Skybird (oz15346)

About this Plan

Skybird. Radio control sport model. Wingspan 37-1/2 in, for 1.5 cc diesel engine and 2 channels.

Quote: "Ian Peacock describes this month's full-size plan subject - a super sportster that can be built, powered and flown in one of any number of styles. Designed by Gorden Mellish.

There is a kind of privilege being associated with the written word! Privilege that one can put it all down on paper! Privilege that one can read it! But above all, privilege that comes from meeting highly talented, original thinkers in model design and construction.

During the preparation of the recent series 'Small is Beautiful' I received many calls from people who had similar interests. In fact, the entire series was put together from other people's ideas! One of the many that escaped is captured here for you today!

Gordon Mellish is 41; in fact, his 41st birthday slipped by almost unnoticed on the Sunday of the Sandown Park Symposium. Like many of us, Gordon and his family have been involved in all aspects of modelling since childhood - not only R/C aircraft but the finer points of free flight and control line and even some non-aviation modelling activities.

I received a letter from Gordon outlining his reasons behind, and association with, Small is Beautiful' which in turn led to this presentation of his Skybird design.

Gordon's faith in his design was such that both model and transmitter were dumped at my house. As Gordon said, if his wife could manage to fly it, there was a fair chance that I could too! Well - she can and I did! A few flights with the Skybird convinced me that this was, in fact, a sound route to go. Talking seriously (in one of those "off' moments) to Gordon revealed a sensible (initially, at any rate) development programme as under:

How Skybird came into being:

1. Acoms Cessna - Rudder and elevator - scrapped (several times).

2. 36 in span built-up model with symmetrical section wings and aileron/elevator control (possibly enlarged from a Sharkface or similar).

3. 36 in span model, semi-symmetrical wing section (foam wings built by Dave Suckling!) Slabsided fuselage, aileron and elevator, PAW 80 for power.

4. Enter Dave Milbourn. Dave built two models, one with all built-up structure and a PAW 1.49, the other with yet another Dave Suckling foam wing and an Enya 09. Two channel R/C was fitted to the diesel version and three (the Enya had a throttle) to the other. Aileron/elevator control retained. Dave M, having somewhat of a more aesthetic eye, rounded off all the corners and generally prettied up the appearance.

5. The Enya 09 was replaced by a Super Tigre X11 on 25% nitro - performance was superb.

6. MkII structure appeared, courtesy of the two Daves. Dave M carving a plug and Dave S producing the moulds for the GRP fuselage.

7. First glass foam version fitted with an OS 25 FSR on 25% nitro. Flight characteristics were identical to the original, if a shade quicker (!) This model is now in the hands of Pat Birley - the original 'Cessna' pupil, who handles it superbly.

Wither the future? Well, with an enthusiastic bunch of people like these, it is hardly surprising that the Skybird just doesn't stop here.

Dave M built the 'custom' version with Chart Micro Mold undercarriage and spats, a Fuji 09 and a 1930s style open cockpit. Gordon has built one upside down, makes a super looking low-winger. Another is in preparation as an electric model..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Skybird from Radio Modeller, September 1986.

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