1/2a Buzzard Bombshell engine choice
 

I have just finsihed framing up the wing on my Buzzard Bombshell.
I will soon be getting to the point of drilling the firewall for the engine mount. This must be done before the fuse is assembled. I have been debating either an .061 or .074 norvel on it. Picture and details on the kit can be found here. I have been leaning twards the .061 thinking the plane may be overpowered with an .074 http://www.soy.on.ca/BUZZARDbombshell.html
Also the plans show no down or right thrust when converting to glow. The plans show everything on centerline. I was thinking this plane should have some down and right. Any sugestions?

1/2a Buzzard Bombshell engine choice
 

By all means add about 3 degrees of downthrust and a couple of right. All my 1/2A Texaco models needed it.

And by all means run a 7x4 prop to slow it down a little. The 049's make for a somewhat spirited and nervous performance if you go with the usual 6x3.

1/2a Buzzard Bombshell engine choice
 

I flew mine with a stock Cox Texaco Jr. engine, Cox gray 7-3.5 prop and 15% fuel. Still climbed like a scalded cat!

Kepp the rudder throw LOW... this thing will bite you in the bum if you have a lot of throw. With the correct rates its a very nice plane. I cant imagine putting an 074 in one though, thats a lot of power for such a plane IMO. Its not an aerobat its a climb-n'-glide plane.

Andrew

1/2a Buzzard Bombshell engine choice
 

Just to add to what's above already I fly all my Texaco models using 3 or 4 head gaskets, an 8x4 or 8x5 prop cut down from a 9 inch prop so the blades are wider and run 5% fuel. This is all to enhance the duration.

In this form the climb is lazy but very controllable. Tuck the nose down for a little get up and go and you can still do nice rudder rolls and loops.

For your own sake don't set it up any hotter than what Andrew calls for. And he's right as rain about the rudder throw if the speed is up.

1/2a Buzzard Bombshell engine choice
 

Ok Ill plan on the .061 in it then. I have one on the way with the old style cylinder. Oh by the way I will have throttle on this as I am not going to compete with it anywhere. I'll prolly use that in it seeing as the general opinion is it wont take a mess of HP to fly it. Ill save the newer one with the larger fins for another project. Ill be sure to setup dual rates on all the flying surfaces. Prolly a hair of expo also.


After this I have a Balsa Products Tiger moth going on the board.
Will be my first texaco Biplane heh. Should be intresting as it will also be my first Biplane. I also have a Balsa Products Taylor cub. This was the first Texaco kit I purchased I liked the quality of the kit so much I then got the Tiger Moth. One of these days I may actually try building a 1/2a texaco kit and actually put a cox Texaco engine in it heh :)



While Im posting any of you Norvel guys have a norvel R/C carb laying round. I have a Norvel .049 thats in need of one.

1/2a Buzzard Bombshell engine choice
 

Dual rates maybe but expo would probably be overkill as long as you have the throttle control.

As long as you control the speed all will be well. It's just that the rolling action from the rudder and large dihedral interaction is so strong as the speed builds up. As long as you're ready for it all is fine.