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View Full Version : Help! 1/2A Ducted Fans


jetpack
Nov 15, 2002, 05:12 PM
I'm planning a building project, and it's a 1957 Berkeley Models Douglas F4D-1 Skyray delta wing.

It's a rare kit, being the first ducted fan kit produced. It was designed for FF or CL, but with todays power and lightness of equipment, a micro system will fit and be light enough to do the job, and a Cox TD.

The TD is something I have to stick with, due to it being a pusher design. Its the only motor I can find besides their reed-valve that can turn LH with Cox's crankshaft option and lack of LH impeller options.

The plane itself is a stick and tissue covered model, with the all up FF weight of 11oz, and a wingspan of 25". It is also a delta wing craft, making it suitable for just simple two-channel elevon control.

The biggest question of the project at this point is this: What impeller should I start out with? The kit impeller that was supplied with the kit is a simple six-blade soft, stamped aluminum blade, simply not up to the task of modern power or performance, and since the kit itself is completely intact and in great condition, I would like to keep it as such, and simply copy it.

Does anyone have ideas for how to go about keeping this plane a gas powered 1/2A pusher design?

I remeber Kress and Midwest USED to have a 1/2A ducted fan unit, but those are no longer produced, or easy to find used at a reasonable price, and I also think those were tractor units to start with.

I'm kinda stuck here with a good design and simple build, even though it is very close to scale. It would be a very cool plane to play around with if I can get the propusion deal straightened out.

gregg f
Nov 15, 2002, 07:21 PM
that could be a tough one. the only modern day units are the kyosho ones. unfortunately they are designed for .15 size........gregg

dave morris
Nov 19, 2002, 05:02 PM
check my homepage for ideas
Dave

dave morris
Nov 19, 2002, 05:05 PM
oh yea here it is http://hometown.aol.com/dwmex300/myhomepage/index.html

Gravitysux
Dec 09, 2002, 09:09 PM
Hey Jetpack!
I closed it out but I was just looking on ebay and saw a Kress 1/2 A fan unit for sale. It's brand new, at least never used according to the description. Look for a seller called "easytiger" or do a search for some old airplane stuff like "cox, comet" and you'll find him then check "sellers other items".

AMTJIM
May 26, 2003, 02:35 AM
I was reading your post and it looks like your building it as a pusher prop? If thats the case just use a cox 5x3 three bladed pusher prop and a norvel .049 or .061. You could even go with the big mig or AME version. These little engines are much better then cox and they come with or without throttles. The norvel .061 AME flies a firebat with ease. If they ever get their act together, grish tornado have a great selection of 1/2A pusher props too. This way you don't have to worry about running the engine backards. Norvels come with little mufflers and aren't very loud once in the air, I have had people ask me if it's electric. The AME.061 is a little more expensive, but it's throttle, comes with ball bearings and has more hp than the big mig .061. You will definitely need a test stand to break-in this little motor, it has a very tight tolerance ceramic coated piston that would twist that plane apart.
If you need anymore info you can email or PM me!