Woodpecker (oz9697)

About this Plan

Woodpecker. Free flight sport model for electric power with KP01 motor.

Scan from DBHL, cleanup by theshadow.

ref DBHL-7299.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 17/06/2020: Added article, thanks to algy2 from his old RCGroups thread of FF plans at https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthr...

Quote: "Woodpecker. Build this charming little model designed by Stephen Smith for the popular KP01a electric power unit.

Having enjoyed for some years the sport designs of Vic Smeed and Paul Plecan, I began to feel the need for a cabin sport design that was really suitable for the KP01a I also wanted the design to be a new one, and not a reduced scale copy, and this is how 'Woodpecker' was born. Although Woodpecker was never intended In match the performance of a pure 'duration' model, she can nevertheless consistently return flights of over one minute in calm air, and has a pleasing (to me at any rate!)

The prototype actually made its debut at Old Warden last April, where it was smuggled into the free flight area during the ASP Design Day, and flew virtually non-stop for the rest of the afternoon. On that day, I met Mark Moran, who has subsequently built himself a Woodpecker in London and reports well of her. Next year I will not need to smuggle it in.

I don't think you'll need a detailed account of the building, because it is not a complicated design, but some points should be noted.

The wing and tail are built directly over the plan, both having a flat bottomed section. Select the lightest, straight grained balsa you possibly con for the fuselage - there is so much side area here, heavy stuff will not do. The rear fuselage verticals are only to resist the sides twisting under construction. F1 is angled slightly to provide right thrust (see plan). This is important. The tail unit is detachable and so must be carefully keyed into correct position after initial trimming flights.

The original Woodpecker was covered with lightweight modelspan and given two coats of 40/60 dope/thinners. Coloured tissue provided the trim. The latest version uses SAMS superlite (jap style) tissue, which has given a small advantage in all up weight (3 ozs as opposed to 3-1/4). I have not used Litespan, but I guess it would be OK. Whatever you use, put the paint away and keep things light!

KP01a installation: I simply screwed my KP01a to F1 with three sub miniature screws. The charging socket was secured to the 1/32 ply plate on the fuselage underside. Note the front cowl is a simple dowelled push fit into the rest of the cowling. Securing the propeller completes the installation. A cooling grille could be cut in the front cowling if desired.

Flying: Check the wings balance, there are no warps anywhere. all surfaces are 'square' with each other and the model balances at the point indicated. Test glide on a calm day. Aim for a smooth slow descent with a trace of a right turn. Adjust the tail group in very small amounts to achieve this. It may be necessary to pack the tailplane trailing edge 1/32 in at a time to achieve the best glide. Now give the engine a one minute charge and release. Aim to fly in a wide right hand climbing turn, and right again for the glide. When this pattern has been achieved, carefully mark the tail surfaces so they can be keyed for future use. Now give progressively longer charges. Happy flying!"

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