Just how many different Ringmasters are there???

[Scott Richlen]

My club is thinking about having a Ringmaster Club Build this winter.  That would make us both ready-to-go for next fall's Ringmaster-A-Thon; but also, if an S-1 were built they'd have a great Old Time Stunt ship to compete with.  And something to fly in Beginner or Intermediate PA or Profile.  Triple-duty!!

But we don't want to limit the Club Build to S-1s.  So, how many Ringmaster designs are out there?  And....where do we get the plans for each?

[Bruce Shipp]

From memory: (while sitting on porch between goblins)

Beginner
Baby
Junior
S-1
Imperial

OK, from GTS (google that …)

S-1 Ringmaster (1950)
S-1A New Ringmaster
S5 Ringmaster Jr. (1955)
S6 Super Ringmaster
S13 Baby Ringmaster
S18 Ringmaster Imperial
S22 Ringmaster Sportster
S26 Custom Ringmaster
S29 Ringmaster Jr. Flash
S30 Beginners Ringmaster
S32 Beginners Ringmaster Bipe

[Matt Colan]

There’s also the Ringmaster 576 that flies WAY better than it has any right to

[Dan McEntee]

  Going off memory, there is the original Ringmaster Kit #S-1. Then there is the Beginners Ringmaster, Baby Ringmaster, Ringmaster Bipe 1/2A, Ringmaster Jr, Super Ringmaster, and Ringmaster Imperial. There was also a "Customized Ringmaster" kit put out in limited numbers by Sterling in the late 50s or early 60s that showed various different fuselage , wing and tail surfaces that was part of some sort of contest. I think the plans/instruction sheet for that is on the Outerzone web site. Sterling introduced the "improved" Ringmaster kit # S-1A that had a D-tube wing. When Estes took over Sterling, they changed the name to "Super Stuntin' Ringmaster" and produced the S1-A, the Ringmaster Junior size, and the Beginner Ringmaster.  I think the S1-A shared the wing with the Hellcat that they came out with about the same time. There have been many "knockoffs" in several different sizes put out by Pat King, Pat Johnston, Tom Dixon with optimized wing airfoils, and lots of independently giant and micro Ringmasters through the year. Our club has a giant one that some one donated with about a 6 foot span and OS.91 four stroke power that is referred to as the RingMonster.  There is even another published OTS design that is called the Original Ringmaster  that doesn't look ANYTHING like the Sterling kit!! With having said all of that, I don't think there were as many different versions of the Ringmaster that was kitted by Sterling than there was Zilches put out by Berkeley!! I think the Ringmaster held or still holds the record for production numbers of a kitted model airplane but I don't know how you would verify that at this point in time.
  Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

  PS to add: Looks like the only ones I forgot was the Ringmaster Flash and Ringmaster Sportster. I did mine without the benefit of google!! I do think the was some sort of R/C version of the Sportster? I would have to do a search through magazines for that.

[Mike Griffin]

There’s also the Ringmaster 576 that flies WAY better than it has any right to

I built two of these and they fly great. 

Mike

[Mike Griffin]

Pat King has a ton of Ringmaster variations.

Mike

[Dave_Trible]

Doc Holiday has built a Ringmaster bipe, twin engine Ring and the Ringmaster canard.

Dave

[Leonard Bourel]

I notice Tom Dixon is now kitting a new 60 size full fuse ringmaster with 700 square inches of wing I cant wait to get my hands on one especially after flying my new Ringer 576D It is so good it is just sick

[AMV]

The S-2022 Super Transformer NATS Deluxe Ringmaster.
Capable of full Stunt, yet easily transforms mid-flight into a reliable Ringmaster even after unexpected loss of a wing.
 

[pat king]

I offer kits for 54 ringmaster varients.
BABY RINGMASTER
BABY RINGMASTER BIPE
BABY RINGMASTER GYRO
BABY RINGMASTER TRIPLANE
BABY RINGMASTER TWIN
BEGINNERS RINGMASTER
BEGINNERS RINGMASTER BIPE
MICRO RINGMASTER
MICRO RINGMASTER BIPE
MICRO RINGMASTER STUNTER
MICRO RINGMASTER TWIN
MINI RINGMASTER
MINI RINGMASTER BIPE
RINGMASTER  FLASH 20
RINGMASTER 150
RINGMASTER 200
RINGMASTER 2X
RINGMASTER 526 TWIN
RINGMASTER 593
RINGMASTER 850
RINGMASTER BIPE
RINGMASTER BIPE 1099
RINGMASTER BIPE 45
RINGMASTER BIPE II
RINGMASTER DELUXE 441
RINGMASTER DELUXE BIPE
RINGMASTER GYRO
RINGMASTER GYRO ELECTRIC
RINGMASTER IMPERIAL 60
RINGMASTER Jr
RINGMASTER Jr BIPE TRAINER
RINGMASTER Jr ELECTRIC TRAINER
RINGMASTER Jr FLASH
RINGMASTER Jr TRAINER
RINGMASTER Jr. TWIN
RINGMASTER Mk II
RINGMASTER S 1/2
RINGMASTER S-1B
RINGMASTER SPORTSTER
RINGMASTER SUPER FLASH
RINGMASTER TRAINER II
RINGMASTER TRAINER II E
RINGMASTER TRAINER III
RINGMASTER TRAINER IIIE
RINGMASTER Tri 1135
RINGMASTER Tri 2K
RINGMASTER TRI 45
RINGMASTER TWIN 25
RINGMASTER TWIN II
RINGMASTER X WING
RINGMASTER X WING RC
RINGMASTER X-WING 35
TWIN BABY RINGMASTER
TWIN RINGMASTER
Pat

[Scott Richlen]

I offer kits for 54 ringmaster varients.
BABY RINGMASTER
BABY RINGMASTER BIPE
BABY RINGMASTER GYRO
BABY RINGMASTER TRIPLANE
BABY RINGMASTER TWIN
BEGINNERS RINGMASTER
BEGINNERS RINGMASTER BIPE
MICRO RINGMASTER
MICRO RINGMASTER BIPE
MICRO RINGMASTER STUNTER
MICRO RINGMASTER TWIN
MINI RINGMASTER
MINI RINGMASTER BIPE
RINGMASTER  FLASH 20
RINGMASTER 150
RINGMASTER 200
RINGMASTER 2X
RINGMASTER 526 TWIN
RINGMASTER 593
RINGMASTER 850
RINGMASTER BIPE
RINGMASTER BIPE 1099
RINGMASTER BIPE 45
RINGMASTER BIPE II
RINGMASTER DELUXE 441
RINGMASTER DELUXE BIPE
RINGMASTER GYRO
RINGMASTER GYRO ELECTRIC
RINGMASTER IMPERIAL 60
RINGMASTER Jr
RINGMASTER Jr BIPE TRAINER
RINGMASTER Jr ELECTRIC TRAINER
RINGMASTER Jr FLASH
RINGMASTER Jr TRAINER
RINGMASTER Jr. TWIN
RINGMASTER Mk II
RINGMASTER S 1/2
RINGMASTER S-1B
RINGMASTER SPORTSTER
RINGMASTER SUPER FLASH
RINGMASTER TRAINER II
RINGMASTER TRAINER II E
RINGMASTER TRAINER III
RINGMASTER TRAINER IIIE
RINGMASTER Tri 1135
RINGMASTER Tri 2K
RINGMASTER TRI 45
RINGMASTER TWIN 25
RINGMASTER TWIN II
RINGMASTER X WING
RINGMASTER X WING RC
RINGMASTER X-WING 35
TWIN BABY RINGMASTER
TWIN RINGMASTER 

OMG!!  This is a really serous addiction!

My apologies for bringing up this subject!  I feel like the guy that asked "What's your favorite bourbon?" at an AA meeting....

[john e. holliday]

I don't think there is another kit that will compare to a Ringmaster, especially the original for simplicity and instruction sheet to get one started.   It took you from starting to construct to finish and then flying.   Yes they were di-crunched but a good razor and sand paper took care that.   I don't think I've seen a Ringmaster that wouldn't fly if instructions were followed.  Got young lad and his sister soloed one  afternoon on a Ringmaster.   By the way you forgot the combat Ringmaster that I think Dee Rice constructed.

[Colin McRae]

The Ringmaster Sportster is very rare. I have one along w/ an S-1.

[builditright]

My Ringmaster Imperial kit prototype

[builditright]

please delete this post

[Bruce Shipp]

Randy Powell built this Ringmaster clone a few years ago.  I’m sorry he’s no longer on SH.

[Scott Richlen]

Here is another Sportster to oggle.....

[Colin McRae]

Here is another Sportster to oggle.....

Scott, I noticed the green Sportster pic (beautiful model by the way) does not have flaps. The one I have was given to me and I restored as best I could. It has flaps.

Might you know if the original Ringmaster Sportster was designed with or without flaps?

Thanks

[Scott Richlen]

Might you know if the original Ringmaster Sportster was designed with or without flaps?

I'll ask Paul.  He did a great job on that Sportster.  Even more so since he built it from the Sterling kit (and  it wasn't easy!).

[mccoy40]

I just looked at my kit of the Ringmaster Sportster from sterling and it had functioning flaps shown on the instructions.

 

[Scott Richlen]

I checked with Paul.  He built his from a Sterling kit, but the flap hardware wasn't in the box so even though it does show the flap set-up on the plans, he elected to not include movable flaps.  I'm not sure how much flaps would help anyway on such a short-coupled airplane.  I really like the work he did on his Sportster.

[Larry Renger]

At VFC and elsewhere it has been shown that the Ring can reign supreme, small size, thin airfoil, short tail moment not seeming to be a problem. One might yet take the Walker trophy and World Champs. 🤗

Just for comparison, I have a sheet wing model that doesn’t know it doesn’t have an airfoil. Turns on a dime and is smooth as glass. No flaps, it just works.🤠

Light weight and good trim, coupled with a superb pilot rule! Of course you need superb engine runs too. Makes you wonder what Joe G could do with a Pathfinder profile electric. 🤪

One advantage of modern PA models is that they are way less subject to less than ideal conditions. In a very light breeze, a 1/2A can perform as well as the pilot can fly it. Let there be more wind and rough air, not a chnce. 😩

Rant over 

[Bill Morell]

Randy Powell built this Ringmaster clone a few years ago.  I’m sorry he’s no longer on SH.

I didn't know he left? Is he no longer flying?

[Colin McRae]

Thx guys on helping me know that my Sportster is basically stock (w/ flaps).

I did fly it for the first-time last Sunday. The model actually flew quite well. Model was fine, but I need to tweak the McCoy 35 a bit. I have a non-stock ST NVA on it. The ST is setting is quite different when compared to the stock McCoy NVA. Like 1.5 turns on the ST vs 5-6 turns on the McCoy needle. So, way more sensitive when adjusting. Just need to play w/ the setting to get it optimized.

[Mike Griffin]

I didn't know he left? Is he no longer flying?

Bill, I do not know for sure if he is no longer on here but a few years ago, when I started the facebook group, "Control Line Flying", Randy was on there, but I have not seen him on there in quite a while.  There are several people who seemed to have dropped off the radar for whatever reason.

Mike

[Dan McEntee]

  I have been going trough some old magazines and ran across a photo in one of the C/L magazine sections of a Sportster. The caption read something like " A Sterling Super Ringmaster with a Navion look"  and I thought that this description was pretty much right on!
  Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[Colin McRae]

Dan, you are absolutely correct. I brought my Sportster to the field yesterday for a few laps and when a flying buddy saw it he thought it was a Navion.

[Steve Helmick]

Near as I can tell, if it says Ringmaster on the wing, it's legally a Ringmaster. I'm pretty sure there are at least 20 variants. Somebody should come up with a Ringmaster Flash Profile 600...

To tell the truth, it makes me sad that the Flying Clown and Super Clown are not legal for flight counts on "Ringmaster Day", since they were all designed by the same guy, whose name I've forgotten. I'm not sure if he designed any models besides the RM's and Clowns, but I'd hope so.  Steve

PS: Randy shows up on the ACFC FB page occasionally. He says he has no place to fly, and gave it up. He could fly at Sanderson Field (aka Shelton, WA municipal), or Centralia/Chehelis Muni, or even at Howard's Stunt Estate, but no. Neither Randy Powell or Pete Peterson showed themselves at the most recent NW Skyraider's contests at Auburn Muni, so we're missing them both. 

[GallopingGhostler]

Near as I can tell, if it says Ringmaster on the wing, it's legally a Ringmaster. I'm pretty sure there are at least 20 variants. Somebody should come up with a Ringmaster Flash Profile 600...

When Brotherhood of the Ring (BOTR) website was active, AFAIK, the rules for being a Ringmaster variant was utilizing the flying surface outlines of the Ringmaster (say S-1 or S-5 Junior). It did not have to follow the fuselage outline. Flying surfaces had the same basic proportions. Any deviation had to be approved by the BOTR to be considered an official variant. One such BOTR approved that deviated slightly by the wing shape was a swept wing Ringmaster.

Another kitted variation permitted was Sterling's flying man configuration.

I took the S-5 outlines and downsized them to half-A size, then used Keith Laumer's Gee Bee Z profile half-A plan fuselage, modified into the Gee Bee Z Ringmaster. Used poster foamboard as the major construction material. Except for the fuselage, it looks like a Ringmaster.

Purpose of the variant design event was strictly for fun. See how one could take say, a scale plane and Ringmasterize it. Doc Holliday made a Canard Ringmaster. One could use a variant in the annual Ringmaster Fly-A-Thon event.

To tell the truth, it makes me sad that the Flying Clown and Super Clown are not legal for flight counts on "Ringmaster Day", since they were all designed by the same guy, whose name I've forgotten. I'm not sure if he designed any models besides the RM's and Clowns, but I'd hope so. 

Designer was Matt Kania. Matt not only designed the ones you mention, but also designed other non-Ringmaster planes: Sterling F-51 Mustang profile, Yak-9 profile and others, worked for PDQ, Sterling and Megow. He designed the S-1 Ringmaster, S-5 Ringmaster Jr., Super Ringmaster and Baby Ringmaster. However, I gather that perhaps not all Ringmasters were his.

Because he did more than Ringmasters, would deviate from the purpose of the Ringmaster events, IMO. I suppose if one could popularize a Matt Kania CL event, then his other CL designs could be included.

[Mark Gerber]

So, does the Sterling S-21 Wildcat qualify as a Ringmaster?  The wing is very close if not the same as the Baby Ringmaster, but the stab and rudder are obviously different.  If it does qualify, I'll take mine along to the Ringmaster Flyathon next year.

Mark Gerber

[Dan McEntee]

So, does the Sterling S-21 Wildcat qualify as a Ringmaster?  The wing is very close if not the same as the Baby Ringmaster, but the stab and rudder are obviously different.  If it does qualify, I'll take mine along to the Ringmaster Flyathon next year.

Mark Gerber

  I wouldn't mind having one of those! U always thought that it would take very little to make a S-1 Ringmaster look like a Wildcat, one of my favorite airplanes!
  I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for that kit! I would say take it!
   Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

[john e. holliday]

If you take the Ringmaster wing and just cut new fuselage and tail surfaces I would let it go.  I do believe the Ringmaster wing was used in most of the Sterling kits.

[Scott Richlen]

On the Wildcat:

nice!

typical Sterling "non-plans"

How about someone making a parts tracing so we can have a set of "sorta-plans"?

[GallopingGhostler]

So, does the Sterling S-21 Wildcat qualify as a Ringmaster?  The wing is very close if not the same as the Baby Ringmaster, but the stab and rudder are obviously different.  If it does qualify, I'll take mine along to the Ringmaster Flyathon next year. Mark Gerber

Mark, unfortunately, no. Although the wing is close enough to the Ringmaster in outline, the tail surfaces do not qualify. However, if you were to build another and install a semi-elliptical rudder and elliptical stabilizer like the classic Ringmaster even with F4F war paint and fuselage, then you would have a winner.

To qualify as an original Ringmaster variant, all the flying surfaces had to have the outlines of the classic Ringmaster. Back in the day, one would contact the BOTR administration with their photos or plans, and they would let one know if it qualified or not. It was a sure fired way to know or not.

Really well done finish job on that classic half-A Sterling kit, by the way. 

[GallopingGhostler]

On the Wildcat: nice! typical Sterling "non-plans" How about someone making a parts tracing so we can have a set of "sorta-plans"?

In a way, Mark has already provided the majority of the work by posting the non-plan plan. It has a typical Sterling 1/4 scale plan and elevation views. To repair my Sterling S-5 Junior Ringmaster, some years ago I took the graphic image, tile printed it 4x, then trimmed and pasted edges together. Although the outlines were a little crude, it was sufficient for me to clone full size repair parts to repair the wing.


Mark Gerber's plan photo.

Note to Mark: If you join then contact the BOTR facebook group admin by posting your F4F photo, John Crawley or one of the others could let you know right away whether your F4F qualifies. (I don't do FB.)

[Mark Gerber]

Here is the plan I made plans from the kit I acquired.  Had the ribs and tail parts laser cut from my CAD plan.  I will post this plan and other info on the Sterling Wildcat on Outerzone soon.

Mark Gerber

[Richard Fleming]

Very nice job on that Wildcat Mark!

[Scott Richlen]

Nicely done plans.  Thanks Mark!!

[944_Jim]

Mr. Mark G,
Great job on the re-draft! This one is saved to my plans collection.
What software did you use to trace the parts, and what CAD program did you use for final output?

Thanks in advance,

[Mark Gerber]

I use TurboCAD for Windows.  John Miller recommended it to me years ago when I needed a CAD program to draw plans and export a DXF file so a laser cutter could make the parts.  I lay the parts on my scanner and then paste the image into TurboCAD.  After re-scaling to the original size, I trace over them myself in TurboCAD.  With minor adjustments as required to correct alignments and smooth lines, the resulting laser-cut parts fit better than the original die-cut pieces.

Mark Gerber

[Scott Richlen]

I trace over them

Mark:

Do you use some kind of mouse-pen?  How do you do that?

Thanks,
Scott

[Steve Helmick]

When Brotherhood of the Ring (BOTR) website was active, AFAIK, the rules for being a Ringmaster variant was utilizing the flying surface outlines of the Ringmaster (say S-1 or S-5 Junior). It did not have to follow the fuselage outline. Flying surfaces had the same basic proportions. Any deviation had to be approved by the BOTR to be considered an official variant. One such BOTR approved that deviated slightly by the wing shape was a swept wing Ringmaster.
Interesting. I don't think anybody follows those rules for "Ringmaster day" flying.
Another kitted variation permitted was Sterling's flying man configuration.

I took the S-5 outlines and downsized them to half-A size, then used Keith Laumer's Gee Bee Z profile half-A plan fuselage, modified into the Gee Bee Z Ringmaster. Used poster foamboard as the major construction material. Except for the fuselage, it looks like a Ringmaster.
Love the Gee Bee Z, so kuddos for that!

Purpose of the variant design event was strictly for fun. See how one could take say, a scale plane and Ringmasterize it. Doc Holliday made a Canard Ringmaster. One could use a variant in the annual Ringmaster Fly-A-Thon event.

Designer was Matt Kania. Matt not only designed the ones you mention, but also designed other non-Ringmaster planes: Sterling F-51 Mustang profile, Yak-9 profile and others, worked for PDQ, Sterling and Megow. He designed the S-1 Ringmaster, S-5 Ringmaster Jr., Super Ringmaster and Baby Ringmaster. However, I gather that perhaps not all Ringmasters were his.

Because he did more than Ringmasters, would deviate from the purpose of the Ringmaster events, IMO. I suppose if one could popularize a Matt Kania CL event, then his other CL designs could be included.

It was just my opinion. I know some people are scared of Clowns, including my daughter. They freak her right out!  Steve

[Mark Gerber]

No, I use a regular mouse.  First, I get the scanned parts image adjusted to full scale and aligned vertically and then use the TurboCAD drawing functions (construction, line, circle, spline, etc.) to overlay lines on the scanned sheet.  I adjust to fix numerous problems in original.  e.g. I know the fuselage thickness, so I make the notches exactly .250" wide.

Mark Gerber

[Scott Richlen]

Thanks!  Looks challenging.

[944_Jim]

Mr. Mark,
I appreciate you taking time to share how you digitized the kit. One more question please...would you kindly share your finishing method for this one? The detail work, color and sheen of finish are awesome!

[PerttiMe]

I recall that Pat Johnston has plans for many Ringmasters. Big and small, profile and full fuselage, monoplane and biplane.

[Mark Gerber]

Sterling Wildcat finish: Brodak clear on bare balsa, silkspan covering -- medium on wings, light on solid surfaces, more clear to fill then filler coats of Brodak clear with zinc stearate carefully water-sanded, airbrushed color coats are Jet White under areas where insignia, alpha/numeric codes and tail stripes will be placed, stencils were cut on a Cricut by a friend using my CAD file, underside US Navy Light Gray is Polar Gray, topside Blue Gray is a mix of Insignia White, Jet Black and a little Forest Green, insignias use Brodak Insignia Blue with a little Jet Black added to darken and Insignia Red, walkways are Jet Black, canopy is Insignia White with a few drops of Insignia Blue added, kill markings are 1/32 plastic kit waterslide decals over sprayed with 4 dry coats of Brodak Crystal Clear.  Ink lines were drawn with a Uni Posca .7mm black paint pen.  Last coat is Klass Kote Satin Clear overall.  The color scheme is the F4F-3 Butch O'Hare's flew in early 1942 when he shot down 5 bombers attacking the USS Lexington and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Mark Gerber

[Robert Zambelli]

OK, here's one you haven't seen.
I call it the Pushmaster.

Front engine, pusher prop just aft of the trailing edge.
My own design shaft drive.
COMO 40 power.
Flew great!
Bob Z.

First flight - never left the ground.
Wanna know why?

[Dan McEntee]

OK, here's one you haven't seen.
I call it the Pushmaster.

Front engine, pusher prop just aft of the trailing edge.
My own design shaft drive.
COMO 40 power.
Flew great!
Bob Z.

First flight - never left the ground.
Wanna know why?

   Would have to be something to do with the prop??
    Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

[John Rist]

First flight - never left the ground.
Wanna know why?

Forgot to use a pusher prop???  That my guess.  I suspect that's what Dan was implying    

[Robert Zambelli]

NOPE!!!
I used a pusher prop.
Since the prop would not clear the ground with the conventional landing gear system, I decided to raise the tail by adding two longer tailwheels, one on each boom. HOWEVER, without thinking, I added two longer tailwheels BUT, I made them a bit TOO LONG. The plane set at a slight negative angle of attack. Guess what - a symmetric airfoil develops ZERO lift in that configuration.
Result? A four minute run on the ground! It was a car with wings.
Easy solution. I bent the two new landing gears back just enough the get a slight angle of attack. The prop cleared by about a quarter inch but the bird got airborne and flew beautifully.
It was very responsive due to the fact that the prop blast was directly on the empennage and not disturbed by the wing.
Banjock implemented the idea on a semi-scale biplane that flew quite well but pissed me off.

Now you know the rest of the story!
Bob Z.

[944_Jim]

Wow...without that explanation, I was imagining the plane became a canard flying in the opposite direction because the prop rotated backwards! I had that happen on a Cox-engined plane as a kid. Prop strike bounced it backwards during a really bad "landing." The second "landing" produced a spare engine (minus the plane) in about two feet!