Bo/

The engine of the Oldest (successful) Taurus on Earth (right side fuselage) was a K & B (Allyn) Greenhead of smaller displacement than 0.45, (0.35 ci). I never owned such an engine and use an OS Max 35 FP instead. A single chamber muffler is mount to comply the regulations.

A video of me, flying the Taurus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK8TGW-fL44

Of course vintage pattern is another way of flying, but with this engine power it's still remarkable what's possible. Observe the take off, grass, no problem. This Taurus has the span of a normal Taurus, +/- 68", only a sleeker and shorter fuselage
Loops must be made small with the use of accumulated speed.
Flying is very relaxed and goes parallel with low amount of fuel.
Compitive it can be when all participants are flying with same engine displacement and even if the counterpart uses a .45, this Taurus can be a winner.

I have a Webra 6.5 ccm that also fit in the plane because a mounting plate is used just as Ed did.

The replica of the NATS winning Taurus also does have several engines but not a VECO xx RC.
The first engine was a HB 10 cc, and now an OS Max 61 FX or the MVVS 10 ccm.

Ed did use his well known philosophy to create constant speed for the Taurus, the thick wings. I went one step further and added cruise control and that’s why flying this ship cannot be compared with manual throttled pattern planes. I normally fly the plane with throttle stick in nearly fixed position for setpoint speed, the throttle is controlled by the electronics to maintain that speed. To have enough authority for speed control the displacement of the engines is more (10CC) than original(7.5cc).
This way of flying also does give a more effective brake function in down going paths. It can be the first and only glow propelled pattern plane with real functional cruise control in the World.
Just as the Taurus generally was known as the first real multi pattern ship of the past, can flying a Taurus these days still be unique, that's "why" I fly the Taurus my way.



Cees