Bandito Grande (oz7485)

About this Plan

Bandito Grande. Radio control sport model. For .90-1.5 4-stroke power and 4-channel radio. An enlarged version of the original 40-sized Bandito design.

Quote: "The Bandito 40 (oz9982) as published in the April 2000 issue of RCM has proven to be such a totally delightful model airplane for us that we began to consider enlarging the design to determine if its good traits would transfer to a much larger model. We have been very pleasantly surprised to find this 80 inch version is actually, in some ways, even better. There is no denying that larger models are much easier to see in flight and that they also fly more smoothly parlicularly in the wind.

An effort was made to carry the light weight of the 40-sized version on into this larger one. Our Bandito Grande weighs in at a respectable 12 lbs. This exceptionally light weight and resultant low wing loading, wide tread landing gear, simple construction utilizing standard materials and hardware, and perhaps most importantly the novel 'cuttings' of the design have all combined into a truly remarkable large model.

Even with a well worn old O.S. 1.20 (non-Surpass) 4-stroke, the Grande is very happy doing consecutive vertical eights and most of the traditional (non 3d) maneuvers. The lesson seems to be that a model with a light loading will make an engine considerably more powerful.

Any of the more modern 1.20 to 1.50 4-stroke engines will only add more power reserve, although the flier will likely rarely need full throttle. A .90 to 1.08 2-stroke power plant should be fine, but we are a little uneasy about the structural strength needed for a 1.20 2-stroke. A Zenoah G23 or US 25 gas burner would also be most satisfactory, but in this case the firewall should be moved aft 1 in to help avoid nose heaviness. One would need only to add to the outline of the firewall bottom to do this.

The landing gear location has been optimized on the Grande by using a cut-out notch in the wing's leading edge for smooth no bounce landings. This places the mains in a more ideal location when compared with the more usual 'forward of the leading edge' approach but it does add complexity. If you are flying from a bumoy grass trip as I am, the extra effort is worth it..."

Update 23/02/2016: Replaced this plan with a restored version, 2 sheets now complete, thanks to theshadow.

Quote: "Hi Mary/Steve - I performed a bit of creative cut and pasting on sheet two of plan id 7485. Also some minor cleanup to same. We can't have cuts and bruises on a beauty like this! No insult intended by removing the builder notes and the D-box mod. The plan now reflects Doc Matthews original design. Regards,"

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics. Alos previous scan version.

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