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Product Review => Product Reviews => Topic started by: Bob Zambelli on October 04, 2006, 06:35:37 AM

Title: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Bob Zambelli on October 04, 2006, 06:35:37 AM
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.  ;D

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. y1

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!  j1

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

Bob Z.
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown
Post by: Leester on October 04, 2006, 08:40:50 AM
That looks really good. Which engine are you using and line length. How does it fly ??
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Bob Zambelli on October 04, 2006, 08:46:11 AM
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.
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Bill Little on October 04, 2006, 09:01:21 AM
Hi Bob,

How much run time, on which fuel, are you getting with the 1 oz. tank?

Thanks!
Bill <><
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Bob Zambelli on October 04, 2006, 10:18:26 AM
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.
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Leester on October 04, 2006, 11:02:03 AM
The price is right also, Joe at SSHOBBIES lists it for 31.00. Don't know if he has the new ones or not you'll have to check with Joe.
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Bob Zambelli on October 05, 2006, 07:51:09 AM
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.
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Leester on October 05, 2006, 12:50:43 PM
Did it come with that big of an engine cut out or did you have to modify???
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Bob Zambelli on October 05, 2006, 01:32:07 PM
Lee - didn't modify a thing. The engine is a perfect fit.

Bob Z.
Title: Re: NEW Brodak Baby Clown ARF
Post by: Bill Little on October 05, 2006, 06:25:24 PM
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.

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

Bob Z.

Thanks, Bob.  I wonder if the ARF qualifies for OTS?  I'm pretty sure it would at our local meets.  The Baby Clown is OTS legal, so I guess an ARF with the same dimensions would also be legal.  y1

Might have to bump it up to 1 1/4 oz. for the OTS pattern  ;D

Bill <><