Junior Tiger (oz7200)

About this Plan

Junior Tiger. Radio control sport modelWingspan 52 in, wing area 450 sq in, for .15 to .30 engines and 4 channel RC.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 25/05/2018: Added kit review from Flying Models, May 1985, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "An FM Product Review: Carl Goldberg Models Jr Tiger, by Marc Salvador. Surprising aerobatic performance, excellent instructions, and easy construction come together in this latest CG offering.

Six sided loops? Humpty Bumps? Avalanches? I'm sure that's not what Carl Goldberg had in mind when he designed the Jr Tiger, and yet Dean Pappas was happily running my brand new low winger through the Turnaround pattern and it was doing a very credible job of following his deft command inputs.

After my favorable experience with the Carl Goldberg Eagle 63, I just naturally jumped at the chance to build the Jr Tiger when it came time to try one with the wing 'on the other side'. It was all there just as it was in the Eagle 63, the super instruction manual with detailed photos to guide you smoothly through building, the rugged poplar plywood fuselage construction, the superb die-cutting, the complete hardware package, and, as I was to find out soon enough, excellent flight characteristics.

Kit contents: As with all Carl Goldberg kits I've encountered, the Jr Tiger comes exceptionally well packaged in a rugged cardboard box, sporting a four color label depicting three versions of the finished plane. Homebuilt, executive four place or Navy trainer schemes are shown and the instructions tell how to duplicate any of the three. While we're on the subject of packaging, it should be said that the individual parts and accessories are well compartmented and protected from damaging one another.

The die-cutting on both the plywood and balsa parts was of the 'fall out' variety. I didn't have to use a knife anywhere during separation of the parts from the sheets. The very complete hardware package contained screws, washers, hinges, horns, clevises, wheel collars, cowl holdown, nose wheel bearing, blind nuts for engine mount, etc. In fact, very little else was required to complete the plane. You will need to purchase a six ounce fuel tank, wheels, an engine and spinner, and of course, glue. Oh yes, any four channel radio will fit the spacious interior.

Almost forgot the large clear canopy that adds so much to the charm of this design. It too was well protected by the thoughtful packaging.

Construction: Construction begins with the tail surfaces. These are built-up over the full size plans from strip balsa material and feature a geodetic rib layout for extra strenth. The elevator and rudder are sheet stock items.

The built-up wing features a hardwood dowel leading edge with spruce spars top and bottom, formed plastic wing tips, and a sheeted center section. Note that the wing does not incorporate leading edge sheeting.

The correct dihedral is achieved through the use of the supplied dihedral gauges The ailerons are of the normal strip variety and come pre-tapered. Included are guages to guide in bending the proper angles in the aileron horns. This is important to insure the correct amount of differential throw.

Hardwood landing gear blocks and torque blocks are built into the bottom of the wing and are supported by the ribs and the bottom spruce spar. The center section of the wing is fiberglassed for strength.

The fuselage is a self jigging, all poplar plywood unit which is first assembled and held together with rubber bands. Once proper alignment is achieved, the parts are glued firm using a gap filling cyanoacrylate adhesive.

Two methods of attaching the wing are shown on the plans; the time honored dowels and rubber band way, and also the more modern bolt-on type. I chose to use the bolt-on option which proved to be an easy task due once again to the detailed instructions. I feel the neater appearance was well worth the small amount of extra work.

A Carl Goldberg trademark is the breakaway engine mounting system. Not only does it make engine installation simple, but it also ensures the proper amount of right thrust. Access to the fuel tank compartment is made easy by a clever holdown system which works great and leaves no exposed screws to mar the finished product.

The most critical part of any airplane is the alignment of the flying surfaces. This procedure is made even easier with the use of the bolt-down wing option. The instructions are quite clear about this phase of construction.

Finish: I chose to duplicate the very colorful Navy scheme shown on the label. Top Flite's Super MonoKote' was used throughout. Also used were Top Flite's pressure sensitive insignias. This trim scheme has proven to be extremely visible at long distances. The tank and engine compartments were sealed with polyurethane as per the instructions. The canopy was attached by using thin strips of trim MonoKote.

Installation: For guidance I chose the new ACE WC Olympic V radio (See Bob Aberle's review in the November 1984 issue of lying Models. Bantam Midget servos were installed with room to spare. I also installed an SR 900 mAh battery pack to allow longer flying sessions. Although hard balsa pushrod sticks were included, I decided to use steel pushrods running through a plastic sleeve - a strictly personal preference.

The engine was bolted in place and a cable used to simplify throttle hook-up and adjustment. Control throws were set as per the instruction booklet. With a final check-out and an overnight battery charge, we were ready once again for that nerve wracking first flight.

Flying The first flights were made using a non-schneurle 25. Although this provided adequate power, it wasn't until we installed an Enya 25X, that the Jr Tiger really began to 'roar'. This schneurle ported powerhouse not only enhanced the flight performance, but also dramatically reduced the amount of runway needed to become airborne. Even after a hundred plus flights, the Enya still starts with just a flip or two of the prop. The vertical performance has to be seen to be believed! As mentioned at the start, noted Masters pattern flier Dean Pappas took a turn at the sticks and found the Jr. Tiger capable of much of the turnaround pattern with only outside looping performance being a bit weak. For what is considered to be a mild sport type design, that's not too shabby! I did subsequently increase the rudder throw to allow easier entry to spins and snap rolls. A farther aft center of gravity location would probably help too.

Vital Stats: The Jr Tiger is available from Carl Goldberg Models. 4734 West Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651 or from your local hobby retaller. It features a span of 50 inches with an area of 450 square inches. and is designed to be powered by .15 to .30 size engines. A four channel radio is required and the all-up weight should be three and one half pounds for optimum performance. Information on the ACE Olympic V system can be obtained from ACE RC, Box 511H, 116 W. 19th St., Higginsville, MO 64037. This system comes without servos so you can tailor fit them to your specific application. In this case the Bantam Midgets used are also avaiable from ACE. That explosive Enya 25X is available from Altech Marketing, PO Box 286, Fords, NJ 08863. I simply cannot say enough about the power and ease of operation of this engine. It's a jewel.

Summary: The Jr Tiger project has been a totally enjoyable experience in both building and flying. It makes the transition from a high wing trainer to a low wing sport type ship most memorable. The performance envelope spans extremely stable, slow flight regimes to fast and accurate aerobatics. An added plus is its small size that is both economical to operate and easy to transport,. Most cars will accommodate the fully assembled model.

At this point I'm looking forward to the Using the Enya 25X, schneurle engine, the Jr Tiger really 'roared'. This powerplant dramatically reduces second season of flying my Jr Tiger. The thrill is still there."

Update 05/06/2018: Added additional kit review, from Model Builder October 1984, thanks to RFJ.

Update 28/5/2024: Added kit instructions, thanks to MarkFain.

Supplementary file notes

Instructions.
Reviews.

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