Vic Smeed Designs

[RFJ]

For all you Vic Smeed fans, here is an interesting montage of just a few of his many designs. I wish someone, preferably the man himself, would write a book about his life and models and bring all his work together in one volume.

Are you out there Vic - how about it?

Ray

[vintage1]

I love em. Done electric kit versions of the Pushy cat and te Popsie already.. Both make ou grin instantly on seeing them. He had a way of making things look silly/cute.

[Harry D]

Definitely one of the all-time greats. And he's still at it - for those of you who haven't seen it, here's his latest, the Tumbletot. A free plan in the Feb 08 AMI, 22" span for FF or RC. It's on the pile. :)

So that would make it at least 60 years that he's been publishing his designs. Does anyone know when he first started?

[Snorks]

I believe the Courtesan was a model he designed but never built(?) he may have by now ofcourse...
maybe i should make it my lifes ambition to build all of them!
cheers
Simon

[Applehoney]

I built 'Ethereal Lady' in the winter of 48/49 . an ambitious project for a just-teenager but never managed to get it into the air .. just not enough knowledge on what to do with model and engine.

His 'Victoria Parker' rubber model was first designed and flown in late '30s thugh not published until '86

[RFJ]

"Victoria Parker" 1939 - "Tumbletot" 2008, well that's 69 years of designing so far! Amazing.

Ray

[johnvb]

I believe the Courtesan was a model he designed but never built(?) he may have by now ofcourse...
maybe i should make it my lifes ambition to build all of them!
cheers
Simon


Finding all of them will be the problem I suspect. :rolleyes:

[BMatthews]

It's amazing that he's kept his intrest up for so long but not so amazing that he's chosen to design his own. He comes from "that sort" of time after all.

Still, my hat is off to him for so much over so long a time.

[gossie]

Anything Smeed you could not fail with. They all have a look about them that makes them 'just right'.
I have a Paageboy, Tomboy and my Grandsons Madcap and they all just flew off the board. Wonderful fliers indeed.

Edit, edit. Brain fade, brain fade. Even have a Tom Thumb as well with a Cox .010 in it that 'Applehoney' arranged for me last century.
It needs the prop. on backwards though, and running as rich as it will go.

[vintage1]

Finding all of them will be the problem I suspect. :rolleyes:

I bet Applehoney has most of them.. :rolleyes:

I've got reduced scans of several.


Suggestion. Anybody with drawings scanned, posts them here.

If I had more space on my own servers I'd start a downloadable archive.

[tri-pacer]

Ok Vintage I'll be the first:

I don't have many, only a few I've managed to glean off sites like this, and of course Applehoney who's shared a few with me! So, here's The Band Boy and Debuante.

Chuck

[vintage1]

Popsie and Pushy Cat, thanks to Chas..

[Trisquire]

I like the Debutante.

[tri-pacer]

The Flipper

[tri-pacer]

One more time: The Flipper

[vintage1]

Oooh. That cries out for a little CDROM and 3 channels.Ta V much.

[RobC(UK)]

Anyone got a plan for a

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee211/robcrewe/cherub.jpg

Cherub?

[tri-pacer]

Not to take away from Applehoney, but here's the Hell's Belle; thanks Jim

chuck

[Malc]

Anyone got a plan for a

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee211/robcrewe/cherub.jpg

Cherub?
It was in a mag a few years ago, I will try to find it. I built one fitted with a brushed 400, flew like a dream.
By the way does anyone know if Vic did any designs for aileron control
Malc

[Malc]

Cherub was a free plan with AMI July 2003. See the thread I started after building mine
Malc

[RobC(UK)]

Thanks Malc

I found your thread and I have found the original plan (along with a lot of Vic's other designs) at myhobbystore.com.

[RFJ]

Cherub was a free plan with AMI July 2003

The original article/plan was published in the September 1952 edition of Aeromodeller.

Ray

[vintage1]

Perfect for conversion to a small RC electric..IPS or CDrom style.

Filed for the future..

[tri-pacer]

Ya know guys, this presents a big problem for me: Everytime I get started on a plane, someone posts a picture of some classic design (Smeed's stuff), and I just got ta' build it. I've got no less than ten planes in various stages of completion and I'm tempted once again!
Please tell me that I'm not the only person that has this problem!

A little off subject, but I've included the plane that I'm just finishing: Really!
It's a BDF1 from Model Avation. If anyones interested, PM me your e-mail and I have the article as well.

Chuck

PS PLEASE keep the Smeed designs coming!

[RobC(UK)]

Ya know guys, this presents a big problem for me: Everytime I get started on a plane, someone posts a picture of some classic design (Smeed's stuff), and I just got ta' build it. I've got no less than ten planes in various stages of completion and I'm tempted once again!
Please tell me that I'm not the only person that has this problem!

You are NOT the only person! :D

[tri-pacer]

Here's the BDF article; the file wasn't as big as I thought. Enjoy!

chuck

[RFJ]

I've got no less than ten planes in various stages of completion

Ten! Is that all. Come on Chuck, you're not really trying. :rolleyes:

Ray

[tri-pacer]

Ray,

Good, now I need to convince my wife it aint so!

PS

How about sending a nice scan of that Cherub my way??

By the way, here's a picture of me and something that wondered into the winery the other day! No kidding this guy just brought it in...guess it drinks champagne!!

[RFJ]

This is a little book by Vic given to me as a kid in 1965. It contains dimensioned drawings for four of his designs - Waif, Tiny Tot, Gamin and Shooter; respectivly a glider, rubber model, power model and control line (U-control) model.

I built the Waif which flew great and made me a confirmed Smeed fan.

The cover shows Vic starting the Pushy Cat at the 1953 Bowden Trophy contest which he won.

Chuck - scan sent.

Ray

[Malc]

Looking at the Flipper plan, how do you calculate the cg on the staggered wings?
Malc

[tri-pacer]

Malc,

The person who sent me the plan built it single channel with an OK Cub .020. He told me he set the CG at the front spar of the top wing. If you want to know more, check the 1/2a section of RC Universe and search for the Flipper thread. If I remember correctly, there was a pretty detailed discussion about it, including a possible kit.

Chuck

Ray, Got the plan.......THANKS AGAIN!!

[Applehoney]

Interesting, Ray - have never seen that book before, or even knew that Foyles produced handbooks. Could the 4 drawings be scanned?

Chuck - I built the earlier FF version of Flipper with .010; where it balanced I know not but it was a pretty model in the air though the screaming little Cox seemed out of character.

[tri-pacer]

Looking over the Cherub plan: A Mills .75 for a 30" model?? I was thinking more of a Cox .020. I've seen my friends Tomboy 42" model fly quite nicely with a Mills .75 so I kind of question 153 sq.in. plane.

chuck

[RFJ]

have never seen that book before, or even knew that Foyles produced handbooks. Could the 4 drawings be scanned?

AH -

Here is the back cover of the Smeed book showing the range and all for four bob each!

I will scan and send you the drawings later today.

Ray

[vintage1]

Looking over the Cherub plan: A Mills .75 for a 30" model?? I was thinking more of a Cox .020. I've seen my friends Tomboy 42" model fly quite nicely with a Mills .75 so I kind of question 153 sq.in. plane.

chuck

Arguably the 020 was more powerful ;)

you would tend to run the thing with a less than a power prop, and use it as noseweight.

I am sure an 020 would be fine actually. Electric wise it looks like 20-30W is about right.

[Applehoney]

>A Mills .75 for a 30" model??// I kind of question 153 sq.in. plane

Should not be a problem, Chuck. In the past I've extensively flown a Plecan 'Hummingbird' . under 140 sq. in with a Mills .75 at full chat (for a Mills, anyway) and it was a fine combination. Mind you, it bored me flying the same repetitive patterns .. just like my present Tomboy does ...

[tri-pacer]

How about a Smeed RC model? The Electra. Looks like a kind-a Tomboy.

Chuck

[AERONCA46]

Any one have any details on this one? Looks nicely proportioned from the picture posted.

[Applehoney]

Paageboy: I have the magazine and the plan - if required ... PM me ....

[RFJ]

Paageboy was featured in the July 1953 Aeromodeller as a free plan. Spec is 42" span for a 1cc engine. Albon Spitfire used on Vic's original model.

Looks nicely proportioned from the picture posted

All Vic's designs are nicely proportioned!!!

Ray

[tri-pacer]

Has anyone out there built the Cherub for R/C yet? I was thinking of enlarging it to somewhere around a 40" span for .049 or even Texaco.
The original size looks fun, but I was concerned about the wing loading with the R/C gear. Your thoughts?

By the way, where's everybody with all there Smeed designs?

[vintage1]

Very much thinking of a cherub lookalike at normal scale for RC.IPS or CDROPM power.

I remembered I had redrawn the madcap so here that is.

[wingbeat]

Still on my "someday" list... a fave Smeed design.

[gossie]

Seeing that PAAGEBOY was mentioned. Original MILLS .75.

[barry wilson]

Still on my "someday" list... a fave Smeed design.
What was it called? I find this thread fasinating. Many of these are very practical builds for people without breaking the bank if that is a consideration. Even a young fellow could get one of smeeds designs past his wife. ;)

[wingbeat]

What was it called? I find this thread fasinating. Many of these are very practical builds for people without breaking the bank if that is a consideration. Even a young fellow could get one of smeeds designs past his wife. ;)

The Likely Lass. What a coincidence given your comment! :)
I found the plans here. (http://www.modelflyermagazine.com/Frames/Plans/Plans06.htm)

Anyone have the June 2001 copy of Model Flyer where it was featured? I'd love a scan.

[Ian Easton]

Tri-pacer,

The free plan in AMI was an enlargement (by me) of the original 30" plan to 45", converted to electric and RC - it flys great. Before publication I sought out Vic and got his approval (blessings) on the project for which he was much appreciative.
A couple of things didn't come out right in the published plan and article. The wing tips should not be 1/4" as shown on the plan - 3/32" would be sufficient. Also the spar needs to be hard balsa and extending the dihedral brace an extra bay would be helpful.
I've built three 30" versions free flight and they all flew right of the board. It's my favourite Smeed design.

[RFJ]

Anyone have the June 2001 copy of Model Flyer where it was featured? I'd love a scan.

If you PM me your e-mail address I can send the article scan as a pdf attachment.

Ray

[wingbeat]

If you PM me your e-mail address I can send the article scan as a pdf attachment.

Ray


Excellent!

thanks :D

[John38]

I dont think I have seen reference to Vic's Mamselle - one of his prettiest designs.
i built the original free plan ( Dec 52? ) for 36" span free flighter - still have it with the albon dart resting in it.
When I was looking for a plane to introduce Air Training Cadets to R/C , I scaled up the Mamselle to 72" with tired os 20 pulling it up there. This gave cadets some flight experience ( we always flew in evenings when wind was light ) No buddy boxes then so I needed a design that would fly easily to give experience/orientation without me grabbing Tx all the time.
Liked it so much that I built a 3 times size at 108" for 90 4 stroke - flies great. An old chap the other day was so taken with it , he wanted one as he had to give up R/C because of failing eyesight - but he had no bother following model that size and the speed at which it flew- so another modeller saved.

[gossie]

Very very nice to see.

[GeeW]

Hi
I was given a set of plans today for a Vic Smeed Ώ8 biplane which was a free plan in the May ’64 RCM&E…anyone have any experience of the design?
Regards

Gordon

[vintage1]

Hi
I was given a set of plans today for a Vic Smeed Ώ8 biplane which was a free plan in the May ’64 RCM&E…anyone have any experience of the design?
Regards

Gordon

I almost recollect that..no chance of a plan scan is there?

[Harry D]

The Courtesan sure looks like a pretty little thing, and one we don't seem to hear much about. Does anyone have any more information? Plans, article, whatever?

Photo below (part of one I found in the "Prettiest Old-timer" thread - acknowledgements and thanks to KiwiKid - hope you don't mind me reposting).

[Applehoney]

I can have the 'Courtesan' plan copied for you, Harry, if you wish

jjmoseley@lookca

[Harry D]

I can have the 'Courtesan' plan copied for you, Harry, if you wish
Thanks for your kind offer, Jim. I'll most certainly be taking you up on that in the future but right now The Pile is so high that I dare not add another one to it! :eek: I'm sure you know the feeling.

Any idea when Courtesan was first published? It seems to be one of Vic's more mysterious efforts, and there's not nearly as much info on it out there as there is on most of his others. There was also the thought earlier in this thread that Vic never did build it...

[RFJ]

This is the Ohm8 from May 1964 RCM&E. Span 42", OS Max 15 powered. The original used Elmic Commander/Corporal escapements and weighed 3lb 7ozs.

Article scan available if required.

Any idea when Courtesan was first published?

Aeromodeller October 1988 I think.

Ray

[Applehoney]

Courtesan was indeed October 1988. I think it likely that Vic did built it - he was quite prolific but also there were occasions when he designed a model at the request of another and left it to that person to build. In recent times Mike Parker has prototyped his small designs such as the 'Likely Lass' etc.

[Jiffy]

Hi guys, would anybody have a PDF of the Paageboy plan Please?

Many Thanks
Jiffy

[Applehoney]

The plan alone is insufficient - you require a copy of the accompanying article to build it. I could supply paper copies if required

[Jiffy]

Yes Please if you wouldnt mind Applehoney.

I have a Mills .5 and a Mills.75 sitting about in the Garage that are looking for model :)


Thanks
Jiffy

[Applehoney]

Jiffy -check your PM's

[barry wilson]

I have a Mills .5 and a Mills.75 sitting about in the Garage that are looking for model :)


Thanks
Jiffy[/QUOTE]
Like to help you out. I have the model. :D
After reviewing quite a few of smeed's designs I really like the mamsellle and the paggeboy. The paageboy has beautiful ratios and looks like a well balanced design. Very, very easy to build as well in my opinion.
The mamselle is a little harder to build perhaps but has a very appealing appearance. It also looks very well proportioned .
His pushy cat is in this general group as well. I am going to take a guess and say more tomboys have possibly been built over time than any others in his design portfolio. Might be good for the .05.
At last I am getting caught up with a lot of non model related things to some extent so will soon be building and hopefully flying again. First I have to do a couple of other model related items for two members on this site. They have really helped me with Mr. Smeeds designs.
I only wished I had stumbled upon his work years ago. It is probably an age thing. I just do not personally like a lot of current designs out there. Must be just stuck in the mud. :)

[Applehoney]

>The mamselle is a little harder to build perhaps but has a very appealing appearance.

To my eye, his most attractive design.

>a guess and say more tomboys have possibly been built over time than any others in his design portfolio

Absolutely. Thousands, literally, must have been built around the world since 1950 .. and still are being built in numbers ... has been published under a different name in an old South American magazine, similarly renamed and kitted (without permission!) in at least two countries .. and still going strong.

My first experience was an 'Ethereal Lady' in 1949; it never got into the air but that was due to my inexperience, not Vic's design.

[John38]

The crurch system that Vic used for the mamselle ( and others ) makes the fuselage quite easy to build, the hassle comes from having to cut out all the round formers with notches for stringers and then planking/sheeting between the stringers at the front of the fuselage

on my scaled up versions ( see earlier pics on this thread ), I left notches out to let stringers find their own straight path as I could not be sure that I could scale up precisely

john

[Malc]

What size electric motor do you think would be needed in a full size, (37.5") 'Mamselle' with two 9g servos and a 9g rx?
Malc

[RFJ]

I use an AXI 2204/54 and a 2S Lipo in my (slightly enlarged) 36" span Mercury Sirocco.

Ray

[tri-pacer]

Speaking of Smeed designs, I have a sketch of the Dolly Bird; does anybody have a picture of this?

Chuck

[vintage1]

What size electric motor do you think would be needed in a full size, (37.5") 'Mamselle' with two 9g servos and a 9g rx?
Malc

In running a geraed 400 (3:1) in the Aesop/Popsie. About 70W and its ore than enough.

2204/54 sounds pretty good or esskay 400XT. Basically down aroud 1100KV on 2s or 800-900kv on 3s if you can find one, and something like 10A capable is more than enough.

[flea_flyer]

Hi all
I'm presently building a Vic Smeed "Electra" for single channel. I was thinking of using an ED Racer 2.46 up front. Anyone care to comment on choice of power plant?
Gerry

[vintage1]

Hi all
I'm presently building a Vic Smeed "Electra" for single channel. I was thinking of using an ED Racer 2.46 up front. Anyone care to comment on choice of power plant?
Gerry

Well thats about what the original had, although old time radio gear was pretty heavy.

Still you can always knock the power back one way or another. At least it makes good noseweight.

[RFJ]

Vic's original Electra used an Elfin 2.49 and weighed 48 ozs.

Ray

[gossie]

Hi all
I'm presently building a Vic Smeed "Electra" for single channel. I was thinking of using an ED Racer 2.46 up front. Anyone care to comment on choice of power plant?
Gerry
PERFECT.

[Dsegal]

[QUOTE=tri-pacer]Speaking of Smeed designs, I have a sketch of the Dolly Bird; does anybody have a picture of this?

The plan is available in an old Nexus Plans catalog. Here is the sketch from the catalog.

[Malc]

In running a geraed 400 (3:1) in the Aesop/Popsie. About 70W and its ore than enough.

2204/54 sounds pretty good or esskay 400XT. Basically down aroud 1100KV on 2s or 800-900kv on 3s if you can find one, and something like 10A capable is more than enough.
Do you reckon a blue wonder look-alike from Giant Cod would be enough for the mamselle?
Malc

[John38]

Malc,
let us know how you get on with the electric mamselle - I have an original sitting with an albon dart in it - both unflown since the early 70's - and I occasionally look at it and think that it would be ok with modern light R/C gear. picture on page 4 of this thread

before the purists react in horror - I love the smell of a diesel running but I get more than enough complaints from you know whom re the odour of burnt glow fuel - which I no longer can detect - it grows on you

[vintage1]

Do you reckon a blue wonder look-alike from Giant Cod would be enough for the mamselle?
Malc

Think you might be OK..basically anything with lowish KV that will withstand about 7A/3s or 10A on 2s..

e.g. http://www.brchobbies.co.uk/?page=shop&item=13 on 2s and a 7x4 or 7x5 is about what a mills 75 was../is.

[Redbaron25]

I can vouch for that motor Vint recommends, as BRC is my local shop - I have 3 of them, albeit the 1500 kv version. Lovely smooth runners, 20 minutes+ with a 7x3.5 prop and 2s 540. One is flying my 30" 'Emma' biplane and the other is in a 'Little Ship', again at 30"...the third one will power my IPS Rake SE5a when the brushed unit eventually conks out. Next time I'm in the shop I'll pick up a couple more.

The power - and cheapness - of these little motors continues to amaze me.

Vic Smeed's stuff is classic, though I've built more of his boat plans than aircraft.

Steve
(just started building Boddo's 'Tinker' for electric...30" span again :D)

[tri-pacer]

Here's a few pics on the progress of my Cherub. If you'll notice, there's a Merco 61 sitting in front; this is because I wanted to keep it original by using a British engine, instead of the OK Cub that's on it. There's seems to be a slight problem with the 61; balance. Any suggestions???? :D :D
The other plane is a BDF1 from Model builder and yes the tail is straight: I was too lazy to do a twin rudder that small in RC.

Chuck

[Gluehand]

No problem with balance Tri-pacer.....just raid the kitchen and shape a new tailplane out of the cutting board.... :D

[dekan]

Red. The motor that vintage and you are recommending is the latest incarnation of the "Blue Wonder."

I have 6 of these great little motors... KV,s go from 1300 to 4000...1500Kv is my favourite 3s with a 8x4 GWS DD.

[Army Dad]

I am looking for a copy of the Tumbletot plan that was a free plan in early 2008 does any one have a copy they could send me. There is a picture of this plane near the begining of this thread.

[mitchmodels]

Hi Having built and flown most of the Vic Smeed designs over the years I am yet to build "THE COQUETTE" a super looking biplane but alas can not find a plan can anybobdy help out?

[Applehoney]

I have the plan, if you'd like me to have a copy taken for you

[mitchmodels]

Hi I would be over the moon if you would! my email address is barry,mitchell2@tiscali.co.uk
many thanks agian.

[Applehoney]

Barry - pls confirm if my email received - had it bounce a couple times. JM

[mitchmodels]

Hi Still not arrived will keep watching out for it!

[vintage1]

my email address is barry,mitchell2@tiscali.co.uk
many thanks agian.

Commas in email addresses do not work.

Suggest you PM Jim with one that works..

[CashRC]

Do you reckon a blue wonder look-alike from Giant Cod would be enough for the mamselle? Malc

Someone please translate..I'm getting images of some sort of freshwater fish sold at a huge seafood market... :D
Cash

[martin richards]

Well, I've built two of Vic Smeeds boat designs, an Xqqme power boat using an ED marine Racer, though it should have had the Hunter, and a Krispie 36" model yacht. I'd never have guessed he was into planes as well;)

[RFJ]

CashRC - http://giantcod.co.uk/

Ray

[mitchmodels]

I almost recollect that..no chance of a plan scan is there?
I know this reply is late but if you did not get a copy of the above plan let me know and i will pdf you a copy ;) there is also if you are interested asome short of kit on ebay ? mybe worth a look at.

[mitchmodels]

I have the plan, if you'd like me to have a copy taken for you
Hi Many thanks the plan it arrived today the building starts tomorrow!
I am a collecter of Vic Smeed designs and over the years built them it was a joy to get a copy of this as this was the one that got away .
MANY THANKS AGAIN

Barry

[Applehoney]

Barry - you're welcome. Enjoy!

[Suberk]

The original Flipper plan was printed on red coloured paper. Plan was published in March 1965 issue of RCM&E magazine.

[dekan]

The Flipper was free plan in Aeromodeller January 1995

[Gluehand]

It was also a free centrefold/article in RCM&E, "sometime in the 80's" ...sorry, I can't tell what issue at the moment...

[vintage1]

Well the one there shows an Elmic Compact, which was state of the art around 1965...Which is roughly when I remember it from.

[tri-pacer]

It was also published in one of the 1965 or 66 additons of Grid Leaks. Here's the link to all the mags from 57' to 66'. Beware though, each mag file is in the 60mb range.
http://www.gridleaks.roguebay.com/
chuck

[Harry D]

...Grid Leaks. Here's the link to all the mags from 57' to 66'.
http://www.gridleaks.roguebay.com/
chuck
Thanks for that link, Chuck. What a fantastic historical resource! Hours (days?) of fascinating reading. Everyone flying modern RC equipment should take a look at a few issues, if only to appreciate how easy we have it today and how far we've come. :)