stunthanger.com

General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Robert Zambelli on February 19, 2024, 08:31:30 AM

Title: Icarus Jr back in service
Post by: Robert Zambelli on February 19, 2024, 08:31:30 AM
I did some refurbishing on the Icarus Jr, a John Coasby design from the late forties.

Also made one design change - I wing-mounted the landing gear and added wheel pants.

Powered by an ETA 29 rear rotor it's a really good flyer but very fast.

Bob Z.
Title: Re: Icarus Jr back in service
Post by: john e. holliday on February 19, 2024, 10:57:12 AM
I like it as it is different. D>K
Title: Re: Icarus Jr back in service
Post by: Dennis Leonhardi on February 19, 2024, 11:56:48 AM
Very nice Robert!

Dennis
Title: Re: Icarus Jr back in service
Post by: Jim Kraft on February 19, 2024, 03:37:19 PM

  That is one of the neatest Old Timers. John must have liked it also to make it in two different sizes. I like your color scheme.
Title: Re: Icarus Jr back in service
Post by: Dennis Adamisin on February 19, 2024, 10:16:58 PM
Bob let me fly this airplane a few years back - flies great, engine ran great too.  Its a little easier to transport to the field than what the big Icarus too!
Title: Re: Icarus Jr back in service
Post by: Robert Zambelli on February 20, 2024, 06:24:55 AM
Thanks for all the kind words regarding the Icarus Jr.
Back in the nineties, I had a British fellow working with me. We shared a common interest in model aviation, particularly control line.
He mentioned that there were some interesting British designs and would I like to see some.
I said sure, surprise me with an interesting design eligible for OTS in the United States.
After returning to Great Britain, he sent me a set of plans for the Icarus Jr, of which I had never heard.
Ten years later, while examining the plans, I noticed that the engine shown on the plans was an ETA 29, rear intake.
AND, I just happened to have a brand new one, looking for a home.
So, construction began. Not an easy plane to build but I managed to get it done with a few minor design changes. In particular, adding a landing gear and canopy, neither of which was shown on the plans.
While refurbishing it, I decided to move the landing gear to the wing as can be seen in the photo.
As pointed out by Dennis A, it is a truly fine flyer.
Bob Z.