' request, here's the video:

mike londke · « **Reply #30 on:** August 19, 2013, 09:55:46 PM »

Nice vid, thanks for posting. Mike

RknRusty · « **Reply #31 on:** August 20, 2013, 08:44:55 AM »

Wow, if you can't have fun doing that, you must be dead!
Nothing like a screaming Tee Dee to get the neighbors' attention.

Duke.Johnson · « **Reply #32 on:** August 20, 2013, 09:34:14 AM »

Nice build! Makes think about building a Baby Clown, also. Maybe I'll make it "Made in the USA" and build it as a P-51. I never liked the look for the Flying Clown, but they fly nice.

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #33 on:** September 18, 2014, 11:47:47 AM »

The Yaking Clown met an unfortunate demise last February:

My 15 year old son said it best, "the soviet military was dealt a crushing blow today"

Work has started in a new clown, a cousin of the Yak. Any guesses what it's going to be?

don Burke · « **Reply #34 on:** September 18, 2014, 11:54:46 AM »

a STURMOVIK?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyushin_Il-2#mediaviewer/File:Il-2.svg

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #35 on:** September 18, 2014, 12:15:03 PM »

Yep, the finished build will include a tiny machine gun.

Jim Roselle · « **Reply #36 on:** October 09, 2014, 01:21:36 PM »

It's done! Fuselage is silk span with aerogloss dope/dc540/rustoleum. Wing is ultracoat black and silver. Right at 7oz., tee dee .051.

RknRusty · « **Reply #37 on:** October 09, 2014, 04:23:23 PM »

I don't know which Yak cousin, but whatever it is, it's marvelous! 7 ounces is pretty light. It's one of your best pieces of work yet, Jim. Of course we'll be awaiting video documentation of its battle duty.
Rusty