Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
12-20-2012, 10:38 AM
#1
Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
In 1966 I built my first low wing aircraft a Goldberg Skylark 56. It was powered by a 60s vintage Supertiger G-21 46 and controlled by my first digital proportional radio a PCS. The dihedral was reduced and I added ailerons. It flew really well and was a great transition to pattern type aircraft.
12-20-2012, 10:48 AM
#6
RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
If I do the build I’ll use my Kraft 7C radio to provide the full experience of going back in time.
Some of my other builds on RCU:
Blue Angel http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3973867/tm.htm
Kwik Fli III http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2434444/tm.htm
MK SBA Speeda http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7510820/tm.htm
Tiporare http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2827386/tm.htm
Cold Duck http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3092876/tm.htm
Some of my other builds on RCU:
Blue Angel http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3973867/tm.htm
Kwik Fli III http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2434444/tm.htm
MK SBA Speeda http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7510820/tm.htm
Tiporare http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2827386/tm.htm
Cold Duck http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3092876/tm.htm
12-20-2012, 05:19 PM
#10
RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
ORIGINAL: PatternPilot
that carb is the old time style, linked to the exhaust port also.... I can't remember what the reason was ?
that carb is the old time style, linked to the exhaust port also.... I can't remember what the reason was ?
12-20-2012, 06:19 PM
#11
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RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
8178
Thanks for posting the pics. Most of my name can be seen just above the Goldberg co. name on the plans.
I really enjoyed flying the protype, so much so, that I kept it as long as possible until Carl finally asked for it back. At that time I was living in an apartment and had no space for to buildmodels.
John W
Thanks for posting the pics. Most of my name can be seen just above the Goldberg co. name on the plans.
I really enjoyed flying the protype, so much so, that I kept it as long as possible until Carl finally asked for it back. At that time I was living in an apartment and had no space for to buildmodels.
John W
12-21-2012, 03:59 AM
#12
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RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
Wow....
Got into RC in 1979 with a SIG Kadet and progressed to the Skylark 56.
Had a .40 size ST (made in Italy) glo engine and it was a blast.
Have to laugh at the 'investment' I had in that plane versus what some of my planes cost now.
Thanks for the thread
Got into RC in 1979 with a SIG Kadet and progressed to the Skylark 56.
Had a .40 size ST (made in Italy) glo engine and it was a blast.
Have to laugh at the 'investment' I had in that plane versus what some of my planes cost now.
Thanks for the thread
12-21-2012, 04:58 AM
#14
RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
ORIGINAL: rcacro
8178
Thanks for posting the pics. Most of my name can be seen just above the Goldberg co. name on the plans.
I really enjoyed flying the protype, so much so, that I kept it as long as possible until Carl finally asked for it back. At that time I was living in an apartment and had no space for to build models.
John W
8178
Thanks for posting the pics. Most of my name can be seen just above the Goldberg co. name on the plans.
I really enjoyed flying the protype, so much so, that I kept it as long as possible until Carl finally asked for it back. At that time I was living in an apartment and had no space for to build models.
John W
John,
Amazing! Thanks for your post, and sure enough you are listed as the technical consultant and test pilot. I’m sure that everyone on the forum would absolutely love to hear more about your work with Carl and the Skylark. It would be neat to know what radio and engine you used and the problems you had to overcome. Do you rember the year that you did your test work?
I was so pleased to find this kit because it is the original narrow body and swept back rudder kit variant exactly like I built in 66. Looking at the plans, I’m not sure how I ever fit three of the big old PCS KPS9 servos in the fuselage and one in the wing. At the time I built it, my wife and I and baby son were living in an apartment too. The apartment manager let me use a utility room in the basement as my building room and the pictures were taken at the apartment.
I’ve been told that Carl was a wonderful man and he certainly produced some great models with help from people like you. My son learned to fly with a Falcon, were you involved with the Falcon too?
12-21-2012, 07:49 AM
#17
Senior Member
RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
ORIGINAL: 8178
The Supertiger 46 has a very strange carb arrangement that has a crossover connector between the carb sides.
The Supertiger 46 has a very strange carb arrangement that has a crossover connector between the carb sides.
12-21-2012, 08:09 AM
#18
RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
I have an Enya with the exhaust dampener, but I always had a muffler on it when I ran it. Like those chrome plated Goldberg wheels! When I first started flying in the late '70s, my first low wingers were the Super Joystick and Pilot QB20L, which were obviously pretty much copied from the Skylark design. I never had a real Skylark, but I sure would like to fly yours
.
.
12-21-2012, 09:16 AM
#19
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RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
What a nice find. Recently, I too came across a Skylark 56. It was offered to me for $20 all built with no radio or engine. This Skylark 56 in its received condition was the incentive for the first Ugly Airplane contest in our club which was a great success and will be held annually. Its flying condition was questionable with sloppy pushrods, big hinge gaps and loose hinges so that was replaced/repaired and I put a radio in it and my dependable 40 year old Enya 40. The covering which was silk had become very brittle with age and a lot of holes and tears existed. A roll of duct tape came to the rescue to patch the holes and tears and I took it to the flying field. WIth a couple of blips of aileron trim, it flew very well. Due to its fragile condition, it was flown conservatively but a lot of touch and goes in the four flights that occured confirmed that this is a fun, relaxing airplane. It deserves a continued life.
I since have removed the covering and will be recovering with Ultra Coat. The huge hinge gaps that existed on the control surfaces will be corrected and other issues that would affect the flying safety, characteristices and cosmetic appearance will be corrected.
I also have a NIB Skylark Jr which someday will be built as a twin electric - someday.
I am looking forward to following your build, 8178.
I since have removed the covering and will be recovering with Ultra Coat. The huge hinge gaps that existed on the control surfaces will be corrected and other issues that would affect the flying safety, characteristices and cosmetic appearance will be corrected.
I also have a NIB Skylark Jr which someday will be built as a twin electric - someday.
I am looking forward to following your build, 8178.
12-21-2012, 12:27 PM
#20
RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
I too am a proud owner of an old Skylark I picked up from being thrown away and restored it. It was silk and doped and had threaded hinges, much of which had rotted away with time, and was built very well. It is really a sweet, predictable flying plane that I would wish was still on the market. I will be watching this thread with extreme interest. Looks like this will be a really fun project for you.
Scott
Scott
12-21-2012, 01:53 PM
#21
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RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
I built a C/L version of the Skylark in the late 60's. Can't remember if it was a Goldberg or not. It was a complicated build for me at the time as I was only 13. It looked pretty bad but it flew great!
12-21-2012, 04:11 PM
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RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
Thanks for posting the pics. Most of my name can be seen just above the Goldberg co. name on the plans.
I really enjoyed flying the protype, so much so, that I kept it as long as possible until Carl finally asked for it back. At that time I was living in an apartment and had no space for to build models.
John W
I really enjoyed flying the protype, so much so, that I kept it as long as possible until Carl finally asked for it back. At that time I was living in an apartment and had no space for to build models.
John W
Pretty cool when the aircraft(xxx) consultantchecks on!
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_82...tm.htm#8214706
12-22-2012, 04:01 AM
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RE: Skylark 56 – 1966 Flashback - Build
Here's a thread started by Mr. Wisniewski in reference to the initial flight testing of the Falcon 56:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6664729/tm.htm
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6664729/tm.htm