The Radio Control Club of Detroit

An AMA Gold Leader Club
AMA Chapter # 368
An AMA Charter Club Since 1953
IMAA Chapter #206

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RCCD – 2012 Scratch Build Project

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Introducing the

The Radio Control Club of Detroit is hosting the 2012 scratch build project plane. The intent of this club project is to promote the building of a great flying airplane, along with promoting camaraderie among the club members. After contemplating various previously designed model airplanes, and polling a number of club members, a plane similar to the Four Star 60 was the most popular of the plane designs. This design type became the choice for the club project plane and led to the birth of ”The RCCD All Star 60”

The RCCD All Star 60 is similar in size and design to the Four Star 60, inheriting the great flying features of that design. Our concept or design of the plane will alter the build sequence and construction to fit our production and building needs, but will carry forth the critical aeronautical dimensions of that design.

The turbulator main wing design is one feature of the plane that gives it the exceptional handling characteristics, along with it's light weight construction. The empennage or tail feathers are also light weight using a built-up truss construction with the horizontal stab and vertical fin covered with 1/16” balsa sheeting for added strength. The control surfaces are covered with only the final covering for lightness. The fuselage is also built light weight with many lightening holes in
strategic locations to eliminate excess weight, yet maintain the needed strength.

The ”The RCCD All Star 60” project plane design, along with it's detailed construction manual with accompanying photos, will be available on and through the club's web sight www.rccd.org.

A “short kit” will be made available (at cost) to the RCCD club members. This “short kit” will contain critical N/C laser cut parts, standard stock size balsa, hard wood and lite ply, servo wire lead tube, and a partial paper build plan to hand construct the empennage or tail feathers of the plane. If the build sequence and process is followed using the detailed construction manual with accompanying photos shown on the club's web site, there will be no need for a detailed full set of plans to build this plane. If desired, one could use a set of plans for the four star 60 design, only as a visual build reference, keeping in mind there are many design/construction differences between the planes.

The minimum of a four channel R/C system; the .60 size engine/motor and it's supporting hardware; the covering material, decals, and paint; the landing gear/wheels; and any hardware needed to complete the plane is the builder's choice and expense, and not included in the “short kit”.

Although construction will be at each builder's home for the most part, we will devote some time at each club meeting to discuss progress and provide any needed direction. The wood working and building technique is left up to the individual builder. There will be builders participating in this project that have no building experience at all, and up to the master model builders. The first few Ground Schools of 2012 will be devoted to subjects related to the build: Build techniques;
hardware selection and installation; covering; etc. Between meetings, participants are encouraged to get together in small groups for build sessions (these can be great social events too!!!). Or, just pick up the phone and call or send an email, if you need to discuss or question something you are working on. The project is led by Pete Mlinarcik, George Dudek, Joe Svatora, and Dick Babisch. Also, any experienced club member with model building experience can provide additional help with the common questions you may have.

Please note: The laser cut parts in the short kit are specifically designed to fit as supplied. There is no need to alter any laser cut part/s to fit, unless it is specified within the construction manual and accompanying photos.

  • If you have never scratch-built a plane, this project is for you: You are bound to have a ball making your first plane, and it will provide repair skills to save an ARF, should gravity ever get the better of your flying skills.
  • If you have built one or two planes, this project is for you: You'll be able to see how there are usually multiple ways to achieve the same result, learning along the way.
  • If you are an experienced builder, this project is for you: You will be able to share with others what you have picked up over the years. You will also have a great-flying plane and who knows, perhaps the "old dog" will learn a new trick or two.

Remember to build safely, to fly safely
&
most of all, have fun doing it ! ! !
Compliments of
“The Radio Control Club of Detroit”

List of contributors to the project:

Peter Mlinarcik
George Dudek
Joe Svatora
Dick Babisch
Noel Hunt
Peter VanHeusden
Norm Zielinski
Jim McCoul
Keith Jones
Mike Pavlock
John Zelenak
Club officers
The Club members
The Prop Shop

- project design and engineering coordinator, builder
- registrar, liaison, coordinator, builder
- coordinator, builder, elevator wire connector supplier
- builder
- webmaster, ground school and information coordinator
- N/C laser cut parts supplier
- vac formed canopy supplier
- servo wire tube supplier
- special discount on the purchase of the servo wire extensions for the  participants in the project plane build.
- special discount on the purchase of bulk orders for adhesives for the  participants in the project plane build.
- empennage design plotting & copy supplier
- their cooperation, support and guidance
- their participation and their enthusiasm for the project
- balsa wood, lite plywood, hardwood supplier for the short kit and optional model supplies to complete the model.

 


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