Upstart build & 1/2a Racing article from '71
10-02-2007, 08:23 PM
#1
Upstart build & 1/2a Racing article from '71
Hi Guys, I was looking around some old plans I had for a 1/2a build project and found amongst my yellowed and deteriorating prints, this copy of an RC Modeler article from of '71 that came with the plans for an "Upstart" racer. I thought you all might like to read it. I've decided to go ahead and scratch build an "Upstart" 1/2a Racer, designed by Owen Kampen that was kitted by Ace RC back then. It's a simple build using a couple of Ace mini foam wing cores. I still have a couple of those Sure Starts from the first Cox sell off bonanza, and figured I'd use one of them in the front. Going to dig around the old scrap wood boxes for materials tommorow, will post pics on the progress.[8D]
10-02-2007, 08:59 PM
#2
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Owen Kampen was a prolific designer in the 70's and dabbled in all sorts of construction techniques. Two of his designs that are mentioned frequently in this forum are his Whizard and Pacer. Another one that doesn't get quite as much press is the Skampy.
Looking forward to the build thread.
Here's a pic of the Upstart.
Looking forward to the build thread.
Here's a pic of the Upstart.
10-03-2007, 03:32 AM
#4
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RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Upstart is a favorite, nice looking little gem. Try to post some pictures if you can, it may help get a few others interested in building a neat older plane.
The rules in 1/2a pylon is harder to follow now than it was then!
The rules in 1/2a pylon is harder to follow now than it was then!
10-03-2007, 07:07 AM
#5
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RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Remby, the rules for the Reedie and Open racing we are having are quite simple. For the Reedie race one must use the Cox .049 reed valve engine with no pressure. Anything else goes. For the Open class any engine .061 or smaller. These were set in place to encourage creative designs. Of course one must demonstrate their racer is a stable and controlable for racing.
Funny, we have current designs as well as converted single channel designs from the early 60's. Both have done well in the races. To date the fastest plane has not won. It was the model/pilot with the best consistancy both flying and with the engine tuning. I think it brings out the competitive aspect as well as the technical ability. It is also based on a shoestring budget. Most Reedie Racers cost per plane is less than most props on the Q40 racers!!
Good to see someone building some of the early 1/2A racers again!!
Bob Harris
Funny, we have current designs as well as converted single channel designs from the early 60's. Both have done well in the races. To date the fastest plane has not won. It was the model/pilot with the best consistancy both flying and with the engine tuning. I think it brings out the competitive aspect as well as the technical ability. It is also based on a shoestring budget. Most Reedie Racers cost per plane is less than most props on the Q40 racers!!
Good to see someone building some of the early 1/2A racers again!!
Bob Harris
10-03-2007, 07:14 AM
#6
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
This past event was the closest we have ever been to the fastest plane winning. I think that should be noted since speed became a major factor this time out.
Since the fastest plane crashed the second fastest indeed won.
The fun part about the race is I usually build a new plane each year for the race. I am lost on what to build for next year since I liked the QS so much.
Since the fastest plane crashed the second fastest indeed won.
The fun part about the race is I usually build a new plane each year for the race. I am lost on what to build for next year since I liked the QS so much.
10-03-2007, 04:24 PM
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RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Vic,
I have a suggestion as to what you can do for the next race. PM me for details. But in the meantime why don't you convert your Quick Shot to a pusher canard? Just turn the prop around and run the engine backwards? Ta da.
I have a suggestion as to what you can do for the next race. PM me for details. But in the meantime why don't you convert your Quick Shot to a pusher canard? Just turn the prop around and run the engine backwards? Ta da.
10-03-2007, 06:35 PM
#8
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
I definatley like the look of the Upstart, Andrew, your's looks terrific
. Is that a TD for power? I can't find any 3/32 long enough in my stash, so will have to get to the LHS for some fuselage materials. Also couldn't find my old Ace foam wing core templates so. I made up another set. If anyone want's a set of wing cores, let me know and I'll cut some extra's while the wire's hot.
. Is that a TD for power? I can't find any 3/32 long enough in my stash, so will have to get to the LHS for some fuselage materials. Also couldn't find my old Ace foam wing core templates so. I made up another set. If anyone want's a set of wing cores, let me know and I'll cut some extra's while the wire's hot.
10-03-2007, 07:04 PM
#9
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
ORIGINAL: propbuster
I definatley like the look of the Upstart, Andrew, your's looks terrific.
I definatley like the look of the Upstart, Andrew, your's looks terrific
.
We'll have to wait for yours to be finished to see another.
andrew
10-03-2007, 07:46 PM
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RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Hmm...I had one of those Skampys...cool little .020 plane but mine was super sensitive to wing warp with the wing shape that there was. bout the coolest looking .020 I had ever seen... rudder only with the ace stomper fitting in there nicely...weighed nearly nuthin' wing was 1/16 sheet balsa skins clark -y over a few 1/16 ribs (very few) I didnt build it, but one could easily do so with 2-3 sheets of 1/16
10-03-2007, 08:59 PM
#12
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
I think the original upstart was a built up wing, when ace kitted it, they used the foam cores, I think that is how it became the Upstart II The upstart II was my first ever racer. LOL damn I built it poorly too, it weighed over 24 oz when all the other guys in the club had them right at 20oz which was the rule in those days, I had so much fun with that plane even though mine was a porker.
10-03-2007, 10:36 PM
#14
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RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
I figure it's on the list of winter projects. If the plans aren't full sized, I think I'll trace outlines of the parts before I build the kit, just in case I have so much fun I want another one. I think a built-up wing might be the way to go anyway. I'll bit the kit with the foamies like it sets, but might have to think about a different wing.
10-04-2007, 05:30 AM
#15
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
fizzwater2, I trace out all the parts to kits I build if they don't come with full size plans! Comes in handy for repair parts (not that I ever need any, 'cause when I crash 'em there's usally nothing left to work with
) but for a second build, essential. The plans I have are not full size, but the guy who sent me the plans had traced out the parts for future use also. A little carbon paper and there you go! By the way, I wish I could remember who it was that sent me these plans, I know it was from someone here of course, and Thanks again!
) but for a second build, essential. The plans I have are not full size, but the guy who sent me the plans had traced out the parts for future use also. A little carbon paper and there you go! By the way, I wish I could remember who it was that sent me these plans, I know it was from someone here of course, and Thanks again!
10-04-2007, 09:30 AM
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RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Propbuster...What is 'carbon paper'? Ha Ha Ha. That stuff went out with 'button hooks' for shoes!! A couple years ago I tried to find some 'carbon paper'...no luck. Everything is so 'electronic' these days... I need a slower pace. Now is just about time for someone to re-invent 'carbon paper' and put it on the market. Like the 'new' front wheel drive cars for the U. S. A. in the 1970's. They had them in Britan in 1931 or so...but they were 'new' here. Today, they seem to be going back to rear wheel drive... and claiming "It's safer..no front torque." Huh?? Thanks for posting that plan for the Upstart. I'll just have to dump that into the CAD and print some ribs, etc. I'm old, but I can do 'some' of the new electronic stuff! [not that CAD is new any more...]
10-04-2007, 06:03 PM
#17
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Yuu, Ya know I've never had to actually buy any carbon paper! I've got a bunch left over from my electric typewriter days Trip to the LHS was disapointing as far as any 1/2a size hardware but I did get the fuse side stock and some aileron stock too. I'll have to scrounge some control horns and such from some "retired" (crashed and repaired too many times to fly anymore) models. I did get the wing cores cut as well as the fuse sides and will try to get the rest of the balsa cut out tonite.
Trip to the LHS was disapointing as far as any 1/2a size hardware but I did get the fuse side stock and some aileron stock too. I'll have to scrounge some control horns and such from some "retired" (crashed and repaired too many times to fly anymore) models. I did get the wing cores cut as well as the fuse sides and will try to get the rest of the balsa cut out tonite.
10-05-2007, 08:59 PM
#18
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Well, I finished up cutting the parts and glued up most of the fuselage. I found a nice landing gear that came off my old Cox Skylane that fits nicely and did a quick mock with the tail feathers on. I decided to go with ailerons and elevator for control and built the rudder solid. I'll be balancing the plane for flight with the wheels off but use them for display. They'd be way too small for the turf at my field
.
.
10-07-2007, 05:24 AM
#21
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RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
I'm following this thread with interest. I'm planning to build a C/L Stunt Upstart, built up wing with a little more area, OS.15FP powered.
I really like the look of the model.
I really like the look of the model.
10-20-2007, 07:59 PM
#23
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Finally got back to the Upstart project and have the tail feathers done. Decided to put a balsa LE and embed a 1/4" hardwood spar in the wing. Now, time for a bunch of body work and sanding on the fuse and wing. I folded the wing on my 2m motor glider last week, (it was a nice heliocopter to lawn dart manuver) and decided to use that radio gear in the Upstart and also the TD from the pod for power instead of a Sure Start.
) and decided to use that radio gear in the Upstart and also the TD from the pod for power instead of a Sure Start.
10-21-2007, 05:30 PM
#25
RE: RC Modeler 1/2a Racing article from '71
Thanks Dave, I've got the wing built and covered and decided that instead of a clear plastic windshield over the wing, I'd carve a solid block in the cockpit shape and hollow it out. Also have to come up with an engine mount, as the one I have for my TD won't fit in the engine bay.