STUKA

[elizio]

The bicentennial STUKA

At long last I finished my STUKA. Its story spans two centuries (!), as I fell in love with the model when I was about fifteen and just starting to fly U/C. I remember being awestruck by the picture of Don Still holding the all-black bird in an old magazine (I think a Model Airplane News) circa 1957 (that was in the 20th Century). Than and there I decided that when my skills were sufficiently honed and I could afford a “big” engine (I had an OK Cub 049 and a 2,5cc diesel), I would build one. Somehow the time went by and I only got to build it last year (now in the 21st Century), 50 years latter. The construction proceeded at a very slow pace, it took me one and a half years.
It’s all black as the original. I waived the swastikas and instead used the markings of the Royal Hungarian Air Force in WW 2. Weights 960g (33 7/8 oz), somewhat above my goal, and the engine is a Fox 35. It came out a little nose-heavy and possibly I could correct that by replacing the tank I made from a rather thick plate by one made from lighter stock, saving 1 oz or more. That would reduce the all up weight and bring the CG to the right place. I’ll see how it flies and than decide.
Tried to make the maiden flight yesterday but was rained out, not to speak of the wind gusting to very uncomfortable levels. I decided not to be too eager and risk flying an untried model in the conditions, so I’ll have to wait for the next weekend. After waiting for 50 years, one more week won’t matter!
Cheers
Ferenc Zamolyi - Brazil


(only post by Elizio)

[Richard Grogan]

Looks very nice Elizio! I bet if you put a FOX 25(the original design), it would balance just right!

Great job, better late than never!

[elizio]

Hi Richard:
the owner of model is the guy Ferenc (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil).
Regards
elizio

[Richard Grogan]

Hi Richard:
the owner of model is the guy Ferenc (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil).
Regards
elizio

OK Elizio! You tell him he needs a Fox 25 on it!

[john e. holliday]

Why a Fox 25.  The plans I have and the kit plans show a Fox 29.  I flew my Ambroid version with a Fox Stunt 35.  Had problem keeping warp out of the flaps.  Had to iron them out straight just before a contest.  The best it ever did was a 1st in Cincinatti at Lumpkin Field years and years ago.  The gentleman that should have won Int that day had an over run first round and came up short second round.  Beat him by 5 points.  Having fun,  DOC Holliday

PS: Your Stuka looks mucho better than mine ever did.  Hope yours flies as well as it looks.  jeh

[Richard Grogan]

Why a Fox 25.  The plans I have and the kit plans show a Fox 29.   Having fun,  DOC Holliday

PS: Your Stuka looks mucho better than mine ever did.  Hope yours flies as well as it looks.  jeh

Well Doc,
The plans I got from Don Still personally shows a Fox 25. The original Stuka at is Hobby Haven Hobby Shop In Beaumont Texas has a Fox .25 on it, and is his recommended engine for the airplane. If I'm not mistakened, its the Nats winning combination and also what he flew on his White Stuka he flew in the Worlds with.
Thats why a Fox .25.And, its a lighter engine to help with Ferenc's balance issue.
Have fun!

[Bill Little]

Hi Elizio,

Tell your flying buddy that he will have a real great flying model!  I still love mine even though it needs a refinish.

As to the engine *controversy*, the Hobby Helper plans from 1952 show a Fox 29 for some reason.  I do know for sure that Don had a Fox 25 in the second version which he flew at the Worlds.  I did not ask him abut the first version's original powerplant, but the Fox 25 did not come out until 1955, AFAIK...............  The 25 has a slightly longer length from the mounting holes to the thrust washer, otherwise it is pretty much a drop in deal (the 25 is made on the Fox 19 case).  I am not referring to the more modern 25 with the bolt on venturi and four bolt back plate.

Mongo

[Just One-eye]

Well Doc,
The plans I got from Don Still personally shows a Fox 25. The original Stuka at is Hobby Haven Hobby Shop In Beaumont Texas has a Fox .25 on it, and is his recommended engine for the airplane. If I'm not mistaken, its the Nats winning combination and also what he flew on his White Stuka he flew in the Worlds with.
Thats why a Fox .25.And, its a lighter engine to help with Ferenc's balance issue.
Have fun!

Although by the time I saw Don fly any Stuka, he had changed to the 25, the original plans and article showed the Fox 29.  The plane dated to late 1950, and the article to 1951, and there was no Fox 25 available for another 3-4 years, minimum.  The 25 has almost none of the larger Fox stunt motors' deficiencies, save for one.  It vibrates very little, it won't burp, ever, and has equal power to the 29. 

The weak spot is the case.  A minor prang on hard dirt can bend it (ask me how I know about THAT one!)  I had three of them, the very last being a GMA custom version in a 19 case.  I am almost certain I still have that one, in spite of having lost most of my oldest engines in a burglary.   

[Richard Grogan]

Looking back at the plans with the 25 on them, I noticed it says"copy June 24 1959  Design and Drawn by Don Still"
I guess by this time, he was through making all the refinements? Apparently there are several versions of the plans up to this point..

[Just One-eye]

There are perhaps four versions, with such small differences among them that none of the nit-pickers in OTS officialdom have complained.  The first and second one had very different looking cowl treatments, and the two different engines.  The Ambroid kit was based on that second version, I believe, but Ambroid had a plan set unto itself.  The World Championship plane was the fourth, and other than the cowlings, telling one from another would be impossible, I'd bet, for anyone other than Don himself.