Catbird (oz15619)

 

Catbird (oz15619) by OFW Fisher 1997 - plan thumbnail

About this Plan

Catbird. Control line stunt model. Wingspan 42 in.

Quote: "Catbird. OFW Fisher's 42 in span retro-replica control-line stunt model for 2.5cc engines.

Catbird is a replica competition control-line stunt model of the original Eclipse Mk.47, which first flew on Epsom Downs on the 30th September in 1958. It subsequently competed with some distinction at Wanstead Flats, Stamford Hall, and at the Nationals. Original power was an PAW 2.49 Eifflaender, which was later replaced by a DA Drabant 2.49BR diesel.

The Mk.47 was my last diesel powered Eclipse, and was developed into the famous Mk.48 with Glow-Chief .35 power the following season and subsequently the flapped E-52 PK 'Pinnacle' (see the 'Eclipse Story' - Aeromodeller October 1994 pages 10-12).

I have always remembered the Mk.47 with affection, and decided to build this retro-replica, named after my sacred cat of Burma, 'Ffinlo', who has supervised construction! Catbird, my 328th model, first took the air at Tromode, Isle of Man, on 23 June 1996, some 38 years after the original. Initially it was fitted with a Micron MM 2.5R BB/AA diesel of 1972 vintage, but this was replaced with a new CS Tige' 2.5 BR diesel on 6 October 1996 with Taipan 9 x 6 prop - a considerable improvement of approximately 1,000 rpm on the Micron.

CONSTRUCTION: Select hard identical grain 1/8 sheet sides for the fuselage and assemble over the top view on the plan, using a set-square. The wing is built by pin-ning down the lower half of the 1/16 x 1 in trailing edge, lower rear 3/16 x 3/16 main spars and ribs, followed by the leading edge. The LE should be checked, to ensure it is located parallel with the building board. On completion of the main wing structure, some sheeting is required around the fuselage wing mount apertures. Fit the wing to the fuselage before the tailplane as it is easier to ensure that their alignment is true, when viewed from nose to tail. This essential check is often over-looked.

A Chart Uniflow tank was used with the Micron fitted, but this was replaced with an old PK standard tank for later flying, with no noticeable differ-ence. I would prefer one of the original P.K. baf-fle/pressure tanks. The model was covered with lightweight close weave fern green Nylon for the wings, covered wet over clear doped structure. The rest of the model was given a couple of coats of sanding-sealer, fol-lowed by two coats of Humbrol No.18 orange enamel, and two coats of fuel proofer. Don't forget to heavily fuel proof the tank compartment and engine bay.

FLYING: I have been using an old Veron handle, fitted with 52 ft 4 in of light Laystrate lines as was used for the original Mk.47. New SIG .15 thou are on order for the future, and should prove superior. The CS Tiger 2.5 (Oliver Tiger Mk.3 replica) gives 10,000 rpm on a Taipan 9 x 6 prop as received, and is still running in, so this figure can be expected to improve considerably in future.

Catbird is very stable in flight and a real pleasure to fly. It will perform the entire stunt schedule with ease, including all square manoeuvres, including my old 'special manoeuvre', the bunt triangle. This is an outside triangle, with the apex inverted. I am pleased to report that, after 38 years, Catbird provides all the pleasure of the Mk. 47 original, and I hope this can be passed on to all who build her."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Hi Mary/Steve, Please find attached an article for the Catbird, a control line stunt retro replica of the Eclipse Mk47, both of which were designed by Peter Fisher. The Catbird was first flown in 1996, 38 years after the original Eclipse Mk47. The article appeared in Aeromodeller February 1997, and states that “Full-size copies of the Catbird plan, illustrated here at reduced scale, are available...” which suggests that the article plans are identical to that available from the Aeromodeller plan service, but I am unable to confirm this. Perhaps someone else may be able to shed further light on this and if appropriate supply further details and images.

I have enlarged the article plan to full size, having a 42” wingspan, and whereas detail is very sparse, there is enough information in the plan combined with the article's images to reproduce the model. Best wishes, Mark"

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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Catbird (oz15619) by OFW Fisher 1997 - model pic

Datafile:
  • (oz15619)
    Catbird
    by OFW Fisher
    from Aeromodeller
    February 1997 
    42in span
    IC C/L
    clean :)
    all formers complete :)
    got article :)
  • Submitted: 09/10/2024
    Filesize: 197KB
    Format: • PDFbitmap
    Credit*: MarkRobinson
    Downloads: 175

Catbird (oz15619) by OFW Fisher 1997 - pic 003.jpg
003.jpg

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