1/2A Snapper FLIGHT REPORT (msg. #13)

[minnesotamodeler]

Here's the finished product...complete with the little Cox production engine; 1/2 oz. tank.  This was the first plane I ever built from scratch, at age 12 or so, umpteen years ago (hint: it was a new design then).
To get an idea of the "smallitude" of this plane, that is a 5" dia. prop!
The last pic is a closeup of my remote needle setup.  Why?  Just because I could! (And the standard NV was broken off.)

--Ray

[minnesotamodeler]

A couple more pics...

--Ray

[frank carlisle]

that's looking good ray.

[minnesotamodeler]

Thank you, sir.

--Ray

[frank carlisle]

ray,
would the contents of this picture get me a snapper kit?

[minnesotamodeler]

Wow... is that 3, or 4, of those production Coxes?  Have you run them?  The 2 I have actually run pretty well for what they are. 

You realize the Snapper is a classic design from the 1950s, it isn't one of mine...I suppose I could cut a kit out for you from the plans I have, or I could just send you a copy of the plans.  Whatcha got in mind?  And would you put stars on it?!

--Ray

[john e. holliday]

Ray seeing the pictures of your good looking 1/2A Snappers makes me want to finish one that has been on the hook for too long.  Will power mine with one of the old dependable OK Cubs I have.  Later,  DOC Holliday

[minnesotamodeler]

Cub .049--that's what I used in my very first one, in 1956 or so.  The engine came in a RTF Jim Walker Firebaby.  A pretty weak engine all in all; just about right for the little Snapper.  It should work fine.. Finish it, finish it!

[frank carlisle]

ray as per our chat room deal i'm sending you the motors tomorrow and yes i'll paint stars on it. many stars.

[frank carlisle]

I just went and looked in your web site. I'm honored that the stars and stripes minnie delta is still there. thanks ray.


                       
               

[minnesotamodeler]

It is a beautiful job, Frank.. thank you.

--Ray

P.S. But it's the BarnDoor, not the Minnie Delta!

[frank carlisle]

RIGHT!..............sorry Ray. I get a little mixed up time to time.
I'm just starting clear coats on a new stunter with stars and stripes. Every time I do one I declare it's the last but man they sure look nice to me.

Here's Victory with first clear coat.........

[minnesotamodeler]

Oh yeah, I love your stars and stripes, in every mode you've used...very cool.

--Ray

[minnesotamodeler]

Finally got a chance to take the Snapper out.  Nearly perfect weather, with just a little wind occasionally. 
A very gratifying session; the little guy flew very well--you wouldn't think it was a 50-yr.-old design!  The Cox production $6.95 engine I have in it is about perfect power-wise.  Lovely taxiing takeoffs--no leaping into the air with this one.  Grooves very well; all round maneuvers easily performed, even overheads.  Squares are a little more of an adventure but it can be nursed through them.  No problem with line tension.  I did discover one negative--it doesn't handle wind very well at all.  The wind came up to maybe 10-15 mph while I was flying, and I got blown out of several maneuvers. Kinda like flying an autumn leaf...on the plus side, it recovered very well when I had to bail out of a figure. 

All in all, I'm very happy with the little plane.  I guess I'll offer it as a kit on a limited basis, price $35--includes all hardware, nuts/bolts/wheels, etc.  I'll even pay shipping charges to any of the 48.  Just send me a PM or email.

--Ray

[frank carlisle]

Excellent flight report Ray. I've tried a few times to design my own 1/2A model with moderate success. Your planes on the other hand are many times better performers. I got your email today. It's good the engines got to you in good shape. I have plenty of free time coming to build the Snapper kit you're sending me.

[minnesotamodeler]

Great, I know you'll do your usual sterling job.  Stars, remember!

--Ray

[Bill Little]

Excellent flight report Ray. I've tried a few times to design my own 1/2A model with moderate success. Your planes on the other hand are many times better performers. I got your email today. It's good the engines got to you in good shape. I have plenty of free time coming to build the Snapper kit you're sending me.

"FREE TIME"??    

What about that LA heat?? 

[Leroy Heikes]

Franks LA heat is in hiding! He has two SE5A to biuld also

[frank carlisle]

That LA Heat is about half constructed........As soon as I get Victory done I plan to wail into that twin.