8178

My Feedback: (17)

Retracts in pattern aircraft was an interesting innovation. A little history of retracts in pattern aircraft as I remember it.

There were a few of us that were early adopters of retracts. My first aircraft with retracts was flown in 1969 time frame. I remember how exciting it was the first time a few an aircraft with them and the relief when they extended correctly! My 1970 Century design had CAS retracts and Ralph Brooke’s 1971 Gladiator used retracts. One of my friends was flying a Candy with home made retracts in the 1967 or earlier timeframe. I know that there were guys like Debolt that were working with them even earlier than that.

In fall of 1972 I built a Howard Engineering Kwik Fli III taper wing that used CAS retracts. The CAS retracts were a big breakthrough because with a little work, they actually functioned most of the time. I used Sonic Systems air cylinders to activate them. Back then we used a small amount of R12 in the air tank for the pressure source. It worked better on hot days than cold.

The taper wing Kwik Fli III is a lot faster than the standard rectangular thick wing and flies great with retracts. There are some that will argue that retracts are not worth the weight and occasional maintenance but I like they way aircraft fly with them. Rom-Air and Spring Air retracts are pretty easy to use and make it a no brainier.

Tommygun

My Feedback: (2)

Well, here she is with my father's old OS Max H .60. All the radio gear is now installed, and I test ran the engine (which has been bolted in a plane tied up in the rafter for the last 15 years) and it runs great! I couldn't believe it. Turns an 11x6 at about 12600 to 12800 rpm, which I guess isn't too bad for such an old engine. I weighed the plane, and I guess I was off on my original estimate. The ZFW is about 6.8 lbs, which is more than what I hoped for. I may fly it tommorrow. BTW 8178, I've been having fun with your term "fabulous patina," being sure to use it as much as possible this week. However, it turns you can't use it on wives or girlfriends without getting a slap. [X(]

Tommygun

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Here's the motor. Used to be a blackhead, years ago before the time and glow fuel got to it.

8178

My Feedback: (17)

It looks fantastic! If you can find one, we usually ran 11 – 7 to 11 – 7 ½ props on the old 60s.

rainedave

My Feedback: (1)

They should have never stopped using that S with the curvy little serifs.

Tommygun

My Feedback: (2)

Well I flew it for the first time today. It flies pretty good! Although, I must say it's not as snappy as my 1990 Ultrasport. But, it had decent verticle, not unlimited or anything, and it does handle pretty smooth. I noticed the aileron authority is quite sluggish compared to many newer models though. Today I even found a hobby store that had 2 NOS complete rebuild kits and gasket sets for the vintage motor! I nearly fell over. Now, how does one go about becoming good at pattern and finding a SPA competition?

RC YEAGER

Point taken.

What I mean is that retracts became used by "the majority" of pattern fliers at a later point in time; that includes competitors at zonal and regional levels, not just the aspiring hot shots at the Nats. Also, since Tommygun's Kwik Fli seems to be of the standard rectangular thick wing variety, it will project a better "patina" with the fixed gear (that is just MY opinion).

rainedave

My Feedback: (1)

Brodak sells a rejuvenator for dope finishes. I haven't tried it, but I have used his dope and it's first rate stuff. If you do decide you want a restored look I'd try the Brodak stuff first before removing the existing covering.

http://www.brodak.com/shop_productde...ProductID=6799

Tommygun

My Feedback: (2)

Is that what I would need to tighten it up a little? BTW, had it out first time at a club field yesterday...I can't believe how nice the inverted flat spins are with this thing. People instantly recognized it as something from a long time ago.

8178

My Feedback: (17)

That’s the cool part!

Sport_Pilot

Actually it would loosen it up a bit. Spraying a light coat of laquer thinner might tighten it up, but not sure about that either.

ramcfarland

My Feedback: (44)

I concur[8D]