Blue Sky Kit

[Gerald Arana]

Does anybody know what a Blue Sky Models "Roadrunner" Kit sold/sells for?  (54" span)

Thanks in advance, Jerry

[Balsa Butcher]

Hi Jerry: You probably know that the Roadrunner was designed by Jim Melton of New Mexico. It was optimized for the hot/high conditions that are the norm around Albuquerque. Tom Niebuhr was the man behind Blue Sky Models. He would be best qualified to answer your questions and is on this forum. See you at the Tichey. 

[peabody]

I know that Tom's kits are superb! 
And that the models that he chooses to kit are all good fliers......

Have fun!

[Gerald Arana]

Ok, I no longer need the answer. The kit has been purchased.

Thanks to the guys that answered.

Jerry

[Randy Cuberly]

Hi Jerry: You probably know that the Roadrunner was designed by Jim Melton of New Mexico. It was optimized for the hot/high conditions that are the norm around Albuquerque. Tom Niebuhr was the man behind Blue Sky Models. He would be best qualified to answer your questions and is on this forum. See you at the Tichey. 

Not that it's terribly important but just for the record, it's BILL Melton...not Jim!  He is still missed around these parts!

Randy Cuberly

[Steve_Pollock]

The "Jim" associated with the Roadrunner was Jim Young.  The article was published in the March, 1967 issue of MAN.

[Balsa Butcher]

Now that I think about it, Jim Melton was an X-Ray technician I worked with in my hospital orderly days. Darn senior moments! I know Bill Melton was known primarily as a carrier flier however I did think he was also associated with the Roadrunner design...my bad.  

[Randy Cuberly]

Now that I think about it, Jim Melton was an X-Ray technician I worked with in my hospital orderly days. Darn senior moments! I know Bill Melton was known primarily as a carrier flier however I did think he was also associated with the Roadrunner design...my bad.  

Bill Melton was a carrier flier and record holder in most of the events of that time.

He was however a Stunt flier of note and finished high in the event at the nationals and many other contests.  It was my understanding that him and Jim Young worked on the Road Runner design together and both flew and competed with the design.

Randy Cuberly

[Balsa Butcher]

Thanks for that Randy. I thought there was a connection there somewhere. When I lived in New Mexico I often flew  with the Albuquerque group (NMCCLA). Bill is definitely remembered by them and throughout the Southwest. 

[Tom Niebuhr]

Yes, Bill Melton and Jim Young worked on the Roadrunner design together. Jim and I worked closely to produce the Blue Sky Models kit. The removable landing gear for the kit could not have been done without Cad layouts. I also made a canopy mold since Jim said that cutting the canopy out of a portion of an existing canopy was always hit and miss.

Since I had my bypass surgery and with the increased costs of balsa, laser cutting, and shipping, making kits at a price that people would accept became an exercise in RED. For these reasons I am no longer making kits. I can supply kit plans however.

I also have not built a new Pampa airplane for myself in over 10 years, so it is time to be selfish.

I will do Cad work for anyone who is interested.

Having recently lost my coach, mentor, 50 year friend and second father, John D'Ottavio, I am currently working on his never seen "Jet Falcon". It was built in 1969 but never finished, making it Classic Legal. The aft fuselage complex contours are unique and like no other jet type from the Classic era.

I now have the drawing completed and am building it as we speak. I will publish the design in the future, but haven't decided yet on which publication.

I also have a new design electric Pampa ship in the works, and  a bipe that will look like a real airplane with the performance of a "Slob".

Needless to say I am very busy, with very limited funds.

Here are pictures of John D's unfinished 1969 Jet Falcon.

[Motorman]

How was it optimized for hot/high conditions?


MM

[Tom Niebuhr]

The RR has a relatively thick airfoil and generous wing area. Like most of the better Classics and most stunters in general, combinations of light weight, engines, prop choice and fuel are really the key. We all make adjustments for variations in heat and altitude.

[Balsa Butcher]

Good to hear from you Tom and glad you are doing well. Every RR I have seen has flown great. I was going to check with Jerry about that kit but looks like I moved too slow. Oh well, you snooze, you loose.