CloudBuster and Flyboy - an evolutionary experience.

[simpleflyer]

After a couple rainy days of preparing & filing our IRS forms we decided to take a modeling break. A few minor repairs in progress. Repair of the super CloudBuster tail, modifying the wing mounting rails on the Javelin wing to allow it to be fitted to the Lancer, and patching one of the FlyBoy wings.

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As soon as the super CloudBuster tail repair was dry, we took it out for a test flight. Flies great.

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[simpleflyer]

On the day that we were flying the super CloudBuster, we also flew the CloudBuster #2 wing and tail mated to the long stick fuselage normally used with the FlyBoy wing. The CB#2 wing and long stick combination proved to be a good and stable flyer.

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This lured us into flying in twilight conditions and we misjudged the location of a tree bordering our flying field with this result.

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The damaged leading edge was quickly and easily repaired.

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In my experience, the robust structure of the Guillows models, together with some simple modifications results in airplanes that absorb a lot of wear and tear and are easy to repair.

[simpleflyer]

The CloudBuster #2 wing and tail return to flight with their own fuselage.

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[simpleflyer]

In the Comet 4 in 1 kit from which we built the first CloudBuster and FlyBoy was a kit for the GoldWing. We've decided to modify it to swing control.

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First we increased the height of the forward fuselage,

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and reshaped the vertical tail and cut apart the all sheet wing to rebuild it as a stick and tissue wing.

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[simpleflyer]

The modified wing framed up. 3/32 leading edge with 3/32 ribs and 1/16 trailing edge. A center section is provided to which the strips needed for the removable wing will be attached. Vertical tail is attached to the fuselage.

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Wing dihedral is formed.

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[simpleflyer]

We attached the platforms for the removable wing and horizontal tail. These are of a standardized size for the models in the 12inch wingspan range. 3/8 inch wide platform at the tail and 5/8 inch wide at the wing.

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At this point, we were eager to try a test flight with the new fuselage and attached the old Boom-Boom wing and gave it a go. It was a bit breezy and we lost track of the model for a moment and managed to swing the pole tip thru the wing slicing off the tip.

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[simpleflyer]

The GoldWing with its modified wing.

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Wing covered with tissue. Wing span is 12 inches.

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It will be flying soon.

[simpleflyer]

The GoldWing is ready to fly and the Boom-Boom wing is repaired and also ready.

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Yesterday, just prior to a fast advancing cold front and T-showers, we were able to make a few test flights.

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[simpleflyer]

Also, had a chance to fly Boom-Boom.

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[simpleflyer]

Today was a beautiful day for flying. No clouds and breezes 0 to 10 mph, much better than our last session on friday. We decided to fly at the school yard a few blocks away, since it was the weekend. With the availability of a larger area, we cut a longer swing line- 25 feet. The longest line that we have used for swing control so far. The flight session went well. The models flew well and was an interesting experience. And a bit challenging when breezes would reach 10 mph. Here are a couple of pix of the Gold Wing glider. Kinda impressive for a 12 inch span model on the end of 37 ft pole/line length, As a teenager we used to fly a 42 inch Ring Master on 52 ft lines. Comparing the wing spans, the scale effect would be of flying a model on lines over 100 ft long.

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[simpleflyer]

Also flew the stick fuselage FlyBoy.

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And a couple versions of the 'super CloudBuster'.

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[simpleflyer]

One more observation about yesterday's flying session in the park. The longer line and larger flying area allowed the model to take longer to complete a lap and allowed me to walk around in a small circle in the center of the circular flight path. This allowed me to follow along with the model while swinging it at low altitude for a few laps. This reduced the onset of dizziness while flying. A very similar experience to the controline model flying that we did as a youngster.

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[simpleflyer]

The great weather is still with us and today we were in our back yard flying a few of the 'swingers'. A couple of pix of the FlyBoy wing mated to the Droop Snoot fuselage and tail.

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[simpleflyer]

The variable breezes are also with us and while competing with some sudden gusty air we managed to collide with the tool shed once again. Minor damage encountered.

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The repair is quick and easy, and the wing will be flying soon.

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[simpleflyer]

After mowing the grass in the back yard, we took a break to do some late afternoon flying. In the growing darkness, we misjudged the distance of one of the trees bordering the backyard and flew the FlyBoy #3 into one of the limbs and took off the outboard tip. Fortunately, the damage is not too severe. The rugged construction of the FlyBoy wing once again proved its value. The damage was confined to a broken leading edge and torn tissue. The wing should be ready to fly in a few days.

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Even with the outboard tip missing, the FlyBoy is still capable of tether flight.

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