How to hook up a stooge?

[Paul Taylor]

What is the best way to hook up a plane to a stooge?

Mostly profile planes without a tail wheel.

I have a Brodak stooge, I just don't have the nerve to fly alone.

I guess I need to " Just Do It!"

Paul

[Greg Hart]

Just dont get to long of wire that attaches to the plane, like two line connectors.As when you go inverted the wire or line connector could fall between the stab and elevator and get stuck. You don't want to have that happen. I use a braided line 80#, and attach it to the stooge using clips at both ends. and use a fishing reel to wind up the line when done.  I,m sure others have a better way. You might want to insert a brass tube in the tail of the fuse on a profile. That way the stooge pin can run through the tubing. Or if it wont fit because of the tail wheel, then a wire would work, just don't make the wire to long. If you know what I mean.

[Sam Laughery]

Not many CL guys around so I use the Brodak stooge a lot.  I just take a 3 foot loop of string, place it down over the rudder and stabilizer coming out the bottom and hook it to the stooge.  I've never had a problem with the string affecting the elevator.  With that big a loop you can easily remove it to use on another plane.  I even use it on my Pathfinder.

Sam

[Greg Hart]

Sam,
Are you saying that the string is hanging on the plane in flight, wrapped around the stab,rudder and elevator? Seems like a disaster to happen. I think photos are in order with this post. I haven't the best set up at the momment, but anything that can come close to the hinge line,( wire, string ) is to close for comfort.   

[Paul Taylor]

Yes I would like to see a picture also. I have thought about. If it is what I was thinking of was to use a string looped over the tail feathers and when it launches the string would fall off.

I will try and post some pictures tonight.

Paul

[dave siegler]

I would keep the string on the airplane. 

I have used a line that slides off the airplane when the stooge is released, butthe knot caught on the tail as it went by.

Now the airplane has a short leash.  It works better and can't get caought on anything.

Dave

[madhitter]

I have not seen the Brodak stooge, so I don't know if this will help. I have an old stooge that consists of the release mechanism attached to a steel plate(it weighs a ton).  I believe it was made by Bob Baron.  I
 beef up the tail and epoxy a screw eye to the rear of the plane.  Sometimes I have to attach the eye to a short length of music wire to get the proper length.  I then can attach the eye directly to the release on the stooge. This works very well with profile and full fuse models.  A sure release every time and no strings or anything else to get in the way. (I have enough trouble with the ground getting in my way.)

SB

[Randy Powell]

I use a piece of piano wire with a loop turned in the end soldered to the tail wheel, but then, I have a tail wheel. I suspect you could put a small plywood plate in the tail somewhere and attach a piece of wire to that.  I've avoided using cable for all the reasons other's have noted.

[frank carlisle]

I've been using a screwdriver stooge for flying off of grass forever. When I was 7 years old I saw a guy using this.
I tug on the tail wheel and check the knot in the string every single time I use it and in all my life have never had a failure. It can be modified to use in a crack on a concrete or macadam surface.
It's too hard to describe so I took a couple pictures.

[frank carlisle]

And one more to seal the deal. The only time I have a problem is when the ground is frozen, but a few bangs with a boot settles that issue.

It's wise to step back a few steps before landining--you don't want to hit the screwdrivers.
The great thing about this set up is it's made up of stuff you would have in your tool kit anyway.

[Chuck Feldman]

My stooge is like a Brodak. I use a piece of cord (nylon) one end is tied to the stooge. the other end has a loop on it. I run the cord under the inboard stab and up and over the top of the fuselage and then back under the outboard stab. I put the loop into the stooge so that it is held by the pin. I test the cord often. The cord can cut your rudder if its soft. When I pull for a release the cord stays with the stooge and the model flies free.

[Sam Laughery]

Greg,

I'll be glad to take picture when I get a chance but I've never had a problem.  I got in 10 or 12 flights today with my Cardinal and Ringmaster.  I've probably launched this way 200 to 300 times.  Just make the cord loose enogh that it doesn't bind.  Keep it simple.

Sam

[Zuriel Armstrong]

I guess I need to " Just Do It!"

Paul

Paul,

Nice slogan.  Where did you pick that one up?

[Sam Laughery]

Sam,
Are you saying that the string is hanging on the plane in flight, wrapped around the stab,rudder and elevator? Seems like a disaster to happen. I think photos are in order with this post. I haven't the best set up at the momment, but anything that can come close to the hinge line,( wire, string ) is to close for comfort.   

Greg,

Here are a couple of pics.  As you can see the string is not wrapped around the el, stab, and rudder.  I agree that it is possible for the string to get tangled with the elevator but I think it unlikely.  Maybe I've just been lucky so far.  I probably wouldn't use this with a plane where the clearance between the elevator and fuselage was very small.  I did have a stooge related crash last year.  I inadvertantly pulled the handle when I pulled the release on the stooge.  The plane pivoted toward me as it released.  It went about 20 feet over my head before crashing 30 feet behind me.  Chalk that one up to the stooge holding the handle!!!

[frank carlisle]

SAm,
How about a picture (close up) of the release mechanism?

                                                                                                                           

[Sam Laughery]

Frank,

Here you go.

[Curmudgeon]

Paul,
       Here's a close up or two of my UKey35.. The bracket normally used for mounting Wire landing gear works fine for a stooge cable or even a music wire bent for stooge use.

[Greg Hart]

check this out.
http://flyinglines.org/stoogemishap.html

[john e. holliday]

Myself I use a peice of wire that is bendable to wrap around the tail wheel strut with a loop in the end that goes into the stooge.  It is no more than an 1 1/2 inches long and I do not have to worry about it getting to the elevator.   If I had a camera I would post a picture.  DOC Holliday