stunthanger.com
Classic Designs => Classic Planes => Topic started by: RC Storick on October 25, 2006, 10:23:00 PM
-
I have heard many myths about the infamous Tucker 4. Well tonight it has been put into perspective for me. Ron O'tool cam over to look at some pictures Allen Reisner sent me. When the ONLY Tucker 4 was Built, Ron was asked to fly it for Bob Tucker. Ron turned him down as Ron told Bob the wing was to breasty and would have a long clock time. Lou Zeller was then asked if Gary (his son) would be interested in campaigning the plane for him. Lou being the great promoter that he was got Gary to fly it.
Ron sat here and thought long and hard of that plane and Gary flying it. He said and I quote "that plane never won any meets or trophy's that he saw or heard of".
Ron was there during that time frame so I have to believe him. Take it for what its worth the tucker 4 is just a myth in its flying ability's. I am just writing an unbiased report for a guy who was there.
-
What's a Tucker 4? Pictures? Did you say too breasty? Sounds like fun. AP^
-
IIRC, Bob zhunt had the Tucker 4 to refinish and publish back when he was the FM Editor and doing the *Classic Series*. I do not know if he still has it, or what has become of it. It did, somewhat, resemble the Tucker Special.
Bill <><
-
"When the ONLY Tucker 4 was Built, Ron was asked to fly it for Bob Tucker. Ron turned him down as Ron told Bob the wing was to breasty and would have a long clock time."
Does this mean that it was Ron's opinion, but he never flew the airplane?
-
According to Ron watching Gary fly it while Talking to Bob Tucker it was! I guess the only way to find out for sure is when the plans come out is to build one.
-
Trying to upload a shot or two of the Tucker 4.
Allen Brickhaus
-
I talked to Alan and the Tucker 4 is ready for paint. But he's having a bit of trouble with the paint. We're working on it, but it should be ready to go by the Northwest Regionals.
-
Are plans available for this beautiful plane?
-
Are plans available for this beautiful plane?
I believe they are trying to get this restored and drawn up for presentation in Stunt News. I don't know when Tom hopes to publish this, but when it happens, the plans will be available through PAMPA Products.
I hope my memory is correct on this. n~ n~
Ron
-
The original Tucker Special was so good that it seems the attempt to improve it failed..............
-
I think the wing planform looks a bit like a Firecracker. Figures, Alan's built enough of those.
He did finally get the paint issue worked out.
-
Robert,
Yes, I see what Ron was refering too. :o The plane didn't seem to be high enough aspect ratio. Although I doubt the referred to "clock time" would have bee all that much less with higher aspect ration unless the stab/elevator moment arm was also extended.
Jim Pollock <=
If Ron's "clock time" reference is to pitch rotation rate, I think that reducing the flap movement would be prudent. One to one for low aspect wings is too much flap, so adjustable controls would be very helpful.
The "breasty" wing must mean it is too thick for the power of the Fox .35. With the low aspect ratio as well, an Aerotiger .36 with a decent prop would provide the thrust necessary for the airplane to accelerate out of any induced drag "holes" it would dig for itself during awesome cornering.
It looks like a fine model; trim knowledge and power available now will make it more than usable. One model in a single trim condition does not tell the design's whole story
Chris...
-
Figured that an update on the restored Tucker 4 should be added. The final trim color is going on and some clear has been spayed on the tail section. Matching the original color of Aero Gloss metallic blue was a real pain in the rear. Finally got it close enough that I'm the only one who will know the difference.
The plans have been done in AutoCAD and are in the hands of Tom McClain along with an article that should appear in Stunt News sometime early next year.
I think that with moveable leadouts, adjustable tip weight and adjustable controls the model will work just fine. Once I get the original out of the painting fixture I'll start on one for myself as I have a RO Jett 40 BS RE with header/muffler just looking for someplace to sit.
Alan Resinger
-
Alan,
Bring it to the NW Regionals and we can take a picture of it next to the Novi I'm working on. I plan to copy the original paint scheme...sort of. It will be green.bb
-
Hi Alan R.,
I wantr to also thank you for resurrecting the Tucker 4! To have these original planes still around after 40 or more years is fantastic!
Bill <><
-
Someone was asking about the plans for the Tucker 4. They should be available from PAMPA plans service sometime after the first of the year.
-
Alan,
Man, that top view really down't look a bit like a Firecracker. Can't wait to see the plane finished.
What ever happened to that maroon and cream colored Tucker-ish plane you flew in the 80's? That was the prettiest thing I think I've ever seen in the air.