Ken Bates' Merlyn [Archive]

ege53

Jun 29, 2007, 11:32 PM

After seeing the little 25-years-ago-cover blurb in the December 2006 Model Aviation I just had to buy the plan for Merlyn. I have read the other thread regarding this airplane, and the thrust of it is that the S3014 airfoil would be desireable.

My question primarily to Ken Bates (other people's ideas are welcome) is, would there be any deviations from the plan that should be incorporated in building a Merlyn?

I primarily fly slope induced thermals just for fun. I am not at all interested in flying contests. Using this airplane's carrying capacity would be interesting. I have video camera in mind, as well as some simple telemetry or maybe just some on-board data saving capability.

I am just dreaming for now. Who knows? I might even make it some day!

Eric

Captain Canardly

Jun 30, 2007, 07:58 AM

Build at per design , and you'll lpve it!

mhodgson

Jul 01, 2007, 03:59 PM

If you're thinking of putting video cameras in then maybe ailerons to help keep things level without induce too much yaw?

ege53

Jul 02, 2007, 05:25 PM

Quoting the original Ken Bates article, "The Merlyn is, without a doubt, the best handling, best thermaling Sailplane I have ever flown." This view, as he wrote, is "only slightly prejudiced."

So I expect the quality of flying will be wonderful with the original design as published. My original question is more aimed at deviating from the plan to use more contemporary construction materials in some places within the structure, as well as using a different airfoil.

Regarding building it with ailerons, I think that would add unnecessary complication. I have flown my (polyhedral, no ailerons) Paragon with a Canon Elura 50 mounted on top. The video can be seen here:

http://www.flypcc.org/pages/galleries/0706/video_pages/mission-peak.shtml

The two minute video is edited together from about twenty minutes of recorded material. The soaring conditions were a bit marginal, so considering the airplane had the added load of the little camera, it worked fairly well. I don't think that ailerons would substantially improve it's capability.

Eric

kenb

Jul 13, 2007, 10:17 AM

Hi Eric
The only change other than airfoil (if you don't intend to fly NOS) is to add a bit more poly. The original rectangular steel wing rod was a bit sloppy in its socket so M. had a bit more dihedral in flight than measured on the plans, ... not a big deal but would be my preference today.
(No I can't make wing rods any more, the prototype used 1/2 x 1/4 cold rolled steel, adequate for sport flying)
Also the weight issue isn't as big a deal as some on the internet would have you believe, Merlyn flew best with the original airfoil, more than 10 lbs. a Eppler 193 at 6 lbs would float forever in calm air but couldn't move. The 3014 should be a reasonable compromise and if you get her down under 8 lbs be sure to provide for ballast, you will be wanting some.

Ken

ege53

Jul 13, 2007, 11:54 PM

Hi Ken:

Thanks for the response to my inquiry.

All this hinges on whether I actually build a Merlyn, but I think I would follow the plan regarding material thickness. I will have to make my own joiner rod or bar. That's not a huge deal. I think I would use the S3014 airfoil, and per your reply, I would add just a little polyhedral angle to the tip panels.

Eric

Polkastudio

Aug 14, 2007, 11:23 PM

Hi, well after contacting Ken Bates I have discovered this thread and have already started the process of building what will be my 2nd Merlyn. A freind and I built each built one back in 1981 and without a doubt it was the best sailplane I ever owned or flew. I built my original with the 1/8" sheeting on the bottom to add Phillips entry and my freind built his flat bottom. I always thought the flat bottom version was better at sport flying and thermal events but he had to run ballast quite often. I added flaps to mine to slow up for landing. The combination of flaps and spoilers made this big bird a very easy plane to land once I got use to the controls. My plane came out around 10 lbs while my freinds plane came in at 8.5 lbs. HIs handled better in small narrow lift than mine but I could run much faster especially with a little up flap. I have not decided which way I am going with this one but I am using the original airfoil because it worked well for me. I haven't flown in 25 years so my tastes are not as advanced as some of you ready this but when you build a plane this size it is good to know how it will handle before you spend $ 300.00 on wood and Lord knows how much on everything else. I think I built my first one for around $ 100.00 without radio. Man things have gone up! Radios are cheap but wood is crazy high! Anyway, I am taking contruction pictures as I go and will post them as time permits. I suspect it'll take 3-4 months to complete the project as I am one busy guy. I would like to hear other ideas from anyone that is considering building a Merlyn!

The Polkaboy!

StevenatorLTFO

Aug 15, 2007, 12:32 AM

A guy in our club built a Merlin, and he didn't have any way of getting it in the air, so he put a slimer on the nose (I think it was a .60). No spoilers, or flaps, just R/E and throttle. I've flown it a few times, it has a majestic air about it that the smaller sailplanes can't match. Without glide control, it hits ground effect, and floats FOREVER. Its a blast to fly.

I'm not sure what he used for a wing joiner rod, but he's bent it up pretty good a couple of times doing loops. Nothing drastic, just lands with 5 or 10 more degrees of dihedral then he launched with! I think it would be great to see it with a modern foil.

Polka, I think now days you'd have 100 dollars just in moneykote on that beast!!!

Good luck with your builds guys, I'm envious!!!

Steve

knowhereman

Aug 15, 2007, 02:17 AM

Polka,

I just got some plans for one of these. I am going to build one in the next 12 months. Please post pics and advice. It sure is a beautiful looking thing.
I hear you on the cost of wood though its a killer.

Goodluck.

Polkastudio

Aug 15, 2007, 08:49 AM

Steve, actually have been investigating using a Lipoly set up with a brushless of some kind. There is a histart from NES that will launch the Merlyn which I plan to purchase but it is safer to launch with a winch. It'll break the best winch line no problem if you are not careful though. 2100 sq inches has a way of pulling on any launch system. I had never flown electric but I had an old HOB 2X2 I built 25 years ago and hardly ever flew because it was a dog. The plane had to have a lot of nose weight to balance because of design flaws. I bought a used brushed system, ( Graupner 400 with 1:4.5 gear and folding prop), off Ebay and have had a ball flying it over the golf course in my back yard. Not enough room to land a Merlyn there with those pesky golfers in the way though, HA! You have to add a lot of weight to the Merlyn anyway because it was designed to carry a large battery pack for extended flight times required for LSF level 4 & 5 tasks. I am currently level 2 working on 3 so I need the plane for the tasks to come so I'll proably leave it a sailplane, but ya never know! I might just build 2 fuses to accomodate both! I will post pictures in the next week or so showing how to stack sand ribs and the spars I am building. The spars that I used on the first one diviated from Ken's design because it was easier to build them and they are strong! I can stand on them between two chairs and they won't break! I go 265 so thats saying something! I had a crash with my original at an AMA event when someone turned on my frequency and I was really moving when the plane went down. No Wing damage, in fact the only thing that broke was the fuse side and the wingrod bulk head. We fixed it at the field and I made the next round. This is one strong sailplane! When I crashed I buried the nose up to the leading edge of the wing! It was a job getting it out of the ground! Anyway, I will post pics as we go. Knowhereman, if you are building I would like to hear any technics you might be using! All improvements in anything come from many minds working together!

Polkaboy

Speedo125

Aug 21, 2007, 07:55 AM

Count me in. I'll be building one this winter too. I have a set of plans, most of the wood, some of the covering (Monocote) & the original magazine article. I'd be very interested to learn about building that super strong spar.
Thom

knowhereman

Aug 21, 2007, 09:48 PM

Polka,

What are you thinking about battery packs for the merlin?

Polkastudio

Aug 24, 2007, 11:17 AM

Hi Guy's, I have taken some pictures of the spars and wing construction as well as the stack sanded ribs. I have all 4 wing panels nearly finished so I'll take some pictures of this process too. I'll have to load the pictures later as I am in the middle of gettng ready for a car and bike show this weekend. Our company builds choppers and does custom paint so.... Gotta work!
As far as battery I am looking at "C" 0r "D" cell packs because it takes a bit of weight to balance a Merlyn, Might as well have the long flight potential if you have to put weight in anyway.
In my last Merlyn I used "D" drycell packs we made up for goal and return and duration on the slope and thermal. I had a 2 1/2 hour flight in a thermal once and was glad I had reserve power. My Friend Troy Lawicki had an 8 hour slope flight with his for his LSF Level 5 so you can see where large battery power can come in handy!
In good air it is not uncommon to have extended flights with this plane. You'll get tired before the plane is comng down!
I can't stress enough how important it is to make sure everything is streight when you build this though. If you are off 1/32" at the root you will have a dog. Check three times and cut once! If you make a mistake fix it or you will be sorry! Built correctly this is an awesome plane!
I didn't follow the plans on my spars, I built them like my last one. The spar is one continuous solid. I used 1/2" x 1/4" spruce but ran 1/8" ply the full length of the main panel with 1/2" balsa shear web all the way except where the wing tube and the tip panel join. The entire unit is epoxy glued together and the I glued the ribs to the spar.
The spar comes out dead straight using this method and you can stand on them and they won't break! I test them by jumping up and down on them between two chairs! I go 265 easy so you get the point, they are strong. The added weight doesn't hurt anything on this plane.
You don't need carbon fiber for this ship because strenght and weight are not an issue. I built the outer panels pretty much to the plan using all contest balsa to keep the tips light. I think a plane handles better when tip panels are light weight.
I get some pictures loaded this weekend so you can check out the progress. Till later, happy skies!

Ron

Updated, pictures attached. Hope this helps someone! I'll be adding more later!

Polkastudio

Sep 24, 2007, 10:29 PM

Hi all, I have made progress with the Merlyn but have had some computer trouble so I have to load the pictures once I get this thing fixed. The wings and tail-feathers are roughed in and I have the fuse sides ready. One thing I should tell you is there is a guy on ebay selling electronic versions of the merlyn plans as well as others. They are very good quality and its handy when you want to print out a section so as not to cut up your plans to use them for a template. It really helped making the bell crank and the bulkheads. It also helped out making the wing joiners. I did modify the joiner from the original plan. I made the joiners 1/2" thick ply and boxed the spar before joining the tips and main panels. Its just personal preference, I find it easier to get the poly right this way. I promise to upload some pictures this week somehow. Let me know if you are still interested and reading.

Thanks, Ron

knowhereman

Sep 24, 2007, 11:16 PM

Ron,

Absolutely interested, keep up the posts. I bought a set of Merlyn plans from ebay and intend to build mine of them.

Here is the ebay link for 3800mAh battery pack I am using in my XC Comet.

Looking forward to the latest pics when you get your system fired up again.

Cheers.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230163282536&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=013

onethermal

Sep 24, 2007, 11:36 PM

Sorry I don't see a link for the battery pack.

But there are many good suppliers out there that will build any pack size you want and you know that they will back up what they sell, so don't limit yourself to ebay....cheepest is not always the smartest.

Clarence

knowhereman

Sep 24, 2007, 11:42 PM

sorry guys......I was thinking of flying not typing.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230163282536&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=013

Polkastudio

Sep 25, 2007, 09:13 PM

Thanks fo rthe tip on the battery pack! Hadn't started looking but that is a great price, May have some pictures up by tomorrow if this thing will stay running!

Thanks, Ron

Polkastudio

Sep 25, 2007, 11:09 PM

Hi Guy's, One other thing I didn't mention, if you don't have a 4" belt sander with a 6" disc sander on the side, get one before you start this project, you'll thank me if you do! Also if you don't have a copy of the original December 1981 issue of Model Aviation with Kens article on the Merlyn I can scan mine, (glad I'm a pack rat), and upload them for you. It is a big help even the 2nd time around, after all I have slept since then.

Polkastudio

Sep 27, 2007, 11:37 PM

Hi Guy's, as promised more pictures of the Merlyn. I Lost some of the build pictures of the wings because my computor ate them! I have some tips though. When I put the 3/8" ID tube in for the wing rod I found some 1/2" OD aluminum tube that was the same ID as the OD on the brass tube. I cut 2 - 1/4" long pieces for the brass tubes and glued them to each end of the wing tube. This made setting the dihedral so much easier than trying to shim them in. I also diviated from the original plan for the Poly joint. I didn't use the 1/8" plywood joiner. Instead I boxed the main and the tip panel and made a 1/2" thick Plywood joiner as I find it easier to set the poly this way, just personal preferance here though. I followed the plan for the tail-feathers. I will sand the horizontal stab as a unit with the rods in the stab to maintain alignment. I will do the same with the wings.

I'll be building up the rest of the fuse this weekend so I'll have more pictures and some tips for the fuse on my next installment. If you have questions Please feel free to sak. Also If you have suggestions I am always open to them! I am still toying with adding flaps, or not!

Thanks, Ron

knowhereman

Sep 28, 2007, 01:48 AM

Looking great mate! Which hobby shop did you rob to get all that timber?

Captain Canardly

Sep 28, 2007, 08:51 AM

Polka!
Definately add the flaps!

Polkastudio

Sep 28, 2007, 10:13 PM

Hi Guy's, got all the balsa at National Balsa, found them on line and have bought twice. They grade their material so you know what your getting. I used almost all Contest grade, wound up getting some harder balsa from the local hobby shop for the sheeting on the main panels. The 3/16" contest sheeting is to fragile for the mains. Everytime I picked it up I broke it in another spot. For the ribs I used 1/8" contest grade in the mains and 3/16" contest grade in the tips. I like the thicker ribs in the main because its easier to put the cap strips and sheeting on. You want to make the wing tips as light as possble though, its a little more nimble with light weight tip panels so it turns tighter in light lift. I will look up my wood list and post it for all of you, it will save you some time. I use only 48" length so it'll cost a little more and I order more than I need just in case I screw up. The closest hobby shop to me is 50 miles so... I hate waiting once I get started. I got a lot of the fuse work done tonight so I'll be posting more pictures this weekend! Stay tuned!

Polkastudio

Oct 02, 2007, 11:38 PM

Hi Guy's, took some more pictures of teh Merlyn Build. Its official, I am obsessed. My wife is ready to leave now, I can't seem to stop work on it! I leave some details later, gotta get some sleep some time ha!

Ron

knowhereman

Oct 03, 2007, 12:50 AM

Polka,

I hope you are considering some transparent covering for that bird, it would be ashame to over up all that frame work.

Polkastudio

Oct 03, 2007, 10:07 AM

Actually I am thinking of covering it like Kens original on the Magazine cover. I think its transparent Red and Blue. I am better at the wood working and mechanical parts of the planes than I am at finishing with monokote though. My last one was blue and white. We have a saying in the custom shop, if it ain't right, paint it white! I was able to hide my crappy covering job with the white! HA! I will take my time covering this one and hopefully it will come out nicer than some of my previous efforts.

dr.E

Oct 03, 2007, 10:21 AM

Go with oracover...its much more forgiving..... BTW use Coverite or some fabric covering for the canopy and then paint it....

I have a Hacker B50 13s 6.7 gear , 18x10 folding prop and 5s lipos on it....

I'll post some pics later

Bipe 22 saw it and couldn't stop drooling :D

Polkastudio

Oct 03, 2007, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the tip on the covering, where can I get the best deal on it?

OK, time for some info. I used 1/8" carbon fiber tube for my push rods that have a 1/16" ID allowing me to glue 1/16" piano wire in the tube for my rod ends. I used the outer skin of an old set of plastic pushrods from one of broken sailplanes to make 2" carriers to add support every 12" or so down the fuse to prevent flexing under load. You don't need them full length as I have used these for pushrods in other planes that are lighter with no support and never had a problem. These rods are extremely strong and lightweight! I am using the pull string method for my spoilers as I have never had any luck with any other setup. I put magnets under the spoilers to make sure they won't open on launch and rubber bands to retract them positively. This has always worked for me so I'm sticking with it. I haven't decided on flaps yet, still stewing on it. I put them in my last Merlyn and used a torque rod setup that worked pretty well but they were a pain to setup at the field.

The fuse - I built my fuse sides exactly to the drawing and stack sanded them together as well as drilling the wing rod holes so the two sides would be identical. I an very careful about the fit of all my parts even the 1/2" angle. When I came across the side splice I sanded out the angle stock to maintain a good fit all the way down the fuse. All the strength comes from the fit as well as the materials. I used the lightest wood I could get for everything behind the wingrod as my 1st Merlyn took 8 ounces to balance, not that it mattered much but there were a couple times I wished it were an 8 lb airplane when we had super light lift. It flew at 10.5 lbs just great even on a light air day. In fact I don't think I ever had a flight less than 5 minutes with it even in down air. Thats why I loved this plane so much. In the canopy I use 1/4" balsa to frame up the profile of the fuse then added my blocks and carved them with a hunting knife I have sharpened like a razor. once I got close I used my automotive sanding blocks, Dura Blocks from the Eastwood Co., and 3M 40 grit self adhesive paper. This blue grit paper cuts better than anything I have every used and doesn't load at all. Remember that the autobody paper is meant for cutting filler and metal so it will hold up under balsa for a long time. Leave about 1/8" of material to finish sand though because the surface will be rough. Be careful not to cut to deep, this stuff cuts fast! I sand my canopy and all the 1/2" blocks as one assembled on the fuse to get the finish shape I want moving slower as I go so as not to dig in too deep and have to fill. I sanded all the edges of the fuse in to the 1/2" angle stock for a smooth appearance. I really sand deep behind the wing rod and try to get the fuse as round in appearance as possible on top. The bottom I put around a 3/8" radius all the way down to the tail feathers and maybe a little more right at the tail. I use 1/4" balsa ribs on my wing roots to sand them in for a perfect fit, them put 1/8" ply over the root to protect the wing as far as handling. once covered the wing will look like it is made in to the fuse. I'll be taking more pictures this week as things progress so stay tuned! Might even post some pics of my chopper and Chevelle. I love building things!

Ron

Polkastudio

Oct 15, 2007, 04:34 PM

Hi Guy's, well I ordered the Oracoat for the Merlyn today, OUCH! almost $ 200.00 worth of covering! I will have some more pictures to put up this week. I have added a hatch to make spoiler setup easier and I am still stewing on the flaps. I have finished the sanding on the fuse and tailfeathers so I have to figure this out quick. I hesitate because I won't be able to use it in Nostalgia class if I add the flaps, but I know what they will do for it. I was talking to Troy Lawicki about them and he said I need to make them 25% if I am going to put them on. Bummer deal is that the trailing edge is already on the wing and it is as per plan which would only be about 10% - 12% if I fudge a little. Any thoughts on this? Also, anyone know where I can get my hands on a thermal sensor that I won't have to refinance my house to buy? With all the room in the canopy it would be a shame not to have one on this model. Let me know...

Thanks, Ron

Polkastudio

Oct 15, 2007, 04:46 PM

Hey Dr E, how about those pictures you promised!

Polkastudio

Oct 17, 2007, 10:29 PM

OK Guy's, as promised more Merlyn pictures. I have added a hatch to get to the flap adjustments and after some thought I have decided to build a second set of wings with flaps and leave these without. My reason is the flap setup will be great for sport flying and cross country work while the flat bottom wings will be good for contest work and will qualify in Nostalgia events. The flat bottoms are good on light air days as well. My friend Troy has offered to cut some foam cores for the second set of wings which will cut down on the amount of work for the second set and give me time to come up with a good design and flap drive system that won't interfere with the existing wings. All I have left to do to get her in the air is finish sand the wings and hook up spoilers and of course cover her! I am ready, tired of sanding now! Ha! Check out the pictures!

Ron

knowhereman

Oct 17, 2007, 11:02 PM

Polka,

That is a sweet looking ride at the back there. What is it and what setup are you running in it?

Knowhereman

Polkastudio

Oct 18, 2007, 08:43 AM

Hi Nowhere, its a 1967 SS 396 Chevelle. Its the original 396 but as you can see its been modified a little, HA! Its around 450 hp now, Jackson racing transmission, Moser axles, eaton posi, 342 gears, blah blah blah. It'll run! We painted it last year, (Escalade white diamond pearl), added some more pearl to the mix. Gonna re-paint this year for next season. We have a custom shop at our plant building muscle cars, hot rods and bikes. Check out the pictures I added.

Ron

knowhereman

Oct 18, 2007, 08:53 PM

The Chevelle's engine is a neat piece of work! I love the Orange bike and the paint job. I work as an Engineer with a global manufacturer, but I would love to work on some of that hardware you have.

Polkastudio

Oct 18, 2007, 10:34 PM

Hi Nowhere, I am the V.P. at our company, our primary business is automotive stamping and assembly. The owner and I have been doing this for over thirty years so we got kind of bored with the same old so... we decided to try our hand at building bikes first, then both of us had cars and it just sort of went on from there. I started out in the business as a shipping clerk, started working with the metal forming end, wound up a tooling engineer and after many years plant manager, then V.P. Somedays I wish I could just go work in the custom shop and forget the rest of it. definitly more fun! Once in a while I get my hands dirty and work on the stuff myself. We will repaint the Chevelle this winter and I'll get to work on it. I did the engine and drive train myself and most of the bodywork, just never learned o spray the paint, that's next! Never too old to learn something new! If thats what you want to do what's stopping you? Go to a body shop and learn the trade. You might have to start at the bottom but if its what you want to do its worth it, life is short!

Started finish sanding the wings tonight and got the spoilers hooked up. I am hoping my covering shows up tommorrow, I am ready to fly this thing. I also ordered a hosemonster highstart. Hope I am strong enough to hold a 10 lb plane with 35 lbs pulling on it! HA! It has been 25 years! I actually have been thinking about rigging a release to ground launch it. Mark at aero said he does it all the time with larger planes because they get airspeed sooner with the ground effect. I may use a release of some kind and try it once I get it set up. Anybody else ever try this? Any thoughts? Let me know.

Ron

mocgp

Oct 19, 2007, 01:43 PM

Hey Ron, I haven't tried the auto release, but I've been heaving a 7 lb Sailaire (149" span) off the large histart without difficulty for a number of years now. I'm 60 yrs old and not that strong but I can still manage to lean back against that pull and give it a throw. I guess my concern for you would be how easy the plane is to hold just behind the TE. The Sailaire uses a plywood tube back of the TE so it's not a huge handful. Yours looks pretty "fat" just behind the TE. When in doubt, enlist a helper who can get both mitts on it. That was always the easiest way when I was flying regularly with a friend.

knowhereman

Oct 20, 2007, 05:07 AM

i will get some time tomorrow and take some pics of how I launch the 15 foot Comet with the winch.

Polkastudio

Oct 20, 2007, 10:03 PM

Hi guy's, thanks for the tips I have launched my old Merlyn with a winch but never with a highstart and never by myself. When I lived in Michigan I was in Greater Detroit club and there was always some helping hands around. I definitly need to groom some future pilots here so I have some helpers! I do appreciate any info you can give, I was thinking about how unpleasent it might be to have those tailfeathers smack me in the back of my head! HA! The fuse is kind of fat back at the trailing edge but I have pretty big hands so I don't think I'll have too much trouble there. I am concerned about triming it out, you can't just give it a toss and check trim. Also I can't remember how much throw its supposed to have on the elevator and rudder. I don't want to over do it on the first go round. Any body have that info out there? My radio has dual rate and expo so I can make some adjustments to start with but I would like to set the mechanincal throws as close as I can.

Thanks, Ron

Polkastudio

Oct 22, 2007, 05:01 PM

Hey knowhere, how about those pictures? Like tto see that monster ship!

knowhereman

Oct 23, 2007, 06:20 AM

Okay, here is a picture of the Comet. I will post the pics of the dolly on the weekend, I am away this week doing cold testing on diesel engines.

Basically the dollymade of timber and has RC plane wheels set up like a 3 wheeler bike, and the plane sits on top with a minor nose up attitude. On the back it has a big magnet on a rope that is staked into the ground. You apply winch tension and the magnet holds the dolly until enough tension is applied and swoosh she is away. It lifts off within 6 feet and saves a herniated spinal disc as this plane weighs 5kg or 11 pounds.

I cant claim design credit, an excellent sailplane pilot and friend of mine came up with the system and it works brilliantly.

Polkastudio

Oct 23, 2007, 10:22 PM

Hi Knowhere, the plane looks awesome, can't wait to see the rig your talking about. I'm all about making it easier! I have never seen this particular plane, who makes it? Who designed it? Is that your Mopar drop top in the back ground? Looks clean!

Ron

knowhereman

Oct 24, 2007, 05:23 AM

Polka,

The plane is a Larry Jolly Comet, the Big brother to his meteor. The Valiant covertable isnt mine unfortunately, it was the ultimate XC chaser! It was owned by the guy I bought the Comet off, as was for sale but he sold it before I could get my hands on it. I would have made some "nice" mods to make sure it was fit for purpose.

Polkastudio

Oct 24, 2007, 08:24 AM

Knowhere, who would have plans for the Comet? Is it scratch buiilt? I really like the looks of that plane, I think I need to build one! I like all the Poly in the tips, I'll bet she is really stable. I am a sucker for large ships! I have been thinking about what I would like to build this winter. Let me know.

knowhereman

Oct 25, 2007, 05:05 AM

I think plans of the Meteor are quite common, but not the comet. It was built from a kit and it and it has a nice glass fuse. It is very stable and has flaps for camber changes. I fly with differential spoilers, and flaps and spoilers for landing. I am thinking about a straight wing with ailerons and flaps, when my workshop is complete.

Actually I have a set of meteor plans somewhere. I will check and let you know.

Shaper Dave

Oct 25, 2007, 05:18 AM

The best way to launch any large ship is to ROG it. We had a club member way back when that built a Merlyn. He always did an ROG. We used to use the winch for all the big ships including scale but have since gone to Aero Tow. If the grass isn't to long just hook the winch line up, have someone hold the wing level and stomp on it till it breaks ground then its just a normal launch.

Dave

sschmall

Oct 25, 2007, 09:35 AM

Hay Ron have you covered the Merlyn yet or do I have to come down there and pull Monocoat for you. Pics look good. You don't need no stinking dolly to launch, just pull and throw. Could you e-mail me Troy's Phone #, or add anouther phone line at home so I can get a hold of you.

SID

Polkastudio

Oct 27, 2007, 11:21 PM

Sid, Check your email!

Polkastudio

Nov 04, 2007, 09:43 PM

Alright, were getting close now! She's covered, trimmed, balanced, (only took 5 1/2 ounces in the nose, and incodence is set. Al that's left to do is make the tow hook and install it, and hook up the spoilers. I have uploaded the pictures for all to see!

Ron

Polkastudio

Nov 25, 2007, 07:27 PM

Well, no comments, not sure what to make of that!

trident58

Nov 25, 2007, 07:32 PM

I was speechless- I didn't know what to say!
Seriously, that is one beautiful sailplane. Some day, when I have space to build something that big.....

Captain Canardly

Nov 25, 2007, 09:58 PM

WOWEE!!
Is that how a fella defines GORGEOUS!! not ta mention I love the color! I must have missed your Nov4 highlight on my 'list' We have 40 degrees and an 18 MPH winds from the south today- is weather flyable?
Johnny

Vulture

Nov 25, 2007, 10:48 PM

BEAUTIFUL!!

Now tell us a little about the set of wheels behind the gorgeous bird. ;)

Both look very nice,
Vulture

Ercoupe Ed

Nov 26, 2007, 08:51 PM

Now that's a real work of art!

Polkastudio

Nov 26, 2007, 10:38 PM

Wow, Didn't expect that kind of reaction! Flying has been out of the question here as I have had the wife in the hospital, cancer I am afraid but things are looking up! Surgery is behind us and she is feeling much better! Now its cold and windy so I'll have to wait until it clears to try her out. As far as the Chevelle if you look back a couple pages you'll see some pictures. She has the original 396 in her but with some mods. Nothing to radical as I am building a 496 ci stroker to put in her hopefully this winter. I am afraid of hurting the original engine as it is a real SS 396 car. I have put a Jackson Racing transmission in it with hardened sprag, hardened gears with a change in the ratio to lower 1st and 2nd gears, and a 3000 stall converter. It has the original 12 bolt axle but with moser axles, eaton posi and stange 3:42 gears. It'll tear the hides off now, can't wait to see what the stroker motor does for it. I changed a lot of the suspension to hotchkis aftermarket stuff, bigger sway bars, different control arms and so on. I also put gas shocks on her and a late model steering box ( 2 1/2 turns). She handles like a Camero now. We did most of the work at our shop (Magnum Kustoms), including the paint. We are going to repaint this winter for the new show season. We have 2 bikes and one car going to "World of Wheels" at the end of January in Chicago. I would like to enter her next year with a fresh look. Boy, Planes, cars, Bikes, who has time for work? Ha! Thanks for the nice comments guy's. I still have some details to finish up on her and will post more pics once I'm done. Maybe some in flight pictures! I have ordered a EZ Bubble dancer from Polecat as the next project. Been waiting for a couple months now. Any body heard from Denny on these? Any body have one? Looks like a great plane! More later, gotta take care of Momma for now!

God Bless, Ron, Polkaboy

Captain Canardly

Nov 26, 2007, 10:48 PM

Wow! Polka!
I do understand distractions! I get to wake up to zero degree wind chill in the morning, so hang on there! get your ladies warmed up before it hits ya!

Vulture

Nov 26, 2007, 10:58 PM

Ron,

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife. I wish her a quick and successful recovery. You and your wife will be in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you both.

As for the car I for some reason was thinking a NovaII. Close but no cigar. I had a 65 Chevelle and a 69 SS396 Chevelle. But that was a very long time ago. And both were pretty worn out before I ever got to them.

Take Care,
Doug

ChuckA

Nov 27, 2007, 12:37 AM

Doesn't every model shop have a nice set of wheels. :)

Bud Morrison

Nov 27, 2007, 01:40 PM

I have ordered a EZ Bubble dancer from Polecat as the next project. Been waiting for a couple months now. Any body heard from Denny on these? Any body have one? Looks like a great plane! More later, gotta take care of Momma for now!

God Bless, Ron, Polkaboy

I am going to get a Bubble Dancer or a Sidewinder from Denny. Havent decided on which yet. Shot him off an email. Hope the Bubble dancer kits arent to far out would make for a nice winter project. By the way They fly great a fellow in our local club has one.

Polkastudio

Nov 27, 2007, 10:47 PM

Doug, thanks for the prayers! This is more important than anything a doctor can do! I almost lost my wife in 2003 to respitory failure and a heart attack. The doctors said she wouldn't make it but I prayed, prayed, and prayed some more! On Christmas morning she woke up and asked for something to eat! The doctors were amazed. The doctor on the case said he couldn't believe his eye's! The nurses at the hospital were all amazed as well! I am glad I went to a higher power! Her heart surgen will tell the same story,saw him the day she had her surgery and he said he was sure she would pull through this as well! I have confidence that the Lord will take care of her!

Ron

Chuck, is that a 56? I may have seen your car at one of the local shows since your a Tennessee boy! We make quite a few. Belleview cruise maybe! I would love to have one of those!

ChuckA

Nov 28, 2007, 12:19 AM

Ron

Glad to hear things are looking up for your wife. The Corvette is a very early 57 that I bought October 20, 1956. I was a pilot in the Air Force at the time. Four months later I drove it in the flying mile on the beach at Daytona and that event was responsible for meeting my wife. I could never afford another Corvette so I kept the one I had. I restored it after I retired. It has never been a show. Still have the same wife too.

Polkastudio

Nov 28, 2007, 08:22 AM

Chuck

Great story on the car! I sold the 73 Camero I had to marry my wife and she bought the Chevelle for me about 10 years ago when she received her inheritance. Like you I still have the same wife! 30 years this past Monday! Hope to keep her for thirty more even if I can't keep the car! You should show that thing, all us car nuts love stories like yours!

Polkastudio

Dec 04, 2007, 11:07 AM

OK, so I am suffering a bit, I have the Merlyn completed except for attaching the tow hook and final hook up on the spoilers. I could try it out without the spoilers if the weather would cooperate on a day off from work and hospital visits with the wife. I am not complaining though! It has given me time to think about the spoiler hookup. I have decided to use guitar strings instead of string because the guitar string is strong enough to push the spolier shut positively! The only thing I am hung up on is how to lock down the guitar string at the servo. I don't really have anything handy that can easily attach to the servo arm and lock down the string. Any ideas guy's? Being a picker most of my life, I have many guitars and had several sets of strings laying around that were spares so I thought why not try it! The wound strings slide very smoothly through the tubes and are very positive. They can be soldered at the spoiler after being looped through the hole and wrapped so its a great connection. Thought I would share that Idea and hopefully someone will know what I could use to connect to the spoiler without having to make something from aluminum. I could make a device with a thumb srcrew to hold them but was hoping for something off the shelf.

Ron