Like we all do I'm thinking about what I want to tackle next. 8178's new thread along with all the other great build threads here, and the fact that the UFO is getting close to being finished got me looking around for an interesting project.

I want to build something that I haven't seen built before (nothing against the popular designs). I'm looking at two right now and if anyone here has any experience with either one I'd love to hear about it. I'd also like to hear other suggestions.

The first is Kraft's Dragon Fli and the other is Dan Santich's Cardinal. The Dragon Fli, AAM 1/71 is later, yet, similar to his Slick Fli which was published in the 11/69 RCM&E. The Cardinal is from the 2/72 AAM and has a laminar flow airfoil. Both were designed to be flown very fast (for their day).

The last two images are of the Slik Fli for comparison to the Dragon Fli

David

Davis,
I like the layout of the Dragon Fly from a proportion and looks standpoint. The proportions appeal to me from a balance observation. It reminds me of the Daddy Rabbit which is another favorite of mine.
Bill

I vote for the Cardinal

Another vote for the Dragon Fli.

Does anybody else think the side view of the Cardinal looks a lot like the Hammer design?


Mark

I vote Dragon Fli also

Actually, I think it looks like the Utopia.

My vote goes to the Dragon Fli. The Cardinal is cool but I like the fact the Dragon Fli looks like a real plane and not a model.

That Dragon Fli looks Kewl!! It has some neat lines...Kinda like the feeling you get when you see a really nice lookin' 55 Chevy...

Have you considered Ralph Brooke’s Crusader? I have a set of plans get them out every year or so and marvel at what a neat looking design it is. It is a world champion design and looks awesome with retracts.

I was about to build one and then the SBA opportunity happened.

I had thought about the Crusader a while back. I even re-arranged the plans to make them easier to use.

I have to say, though, I really like the Dragonfli. What do y'all think about those barn doors on the wing? Should it be converted to strip ailerons?

David

Do the DragonFli with the the barndoors.

Jeff

Peppermint pattie II or Deception

scott

The first thing I'll do is trace the Dragonfli in Cad. I might as well have the parts laser cut while I'm at it.

I would like to see an example of how someone has used two servos with barn door ailerons. It seem like too far out on the wing to do the standard two servo setup.

David

Just do it the typical way and attach the pushrods in the same location shown on the plans. Don't forget to put the arm on the servos pointing out to the wing tip as well, that gains a bit more reach.

Mark

That would put the servos just a little past the mid-wing point. That's not to far out, I guess. I could also use mid-size servos to cut down on weight.

David

What about the Double Eagle.

Cheers

Barn Doors..Defiantly...

Rainedave,

Lots of neat choices mentioned. I would be interested in the airfoil on the Cardinal's flying qualities. Just for looks, the Slik Fli has great lines and proportions. I look forward to your choice and hopefully another great build thread.

turbo

Hey Dave, Who's going to cut the parts for you, and how much do you think it would cost for an additional kit to be cut at the same time? Thinking future project

Dave and Propbuster- Seeing the DragonFli for the first time, I was wondering the same thing! I didn't know Mr. Kraft had such a nice looking follow-on to the Kwik-Fli. Being an AAM plan, may not be anyone printing the plans these days. I did check AMA plans service and didn't see it there. Sure would be interested in a plan or partial kit if ever became a possibility. BTW- Barn Door ailerons with right-sized servo for each....70's look with modern reliability!

It's funny how different things remind us of different era's. Though around much earlier, barn doors = early 70's for me because they were so common and as a kid I was finally old enough to notice the difference.

Thanks everyone. I use AKM (Alex Kolyvanov) for all my laser cutting; great prices and very fast turnaround. It's usually about a week from the time I email him the cut files to when FedEx rings the doorbell.

I have full-size digital plans. They're not the best quality, but definitely adequate to build from. Besides, if I trace them in CAD I can clean them up and simplify some of the internal construction (like I did with the Beachcomber).

I will have to commission Deadstick to cut me some cores. I'm planning to drive over and see his new shop soon.

David

So will it ba a case of...Once he has the "cut files" he would be able to produce a kit on demand?? I'd like one too...

Right click and save as: dragon-fli.pdf

David

Dave, are you still considering having a couple of kits cut? Count me in if so, also, I wouldn't need the cores, I'd cut my own. Thanks, Tim

Are the Dragon Fli plans available anywhere?

Dave