Westerner
03-04-2007, 11:34 PM
#1
Westerner
I recently aquired a beautiful plane at the Perry, GA swapmeet. I was told by an elderly gentleman that the aircraft is a "Westerner" designed by Joe Weathers (Weathers, Wuthers, Werthers?) around 1938 as a free flight aerial photo craft. It is very reminicent of the Quaker design. I was told that the plans were available in several sizes up to a 16' span. Mine is the 12' span model, and the previous owner powered it with an OS .91FS. It's a gorgeous plane and the craftsmanship is second to none. Anyone else ever heard of this design?
03-08-2007, 01:09 PM
#4
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RE: Westerner
The original Elbert (Joe) Weathers 'Westerner' had a 96" wing. Yours at 12' should be truly magnificent in the air. I have never heard of any bad flying habits.
The Foote 'Westerner' (1942) was an entirely different design, it too was an excellent flyer. Jim
The Foote 'Westerner' (1942) was an entirely different design, it too was an excellent flyer. Jim
03-08-2007, 08:48 PM
#5
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RE: Westerner
Sorry it's the Foote westerner I'm familair with and was thinking of. Small rudder etc. I've seen three (two different flyers) Foote Westerners dutch themselfs into the ground all were ok flyers until this happened.
A dutch roll starts when the plane rocks side to side. It eventually rolls over the top. In the case pf a free flight model it pluges straight down usually not pulling up. Then it happens...sudden impact trama. They are very magestic till then.
Steve B.
03-09-2007, 09:27 AM
#6
RE: Westerner
Ah- ok. Thanks for clearing that up. Now I just need to aquire an engine and I'll have her in the air in no time flat. Unfortunately, around these parts of the country, spring time has a lot of really windy days all the way up until the dead heat of summer when you can't find a breeze to save your life.
03-31-2007, 09:17 AM
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RE: Westerner
The Westerner is a pretty plane. In "Model Builder Magazine" there was a reduced version for .049 and a page sized plan. I enlarged that plan 400% and it was the intended size. About 58 or 60". I have yet to build it but it looks just beautiful in the photos. If anyone knew of where the plans for the 12 footer could be had I would love to know.
Morrison Jackson made a beautiful pair of them years ago.
Art
Morrison Jackson made a beautiful pair of them years ago.
Art
05-18-2007, 10:33 PM
#8
RE: Westerner
Well guys she's finally done with the restoration and if the weather is good in the morning I'll see if I can get her in the air. Pictures below. Fuselage is about 7 1/2 feet long, OS .91FS for power. Futaba 9C tx and Futaba synthesized rx inside with two Hitec ultra torque servos moving these control surfaces. I know, probably overkill, but I wanted to make sure the surface moves when I say move. 12' wing span weighs about 12lbs per the guess. I'll weigh her tomorrow if I get a chance just to see. 2500 mah battery. Looking forward to some great flights.
05-19-2007, 06:33 PM
#11
RE: Westerner
Maiden flight successful today. Not pretty, but the plane is undamaged. On climbout the engine died which caused me to question the integrity of my under garments. Turned her around and set her down right at the edge of the trees unscathed. After some engine tuning she'll fly again.
05-26-2007, 01:01 PM
#13
RE: Westerner
Flew her once again today. I'm not happy with the engine 100%, but the plane flies nicely. In a word: graceful, lethargic, SLOW! OK, that was three. I'm going to be looking for a pump for the engine and maybe onboard glow because much of the time she's at idle just hanging in the air. This would be a great candidate for electric conversion if it weren't SO expensive in this size.
