Executor (oz9919)

About this Plan

Executor. Intermediate radio control model, for .15 power.

Quote: "THERE cannot be much doubt that the great majority of modellers who venture into R/C, have far more ambition than their finances will allow them to realise. We would all like to build and fly a pukka multi model, but most of us could barely manage the cost of five servos - let alone all the rest! These economic facts of modelling life have resulted in a very strong following for 'more for less' cascaded escapements, simple-simul, etc. Simple-simul (Galloping Ghost) has never been as popular as the escapement deals though, probably because of the un-aesthetic control-surface wag and somewhat complex circuitry involved.

When R.E.P. announced their new Twin Triple outfit, I seized on this as the best system for the intermediate model. No impossible button pushing and yet enough controls to make the model a really good acrobatic flyer - if the full potentiality of the system were realised - and thereby hangs a tale.

Firstly, the escapement system as provided with the outfit, gave only sequence elevator, quite obviously not as good as a compound giving selective movements, for the same button pushing as the rudder control already demanded. My rudder-only experiences had given me several wrecked models, until I changed to compound escapements and for me to have sequential elevators would be asking for trouble! Not everyone has this trouble of course - some R/Cers even prefer sequence control.

The modified 'Corporal' provided with the standard 'Twin Triple' outfit was therefore reverted to its original form, for use as the engine control escapement and I bought another 'Commander' for the elevator. This completed my R/C gear requirements.

The engine I selected was the O.S. Max-III .15 11/C of which I had heard good reports. These proved well founded, and its good power, easy starting and really beautiful idling, make it an excellent choice for the Executor and similar intermediate models.

In a short while the first model was built but an unexpected snag delayed the first flight, later traced (thanks, John Durable) to the battery box. Vibration would set the rudder escapement madly rotating as soon as the receiver was switched on. The reasons for this I will not go into here, since this is an aeromodelling story and not an electronics one. Anyway, the box was accordingly discarded and the battery mounted in sponge rubber, a method used ever since.

This first Executor was broadly similar to the Mk 4 presented here, the main differences being in the wing section which was flat bottomed, the tank, which was a 30 cc T/R type and, most important of all, the control surface drives from the escapements, which were of the standard 1/4in sq. balsa torque rod type.

This model flew well and would loop, roll and do satisfying touch-and-go landings, but would not bunt..."

Executor, Model Aircraft, May 1963.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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