Lindsay Todd Posted July 3, 2020 Author Share Posted July 3, 2020 Well model now finished and waiting opportunity for test flight. I have pondered adding the wing struts time and time again but I'm really not sure it needs then so for the moment at least i have decided to go without, i may yet change my mind once i see how it looks in the air. Any way i have kept the scheme very simple on this one with basically all white, clear or antique fabric and just a couple of red highlights on the tips and fin. A few panel lines and obligatory rust marks to finish. Oh and of course every crop duster needs a suitable pilot, this guy i think fits the bill nicely Flying shots etc when opportunity arrives, not this weekend i feel Linds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsay Todd Posted July 11, 2020 Author Share Posted July 11, 2020 Finally had the chance for the maiden flight of Rusty Ferguson today and get some photos together I am really rather pleased with this design and with the ground shots out the way fuel up and engine running nicely a few taxi runs were carried out which proved a need for steerable rather than castering tail wheel will be an advantage so i will update back in the workshop. With that noted the model was lined up, power applied and committed to aviation. Some models just feel right and i was delighted to find that this is just one of them. Just a couple of clicks of down elevator and aileron had her flying straight and level and just feel very locked in Capable of all the basic aerobatics and infact probably aided by the deep fuselage produce quite an impressive slow roll showing good rudder authority and pitch control. The old OS70 Surpass has ample power to spare and large loops and steep climbs were easy, although i found myself playing touch a goes quite quickly. The flight curtailed with a dead stick landing which proved the slow speed and stall design characteristics were also a delight. the only issue and cause of the deadstick was a fractured spring steel retainer on the needle valve failure that had allowed the needle to vibrate loose and fall out which curtailed flying. A shame to get just the one flight but was an absolute delight. chuffed with this one and will be one of my favorites i think. Lindsay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted July 11, 2020 Share Posted July 11, 2020 Looks great Linds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted July 11, 2020 Share Posted July 11, 2020 It just looks the part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsay Todd Posted July 12, 2020 Author Share Posted July 12, 2020 many thanks guys, just need to track down a replacement OS70 Surpass needle now, i have spares of a lot of things but not one of these, either that or out with a metal detector although i think i have more chance of finding another saxon gold hawd rather than my missing needle valve. Linds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsay Todd Posted July 16, 2020 Author Share Posted July 16, 2020 New needle valve sorted from Just Engines, great service, ordered about midday and arrived next day so already installed and looking forward to flying again soon so i guess for the moment this brings this design to a close, plan will be submitted to the mag. Something a bit different next time i think. Linds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Jones Posted July 17, 2020 Share Posted July 17, 2020 Congratulations on a successful maiden . Looks the part. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Grant 1 Posted July 17, 2020 Share Posted July 17, 2020 Great looking model. Hope it gets into the mag soon though they take a while to arrive down here in NZ. Will you post some more photos and comments after your next flight session? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsay Todd Posted July 17, 2020 Author Share Posted July 17, 2020 Thanks guys, plan already with the ed although i suspect any publication would be towards the end of the year earliest i would think. Will get some more pics and video next time out. Linds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsay Todd Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 A few more flights now and even an entry in a local fly in comp scoring a 2nd place in a pseudo scale schedule makes this design one of my favorites so stable yet maneuverable. It has now performed all sorts of aerobatics and capable of just about anything other than 3D hovering. What has surprised me is the accuracy with which it can be flown and with the slow speed handling you can fly it a very tight area. The rudder has great authority without any pitching issues making side slip and flat turns a doddle. Even in quite a breeze the model remains stable and not bumped around when others remain grounded. Anyway a couple more pics from today. Video to follow when we get a chance. Linds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Jones Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Very Nice Linds, Don`t take this the wrong way but it does look old and beat up. I like it Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Grant 1 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 I was going to go with flaps but decided not to bother in the end as the weight and wing area is so good but we'll see when it comes to flight performance if some retro work might be required. - L Todd So no flaps then? Fingers crossed for the plan in a forthcoming issue - September would be fine Mr Crozier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsay Todd Posted August 16, 2020 Author Share Posted August 16, 2020 Hi Nigel., No Flaps in the end, it really does not need them although fitment would be easy enough and gives you another element to play with. The wing area / loading and washout makes it a pussycat. Linds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Grant 1 Posted September 29, 2021 Share Posted September 29, 2021 June issue of RCM&E has just hit the shelf of the local model shop in Christchurch NZ yesterday. I had asked them to give me a call when it and the July one arrives. Went and picked it up today and the proprietor said they had several others that had also asked them to hold copies of both the June and July editions for them. Sounded like its pretty unusual to be asked to reserve copies. Must be plenty of interest in the design down here in NZ. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Leech 3 Posted January 13, 2022 Share Posted January 13, 2022 Hi Linds, Did you put any Right/Down thrust during build? Just in the process of making the parts from the plans - its going to be electric. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Rowley Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 Hello Lindsay. I've been looking for a 60-65" low wing to build & fly. Your "Rusty ferguson" Ag plane project fits my requirement very well, particularly as it can take an electric motor and handles windy conditions. I have both RCM&E editions & plans, plus your building comentary for guidance. Two queries if you don't mind. The magazine articles refer to a model weight of 3.51kg, does that include the Surpass engine? And what size propeller did you use? Thanks, Lee Rowley, Perth, West Oz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarlyBird Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 Recommended setup by 4-Max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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