boingram

Hi all....anyone know where theye may be plans or a kit of the de Havilland Dragon Rapide?

Thanks,

Bo

buzzard bait

Flying Scale Models magazine (UK) had a nice plan and construction article for a small to medium size electric. Google Wise Owl Publications to get more info. Jim

OldScaleGuy

My Feedback: (2)

Check here. I built this one in the mid 80's it is a great flyer. Go to Plan Group VI
http://www.scaleaero.com/jerrybates.htm

boingram

Old Scale Guy...thank you very much!

I love twins and biplanes...this has both...plus it's georgeous.

Can you tell me a little more...thanks so much!

Bo

AlphaWhisky

I came across this beaut model at a rally here a few weeks ago. I don`t know the origin of plans etc - but could probably find out if you`re interested.

Alan W

boingram

Alpha Whisky,

I would very much appreciate knowing more details of this lovely effort.

Thank you very much,

Bo

yel914

I picked up a set of plans from Uncle Willies. Beautiful plans with great detail and a bargain to boot.

boingram

Yel...thanks...I took a quick look at Uncle Willie's web site (Googled it). Interesting! Haven't found the Dragon, yet..but I will.

Thanks, again...

Bo

Dsegal

Nexus Plans Service has a plan for a 96" span Rapide, no. RSQ1629. The plan can be ordered from Bob Holman in California.

OldScaleGuy

My Feedback: (2)

Jerry Bates Plans is now selling the RC Sweitzer design. That is the one i built. It is a lot of cutting and building. It took 2 years to get it done but it was certainly worth it. It flies like a big trainer. Some of my modeling buddies thought that the thin wing tips would cause a serious stall problem on landings but it landed soft and easy.

boingram

Oldscale Guy...thanks...I have ordered the Bates plans and am talking to a couple of cutters to see if they are interested.

What engines did you use, and is their location on the bottom wing an aerodynamic concern. I have big bipes and big twins, but no big twin bipes!

Bo

OldScaleGuy

My Feedback: (2)

Bo, the motors being on the bottom wing is of no concern. I used O.S. 40 2 strokes at the time. If i were going to do another one today it would be 4 strokers for sure. The O.S. 40's proved to be plenty of power. Go for it, you will love it. Please let us know if you find someone out there that will cut the parts. I cut my own and that part of the process alone took many hours.

boingram

Oldscale Guy,

So the twin 40's were OK on a 90' bipe? How much did it weigh and did you ever calculate the wing loading. What is the stagger of the wings and are the N-struts difficult.

Are the Bates plans pretty good? Did you use any of the Bates f'glass parts?

Thanks,

Bo

boingram

Oldscale Guy,

Lazer Lizard will cut a short kit including ribs, formers, and any isolated parts for $300. No stiks or sheeting included.

I'm getting more details.

Bo

OldScaleGuy

My Feedback: (2)

Bo, The 40's were more than enough power, doesn't sound possible and it surprised me too. If i recall it weighed 18 pounds. It is a light structure and i used Coverite and K&B paint at the time. Not the lightest covering/paint combo for sure. $300 doesn't sound too bad for all the parts that are involved with this project. Bates Plans for the Rapide are actually the RC Sweitzer drawings. They are fantastic, very accurate with a lot of details. I bought my plans and fiberglass parts from Sweitzer at the time when the design was first released. The rights have since been sold to Jerry Bates. The only thing i would consider difficult about the N struts was the time it took to field assemble the entire plane. It took 45 minutes to assembly and 30 minutes to disassemble. Most all of the construction is straight forward, the top wing has a slide in arrangement that is kind of unusual but it worked out fine.

boingram

Oldscale Guy,

I understand about the power. I have the Top Flite 310 with two OS 40AX's. At 21-pounds, it flies fine. On this I would probably use 4-strokes or maybe small gassers. The gassers might be better since they would be more reliable with what I assume will be an inverted installation.

How was the quality of the fiberglass parts and do the f'glass cowls also include the wheel pants/spats? If not, how are the pants constructed?

Thanks,

Bo

OldScaleGuy

My Feedback: (2)

Bo, The quality of the fiberglass parts was very good. The front half of the wheel spats was molded as part of the cowling. The rear portion was built up from wood.

magnatilla

Have got the plans for Jerry Bates Rapide, had the kit cut by Belair, there site is www.belairkits.com
The quality of cutting and choice of materials is second to none as is the way it is packed to be shipped to customer.
Price at time (February 07) £245.00
DAB