Flying Banjo (oz8383)

About this Plan

Flying Banjo. Unorthodox sport model for single channel radio control. For 2.5 to 3.5cc engines. Wing diameter is 26 inches.

Quote: "Many modellers will have seen Ken Merry field’s unusual model at the rallies during the past two years. Following its consistent successes in single channel events, he was beseiged with demands for the plans. In fact, he actually produced a limited run of kits but found that this was rather too much like hard work!

Radio Modeller acquired the drawings for this novel and very aerobatic model - and hope this will relieve the designer of what was threatening to become something of a Frankenstein monster.

The off-beat shape of Flying Banjo gives it an almost unbreakable airframe. It can be flown consistently in every kind of weather as, trimmed correctly, it has excellent penetration and stability. Developed over a number of years, and in a variety of sizes, the 2.5 to 3.5cc version presented here seems to be the optimum. In the development, an eye was kept on cost, and about 30s. pays for all the airframe materials. An O.S. .19 glow motor is shown on the plan, but any 2.5 to 3.5cc diesel or .15 to .19 glow motor will fly the model nicely.

The escapements used in all the Banjos have been Elmic Conquests - this being the 'bang-bang' type of flyer.

Special lock-jig system: The construction is fully detailed in the picture-strip featured on the plan, but just a special word about the basic fuselage crutch. The ply shapes drawn include special lugs. When the parts are cut out, the fuselage doublers slip behind the lugs at the front of the thick ply engine plate, and can then be bent round this so that the lugs at the sides fit through the rectangular slots provided for them. In fact, the whole assembly will hold together quite happily without any glue - but it’s not suggested you do it this way! Do check the thickness of the ply you use for the engine plate, however, as this can vary, and you may have to adjust the depth of the slots in the doublers accordingly, to achieve a nice and snug fit.

Trimming and flying: The flying habits of the Banjo are quite different from the usual cabin type of radio model, so take heed and don’t let it catch you out. The steering is most positive, so to start with use only 5 deg rudder throw which will give adequate control for general flying around. When you feel you have sufficient experience in handling the model, increase the throw gradually up to a maximum of 10 deg. It is most important that you start this way with Flying Banjo and it will also be found helpful to trim the model to fly in a gentle left hand circle, as there is no provision for elevation trim.

The CG position is of prime importance, as the basic flying chararteristics are determined by this. With the CG in the position shown on the plan, the model will fly with a slightly nose-up attitude and medium speed. This is the trim I usually use..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

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