Skid-Kid (oz6138)

About this Plan

Skid Kid. Radio control sport model, for Cox .049 Golden Bee.

Quote: "If you're shy about the strange looking airfoil don't be. A real performer, especially in confined areas. By Ralph Pearson.

Smooth and highly maneuverable, this little airplane excells at close-in flying. I refer to those antics performed close to the pilot, or within a confined area. At reduced airspeed the Skid Kid can really perform safely: for example, a horizontal Figure 8 at 5 to 10 feet altitude, or it can pick-off a few daisies in the corner of the field. How about trying a 12 in limbo or flying under your transmitter antenna?

Of course you can't do this on a crowded field - safely first. At our own field we stand aside and watch as our top pilot puts the 'Kid' through such gyrations.

You don't need to be a top pilot to enjoy this airplane, or feel limited to the perimeter of the field or runway. My original at 20 ounces and powered by a Cox .049 Golden Bee R/C (half the power of the Tee Dee), can outspeed most trainer types.

To get the most pleasure Irom the Kid, throttle control is a must. Cox throttles (sleeve type) really do work well and are trouble-free. Nothing I've constructed or designed to date can match the effortless performance of the Skid Kid, so don't be shy about using that strange looking airfoil - more on this airfoil later.

There are two or three places that could cause you extra work and some trouble if not done in proper order, so be sure to study the plans and read the entire construction article before proceeding to build this plane. Please don't add braces, gussets, strengtheners, or whatever, to this airplane. Don't ever build a plane to be crash proof. It can't be done. The extra strength you add becomes extra weight. This leads to a more powerful engine and a larger fuel lank. Now the plane is so heavy it flies poorly and, when it does crash, it hits harder resulting in more damage than normal. However, you can ad lib in several areas - always keeping the weight factor in mind.

There are three choices of stabilizer construction. The original used medium light 3/32 balsa sheet. This is ideal but is difficult to hinge. The built-up (1/8 in stock) stabilizer, shown on the plans, is more work but is light and easy to hinge. The third choice would be very light 1/8 sheet balsa.

The new Goldberg small 'flex point' (RK-4) hinge is very easy to use, but is stiller than pinned hinges, resulting in higher drain on that little 225 battery pack. Use pinned small Klett (RK-2) on the ailerons at least. Gold'N-Rods (Pylon-GAF-316) are shown on the plans, but a "made-up" p us hrod can be used, Use 3/16" square medium balsa with the ends of your choice. Du-Bro spring thread couplers will be very handy here_ The couplers for _047 wire will be ideal for the newer very small servos. The wing tips can be larninateS of Mr balsa or 0116" I used basswood for the original dihedral brace, but good basswood is hard to find. Basswood was used far the skid also. You can use two pieces or 1/16 plywood (epoxy together) for the firewall. This can also be done with other 1/8 plywood parts.

Construction. You needn't build the Kid super light, but you can't get careless with heavy wood or gobs of epoxy either. Don't try to hide the wood grain on the painted parts, as this adds weight fast. Choose your wood carefully, using mainly lightweight balsa. The main spar, however, should be cut from straight, hard. very strong stock.

An optional built-up spar is included on the plans and should be used with the SK-2 version. Be sure to use 3/32 plywood for the spar brace in this case..."

Hi Steve - Here is Ralph Pearson's Skid Kid from RCM magazine issue 11-79. Model # pl-782.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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