Has anyone succesfuly converted any of the Gulliows kits to CL? What would be a good powerplant for the big F4U or F6F? Thanks.

The small 1/2A RC flyers seem to always want to convert these to simple flying models.
In truth the answer is no, don't waste your time on trying to convert one of these to C/L. They are too fragile as designed and by the time you got it right you could have built a really good flying model.
So the short answer is no.
Dennis

There was an F4U-1 published in MAN Nov 1950. It was powered by a McCoy .09 and designed by Dick Ealy. I don't have the plans but I looked it up in "Old Time Stunt Construction Drawings" compiled by Tom Moris (A PAMPA publication).

George

THe only difference between a CL model and RC model is that we use an Bellcrank for the elevator so don't be scared to take an exsiting plan for an RC model and build from there. the only thing you would need to do is the following to convert an RC plan to CL

1) wing tip weight box
2) Leadout guide
3) Bellcrank
4) Rudder offset maybe, if you think you need it

If you want to install throttle control I have detailed information on this....

So my answer is to build from any set of plans that is the right size, construction and powerplant and convert it to CL. If you find a nice RC kit that you like convert it also!

Remember the location of the bellcrank does not matter (it can be in the tail and still work), the leadout position is critical and is best if you can adjust the location after the first flight.

Good luck,
Fred Cronenwett
Wichita, KS

I think you will also usually find some extra dihedral in an RC plane (and FF) for stability. For CL you can move it back to scale dihedral (or none).

IMHO both planes mantioned are beautiful ships and would be worth the effort.

George

Hi Tomcat,

I've built the Zero, Mustang and FW190 as 1/2A C/L ships. The Zero was my first, built accoring to the instructions included with the Guillows kit, powered by a Cox Babe-Bee .049. In short, it stinks as a flyer.

The Mustang was next, powered by Norvel .061. Mods included running the leadouts through the wing, less dihedral, and more tip weight. Fast, smooth flying plane, but no outside manuevers possible with the flat bottom airfoil.

Finally, I built the FW190. Again, Norvel .061, leadouts in the wing. Also, this time I built up the bottom of the wing to a semi-symmetrical airfoil. Again it's a fast, smooth flying plane, but even inside loops are difficult. Not enough wing and elevator area, I think.

But they look good ...

The guillows kits are originally built for rubber powered flight. But the Corsair is the same scale as the pica kits and alot of the r/c combat stuff out nowadays.
I think you need to either beef up the frame if you go the gas root or better yet go to a small electric motor and leave it as is. Flight performance will be marginal so don't expect alot from your bird when it is done. I think Toni and Addie Naccarato ot the black sheep squadron had a whole bunch of Guillow kits outfitted for c/l. It was in an old model builder magazine which is now defunct.

Tony and Addie can be contacted by the following:

look up T&A hobby, Burbank, CA and give Tony a call at his hobby shop. I have seen him fly the smaller CL models with electric power indoors at the IMS hobby show in Los Angleles.

Good luck,
Fred Cronenwett