Old pics dug up

[Randy Powell]

I was scanning though an old hard drive (there are 6 attached to this computer) and found some old pictures. Thought a few of you might get a kick out of them.

1st is a plane I built while in high school Circa 1971. I saw a Thunderbird and this was my rendition. Be kind. I was all of 15. Power was a Torp 45 and the picture was taking with an old Polaroid instant camera, Surprized the picture lasted to scan.

Second is a plane I build while a freshman in college. Built when I had the time. Power was, as I remember, was a McCoy 40

[Randy Powell]

OK, two more.

You'll love this one. My first High Aspect plane. That's Pat Johnston's Jimmy Cassle (sp?) Spectrum in the front. You can tell by the monsterous prop.

Second is my attempt, at the time, of a Mustang (Pat Johnston photo) Both planes were powered with OSFSR engines. I think the bottom one was one with a trick ring.

[Randy Powell]

Oh no, More!

Two planes in a series of about 6. These two actually flew pretty well. I was enamored of big cheek cowls at the time. Both were powered with an ST60. The bottom one sported an experimental control system (system of pulleys and sliders) that worked so well that even Ted Fancher couldn't fly it.  Way, way to fast on the controls. Later replaced with a conventional bellcrank  that turned it into a really good flyer.

[Randy Powell]

OK, last one.

Not my plane, this was a precursor to the Paul Walker's Bad News and ultimately Impact. About 1984 or so.

[Shultzie]

Way to go...Randy
Hey...NO NEED TO OFFER APOLO'S ABOUT THAT BEAUTIFUL FIRST STUNTER OF YOURS.
In truth...if that plane looked as good as it does in this photo. U did yourself proud..my brotha-in-balsa!!! A very nice stunter that anyone would truly be proud to fly.
THANKS FOR SHARING THESE WITH EVERYONE.

Who's next?

[Randy Powell]

Hi Don,

I couldn't believe I still had them. That first one was flown at Whittier Narrows in 1971. I can't even vaguely remember how it flew, but hey, I was 15 at the time. I can barely remember BEING 15. Heck, that was a long time ago.

I have some others, none as odd as these.

I took a lot of ribbing for that high aspect plane, but I sure had fun flying it.

[Paul Taylor]

OK Randy,
This is down right intimidating. You built better at 15 then I do at 46!!

Thanks for sharing….. I guess.
 

[Tom Niebuhr]

Randy,

That first "T-Bird" styled airplane is beautiful.  It is amazing, how many of us were already designing in our early years.

[Shultzie]

Hi Don,

I couldn't believe I still had them. That first one was flown at Whittier Narrows in 1971. I can't even vaguely remember how it flew, but hey, I was 15 at the time. I can barely remember BEING 15. Heck, that was a long time ago.

I have some others, none as odd as these.

I took a lot of ribbing for that high aspect plane, but I sure had fun flying it.

Hey...
Years ago....I was part of the model build team that some NASA engineers was doing a  research HIGH ASPECT  model of a high altitude un-manned photo recon' nukster-type aircraft.
The only thing ribbin' that you should have gotten...was that in those early days, before the new composites and space age blended metals,
it was virtually impossible that  a loooooooong wing be constructed that would be stiff enough to keep the wing from either flexing or breaking apart.

I still think high aspect wings have soooooo many weight to flight advantages, especially for  stunt models.
One of the most effective wing platforms that we tried was the coolest looking high aspect BI-winged model.  The high aspect biplane was an outstanding success as far as weight ratio and stiffness was concerned.
THAT WAS GOING TO BE MY NEXT TEST MODEL TEST BED PROJECT...before I experience a huge amount of MODEL-BUILDING BURNOUT!!!

RANDY! We need to talk about "re-inventing the high aspect duel winged stunt model concept.  Years ago...I talked with Bob Baron about this idea. Bob as you know was extremely interested in high aspect winged stunt models...with GOOD CAUSE.

exiled Smotzie in Gaaag'haaaba

[Mark Scarborough]

Hey no fair, thats my idea, I already have one drawn up, Randy you saw the drawings right,,
Ok so maybe I can get in on this collabaration if  it happens. I love bipes and the high aspect ratio totally intrigues me

[Randy Powell]

Yea, the T-Birdish plane is interesting. Shame I couldn't have designed it a year and half earlier. I could recreate it for Classic.   

Don,

The plane shown was the first of 15 high aspect planes I've built. Still have one of them in the plane rack. A little bit at a time, I made changes in each progression of the design until it flew pretty well. The problem I had was the sensitivity to turbulence. Planes are killer in mild wind or even strong wind as long as it fairly clean. But get it in strong wind in a site with trees or buildings that generate a lot of turbulence and they can be a nightmare to fly. But man, that turn. Hard to describe what a hard corner feels like with one of these planes. Amazing.

Mark,

Hey, I've been building high ar planes for a long time. I'll bring the last one out sometime to show you. It's, ah, interesting.

Rootbeard,

The picture is old and doesn't show the numerous defects in the finish. 

[proparc]

Randy,
No apologies neccessary, you done yourself proud!!
That is one heck of a past to look back on.

[Terry Bolin]

  Great job building. Your pane at 15 years old looks better than some after years in the hobby. Tough crown to fly with though : Ted.
I would just have to watch and not fly so they wouldn't ask me to leave with my garage sale looking planes.
Keep posting those pictures!
Terry B

[wwwarbird]

Thanks Randy, I love looking at the old pics, great stuff!