Rambler Miniature (oz4185)

About this Plan

Rambler Miniature. Free flight model for CO2 power.

Quote: "THERE ARE TWO WAYS of flying an Old Timer in a small field. One is to fit it with radio. The other, made possible by present-day CO2 motors. is to scale it down. While neither approach is perfectly satisfactory, at least the CO2 miniature is flown in the manner intended by the original designer, which is certainly not the case when radio is used. Moreover, reproducing the flight characteristics of a vintage model on a small scale is a very satsifying exercise in itself and fully explains the increasing popularity of this type of model.

Gilbert Shurman's Rambler (oz2587) lends itself perfectly to this treatment. The original was a Brown Junior powered six-footer designed in 1938 for the then new limited engine run contests. It was an immediate success, winning on its first day out after some hasty initial trimming on the morning of the contest At one-third scale it is ideal for a Telco Turbotank 3000.

When building CO2 miniatures, light weight is all-important, since the wing loading must be scaled down somewhat equivalent performance is to be achieved. This calls for great care in wood selection. A Sleek Streek prop is essential - the Telco prop is far too heavy.

Fuselage: Basic construction is conventional just like building a rubber job. When it is done, cut the firewall from 1.5mm ply. Make the holes for mounting the motor and undercarriage. If a motor other than the Turbotank is used, some sort of bracket must be made to bring the motor forward, so that the cowling sides do not obstruct the prop.

The Turbotank filler must be tilted out of the vertical by about 10° to allow the charger to clear the UC leg. This is easily done by slackening the large screw head at the rear of the tank. Mount the motor, using washers to give 1° down and 2° right thrust. Attach the UC leg and epoxy.

Pre-shape the cowling sides and epoxy them in place. Drill the holes for the attachment dowels and cement them in Then build a rectangle of 2mm square balsa inside the fuselage nose opening, using adhesive tape to attach the parts. Remove it when dry and attach it to the rear of the firewall... "

Quote: "This time it’s the May 1982 copy of AEROMODELLER in the search for free flight plans... a delightful scaled down Vintage CO2 powered model.The original 6 foot wingspan RAMBLER first flew in 1938 powered by a Brown Junior. This 1982 version by GIL SHURMAN I built in the 80’s. No problems with construction and the model flew very well for many a year giving great enjoyment. The TELCO TURBOTANK 3000 engine is now scarcer then hens teeth although one has just been sold on EBay. No problem. A standard Telco or one of the GASPARIN CO2 engines will work just as well. Gasparin units are now back on the market."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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