Just a quick review of the new Brodak Baby Clown ARF.

I built it last night and it went together PERFECTLY. I did not have to trim a single part or force anything. Nor did I have to shrink any covering – there was not a wrinkle anywhere. 

The total assembly time, including decals, was less than two hours. The kit includes the usual detailed assembly booklet that will guide the builder through the entire process, right up to mounting the prop. The hardware kit is really fine, especially the new wheels. It even includes an Allen wrench for the wheel collars.

For anyone curious as to the reason for the new plane, it’s pretty simple. If you consider the original version, note that it is set up for a radial mount, employing a plastic part to mate the engine to the fuselage. Trouble is, many of the more potent 1/2A engines are beam mounted – in fact, I’m pretty sure that all the new ones are. This necessitated an additional piece to mate the engine to the radial mount.

As seen, the new clown accommodates beam mounting only. Bolt up a Brodak .049 MK I or II, strap on a tank and you’ve got a nice clean front end.

So, if your new “Baby” arrives at noon and you’ve got all the necessary goodies to assemble it, there’s no reason why you can’t fly it before sunset! 

Any technical questions, please feel free to e-mail me at rzambelli@moog.com. Regarding price and delivery schedule, contact Brodak Mfg.

Bob Z.

Hi, Lee - I will put the new Brodak .049 MK II on it, with a 1 ounce tank, similar to the setup as on the original Baby Clown.

35 foot, .008 cables.

Bob Z.

Bill - with that setup, it runs around 4 minutes using Brodak 10/23/50-50 fuel. Remember, the engine is not yet broken in so I expect it to run a bit longer in the future.

Fortunatley, there is room for a larger tank if needed.

Bob Z.

In case anyone is curious, here is a comparison of the Baby Clown I & II.

And, of course, you need a spinner, RIGHT??

Bob Z.

Lee - didn't modify a thing. The engine is a perfect fit.

Bob Z.