Smoothie (oz480)

About this Plan

Smoothie. Bob Palmer's famous control line stunt plane. From Air Trails.

Later kitted by Veco (then again by Dumas), see Smoothie (oz7250).

Quote: "One of the world's top-ranking stunt designers presents a fine fast model for .29-.35 motors. Smoothie Stunter, by Robert Palmer.

Just as the name implies, Smoothie is a smooth flying stunt model designed to meet all requirements for contest winning performance. Span is 51 in, area 495 square inches minus flaps; length is 31 in, the engine recommended is .29 to .35 displacement; weight 2 lb 6 oz to 21-1/2 lb; speed, 65 to 70 mph.

How many times upon going out to the flying park have you heard re-marks to this effect, from fellows interested in models, when asked about flying at the next contest: Aw, wouldn't have a chance. So and so will be there. They are too good at flying. I couldn't beat them! If you are one of these fellows, ask yourself this: Do I want to compete and try to be a winner? Maybe if I did, I'd win over them someday. If your answer is yes, then follow these instructions.

First of all, the model is one of the most important things to be considered, for without a good model you can't even begin to do good competition stunts, no matter how much you want to, If you purchase a model kit, or design one of your own, how do you know if that particular design will do competition stunts suitable for top contest work?

The only way to learn that is to be interested enough to ask someone who knows models, preferably a consistent winner, and have him answer the questions that are bothering you. You will find that most modelers are willing to help you. They will fly your model for you, and tell you what is wrong, and the improvements to make. Fly your model and have them tell you what you do wrong and how to improve on stunts you can already do.

It will pay in the long run to start with a good model, and an experienced modeler's suggestions. I have talked to most of the top winners and all of them are a swell bunch of fellows, willing to help anyone who wants to learn to be a top-notch flyer. I have helped modelers over difficulties and now some of them are expert stunters. To the interested reader who is already a stunter, or who wants to become a stunt man, here are four rules to follow to become a top competitor:

1. A Good Model: This is most portant. The stunt kits on the market arc very good, and usually, if followed to the letter, will fly well.
2. A Dependable Motor: The various model airplane motors advertised are very good. The .29 to .35 displacement motors are best for stunt; run according to instructions from the manufacturer.
3. A Good Tank: A good tank is very important. Its design will either make or break a stunt model.

Clarence Lee, who drafted the original plans for the Smoothie, also designed the tank for this model. He has experimented with tanks for four years and knows most of the answers on good tank design. The location of the tank to the intake of the engine is just as important as the design.."

Update 22/03/2016: Have re-scaled this plan to correct wingspan of 51in (with inboard wing as specified on the plan 2in longer than outboard) thanks to GeorgeAlbo.

Update 18/04/2016: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy scanned from full size at 400 dpi, thanks to dfritzke.

Update 16/05/2017: added instructions, thanks to RonHopping.

Supplementary file notes

Article, thanks to BillW.
Instructions.
Previous scan version.

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