RCM Big Bird (oz5827)

 

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User comments

I created a bunch of files to cut laser kits for the RCM Big Bird and Big Bird II. This was a few months ago, and now I'm looking at the files because I want to build a plane, and I notice that the existing body of available plans for the RCM Big Bird and Big Bird Too is a mishmash. The scans featured on Outerzone are a magazine blow up for the original Big Bird, and a really distorted scan of a full scale plan for the Big Bird Too oz6220. There is a CAD-generated combined plan available that shows both airplanes, but I do not see this file on Outerzone. I'll attach it to this email so you can make it available. Its dimensions deviate considerably from the other two plans. Unfortunately I do not know which one to believe, and I suspect that all of them are incorrect. It does not help matters that the dimensions quoted in the magazine articles do not match any of the three plans. For instance, the overall fuselage length of the BB and the BBToo are quoted as 54.25 and 54.5 respectively. From the tip of the rudder to the firewall, my drafting program says 49.75 and 50.5 from the Outerzone downloads. The combined CAD plan has this dimension as 49.75 and 48.75. To complicate the issue, RCM was apparently not on the ball at the time. Total wing area is quoted at 1360 square inches on the first plane, and 900 on the second, even though the article says they used the original wing for the second plane. I understand that your main role is historian, and I appreciate that. Unfortunately, things get complicated when I cut stuff out on my laser cutter and it doesn't match the plan that somebody has printed out for their building project. The scans currently on Outerzone are both inaccurate in their own ways. Whether the combined CAD drawing is correct is anybody's guess. I figure if you make it available as a download for both planes, at least we can all work from something that has straight lines, and we'll all have the same drawing. Thanks a lot for everything you do. I appreciate it.
Balsaworkbench - 20/04/2017
Excellent, thanks for this. If I was about to build one of these, I'd certainly start with hogal's plan. Less to go wrong, I think.
SteveWMD - 20/04/2017
The Big Bird was constructed with a bigger engine, and the self-made landing gear (strut) was not good in function; I changed it to a carbon strut. It has separatable wings, and stearable tail wheel [pics 003-008].
Krisztian_Halmai - 28/01/2019
Hello, good morning, this version of the Big bird [main pic, 009-012] is from 2022, three channels with a .25 engine, it flies very well and slow, as a semi planner, it was very interesting to finish it, it is one of my favorites.
Carlos Garcia Hansen - 04/06/2023
Contrary to popular belief, at least for new generations this type of model like The RCM Big Bird is the ideal primary trainer. Simple, easy to build with no ailerons, and slow, very easy to fly. I personally prefer the Big Bird Too which is the low wing version of this aircraft. I flew mine just around my home before I sold it to a newcomer to our hobby. I also made a glider using the same wings. Dick Tichenor was a real genius and he knew exactly what us, average modellers wanted. Best wishes!!
Eduardo - 07/06/2023
Hello, thanks for the support, two more photos [pics 013, 014]. I hope you can include them.
Carlos Garcia Hansen - 26/07/2023
I have the original plan for the big bird 2 in case anyone needs it or needs to scan it. I've built two of them and they are great flying airplanes. I believe I still have one of them in flying condition. Probably will convert it to electric one day.
mrikio@yahoo.com
Mark R - 21/09/2023
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