My first trainer in RC was called an Airco Aero 9 That I built in 57 when I was twelve. Had a Torp .09 with no throttle and used Babcock Magic Carpet system that I soldered up from a kit purchased at Reginald Dennys. It used an escapement and only on the rudder.

I attemped RC many times for almost a year and all the flights ended with no control and me in hot pursuit on my bicylcle. When the system finally functioned for about four or five commands it was electrifying. I had actually remotely controlled the airplane for a few turns. It of course reverted back to free flight and the chase was on agine.

The differance this time was when I got to the landing spot I was so excited I threw the bike down and ran to the airplane where I proceded to stumble and fall on it complely destroying it.
So thats my story and its sadly gone.

Fast forward to about seven years ago, I found the original plans in the old John Pond collection and imediately ordered them.

The new airplane I powered with the same old Torp .09 but this time used a modern hitec with a small servo but not using a normal pushrod but instead actuated the rudder with a torque rod just like the original. The landing gear folded back with rubber bands for those hard landing that could occur with no elevator.

The first flight started with a strong climb, to strong and I was unable to spiral to lose altitude. This flight almost ended up with a repeat flyaway just as before only this time my wheelchair can,t keep up with a bicyle. luckily some of the fellows with better eysite were able to relay to me directions for the return and finally the engine ran out of fuel. I did make it back to the field barely.

Man that did that and pulled that engine and installed a contemperary OS .099 Pet with an articulated baffle throttle and added another small servo. That did the trick and have had many wonderful 'rudder only' retro flights bringing it out three or four times a year ever since.

John