Flyin Flivver (oz7987)

About this Plan

Flyin Flivver. Radio control sport model biplane. For .40 power.

Quote: "Ever wondered about the origin of the word 'Klutz'? Read on - and if you can pass up this .40 powered, four channel biplane, you've left your soul on the outside aisle of a 747. Flyin' Flivver by Bob Wallace.

Recently discovered in the musty archives of the Planeville Museum of Early Aviation History, and now available for the first time to the R/C modeling world in the form of a .40 powered minature, comes the 1929 Klutz Flyin' Flivver.

The original Flyin' Flivver was designed and built in 1929 by Clyde Klutz, an obscure young inventor known for his eccentric ways and questionable mechanical aptitude. Clyde is perhaps best remembered for his development of the first gasoline powered pop-up toaster, acclaimed to be years ahead of its time, and for his creation of the world's first steam powered ornithopter. With this solid background in aeronautical expertise and engine know-how, it was only natural that young Klutz would soon turn his attention toward the development of an aircraft with great commercial potential.

The resulting design was called "The Klutz Model A Sky Truck", but soon was dubbed the Flyin' Flivver. It was constructed entirely from readily available native white oak and was powered by a four cylinder Kretzmer garbage truck engine, which delivered a modest 30 horsepower. This combination produced an aircraft, which, although being on the heavy side, was incredibly rugged.

The Flivver was test flown on March 16, 1929, from the Farmington Meadows with a confident Clyde at the controls. This test flight, which amazed many of the locals who were aware of young Klutz's past projects, was de-emed successful to the point that young Klutz, immediately upon landing, announced to all present, the formation of the Klutz Aero Service. Shortly thereafter, the Klutz Flyin' Flivver was a familiar sight to all, as it lumbered through the skies of Southern New England. Business was apparently booming for the fledgling Klutz Aero Service and, in an effort to keep pace with the increased demand for rapid pick-up and delivery services, the Flivver was frequently overloaded. This, coupled with the aircraft's heavy weight and marginal power, necessitated frequent low flying. The cry of 'Duck, Here Comes Klutz' was soon to be heard throughout the countryside. This brand of flying was eventually to raise the ire of many and lead to the sudden demise of the Klutz Aero Service.

On a hot, humid day in August of 1930, Klutz was bound for the Hamlet of Onionville in the Farmington Valley, with a mystery cargo, which was rumored to be illegal spirits, destined for the local speakeasy. It was also the custom of young Klutz to 'sample the goods' when carrying such cargo - his reasoning being that it was poor business policy to deliver a bad batch. After an epic journey of 70 miles, which encompassed much sampling en route, the Klutz Fliwer was spotted approaching Onionville at a height of ten feet, flying inverted. As Klutz rumbled on into town, cutting a 300 yard swath through the Mayor's prize cornfield, the towns folk scattered in all directions. Klutz, still inverted, roared down Main street, leaving a trail of splintered telephone poles, signs and as-sorted other debris in his wake. The trusty Flivver, except for some minor scratches, remained intact and flew wildly on. However, the sustained inverted flight had a telling effect on the sturdy Kretzmer engine, which quit abruptly. Young Klutz, never one to be awed by adversity, struggled valiantly to roll the Flivver over in order to make an emergency landing. The combination of low altitude, insufficient airspeed, and Klutz's numbed reasoning combined to bring the Flivver to rest on its back..."

Hi Mary/Steve- Here is Bob Wallace's Flyin Flivver from RCM magazine issue 09-77.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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