RCM 1/2A Basic Trainer (oz3030)

About this Plan

RCM 1/2A Basic Trainer. Trainer for 2 channel R/C and Cox .049 Babe Bee engine.

Quote: "This 1/2A version of the ever popular .19 powered RCM Basic Trainer was a logical answer for a desirable trainer for anyone wanting to start with the smaller models. This rugged model can withstand the abuse of both rough fields and beginners mistakes while providing the novice with stable and forgiving flight characteristics and the ability to perform well with the varying power outputs of the assorted small engines currently available.

One of the most popular R/C trainers that RCM has ever published was the .19 powered RCM Basic Trainer (oz8273) presented in our Flight Training Course Vol 1. Thousands of modelers have enjoyed that easy to build and easy to fly little bird.

A 1/2A version of that design seemed to be the logical answer for a desirable trainer to assist anyone wishing to start with the smaller models. To properly perform its mission, the flight characteristics should be stable and forgiving. It should be tough enough to endure the abuse of a beginner's mistakes, but the weight should be kept as low as practical. Ample wing area must be provided wall a high lift airfoil to allow safe performance at lower flying speeds. Also, it must be able to fly well with the varying power outputs of the assorted small engines that are available.

When considering all of the above requirements, the natural reaction would be to forget it. Well, some of us are slightly hard-headed and the project became a challenge. Two models, indentical except for engine mounting provisions, were built at the same lime. Following the family portrait photos - yes, the original .19 powered RCM Basic Trainer is still alive and healthy - came the moment of truth, the flight testing.

What do you say when Murphy's Law Strikes in reverse and everything you were attempting came out better than expected? Such was the flight testing of the RCM 1/2A Basic Trainer. We have not found any undesirable characteristics in either the flying or the durability of this aircraft.

One model was set up for a Cox .09 Medallion with a Cox muffler and mounted on a Tatone beam mount with a one ounce round Sullivan Fuel tank inside the fuselage. The other prototype used the .049 Medallion on a Tatone tank mount. It was also flown with the .049 Baby Bee and .049 Golden Bee reed valve engines. We even used the Davis Diesel conversion head or the .049 Medallion for a few flights. The different combinations all flew pretty much the same - we consider this design to be a great little airplane for both the beginner and sport flyer...."

Update 16/01/2015: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to theshadow.

Update 14/01/2016: Replaced this plan with a better copy scanned from a fullsize plan, thanks to Balsaworkbench, scanning by Don at EAC, cleanup by theshadow.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics. Also previous scan version.

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