Author Topic: Does anyone know where this plane is...Sweeper 900 (Read 9184 times)

Jared Hays · « **on:** January 09, 2014, 04:57:04 PM »

Windy Urtnowski Used to have this huge black and white Sweeper 900 I am told he longer has it. Anyone know who does or if it even still exist?
This photo is from 1985 I'm told...

I guess the other plane "Black Sunday" is no longer with us

My dad would love to have it if it still exist and current owner wanting to sell. My dad built a 770 sq. inch Stiletto but all he talks about is this Sweeper 900 lol.

Here is his Stiletto

EddyR · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2014, 05:13:05 PM »

That looks like a BJ not a Sweeper

Jared Hays · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2014, 05:15:01 PM »

The one sitting on the ground is the Sweeper 900.

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2014, 05:30:14 PM »

Windys First Sweeper is hanging up in the Brodak factory on the laser cutter. Pictures have been posted here some where.

Jared Hays · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2014, 06:21:33 PM »

So.....is that the one in the picture? I don't know which one is his first...Its not the blue ish Sweeper I'm trying to find. I think thats the one at the Brodak factory.

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2014, 06:40:12 PM »

How many did he build? The one that comes to my mind is what I think was the first one, sorta jet styled, and was featured as a construction article in the 1968 American Aircraft Modeler magazine??? I may have the year mized up, but I believe it's classic legal, and he was going to try and bring the opriginal or build a new one to take to VSC. This is the version that Derek Barry has? I can't get to my files right now. The 900 looks very cool and has obvious influance from the Stilleto.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

jose modesto · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2014, 06:50:31 PM »

The model is a Big Jim BJ900 that windy calle sweeper. The model is and enlarged version of the BJ 750
windy built the 900 in 1982
I first saw model fly fall of 1982 at the Edison NJ contest. In 1982 I returned to fly stunt and Big Jim recomended that I go watch Windy fly his new design.
Sorry to say but nothing from the stiletto in this model. Flaps at root 5"
These models were developed from the 40/46 LJ series of high aspect ration 7-1 with large flaps and 2to3control ratio flap to elev.
Black Sunday chrashed do to failure at elevator horn 5 weeks prior to NATS. Then came the killer B
I will post some photos.
Jose Modesto

Jared Hays · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2014, 07:09:09 PM »

I knew there was no Stiletto in the Sweeper 900. My dad saw that plane (sweeper 900) at the NATS way before my time I'm only 29...My dad (Gary Hays) tells me the story of the first NATS he went to about 40 yrs ago just after he got into Control-line. He was pry in his teens or early twenties. My grandfather and him were watching combat and coming back over to the stunt circles and the Sweeper 900 was being flown. My dad hollered to his dad said HOLY SHI* Look at that thing. Couldn't believe something that big could be flown. So they walked over to the circle and he said some gal was flying it. After it landed it was carried off and set down next to a Ringmaster and it made the Ringmaster look like a 1/2 A lol. He took a picture I'll have to try to find it. But He has always dreamed of having that plane. He blew up a stiletto to 770 sq. inches but its still not 900 hahaha. The blue stiletto above is his 770 sq inch Stiletto he has flown to top 25's in the NATS years ago. So does this Derek have the Sweeper 900 now or is it a different Sweeper???

jose modesto · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2014, 07:15:25 PM »

the one Derek has is windy's Sweeper windy built two. The 900 is a Big Jim Design
some photos of the high aspect ratio models from the 35 size to the 60
photo one top five Bob Baron with the LJ 40/46 and Windy with the BJ.
#2 bob Barons LJ with FSR 46 down fall monocote covered in calm unbearable in wind watch out.
#3 Bill Rich BJ 60
#4 Big Jim launching Hank Forbes SJ 35 at flushing meadows park

jose Modesto

Elwyn Aud · « **Reply #9 on:** January 09, 2014, 07:18:46 PM »

Here's the one hanging in the rafters at the Brodak factory.

Jared Hays · « **Reply #10 on:** January 09, 2014, 07:24:32 PM »

Yea thats not the one I'm trying to find its an enlarged LJ.

This one...where is this plane at? These pics are from the 1982 NATS I believe

jose modesto · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2014, 07:30:26 PM »

I had the recked model for 5 years always wating ti rebuild the model.
only one peace remains the landing gear,i have it.
After returning parts to Jim some years later Big Jim had a house fire were the foam parts were lost. the bellcrank was 6" wide.
sorry ti give the bad news.
jose modesto

55chevr · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2014, 07:31:41 PM »

Jose - that photo from FMP is interesting ... nothing has changed in years there.

Joe

Jared Hays · « **Reply #13 on:** January 09, 2014, 07:36:06 PM »

Oh no so the Sweeper 900 was crashed??? Well that's very sad to hear...pry better not tell my dad...I'll just tell him the search continues. So the wings were foam? So could this plane be built again starting from scratch? or is it a relic of history?

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #14 on:** January 09, 2014, 08:04:41 PM »

Here's the story.
Windy gave me the foam-wing sweeper around ten or twelve years ago. It was complete but the engine, an OS 60, was seized. Also, the model was filthy from sitting in a basement for around fifteen years.
I took it home, spent many hours cleaning it and doing minor repairs. I replaced the engine, wheels and some odds and ends.
Then, of course, I flew it. It it a remarkably docile plane and a very smooth flyer.
As I recall, it weighed around 125 ounces!
One of the pictures shows it hanging on my kitchen wall, next to my Nobler.
I loaned it to the Brodak museum and it will be on display there. No, it's not for sale - If anything, I will donate it.
The black and white Sweeper in the pictures is an I-beam version. It's history - GONE. As I was told (by Windy), the wing folded and it splattered.
Windy gave me a bunch of parts from when it was wrecked but it was beyond hope and I threw most of the parts away. I believe Ed Ruane has the fuselage - that's all that was left.
We actually flew it at the Brodak Fly-In and there was a minor control malfunction. We repaired it, flew it one more time and it now hangs in the manufacturing center. It will not fly again.
Bob Z.

Jared Hays · « **Reply #15 on:** January 09, 2014, 08:25:45 PM »

Ok yea the black and white Sweeper 900 is the plane I've been trying to find. Unfortunate to hear about the wings folding up. How long ago was this?

wwwarbird · « **Reply #16 on:** January 09, 2014, 09:30:46 PM »

Interesting stuff here, the old photos are way cool too.

Jared Hays · « **Reply #17 on:** January 09, 2014, 09:48:45 PM »

I have a whole album that my dad took back at the '82 NATS I'd have to scan them all and put on the puter but may make a thread and post a bunch.

kenneth cook · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2014, 03:29:24 AM »

Bob, I recall the Sweeper hanging in your house. I really couldn't believe the size of that plane when I saw it. Seeing your Nobler hanging next to it is pretty impressive as it really shows off the size of the plane. As I sit here amazed, I can't believe that it was 12 years or better . Time does move along. Ken

Derek Barry · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2014, 04:50:36 AM »

Quote from: Jared Hays on January 09, 2014, 07:36:06 PM

Oh no so the Sweeper 900 was crashed??? Well that's very sad to hear...pry better not tell my dad...I'll just tell him the search continues. So the wings were foam? So could this plane be built again starting from scratch? or is it a relic of history?

I am sure one could be built today, I would do a built up wing to save weight. My father and I built the 69' Sweeper. It is 1100 sq.in. I will look for some photos...

Derek

EddyR · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2014, 05:10:54 AM »

As Bob said I had the body of the first sweeper. It was a I beam model that was in the construction article. I recently gave it away to a local flyer Don Jenkins.
Ed

Jared Hays · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2014, 10:54:34 AM »

I see...what are his plans for it?

Doug Moon · « **Reply #22 on:** January 10, 2014, 03:36:28 PM »

Quote from: Derek Barry on January 10, 2014, 04:50:36 AM

..... My father and I built the 69' Sweeper. It is 1100 sq.in....

Derek

"It's like this van going over the top of the circle."

Possibly one of the best lines every uttered around the beer tree at the Lee's Inn AND Suites!

HAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!

Jared Hays · « **Reply #23 on:** January 11, 2014, 02:14:06 AM »

Quote from: Robert Zambelli on January 09, 2014, 08:04:41 PM

Here's the story.
Windy gave me the foam-wing sweeper around ten or twelve years ago. It was complete but the engine, an OS 60, was seized. Also, the model was filthy from sitting in a basement for around fifteen years.
I took it home, spent many hours cleaning it and doing minor repairs. I replaced the engine, wheels and some odds and ends.
Then, of course, I flew it. It it a remarkably docile plane and a very smooth flyer.
As I recall, it weighed around 125 ounces!
One of the pictures shows it hanging on my kitchen wall, next to my Nobler.
I loaned it to the Brodak museum and it will be on display there. No, it's not for sale - If anything, I will donate it.
The black and white Sweeper in the pictures is an I-beam version. It's history - GONE. As I was told (by Windy), the wing folded and it splattered.
Windy gave me a bunch of parts from when it was wrecked but it was beyond hope and I threw most of the parts away. I believe Ed Ruane has the fuselage - that's all that was left.
We actually flew it at the Brodak Fly-In and there was a minor control malfunction. We repaired it, flew it one more time and it now hangs in the manufacturing center. It will not fly again.
Bob Z.

So it wont fly again because of the control malfunction and you don't trust it? or you just wont fly it again?

jose modesto · « **Reply #24 on:** January 11, 2014, 06:25:36 AM »

The black and white Sweeper 900 was a foam wing,flaps and stab model.
The 900 was a Big Jim design model that Windy named Sweeper.
All foam parts cut and sheeted by Big Jim
the give away is the LJ Just before the numbers the LJ is for LARGE JIM.
I had the parts for many years. I still have the landing gear.

The 1968 model was the Ibeam version.
The model that Derek built was the 82 sweeper not the 68
Jose Modesto

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #25 on:** January 11, 2014, 09:58:27 AM »

So, there were actually THREE Sweepers?
The one I restored was featured on the cover of Flying Models, August 1981 as shown.
Windy gave me the remains of what he referred to as the "other" Sweeper, which suggested only two.
He never mentioned a third one.
So, the original I-beam version was destroyed so where are the remains (if any) of the Sweeper 900?

Bob Z.

jose modesto · « **Reply #26 on:** January 11, 2014, 10:09:02 AM »

The only remaining part of the 900 is the titanium fuse gear that windy and his uncle made. I have the fuse gear in the shop.
Bob the 900 was designed by big Jim. The 900 is the first model that windy and Big Jim colaborated on. Windy carried the Sweeper name to this design.
The 83 Nats model Model was the Mig at 72" span. The 900 was 76" span. At the time windy owned a van that enabled him to carry such large models.
There are stories that in the 1960's Windy carried the large Sweeper on the roof os his car.
Jose Modesto

Jared Hays · « **Reply #27 on:** January 11, 2014, 01:03:09 PM »

Is the MiG still around or has that one perished as well?

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #28 on:** January 11, 2014, 10:42:51 PM »

Man! Some of those had, like HUGE flaps! That was about the time I was getting started or a bit before. Whitely looks so young! And is that Wynn Paul standing behind him? And who is that in the very back, almost obscured?
Love the old pictures!
Derek, got a picture of yours?
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

wwwarbird · « **Reply #29 on:** January 11, 2014, 10:55:26 PM »

Quote from: Jared Hays on January 09, 2014, 09:48:45 PM

I have a whole album that my dad took back at the '82 NATS I'd have to scan them all and put on the puter but may make a thread and post a bunch.

That stuff would be great to see Jared, it's always fun and interesting to check out the old photos.

jose modesto · « **Reply #30 on:** January 12, 2014, 03:50:10 PM »

Dan the flyer behind Whitely is Lou Dudka out of NJ. The kid in the back is Nat Gifford.
Bob Baron is flying the LJ which is the 40/46 size. Windy is flying a BJ with Big Jim Tigre 60
Windy's model has 4.5" flaps at root Bob Baron has 4" flaps at root
NOTE: the large flaps moved 1/3 slower than elevators
Jose Modesto

Jared Hays · « **Reply #31 on:** January 12, 2014, 03:53:24 PM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on January 11, 2014, 10:55:26 PM

That stuff would be great to see Jared, it's always fun and interesting to check out the old photos.

Okay I got them put up for your viewing pleasure...

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=33899.0

Derek Barry · « **Reply #32 on:** January 13, 2014, 04:52:55 AM »

Quote from: Dan McEntee on January 11, 2014, 10:42:51 PM

Man! Some of those had, like HUGE flaps! That was about the time I was getting started or a bit before. Whitely looks so young! And is that Wynn Paul standing behind him? And who is that in the very back, almost obscured?
  Love the old pictures!
   Derek, got a picture of yours?
   Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

As a matter of fact, I do.

Here is a link to a thread where I am flying it too.
http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=26596.0

Jose, I am pretty sure that it is the 69 Sweeper. I have flown it in classic at Brodak's.

Derek

jose modesto · « **Reply #33 on:** January 13, 2014, 04:58:59 AM »

Derek yours is the 68 Bob's Z has the 82 model
I like the orange color
What type of wing did you build for your sweeper?
Jose Modesto

Derek Barry · « **Reply #34 on:** January 13, 2014, 05:21:11 AM »

Quote from: jose modesto on January 13, 2014, 04:58:59 AM

Derek yours is the 68 Bob's Z has the 82 model
I like the orange color
What type of wing did you build for your sweeper?
Jose Modesto

We did a Millennium built up wing for our Sweeper. The total weight was 86 oz which is pretty light compared to the one Bob refinished, it was something like 135 oz. I flew it a Brodaks too and it was a handful. I don't know how Windy competed with it? The one we built flies really well for such a huge airplane. I get to fly it once a year at the Joe Nall and I always look forward to it. I would like to fly it in Classic at the Nats one day, if I can ever get Mr. Shaw to bring it.

We used a side exhaust PA 65 for power which does a great job of pulling it.

Dad and I have discussed building another one, before the fire we had all the parts for a second one built. I will try to find some construction photos when I get a min.

How are you doing Jose? Good to hear from you.

Derek

Doug Moon · « **Reply #35 on:** January 13, 2014, 07:35:22 AM »

Look at the pic of Derek fueling it up. It takes the entire gallon for one flight!

HAHAHHAAA!!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #36 on:** January 18, 2014, 01:28:14 PM »

My BJ done from number sent from Windy.

Jared Hays · « **Reply #37 on:** January 20, 2014, 07:35:54 AM »

very cool...How does it fly, what power plant are you using? Can you send me the #'s or plans?