the Clark Clan - Planes

For my next 'flying' model I wanted something that was more aerobatic that would allow me to sharpen my skills by extending my flying ability and to have some more fun with a low winged model. I was after a good looking plane with a low symmetrical wing which didn't fly too fast. After much searching and asking on the RC Zone for suitable plans I was pointed to this plane. It fitted all my criteria perfectly and instantly took my eye. To top it all off there was a free plan and a couple of others who had built it on the RCZone previously were very happy with it. So, this was going to be it!

- Wing span: ~ 36 inches
- Construction: lightweight balsa frame
- Motor: basic geared 400 speed
- Gearbox: 3:1 ratio
- Prop: APC 9x7sf
- Battery: 3cell 1500 mAh Lipo or similar
- Weight: aiming for around 400 grams
- Profilm lite - transparent red and yellow

The following is a picture of the designers models to get an idea of what I'm hoping to be able to create...

The plans along with some of the details of the construction can be found at the designer / builders website www.flymodels.co.uk under the 'plans' section. He also has a really interesting looking Cap that would be great to try - although no plans…

The following are a couple of pictures taken in flight by my son Joshua. Josh is 7 yrs old and these were the first photo's he's ever taken - not bad!

The plane flew extremely well - very stable and without any bad characteristics. Loops, rolls, inverted, etc. were all easily executed with only 1/2 throttle. The flight speed isn't quick (as expected) and it doesn't like a lot of wind - however it's a great plane to fly, is highly maneuverable and a lot of fun. The speed (or lack of it) ensures that landings are pretty straightforward and the large wheels help it handle well on the ground. It will takeoff within about 5 meters with full throttle. This is going to be a great plane to help improve my flying skills.
I'm very happy with how it has turned out!

The following photos show the build sequence and current progress for this model...

	Basic fuselage frames put together
	Fuselage built up
	A closer shot showing where the wing will fit - with the firewall added.
	Fuselage with beginnings of canopy
	A closer shot of the top rear. The logerons are supported by strips of light ply bent, pushed up and glued under the lengths.
	Ailerons framed up
	Wing ribs cut, put together and sanded
	Wing ribs completed.
	Wing construction
	...and another view.
	Wings showing additional bracing, tips and 'cutout' for the fuselage.
	Close-up of the cutout in the wing with a small 'lug' in place to fit into the fuselage.
	A close-up of the wingtips.
	Tailplane all in place
	Canopy is made up of 3 sides of 9mm balsa and sanded down with a sheet of 2mm balsa on the front.
	This canopy is made removable and slides down onto the fuselage from the top and is designed to go over the motor when mounted.
	The basic shape of the plane with all the pieces sitting in place before covering.
	And from another angle...
	Next - bending and assembling the landing gear. Piano wire and GWS wheels.
	Covered and with wing servo & landing gear visible.
	Control rods connected to servos mounted just behind wing. Tail wheel visible.
	Covered and ready for it's maiden flight,
	After a couple of very successful flights flights and with a pilot added.

Last Updated: 11th April, 2007