All:
I have been studing the Mini Mambo plans for a while and I do see one in my near future.
While I see no difficulties to a build there is no top view.

What is the width of the fuselege?

That is is it parallel from the check pieces to the back of the rear cabin former?
Or, is it tapered from the front cabin former through the firewall?

Is the cabin even parallel?

Does the rear of the fuselege straight taper to the tail?
Or is it a bowed taper (as in not a straight line)?

I realize the width will be dependent on the radio gear. But someone my have
a kit they can measure. What was Sterlings vision for this model?

I don't know if I want it single channel or muti (two) or even what I will use
for an engine but I'm thinking Wen Mac. I'll sort this stuff out myself.

TIA - Steve B.

Well, most kit manufacturers did not include the top view to discourage scratch building. Sterling was very good at this. My Minnie Mambo, which is taken from an original kit has the firewall 2 inches wide. F1 is 2-3/8 and F2 which is directly behind the wing is 2-1/8 wide. The rest of the formers are positioned for a straight taper back. All are inside dimensions of fuselage. The critical point is the horizontal stab position in relationship to the wing saddle. Make sure this is held or you will have a wild Mambo!! My current Minnie Mambo has an ACE single channel pulser with a OK Cub .049. About 200 flights to date!! Here is a picture of the finished fuselage less the wingsheild block from the manual. You can see the straight taper.

Bob Harris

Bob:

Wow a triple taper, I wouldn't have guessed - but why not. I use a fuse. jig so that will be no problem.
I am assuming inside dimensions on the firewall, F1 & F2. I can build on the wing saddle so the stab
incidence should be no problem.

thanks - Steve B.

PS, I feel like celebrating tomorrow and firing up the Wen Mac. I've got an Ace Commander but
it needs tuning. I'll try for a Berg Stamp.

Wow Bob , what a piece of steamlined engineering.
I'll never forget my shock after the engine died,at how
much speed my Mambo picked up. Actually the Mambo
penetrates much better than appearance would indicate.
Ralph

When I was a teenager, flying regularly at the schoolyard(s) the Mini Mambo
came out when it was gusty. It DID seem to handle it better than most
others I flew back then. (even the Hornet, Mach None, Pacer, Mini Kaos, etc)
Didn't bother with wheels (never did). Every flight was handlaunch and catch,
or a belly-flop landings.
Perhaps it was just the 10 ounces of radio gear in it that made it penetrate so well!
Dave

Yep, the Minnie Mambo is quite a bird. Here is a picture of one I bult for my nephew to learn to fly on. It has his full size radio in it. Futaba 127 rec, 3ea 3004 servos and a 500mA pack. Black Widow .049 with throttle sleeve. Flew quite well even with all that weight!

Bob Harris

Steve

The Minnie is a great choice. I've been flying the same one on and off since 1972. The fuse and tail finally bit the dust, but the wing is fine. Just got new plans and patterns and the new build is well underway. Mine flew in a variety of configurations from a fully cowled, R/E TD.049 to R/O being pulled around by a Testors/McCoy .049. Loved that little engine! It had an incredible number of hours on it in a power pod for a Lil' T glider. Always started easily and was a good match for the Mambo. If I can find it, I'll use it again. Going to go R/O again also. Had more fun with that than I did with the elevator. Once you get good at it, its fun to watch the multi channel guys shake their heads in amazement when they realize you only have one control surface. Post pics when available.

Reid C.

Reid:

Glad to hear that the bird flies with a testers/mccoy I've got one but I'll probably use a MKIII.

All:

What is the wing dihedral I can't make it out on the tile print drawing?

regards - Steve B.

Steve, wing dihedral should be 3-1/2 to 4 inches on one wing panel with the other laying flat.

Bob Harris

Gosh what memories. I learned to fly on a Minnie. Mine (back in 73) featured a cox .049 baby bee, and an ACE single channel pulse radio (rudder only).

The secret was to put a ton of positive incidence in the wing and hold it level in a turn. I could even get it to loop.

I built three but the first one survived my initial crashes and first real flight. It had paper and dope covering on the wings and a paint on wood fuse.

Those were the days.

I will look for some pictures.

EZ, Here is my Minnie Mambo with Ace pulser. I have changed the engine out to a OK Cub .049. About 200 flights to date. Getting her charged up for Raymond's single channel challenge!!

Bob Harris