Bokkie (oz2268)

About this Plan

Bokkie. Low wing radio control sports model. OS Max .19 shown.

Quote: "When Phil Kraft promised to send us, as franchised agents in South Africa, an early sample of his lightweight system, it seemed logical to test its capabilities in a lightweight model. Local modeler Harry Allan claimed he could produce just the thing - a smaller development of his already small 50 in low-wing.

So, in the nimble-fingered way of a natural modeler, Harry ran up a little sports job with an all-up weight with radio of only 2-1/2 lbs. After a lot of flying with my sleek, smooth, .60 powered Upset (oz9526) I cannot say I viewed this new little toy with much enthusiasm. What could one expect with only a fussy little .19 up front?

The first take-off with the little beastie was all of 20 feet long, whereupon it leapt into the heavens with the agility of a little deer frisking over long grass on a dewy morning. Hence the name, 'Bokkie'. After five minutes flying I had exhausted every manoeuver in my limited repertoire, and the experts queued up for a little stick time, with Bokkie still fresh as a daisy. This was our only mistake - nobody who took over the box was inclined to give it back again until that huge four ounce tank was down to the last drop!

So, to all you guys with 12 oz or larger R/C systems, here is what to do. Cut out the fuselage sides and mark the former positions. Then glue the formers in at the same time as the tank floor which squares everything up even if you work in fresh air. Add the sloping sides and the top piece, and Titebond on the sheet stab and fin. The plan shows the little rectangular jig pieces which are spot-glued to the centre and tip ribs. Cut carefully since this will give a 1/16 washout when built on a board. Now, trial-fit the wing servo and fuselage pushrods and equipment and get everything working nicely. Only now should you glue on the lower fuselage sheet. The usual sanding and doping completes the job with that little bit of silk or Super MonoKote you had left over from your last monster. But use light tissue for the tail surfaces, and clear dope over coloured silk is better than a heavy layer of colour dope. The whole secret, you see, is to come out at under 21/2 lbs. Then you only need this little engine, and little tank, for big, big performance.

For flying, use any 50 ft strip, if your landing aim is that good! After starting the motor, wave away all helpers, grasp the rear fuselage lightly in one hand and the transmitter in the other, and you can march around for miles feeling no strain. For the real lazy types, hold the Bokkie vertically up on full throttle and you can rest your arm. Any day now, designer Harry Allan will be tempted into trying a VTO, even at our altitude of 5000 ft. We figure at sea level power it will happen anyway when someone lets go by accident!

But don't be fooled by all this talk of lightweight performance, because when you out for a landing it does not float all around the sky but comes down in a groovy approach like it should..."

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