Mayfly (oz6231)

About this Plan

Mayfly. Radio control sport triner model for .049 power.

Quote: "Dale Myers (Myers Models, Stewartstown, Pa) decided to market a R/C model designed specifically for the beginner in radio control.

To provide a broad appeal the model was to be offered in various stages of completion, ie completely assembled, painted and with engine installed (and radio gear, if requested) for those with a time problem; an assembled, but unpainted package for those with the desire to at least do a dope job; a third choice would offer all major components completed, with assembly and finishing to he done by the buyer; and finally, a kit would take care of those who want to go all the way.

Knowing that I shared his views on the 'RC Beginner' problem (and having opened my big mouth once too often!) Dale asked me to come up with a design to meet the following requirements:

1. Capable of stable, hands-off flight but with maneuver potential.
2. Small size (consistent with good performance) for low first cost and use with simple single channel radio equipment.
3. All balsa construction for quick building, warp resistance and ruggedness.
4. Ample room for almost any single channel installation.

Prototype drawings were supplied and Dale built the first model, fitted with F & M single-channel superhet receiver and Royal Products servo. Engine thrust-line adjustments and decalage were established after a few flights and the ship proved to be a cinch to fly. Grooving around gently in the breeze it resembled, and was promptly named, the Mayfly! We were on the right track.

Another model was built with several structural modifications, for greater strength, and a slightly longer tail moment. A Min-X Pulsmite 1200A was installed along with the Rand actuator for rudder-only and seven 500 mah nicads were lowered into the battery compartment. With the Mayfly lugging all that weight, the wing loading was fairly high but with only .049 power the performance was excellent - not contest caliber by any means, but just what we wanted for Mr Beginner; stable shallow climb, smooth turns with very little loss in altitude and responsive to control without touchiness. Power off glide was flat without ballooning. This looked like 'it' and for a couple of months the Mayfly was flown with pulse rudder and single-channel servo, reliable, relaxed, pleasant flying with no panic - just fun!

Satisfied that the design standards had been achieved, Dale started producing the Mayfly and several early production models were sent to various individuals for evaluation. MAN at Work, of course, received one of these models and had Butch flying it in short order, and suggested that a construction article might be of interest to the readers.

So clear off a small space on the work-bench and start building. You can be flying this weekend!

Construction. Cut all parts from sheet balsa as indicated on the plans, noting direction of grain. The grade of balsa you use is not critical but try to get some hard stuff for the fin, rudder, stabilizer and sub-fin.

Fin and Rudder are cut from hard 3/32 sheet and sanded lightly. Hinge rudder to fin with Mylar, Nylon, cloth tape or figure 8 stitching with Dacron thread. The important thing is that the hinge be strong and move freely..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 13/06/2016: article pages, text & pics added, thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text & pics.

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