Yesterday I test flew a Cutlass that I bought at an estate sale a couple of years ago. The model was complete less an RX and battery. It has an Magnum 61, Futaba S148 servos and Rhom Air retracts. I figure the model is scratch built and is at least 25 years old. The builder made it as a tail dragger and streamlined the nose to the spinner instead of the jet-like intake nose of the original design. The fuse is glassed and painted, while the wing is built up and covered with MonoKote as is the tail feathers. The ailerons use a single servo in the center of the wing and links up to bellcranks! I replaced the aileron servo with a Futaba servo that has more torque for peace of mind. Overall the Cutlass is in excellent shape and I'm happy to report it flew very well! I don't know when the engine was last run, but after choking it, 3 flips later it was running and never faltered! I could tell this was going to be a good day!

I flew the model 3 times and the 1st two flight went very well. The CG is a little on the nose heavy side (on purpose) and the control throws needed to be bumped up. I think the old servos have something to do with this. They're going to be replaced over the winter with proper servos. I had a small problem on the 3rd flight though. About 1/3 through the flight, the retracts dropped down. Being Rhom Airs I knew an air line must have parted ways. The belly landing went well even with the gear hanging down and not locked. The only damage was a broken prop. Funny thing about the retracts was that when I was checking out the model last month, I pumped them up to 100psi and let them sit for two days. They only lost 15psi so I figured they were good to go. Anyway, the air lines have been replaced and the gear is again working.

While the model is in good shape, I plan on stripping it and refinsihing it. The current finish is a little on the rough side. Besides, a sweet model deserves a proper finish! I'll post some detailed pics later.

FB