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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Dick Pacini on December 25, 2011, 05:32:22 PM
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Has anyone built the Brodak Blue Angel? Opinions? Performance?
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Dick,
I haven't built a Blue Angel from the Brodak Kit, but did build one about 14 years ago from plans provided by Larry Scarinzi. I flew it at VSC's for many years with a OS LA46. It is still around with Burt Brokaw as the now owner. Burt says it's still a terific flier.
It is an excellent flying airplane and built from Larrys's plans weighed 52 oz. That's the same as Larry's original. (approx. 620 sq in wing)
I suspect the Brodak kit is a good representation of Larry's Blue Angel because I know Larry had a lot of involvement in the development of the kit. I know that because some time ago he asked me for info on how I had mounted the cowling and tank as removable since his original had a tank glued in place...yeah we used to do that a lot! I used two separate cowlings, one over the tank compartment and one over the engine. This was done to allow the nose wheel to mount to a verticle bulkhead. I've been told the kit is a little different with only one cowl over the engine and a slide in tank from the front.
I plan to build another one but will likely use Bob Hunts lost foam wing jig to build it as I did my earlier one. I would probably buy the kit if I didn't have the wing jig.
The Lost Foam system of Hunt's just makes it easier to build a good straight wing.
I have built several Brodak kits in the past and they were all well engineered and used good wood selected for the task.
Randy Cuberly
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I offer all the Blue Angle graphics and lettering, in vinyl or paint mask.
Mostly for R/C Pattern Ships, but easily sized to fit smaller CL models.
CB
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I offer all the Blue Angle graphics and lettering, in vinyl or paint mask.
Mostly for R/C Pattern Ships, but easily sized to fit smaller CL models.
CB
I'll keep it in mind.
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Well, I broke down today and ordered the Blue Angel Kit, along with the recommended fuel tank and the wing jig. I do have the CLC aluminum jig sets, but thought I might just as well have the Brodak jig rod set since most of his kits are set up for them.
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Well, I broke down today and ordered the Blue Angel Kit, along with the recommended fuel tank and the wing jig. I do have the CLC aluminum jig sets, but thought I might just as well have the Brodak jig rod set since most of his kits are set up for them.
Dick,
How important are those wing jigs? I've never built a wing with a jig. n~
I went to the Brodak website and took a look at that model.
Nice lines. I like it. Done up in the Blue Angles colors would be nice.
How soon after you get the kit will you start building? Is this a Build thread for that project?
CB
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Dick,
How important are those wing jigs? I've never built a wing with a jig. n~
I went to the Brodak website and took a look at that model.
Nice lines. I like it. Done up in the Blue Angles colors would be nice.
How soon after you get the kit will you start building? Is this a Build thread for that project?
CB
No, it will go in the pile under the bench. I am embarrassed to admit how many kits I have bought in the last couple of years, plus about a dozen or so new engines. There is only one more I want (for now) and that is a Vector 40. Right now, I have a P40 ARF getting a fixitin the asstomy. Once that is finished, I will select a kit to start on. The P40 is going slowly because I have to jig it up to get everything square. I am almost there.
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Dick,
I see. I'd like to see under your bench. ;D
How about a list of the kits you have?
That would be interesting.
What P-40 do you have?
I have an ARF P-40 I was going to set up for CL, still NIB.
CB
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Dick,
I see. I'd like to see under your bench. ;D
How about a list of the kits you have?
That would be interesting.
What P-40 do you have?
I have an ARF P-40 I was going to set up for CL, still NIB.
CB
From memory...
Brodak Nobler
Top Flite Gieseke Nobler
UHP Gieseke Nobler Component Kit
Pathfinder
Pathfinder Profile
Brodak Bearcat
Twister to be Fancherized
Walter Umland Stiletto
Walter Umland Stiletto Profile
Bucaneer Profile
Walter Umland Coyote
(2) Hand Cut Primary Force
There might be more.
My P40 is a Brodak ARF. You mention setting yours up for C/L. Did you buy an RC model?
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I see you have a long way to go on kit accumulation. LL~ LL~ Now I think you should start on the Blue Angel asap. Now to the question of jigs. They are a neccesity to straight wings and planes. I just did base construction on my Walter Umland kit of the Manx Cat on a Magna Jig. I have used the Tom Morse Milliniam Jig several times. Also made my own rod jig and used it a couple of times. The latest jig is from CLC using the aluminum brackets. Takes a little longer to set up, but worth it. If you wonder about why so any jigs, I like to play and experiment. H^^ H^^
Attached is pics of jig setting up for the P-47. It has one inch dehidral at center line of wing tip. Big wing.jeh
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Interesting using the CLC uprights to support the rods. Clever and the best of both worlds. y1
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Kit on the way and is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it!
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The Blue Angel kit arrived today. Very impressive kit and the instruction book is thicker than my local phone book. The wood looks good and it is very complete. Much superior to the commercial kits of years gone by.
As an aside, I have a couple of hand cut kits and a few high end laser cut kits. They are also excellent and well worth the investment.
Hard to beat Brodak for a reasonably priced, high quality, commercial kit.
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Remember to read the manual a couple of times before starting as I think John suggests at the start of the manual. Don't forgetpictures of progress. H^^
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Hey Dick
GIT BILDING!!! And follow Doc's orders - we need lotsa pictures. All seriousness aside, the Blue Angel has always been one of my favorites, I am looking forward to seeing your progress and sucess with this bird.