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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: steve pagano on December 17, 2006, 09:51:25 PM
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Is there a built-up-body version of the pathfinder that brodak sells? ???
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Not that I know of. It's not listed on Brodaks web site. I have never seen a full bodied version of the Profile.
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Steve,
I've built CL models in the 1950's and every decade since. There's a thing called kit-bashing. If you wish to build a 3D PATHFINDER - go for it!
It is an excellent design - even the 1/2A feels like a serious, bigger version - so go on ahead! Do an upright or inverted engine, full body version. However, keep the relations between wing and prop rear face, wing and tail the same, or you'll be in an entirely different world. THOSE proportions are what make it a great design - don't go waltzing off in an unknown direction!
Keep us informed?
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Actually, there is a full bodied Pathfinder. It's just not a kit. You'd have to scratch build it. I flew mine at the '95 Nats at tri-cities. Gordan flew his slightly larger version for several years before it met an untimely end. We do have plans for mine.
John Miller
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Something that I might offer here:
I believe that the Pathfinder: kit, scratch built, ARF or ARC is a tremendous flying airplane....
We have witnessed construction/assembly of all the ARFs currently offered and I believe that the Pathfinder is a terrific piece, even assembled per instructions with NO modifications.
If the full bodied piece is something that blows up your skirts, I suggest ordering a set of plans from John and buying an ARC via Brodak.....the ARC wings are dead straight and reasonably light....as are the other components.
Have fun....
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I bought a set of the "full body" plans from John some time ago, still have to build it. "Too many planes to build, never enough time!"
The plans are great! Recommend you buy a set.
Roger
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Ar there plans for the larger version? I think its the red one in the picture.
Thanks,
Jim
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Somehow, I knew that the larger one would be the one that got the interest. Basically, it's a 10% scaleup of the smaller one. By smaller, realize that it's about 640 sq's. Gordy used a ST.51 on the larger version. Over 700 sq's if my memory serves.
Since the files are already in CAD, I can scale up or down, and send a file to your favorite laser cutter should you desire.
John
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Based on these photos, it looks like the original FB job has a swept leading edge, whereas the profile kit has a straight leading edge.
Is this correct, or is the photo giving me an optical illusion?
Both of these look like terrific planes.
Ron
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I've been knocking around the idea to build a full bodied Pathfinder since before I read this thread. It absolutely amazes me that even my most isolated ideas are not original thoughts.
There is always someone that had the same idea before I did. This is a real good idea no matter who thought of it first!!
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Pathfinders are great flying planes. ;D
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Not that Brodak sells, but it seems to me that there is/was a built-up version in plan form by someone.
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Based on these photos, it looks like the original FB job has a swept leading edge, whereas the profile kit has a straight leading edge.
Is this correct, or is the photo giving me an optical illusion?
Both of these look like terrific planes.
Ron
Yes indeed Ron. You've got sharp eyes there. They are terrific planes. I still have mine, it's a little worn, but still capable. I retired it when I noticed a little bowing in the wing during manuevers. It had had several hard mishaps, and I feared something might be broken inside. Rather than lose the plane, I hung it on the wall.
It's my intention to alter the wing construction to something similar to what we did on Gierke's All American Eagle. This should simplify the build, and make for an even better wing.
John
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The red Pathfinder looks to have an I beam wing or it could have quarter ribs without L.E. sheeting. Does anyone know for sure?
It looks great no matter which! I like it a lot.
Jim
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They both have a type of I-Beam, that uses full lofted ribs, similar to the style used in the Novi series of designs.
John
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Jim Oliver,
Yes, the 700 inch Pathfinder is built like an I-beam with half ribs. I always like the looks of the I-beamers. Mine had a ST-5l. Had plenty of power. I have some bits and pieces of plans, but not a full set.
Gordy
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Thanks Gordy and John.
I don't have a favorite laser cutter :'(. Any way to get a paper copy of the plans?
Thanks,
Jim
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Jim: Check out vendors Corner, Action Ed is a lazer cutter.
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I've been knocking around the idea to build a full bodied Pathfinder since before I read this thread. It absolutely amazes me that even my most isolated ideas are not original thoughts.
There is always someone that had the same idea before I did. This is a real good idea no matter who thought of it first!!
Frank is that the kit or an arc? looks great