Peanutball (oz14382)

About this Plan

Peanutball. Radio control sport model, for electric power. Wingspan 390mm. Foam construction.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Peanutball, by Alan Wooster.

I recently discovered this little model in storage where it has resided for the past approx five years during house moves/builds etc. It was still in good condition and I was amused to to find there were three small lipos with it - all also in good stored condition. I took it out to the flying site a week or so ago and the guys were most impressed with its aerial antics.

This is not an original design. I really don't know the history behind it, but my first experience was with an ARF version purchased ex HK about ten years ago. I was intrigued with the concept, but the model I received was a complete disappointment. The low density foam was floppy, the parts for the so-called undercarriage just weren`t up to it and the whole performance was a non-event. I put it aside, fumed at my waste of good modelling funds, and went on to fly a variety of more conventional electric foamies.

Some months later when I was at a loose end I revisited the thing and decided to see if I could make the idea work for me. The model here is the result and I was delighted with the result. It really is a simple and cheap build. I cobbled the entire thing together with a few pieces of 3mm and 6mm Depron and cf sticks ex the scrap box.

The overall diameter is 390mm, dictated by the approx 350mm width of my 3mm Depron sheet with the elevator added on. The simple build details are shown on the plan. I seem to recall using a variety of adhesives - foam-safe cyano, a little 5 min. epoxy, and some hot-glue. Paint trim here is ex 'Tamiya' 'TS' rattle-can. Rudder throw is approx 20-25 mm each way, elevator approx 10-12mm each way. Dial in plenty of expo... The lipo is attached to the nose area with Velcro dots and AUW with lipo attached is just 88gms (3.1oz).

Flying is quite straightforward, good fun, and the onlookers love it. Simply hold the model low by the cockpit and release it underarm pointing slightly upwards with the throttle on low. On part throttle the model flies along normal gentle lines. Climb to around 5 mistakes high, open it up and it goes ballistic. Stick back and it loops around 2 metre diameter, stick full forward and straight bunts around the same. Gain height, close the throttle, apply full rudder and it slowly flat-spins until released.

It handles a little breeze well, is easy to hover and will pull away vertically when opened up. Not hard to fly backwards, and land at your feet too with a little practice. If you get into any trouble just close the throttle and release the sticks. It is so light it will just flutter to the ground and mostly arrive undamaged. I was persuaded to launch it in around 20-25 kts wind recently. That was too much - it just blew away downwind. When finally retrieved the prop was broken.

All in all, this is the cheapest r/c flying fun I can recall. Alan W.""

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