Dirty Birdy 25 years later
07-05-2010, 09:35 PM
#1
Dirty Birdy 25 years later
I built this plane 25 years ago, but I can't stand to paint. I took it out a few months ago and my father in law said he would paint it. I took out the nose gear, put the mains forward and put a tail wheel on it. That made the retracts so much easier. It has kraft electrics which are large and cumbersome, but very nice looking going up and down. I sold the webra I had for it and put in a 95 AX. So far so good. If flew like a dream. I also put ailerons on with a little larger chord. It rolls very fast. Sweet. Wish the pictures showed the pearl in the paint. It is gorgous!
07-05-2010, 11:46 PM
#5
RE: Dirty Birdy 25 years later
AWESOME Dirty Birdy...great job by you and your father-in-law! Even the paint scheme is along the classic style in vogue at the time of its popularity. Wish I had one! Jon
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07-06-2010, 01:12 AM
#7
RE: Dirty Birdy 25 years later
That plane had a HUGE influence on my infatuation with RC fixed wing aircraft aerobatics. An older guy (compared to me[sm=49_49.gif]) named "Doogie" used to practice his "smooth as silk" pattern sequences with his beautifully built Dirty Birdi back in the 70s and it was very inspiring to watch at the time. Great memories.. I like the taildragger mod!
07-06-2010, 06:13 PM
#11
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RE: Dirty Birdy 25 years later
I flew a Cutlass when I was young, dumb, and full of pattern 25-30 yrs. ago.. The Dirty Birdy sure gave me fits. It was a straight and true aircraft. The old days of Super Tigre X60 Blueheads on a Max tuned pipe, and Rom tricycle retracts Sure made for interesting flights compaired to todays reliable 4stroke and fixed taildraggers. Sometimes (very few times) I miss pattern flying, but I'll never give up the giant warbirds.
07-07-2010, 04:23 PM
#12
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RE: Dirty Birdy 25 years later
Yes, a very nice flying airframe. Accused Joe B of copying the "Californian" which was very close in design. Phil Kraft had one in the back of his Vista, Calif. shop that he practiced with with on occasion. There was gossip that Kraft and Bridi were bitter enemies. I was at several contests in that era with both. They shared their cold beer and BS'd a bunch sitting on the back of a station wagon. When ever the points were close during a contest, things got a little cold, just like with everyone else. No one likes you when you are beating them you know. ENJOY
