Stardust Special (oz16277)

About this Plan

Stardust Special. Radio control sport model, for electric power. Wingspan 77.8 in (flat), wing area 662 sq in. For Astro FAI 05 geared motor.

Quote: "Stardust Special. A 7-10 cell Class A/B Oldtimer or sailplane. Original designed and built by Dan Broggini in 1940. Used by permission. Adapted for electric by Tom Hunt.

This model, the Stardust Special, designed by Don Broggini in 1940, was recently approved for use in SAM old-timer competitions. This 'designer approved' electric version was intended for use in AMA Class A+B Old Timer events, however, it may also be used in AMA Class A+B sailplane events. For SAM 7 cell LMR and Texaco old-Timer events, a smaller model may be more appropriate. Scaled plans to just about any size (smaller) can be obtained.

The model is quite modular. That is, you may mix and match different wings, fuselages, and tails, as shown on the plans, to create the desired 'model'. Not shown on the plans is an alternate, higher aspect ratio wing. This is obtained by adding 11% to the wing span. This would be advantagous when using this model for Class B AMA old-timer where the cell count (and weight) is generally higher."

Update 18/9/2025: Added article from Sam Speaks July 2017, thanks to TomRyan.

Quote: "Stardust Special by Don Broggini. Token from The Thermoleer #60 and printed by kind permission of SAM Speaks.

The Stardust Special was recently approved by SAM as on Old Timer design. It was designed in 1940 in two sizes, to fly with a Bantam 19 or an OeiR 23. The airplane features the excellent NACA 6409 airfoil and a high aspect ratio wing. These features give higher lift and lower drag. The plane has a blended fuselage/pylon for low drag, light weight and strength. Also contributing to low drag is the spinner, cowl, one wheel landing gear, and a fuselage with a minimal cross section area.

Several sizes of this plane were developed far Class A and B. The plan shows two different wingspans, two different fuselage lengths, and several fin sizes. The wings, fuselages and tails are all interchangeable. The basic wing has a span of 50 inches, with an area of 276 square inches flat and 268 projected. The higher aspect ratio wing, with the same chord, has a span of 55 1/2 and an area of 308 flat, 300 projected.

A suitable engine is the Bantam 19 or Ohlsson 23, each of which were used during the Old Timer era, and more recently the Elfin 2.49cc or any similar engine.

I had not flown a Stardust Special since 1947, and a few years ago Larry Davidson (noted modeller in Free Flight and three times SAM Grand Champion R/C) noticed the design and decided to build one. He completed his Elfin powered model in late 1996, and commented at a club meeting that the plane has the most outstanding climb and glide he has seen and that the transition from any altitude could not be better... "

Supplementary file notes

Article (2017).

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction