I just picked up the latest version of RCM&E. (British mag) There is a neat free plan this month for a .25-.35 sized autogyro.

It doesn't look too difficult to build and shows the config for both a twin or a single autogyro.

I have a .35 just sitting there .... hmmm

Anyway, just FYI as it's an inexpensive way to try this facet of the hobby.

Bob

Tell us how it goes won't you, i'm planning to build this as soon as time allows I think it's based on the DB autogyro, it certainly shares the layout

http://www.dbsportandscale.com/autogyro.htm

my instructor is currently building one of these, i tihnk its just about ready so as soon as he gets it going i'll let y'all know how it went

ok he hasnt flown it yet but here are some pics that he handed to me, if the weather is good he'll probs be flying it next tuesday so i'll let you know how he goes with it

He's forgotten his polyhedral tail!
Can you ask him which bits he planked please, it's hard to tell from the plan

which bits he planked???? wah????

just to update everyone, he tried to fly it but after take off it flipped over to the left and broke a couple of rotor blade, however, i think he wasnt in full autorotation yet so that may be the reason

Sorry, is maybe planking an english word? I dont know the american version.
If you've a copy of the plans, the top front of the fuz is covered in 1/8" balsa planking. But the plans aren't clear on details of other areas covered. I wondered if your instructor had planked any other bits too - he may have just used film I suppose.

Would be nice if there was someone to video his flying attempts with it.

Oh, didnt notice you're from yorkshire. That explains it then

I just finished building the Kestrel in question and flew it for the first time last night. Take offs were very smooth and landings were almost zero roll out. Everything was well until on the third flight, one of the rotor blades on the left decided to part company with the rest of the aircraft. Roll control was unavailable after that and it landed (?) in the top of a poplar 50 ft up. When I did get it down, no thanks to my chuckling clubmates, the only damge was to one other rotor blade and two holes in the covering.
The planking referred to is the strip planking on the upper front part of the fuse, as well as the centre wing section. I used strips of 1/8 balsa about 1/4 inch wide. Glued them on with CA in strips, then filled the gaps with drywall compound.
This was a very enjoyable build and is a blast to fly.

thanks for posting back,
My model is heavy, is yours or did you try to lighten it?

What engine are you using? We've got a spare thundertiger 46, is this likely to be too big?

something wrong with yorkshire is there?

i havent seen the model personally apart from pics so im not sure about the planking

i'd say the .46 will be too heavy, aim for a .20 very minimum and dont go higher than a .35

what county are you from? better not be essex because you know what they say about essex girls

Yea, it's built like a tank. Don't worry too much about it. I thought mine was pretty heavy too, but it feels very light in the air. Maybe because of the lift from the rotors.

I'm no expert, but a .46 is way, way, way too much. I used an ancient almost worn out os .25 and it flies well at 1/4 - 1/3 throttle. Altitude is definitely controlled by throttle on this baby, as it climbs like a witch at even 3/4 throttle on the .25. Plus I think there might be a ton of tailweight issues with a .46.

tried the twin rotor setup I found take off difficult as a large roll to port which was hard to correct happened every time resulting in a couple of broken bladess.I have built a single teeter rotor with an aerofoil shape which is proving more stable. Im using an old os max 40 which is a little overpowered but is ok on 11/2 yo 3/4 power.Has anybody else used the single rotor?? if so how was it?