"Sparky" vintage R/C electric project
 

I thought you guys might be interested in my latest project to be completed. "Sparky" is a Harry Hundleby design originally published in Sep 1951 Aeromodeller for single channel R/C. It was described as having a breathtaking performance and was intended for single channel aerobatics. I started this project a long time ago for diesel power but when I got around to finishing it I decided to go for brushless electric. Construction is traditional as per the original and fuselage is covered with tissue over balsa sheet with wings and tail covered in nylon. Control is rudder and elevator, motor is a Scorpion 2215-18 and LiPo is a 3S 2200mAh.
I recently carried out the test flight. Full power climb was rapid, very little power required to just cruise, more power and loops and rudder rolls were good fun. I landed after 14 mins and a recharge took 931mAh, battery is 2200mAh so could have stayed up for a fair bit longer. A nice and unusual addition to my vintage R/C model collection.

RE: "Sparky" vintage R/C electric project
 

Don't you just love it when those old designs take "wing" again. Nice project and the electric idea on these old timers is great for keeping them clean. Can take 'em out to the park and let the youngsters see flying models the way they used to look...minus the noise and cleaning time. Have fun with 'er and keep her flying!

Soft landings.

RE: "Sparky" vintage R/C electric project
 

Wow - I know the Sparky:D

My first rc plane I saw fly was my dads Sparky.

I was 4 years old - now 52!

I keep getting keen to build one - I have the water damaged original plans with the pin holes.

Recently I obtained from the x list a fresh copy plus a mate gave me a copy of the original article.

Dad had his Wright single channel gear he made from a kit
- remnants of the are still in the rafters in mums shed.
I remember him winding the rubber for the escapement.


I think you model needs a scale cylinder head sticking out the top for the full affect:)

Thanks for the memory
cheers Jeff

RE: "Sparky" vintage R/C electric project
 

Hi Jeff, it's nice to meet someone who knows the Sparky. It was a nostalgia trip with me, I built one a long time ago with a school friend. It had unreliable single channel radio and this combined with our inexperience back then meant that it didn't last long, nevertheless it left me with happy memories. I still had the rather tatty plan so I decided to build another one, with modern radio and many successful models later this one goes really well. I am sure you will have a lot of fun if you go ahead and build one. The picture shows Sparky during a slow fly by.
Alan

RE: "Sparky" vintage R/C electric project
 

UK, Very nice!!! What did your total weight come out to be?? Cheers Bill

RE: "Sparky" vintage R/C electric project
 

Hi Bill, the Sparky came out at just over 2 pounds flying weight - about 1kg. Wing span is 48 inches and area is 360 square inches.
Alan