Miss Barnstormer (oz14631)

About this Plan

Miss Barnstormer. Free flight sport parasol model.

The original 52 inch Barnstormer (oz8785) design was published in RCME 1969. This here is a later, smaller FF version at 39 in span.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 20/6/2023: Added article, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Built in many, versions at various sizes, DB's classic, at last in F/F form. Miss Barnstormer, by David Boddington.

Originally designed in the 1960's, the Barnstormer basic configuration has been modified and developed over the intervening years. The parasol wing model has been constructed in sizes from the indoor micro (24 in span) version to the Mega 120 in Barnstormer. One modeller produced a low wing 'Understormer' version and there have been at least three sizes of the two-wing 'Bistormer' planned, or kitted. Models have been flown off water, with skis - and one 'special' carried two small, .09 powered models under the wings, which were released in flight. However, all of these many variants were radio controlled, mainly because of my involvement with the magazines and kitting - so I thought that it was about time to introduce a free flight variant.

Of course, you could modify it to a biplane version by adding a lower wing, or up the power and fit one or two channels of R/C. Although the prototype model flew with replica Kalper 0.32cc and Mills 0.4cc diesels, you could use any suitable engine up to the Cox Babe Bee capacity - just remember the old trick of reversing the propeller to tame the motor, if you have too much power.

Construction: Hopefully, the plan drawing and photographs will tell you all you need to know. I imagine that this is a model which will be built by the traditionalist aeromodeller with a reasonable knowledge of construction. The fuselage is a standard 'build two sides and join with formers and crosspieces'; the wing panels are constructed directly over the plan, as are the tailsurfaces.

Select your balsawood carefully, you don't have to go to the imitation oak, remember that light models fly much better than heavy ones. To this extent, you can opt for a lightweight tissue or Polyester Supershrink film covering or, as I did, go for the additional toughness of Solartex - which also necessitated some ballast in the nose to obtain the correct balance.

Flying: I carried out test glides followed by a low power flight, aiming for left hand power, right on the glide. Trimming was relatively sensitive in bank and turn (I fitted an ali trim tab on the starboard wing) and the final drawing shows an increase of wing dihedral to make 'Miss Barnstormer' a little less fussy. The wing and strut mounting works well, the wing being knocked off in contact with the ground.

Whether you decide to fly the model free flight, or with micro R/C (keep rudder and elevator movements very small) we hope you enjoy the experience!"

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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