Can some of you folks give me you opinions, embelished or not, on Bridi's Big Dirty Birdy 2+2 ? I have an opportunity to pick one up, and wonder if I should. I have not built this large before, but I have what I think should be an ideal engine for it if I proceed.
All input greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sam

Mine is in the filling and priming stage, so I can't give any flying reports. I would recommend being a master builder as it pushed my building skills to their limits. The wing does have a cool built-in jig for straight alignment during construction. The plane doesn't really resemble the old Dirty Birdy as it is stretched out extremely long, the fin and rudder are huge, the wing is really swept back like an Aurora, and the stab is really thick. These changes, however, make the plane look quite a bit more attractive than I remember it being. It's fairly light, mine is about 2.5 lbs getting ready for paint. I'm planning on a side exhaust OS 160 so I can route the exhaust on the right.

tipo,
Thanks for the input, interesting--I guess I am a little surprised that it is that tough to build--it does have a glass fuselage doesn't it? Course, that doesn't necessarily make it "easy" to build. Do you think you are going to get it done anytime soon--like before winter sets in? I would be very interested to hear how it flies. I have an OPS MAXI 30 cc two stroke I would use in one if I did it. I would expect the engine you plan to use to be similar or a bit more powerful, since it is a newer design that the OPS. If you could post me on your progress I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Sam

Its actually a balsa fuselage. The box simply contains a whole bunch of blocks that you have to put together absolutely straight... and shape properly. The "straight" part is the challenging area here, as I had to actually make some custom jigs for the fuse. At least I know it's probably straighter than the next guy.

Tipo,
I can't thank you enough for getting back to me. I somehow got confused on this, thinking it had a glass fuse. Given what you have told me, I think I will pass on one of these. I like Bridi designs, but this sounds like too much trouble for a 64 year old guy. From what you say about how light yours is, it should be a real performer if you can keep it light after it is finished. Can you, or, do you want to put a silk and dope finish on it? That would be real light if done with weight in mind. I would be interested in how it does when you get it going.
Thanks again,
Sam

I haven't done silk and dope since my Ringmaster... but that sounds interesting. If I were you I would go for it actually... I happen to find fiberglass stressful to work on.. as well as being extremely loud in every aspect. (dremel cuts, engine vibration, etc.)

Tipo,
Good to hear from you again. I will think about the Big DB--good to have your opinion on glass fuselages--I have only used them on sailplanes in the past. Good to know, and makes sense when you think about it.
Talk to you soon,
Sam

Where can I get plans or a kit of the Dirty Birdy 2+2?

rcgear

http://www.bridiradiocontrol.com/acb..._ID=39&CATID=5

Get them while you can: Word on the street is that Jo Bridi is about to hang it up......His birds are awesome, the 2+2 though is truly in a class of it's own.....