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Robbe Whopper - 6/11/2008 7:53:59 PM   
docsparklin


 

Posts: 21
Joined: 9/28/2004
From: Denison, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Recently acquired a Robbe Whopper Autogyro with a .60 2 stroke engine but I don't have any specs or instructions. Have read several posts about the "string on the tail" thing, the tendency to roll left and the use of rudder for gradual turns but not sure about the throws, angle of blade pitch, etc. Am currently working my way through www.autogyro.com, great info there. This is my first gyro and am a little nervous about flying it.
In addition to specs, can anyone give me some hints about how to check "airworthiness" and "readiness" of the Whopper prior to lift off to avoid a catastrophic crash? I would rather NOT fly it and keep it as a hangar queen than crumple it. My RC experience consists of about 25 planes, no autogyros until now. Thanks.
       Post #: 1

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/11/2008 9:56:32 PM   
mnowell129


 

Posts: 468
Joined: 8/6/2004
From: longwood, FL, USA
Status: offline 		All accounts of the whopper was that it was fast, heavy, and needed a lot of power to even fly.
My vote would be to make a nice display out of it and buy something that's being manufactured
right now.

(in reply to docsparklin)
       Post #: 2

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 3:29:18 PM   
billf



Posts: 260
Joined: 2/1/2002
From: Hudson, WI, USA
Status: offline 		There was an article in "RC Report" sometime in the 1992-1995 era about the Whopper. It talked about using a string to get the
rotor up to speed while taxiing etc. Perhaps the publisher of RC Report could supply a copy of the article. While I have no
personal experience with the Whopper, I think mnowell's comment is about right!

Bill

(in reply to docsparklin)
       Post #: 3

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 5:01:12 PM   
woopie


 

Posts: 88
Joined: 8/24/2002
From: Clarksburg, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		The Whopper was my first autogyro and she's a lovely flyer so long as you know what to expect. Be happy to walk you through the process even if you choose not to fly her.

David

(in reply to billf)
       Post #: 4

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 5:29:18 PM   
docsparklin


 

Posts: 21
Joined: 9/28/2004
From: Denison, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Thanks mnowell129 and billf. I really don't want to total the gyro if I can help it.
Woopie, do you have anything spelled out that you can share? The main thing is I need to know if she is airworthy as far as power, throw settings, etc. and what not to do. Any info you can pass on would be greatly appreciated.
I recall reading about standing on the string while the rotor comes up to speed, then disengaging the clutch while throttle is applied, letting her do her mild bank during climb and using rudder for the turns. I also read you don't want to hold flare on landing, lest you take off the tail feathers.
Anything else? Like head rotor rpm, etc.?
Thanks. Doc

(in reply to woopie)
       Post #: 5

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 7:08:17 PM   
BarracudaHockey



Posts: 10786
Joined: 7/13/2003
From: Orange Park, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Post some pics!

As someone that flys both helis and planes, I think it would be a hoot to try and autogyro!

_____________________________

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AMA 77227 http://www.jaxrc.com

(in reply to docsparklin)
       Post #: 6

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 7:15:36 PM   
woopie


 

Posts: 88
Joined: 8/24/2002
From: Clarksburg, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Rats, I timed out on my post and lost my reply.

(in reply to BarracudaHockey)
       Post #: 7

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 7:59:51 PM   
woopie


 

Posts: 88
Joined: 8/24/2002
From: Clarksburg, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Doc, I originally joined RCU to help someone else with a Whopper, but unable to find the thread.

I've also heard of the "string" method to hold the Whopper back while gaining rotor speed, but have not tried due to safety aspects. I prefer to have a clean/dry O-ring in the head drive and a 10-15 mph headwind. The only reason the tail feathers get damaged is due to a hard touch down on landing due to rotor blade flex, or a take-off rollover causing the rotor blades to swing back in their blade holders.

As to airworthiness; do you know the flight history of this Whopper, How does it look to you. If you are not familiar with helicopter rotor heads, or to be more specific, the Robbe/Schluter System 88 rotor head, I suggest you find someone who does. If not, I would look at and call ... http://www.ronlund.com/ ... as I'm sure they can be of help. The most important items to check and confirm are the main shaft, blade cross shaft/spindle shaft, control rods, ball links and flybar. The rotor head rotates clockwise and the rotor blades and flybar paddles should reflect this.

The original Whopper was supplied with wide under cambered rotor blades and latter replaced with a narrower/longer Clark-Y airfoil. I'm hoping you have the Clark-Y as it was a vast improvement in performance. Rotor blade appearance can say a lot about the Whopper's history.

The Whopper head speed has been Sky-Tached at 800rpm and has the visual appearance of a solid disc ... if you can see rotor blades you haven't got sufficient head speed.

This is only a start. I can supply you with copies of the original instructions and reduced size assembly drawings if you'd like.

David

(in reply to woopie)
       Post #: 8

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 10:27:55 PM   
docsparklin


 

Posts: 21
Joined: 9/28/2004
From: Denison, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Here's a pic from a recent WarBird Fly In in Ft Worth. Had it there for static display only but had a LOT of people asking if it was going to fly. Hope it comes through. Uploaded but don't see any attachment message. Tried twice, let's see if we get 2 of the same pic or nothing.
Woopie, the blades are pretty wide and undercambered, covered in a white glossy adhezive backed material. Would appreciate any info you could send. Have some copter guys in the club that want to take a look at it but not sure if they need specs first.
Doc
[image]

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(in reply to woopie)
       Post #: 9

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 10:35:18 PM   
docsparklin


 

Posts: 21
Joined: 9/28/2004
From: Denison, TX, USA
Status: offline 		OK, 2 pics. Here is another angle showing the blades better and some of my other WarBirds in the background (blue P-51 and L-4 on the right). Looks like a fat blade, likely the original. Also have a boxed spare pair and covering. Doc[image][/image]

Attachments
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(in reply to woopie)
       Post #: 10

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 11:32:34 PM   
woopie


 

Posts: 88
Joined: 8/24/2002
From: Clarksburg, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		She looks to be in great shape. Has this Wopper been flown??? Have your helicopter friends check the Whopper after you recieve the instructions. Send me a PM with your address.

Sorry to hear you only have the original under cambered blades. The Clark-Y will be almost impossible to come by. The under chamered work, but need full power almost all the time. Not as easy overall as the Clark-Y.

David

(in reply to docsparklin)
       Post #: 11

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 11:48:19 PM   
docsparklin


 

Posts: 21
Joined: 9/28/2004
From: Denison, TX, USA
Status: offline 		PM sent.
Doesn't look like she has flown at all. Can't find any signs of wear or tear other than hanger rash.
As I understand it, the maiden should be done naked: without the shell, not me! Just in case something unfortunate happens.
Doc

(in reply to woopie)
       Post #: 12

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/12/2008 11:53:08 PM   
woopie


 

Posts: 88
Joined: 8/24/2002
From: Clarksburg, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Autogyros can have visual orientation problems and the fuselage will be a benifit. Sent you a PM too.

David

(in reply to docsparklin)
       Post #: 13

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/13/2008 7:04:15 PM   
BarracudaHockey



Posts: 10786
Joined: 7/13/2003
From: Orange Park, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Very cool!

_____________________________

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AMA 77227 http://www.jaxrc.com

(in reply to woopie)
       Post #: 14

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/13/2008 7:15:07 PM   
docsparklin


 

Posts: 21
Joined: 9/28/2004
From: Denison, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Thanks. Getting her cleaned up and getting some GREAT info from Woopie. What a great resource on the Whopper!
Doc

(in reply to BarracudaHockey)
       Post #: 15

RE: Robbe Whopper - 6/13/2008 7:34:58 PM   
woopie


 

Posts: 88
Joined: 8/24/2002
From: Clarksburg, NJ, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: docsparklin

Thanks. Getting her cleaned up and getting some GREAT info from Woopie. What a great resource on the Whopper!
Doc



The word WHOPPER is indicative of the wonderful sound of the rotor blades in flight and not to be construed with the sound of a take-off roll over or bad landing ... which are not allowed! Otherwise she would be called the SMACKER!

David

(in reply to docsparklin)