ID this old attic queen please?

[PENGINEER1]

A neighbor gave me this old airframe several years ago and I still haven't found anyone that can identify it.

It has a wingspan of about 150", so it is pretty huge. It has spoilers, a flying stab, and rudder.

Does anyone know what this is?

TIA,

Bill

[Thermaler]

I am going to guess a Ken Bates Merlyn.

Joe

[scaflock]

I've got no idea as to just what it is Bill. Surely there's someone here than can ID it for you. Interesting design though

[georgeg]

I agree, it looks like a Merlyn to me too. Compare it to the Merlyn in this link:'http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1507906

[PENGINEER1]

Thanks guys, I think you nailed it. I just gave it to a buddy to fix and set up to fly.

I guess they were pretty good planes for their day?

Thanks again, Bill

[StevenatorLTFO]

+1 on the Merlin ID. Great flyer, takes some hefty equipment to get in the air, but once on the wing, is very majestic

[scaflock]

Let's put it this way Bill... It was such a good flier that Ray Hayes from SkyBench is fixing to re=release the kit again. Many people consider the Merlyn to be one of the best of the woodie XC ships.

I really should have known what it was. I guess I should stop coming into the forum when my eyes are crossing. Like Stevenator said... Takes some hefty equipment to launch, but once it's in the air it looks great and doesn't want to come back down. Ken Bates designed it with the intention of using it for the level V tasks for LSF. I think he accomplished his goal quite well. ;)

[StevenatorLTFO]

A friend of mine has one, with a slimer on the front, as we were never able to get his in the air with the equipment we had at the time (old 6 volt FLS winch on a 6 volt battery) Once in the air, it flies as easy as a Oly II, very responsive despite its size. He built his without spoilers, so landings take a little pre-planning. Up on "the step" it moves along quite nicely, nothing like a modern moldie of course, but its definitely the queen of the skies when its aloft.

If Ray puts one out, I would be pretty tempted to get one, with a little more modern airfoil, it would still be a very viable airplane to work on the duration and x-country tasks for LSF with.

[PENGINEER1]

Wow, thanks guys! Now your getting us excited.

It does make me curious- this guy that gave it to me has never flown a glider in his life. Where did this thing come from and how many hands did it get passed through...I mean we're not talking a Gentle Lady here...

Anyway, thanks again. I'll do my best to report back after we get her her flying again.

Bill

[lincoln]

He may never have flown a glider in his life, but he probably deserves some respect for recognizing an item of value and passing it along to someone who could make good use of it!

[tinkrerpilot]

Great thread guys. If you get the chance, check out the two builds going on here in the Thermal forums. Rudderman has one that has just started. This model is big. But very easy to build. For those that don't want to wait the plans are still available. Construction is straight forward, but uses alot of lumber. Can't imagine the amount of Monokote its going to take. Very impressive bird. Should be alot of fun.
Check'em out.