stunthanger.com
Design => Stunt design => Topic started by: David Zwolak on March 19, 2017, 02:43:17 PM
-
Can anyone advise on the differences between the Palmer Thunderbird and Thunderbird II? I understand the T-bird II had "differential flaps" and apparently a larger wing. Are these both correct? Any other differences between the two designs?
Also, what are differential flaps and how well did they work?
Thanks!
David
-
I don't know if this answers your question but Palmer built many versions of the Thunderbird, including a round-cowl one he traveled with internationally. I held in my own hands his actual 1957 round-cowl T-Bird, in England in 2007 so know it is real. Brodak kits an earlier T-Bird with upright-mounted engine that is not the prettiest of Palmer's designs, while RSM kits the later version of the Thunderbird with inverted engine and bubble canopy that is the better-known T-Bird and most often built (at least in California, Palmer's home state). Check the stats on those two for wing area.
There is a discussion of the "differential flaps" T-Bird over on the Nostalgia 30 board right now, have a look. Universal consensus is not to build it that way. Even Palmer gave up after a short run of using the concept.
-
Brodak kits an earlier T-Bird with upright-mounted engine that is not the prettiest of Palmer's designs...
Yes it is, assuming it's the original Veco kit.
-
I have had both ,and in my estimation the Thunderbird II is a much better flyer. I don't agree with you on which of the planes is the better looking. The Thunderbird I with that upright engine and "speed" type cowling still looks real good to me....PhillySkip
-
Goes to show beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't personally care for the rhino-nose look (except on a real rhino) of the Brodak version. The Veco version IIRC has an upright engine with smooth cowl like the Smoothie, a very pleasing look to this beholder. BTW the nicest Smoothie I have seen is that of Balsa Butcher, with inverted cowled engine and open cockpit, again IIRC.
-
That rhino horn stuff doesn't work. Save your money.
-
If you can find some real rhino horn, they can be carved into some nice little turbulators.
Many OTS models are not exactly "pretty", but we build them just as the plans show. The T-Bird gives you a choice. Pick the one which looks the best to you. The upright engine is more practical.
Floyd
-
That's why rhinos HAVE horns, to prevent separation of laminar flow over their head and shoulders at higher speeds, allowing escape from poachers. A strategy that alas is not working out so well.
-
Thanks all for the responses.
regards - David
-
Here's my Thunderbird1 which was flying very nicely today...PhillySkip
-
Maybe if they impaled the hunters , and trampled them , it'd be more efficent .
They could form a special committe & apply for govt. funding .
If they outnumbered the hunters theyd have the advantage , if the hunters fought fair . Otherwise theyd need to arm themselves . S?P