Classic Designs > Classic Planes

Road Runner

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L0U CRANE:
Does anyone else remember the Road runner? By Bill Melton and Jim Young, it appeared as a full article in MAN, March 1967.  Story was that it had evolved without much change since 1959. (Hmm...Ares inspired? Somewhat resembles that one, but has a C-tube wing...)

Quite simple, straightforward structure. Pretty! Bill Melton was best known  to us for his Carrier models and performance, and best remembered around here for all the inspiration - and much of the work - for the Las Cruces, New Mexico club's contests, activities and field, etc.

I believe he also developed a drought-resistant variety of alfalfa, which was a great thing for New Mexico high ground farming!

Not much modern sounding technology in the article, but he claims it can (?could then, anyway ) come out between 42 an 47 oz with  (unmuffled) Fox 35 and a high points scoring finish. Describes the success of the model as consistent and strong. Good sensible description of how to tweak a model to best performance, and assurance that this model can be fine-tuned very successfully for any reasonable altitude above sea level.

Didn't see it in the Classics described so far. Wonder why... I have a copy made from the MAN aticle, and could scan and send it as .pdf if needed.

Brad LaPointe:
Outerzone oz6619 . The article and plans are on line .

Brad

Dave Hull:
Pretty sure one of our club members "Mustang" Bill Barber had a profile version of the Rud Roaner. It's a pretty airplane. I think he found the trimming to be more critical because of the smaller-than-modern tail. It was fun to watch him fly it.

The Divot

L0U CRANE:
Brad, Reply#1, OZ  may be the source of my copy. Thanks. Some of the wording isn't particularly clear but can be inferred. BTW, AMA has a plans pack for it.

When it was designed few, if any, considered adjustable leadouts or tip weight. These could help dial-in one built now. Back then, IF we saw a need, the  fix took a #11 X-ACTO and some covering and painting touchup.
 
Bill M used a shaft extension on the Fox 35. We'now know the Fox 35 didn't not like them. Most recent engines have: (A). a longer shaft bearings or (B) ball bearings. ...and are often heavier, plus muffler. Bill M's stated  model weight range may cover that. A way to adjust CG could be built in.  He didn't give a CG location in words or on the plans. He DID spell out ways to tune it  by observing  and correcting what it did in flight.

Ty said it was not very responsive because of the small tail. Bill M described the model's response as smooth and confidence inspiring - read not twitchy - but capable of optimizing. We did not look for violent corners then.

BTW, I presume that Classic's intent is to be for good representations of models from the era - not exact copies in terms of control systems, leadout location, hardware and a few other things as long as  external appearance is preserved. The question about a no-wheels Classic model could be dealt with by stipulating a zero score for takeoff and landing, no Pattern Points, but scoring the in-flight maneuvers. Given that, who would bother?

Gordon Van Tighem:
Started one many years back. May even finish it up one day. First attempt at a foam wing.
G

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