PDA

View Full Version : Berkley Bucaneer 'B' Special


makemcool
Jun 14, 2004, 02:10 PM
Wanted to get some more threads into this forum to help 'legitimize' it. So here is my favorite ship...original, and in process of being made flight ready.
I built this from the kit around 1960, powered [ free flight ] with a Cox Sportsman 15. Anybody remember maybe the only reed valve 15?
Seven second runs on a calm evening resulted in a five foot ROG, near vertical climb to a perfect transition to glide for up to two minutes.
A launch just before a tstorm resulted in its longest flight...found it a week later, with the wing looking like a prop.
Sitting around till the mid seventies straightened the wing, but I had to bebuild the oil soaked fuse. I used a throttled Max 15 this time, but it wouldnt come down without completely shutting down the engine..really should have used an 09. Added radio, and my teenage kids and I flew it until we hit a soccer goalpost, shearing the wing.
It is awaiting covering material [silk, of course], and a set of Trexler wheels.
I lost the plans years ago and have been looking for some...Just found them, and ordered the plans and laser cut parts from Bob Holman. OH, yeah, it will be electric this time.

vintage1
Jun 14, 2004, 02:46 PM
Looks a real classic.

Long can 480 in that and soar like a bird.

Nostalgia is exactly what it used to be...I cleared out all my teenage modelling stuff years ago, and rather regret it now.

makemcool
Jun 14, 2004, 05:29 PM
thanks for the reply...actually I just finished installing a MPJet 253520 [I fell in love with brushless], but I think that may overpower it, so I have the smaller MP ready.
Did you notice the wing slots? Berkley claimed that they prevent spins, and they do..I tried full rudder, and it just goes into a very tight circle, slowly loosing altitude.
PS..I previously sent this message, but accidentily hit the Go Advanced button..what is that, and where did the message go?

victor hull
Jul 14, 2004, 04:26 AM
This brought back a memory, (late 1951). I started building Berkley's Bucaneer "B" Special with Berkley's Aerotrol tube radio & a K&B 29 glo (Torp). I didn't finish it because I joined the Air Force to do my bit in the Korean war. Soo, I gave the whole thing away to a boy who I thought deserved the gift. I'ts a good memory. Vj