Rowans Runabout (oz16731)

About this Plan

Rowan's Runabout. Radio control sport model with parasol wing layout. Wingspan 38 in, for electric power.

Note see also prototype build thread by Peter Rake on RCGroups: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?677923-Rowan-s-Runabout

Quote: "Rowan's Runabout. A 38 in span, easy to build model for direct-drive 400 motors and 3-function R/C. Designed, built and described by Peter Rake.

As a break from scale modelling, a friend asked if I might be persuaded to design a simple model that he could build for his son, Rowan, to fly. After a little electronic discussion, a parasol layout and the name Rowan's Runabout was decided upon. As is often the case with these things, time passed and priorities changed, leaving Rowan's Runabout sitting there doing nothing. Yet more time slipped by and the design was resurrected, modified slightly and I decided to build it myself. I too needed a break from scale detailing and this seemed an ideal project to provide the change I needed.

The Model: As a quick look at the plan will reveal, whilst not a scale model there are some very scale-like features to the model. It bears a close resemblance to several parasol light planes, without actually being any of them. Whilst the wing struts are strictly optional, they do lend an 'air' of the full size to the model. As such, I just had to include them in my model.

Although all parts required, except the wing struts, are shown on the plan, I chose the easy route, building from a set of laser cut parts. Also shown on the plan is the option to fit a small brushless motor. However, I wanted to stick with the original premise and went the direct-drive 400 route. What l did change was the style of spinner used. This was done largely because 1 didn't have the correct one, but serves to illustrate quite nicely that other spinner sizes can be used without the need of additional model compo-nents - you just trim the spacer ring to suit.

Once again, sticking with the original design, I set out to use rudder, elevator and throttle controls. An aileron option is shown for those wanting it, but I happen to like flying 3-channel models. My one concession to modern thinking (it being some time since the plan was originally drawn up) was to junk the 7-cell NiCad pack in favour of a 2S LiPo. It results in a lighter model and MUCH longer flight times.

Equipment and Installation: Because of the size of the model, in particular the limited access, standard size servos wont fit, so I used a couple of Futaba S3106 micro servos..."

Rowans Runabout from R/C Model World November 2007.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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