While my shoulder continues to recover I'm finishing up some works-in-process from the rafters.  I'm now up to 4 BRAND NEW airplanes ready to test fly!  Latest is this Smoothie, which was originally built to write the Assembly Manual for the Brodak Electric Conversion (#BH-2026); front mounted motor with side access battery.  When it came to covering I tried duplicating the trim scheme of the old Veco Smoothie kit.  As near as I can tell, there are no color pictures available of Bob Palmers or Veco's kit model, but a there was an old thread on SSW that identified the original colors as Maroon with Diana Cream trim.  Closest I could come to in Moneycote was Maroon with Tan trim.  Key trim element is the HUGE 4" tall AMA numbers.  I also printed some 5" samples but they looked too big.

Power is a generic 2812 Motor, turning an APC 10x5.8P, running 4Sx2200 pack via a Phoenix 25A ESC.  Excited that the RTF weight is 38 oz.

You like???

I like the colors. Old School. But you got rid of chopped and channeled, and added a sunroof? Whuzzatabout?

I purchased a Brodak Smoothie this summer and plan to start on it this winter.  And would like some suggestions on an engine and prop that would be appropriate for sport and moderate stunt flying.  I have an OS Max S30 and S35 as well as an FP 35 and FP 40 that could be used for the Smoothie.  I plan on an upright engine installation.

Tres

The Max-S .35 would be a great choice if it is in good condition and you like running old engines. (Different fuel, different prop, different rpm.) Of your choices, that is what I would pick. Now Denny would likely argue that a sewing machine motor provides a big improvement....

I always thought that someone should make a green and white Smoothie. Almost every one I've seen was red with white trim. I seem to remember some of the ARFs were black and white?

Thanks Dave
So that settles it.  I just needed to be nudged a little. I was leaning towards the Max S35 as well. I have two new ones, and I am waiting on a P/L and rod set from Brian Gardner to upgrade one of them.  For some unknown reason, I prefer the older engines, like the Max S and the VECO K&Bs.

Tres

Chopped & channeled? That's an apt description.  The original Veco used a flat celluloid  wrap around windshield that was kind of a PITA. The Brodak kit tried to simplify that into a molded bubble that should be painted to match the original look.  Looks good if painted, but nearly impossible to Moneycote & color match matters. BUT you are RIGHT, while it looks OK, it does not look like a Smoothie does it?

Tres:
I agree with Dave about the S35 - perfect choice.  I also used S30's and found them interchangeable with the 35.  The FP's a re more powerful but also much heavier.  The Smoothie was designed around 1950's engines, so the s35 is already a solid upgrade in power. Recommend a 10x6 Xoar prop.  DO NOT USE 5%nitro?29% oil fuel.  That crap ain't fuel, its cough syrup.

I shall also (with great effort) resist the urge to recommend an UNSPEAKABLE alternative power system! (Dave will be shocked, figuratively speaking)

All seriousness aside, the Smoothie tends to get overlooked but it is a terrific flyer.

That's a nice looker Dennis.  A small light plane is often a pleasure to fly.  Like dancing with a ballerina vs. a wrestling match w/ a larger model

Dennis,

What do you think about a 10% nitro fuel with 22% 50/50 lube for the Max S engines? I use some S&W fuel and some I mix up as needed.  Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Tres

Quote from: Dennis Adamisin on August 19, 2026, 08:17:40 AMChopped & channeled? That's an apt description.  The original Veco used a flat celluloid  wrap around windshield that was kind of a PITA. The Brodak kit tried to simplify that into a molded bubble that should be painted to match the original look.  Looks good if painted, but nearly impossible to Moneycote & color match matters. BUT you are RIGHT, while it looks OK, it does not look like a Smoothie does it?

Tres:
I agree with Dave about the S35 - perfect choice.  I also used S30's and found them interchangeable with the 35.  The FP's a re more powerful but also much heavier.  The Smoothie was designed around 1950's engines, so the s35 is already a solid upgrade in power. Recommend a 10x6 Xoar prop.  DO NOT USE 5%nitro?29% oil fuel.  That crap ain't fuel, its cough syrup.

I shall also (with great effort) resist the urge to recommend an UNSPEAKABLE alternative power system! (Dave will be shocked, figuratively speaking)

All seriousness aside, the Smoothie tends to get overlooked but it is a terrific flyer.

Quote from: Tres Lawton on August 19, 2026, 02:58:29 AMThanks Dave
So that settles it.  I just needed to be nudged a little. I was leaning towards the Max S35 as well. I have two new ones, and I am waiting on a P/L and rod set from Brian Gardner to upgrade one of them.  For some unknown reason, I prefer the older engines, like the Max S and the VECO K&Bs.

Tres

One thing to be careful with on the Max-s 35 is the venturi size. In order to pull fuel properly for stunt IMO you need something like a 0.265" or 0.270" venturi w/ stock size 4mm spray bar.

I'm getting close to putting a Max-s 35 on my new Banshee and planning on a 0.265" to start with.

And 10 nitro / 25% oil (50/50 castor/syn) works well.

Colin

Quote from: Tres Lawton on August 19, 2026, 09:24:16 AMDennis,

What do you think about a 10% nitro fuel with 22% 50/50 lube for the Max S engines? I use some S&W fuel and some I mix up as needed.  Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Tres

I don't claim to know more than the engineers at OS. The OS owner's manual recommends 30% oil for break-in and 25% for normal use. And if a new engine 50/50 castor/syn is fine. And 10% nitro is fine. I use the 10N / 25 oil 50/50 on my Max 30 and 35 and they both run great. And pay attention to the venturi size.

If you already have 22% oil 50/50, just add a bit of castor/syn 50/50 to boost to 25%. And do a good break-in period with 30% oil. On my new Max 35 for my Banshee the engine spent a good hour or so on the bench. And again, the owner's manual recommends a good hour or so minimum on the bench for a new engine.

Colin

Quote from: Tres Lawton on August 19, 2026, 09:24:16 AMDennis,

What do you think about a 10% nitro fuel with 22% 50/50 lube for the Max S engines? I use some S&W fuel and some I mix up as needed.  Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Tres

Very good choice.  Resist the urge to choke it with castor

At the age of 16, while working in Royal Craft hobby shop I sold the Rudner bothers, age 14, a Smoothie kit for $6.95.
They put it togethter and had it flying in under three weeks, without CA or 5-minute exopy.
There's no need to overthink a kit assembly.
It was fueled with K n B 100, the official fuel of Royal Craft.  We were NOT a Fox dealer.  K n B, Super Tiger, and OS.

Quote from: Jim Hoffman on August 19, 2026, 09:11:55 AMThat's a nice looker Dennis.  A small light plane is often a pleasure to fly.  Like dancing with a ballerina vs. a wrestling match w/ a larger model

Thanks Jim. To help illustrate your point, who would you rather wrestle with???

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