Flyline Curtiss Robin

[D W]

I've been building Flyline's Curtiss Robin from plans.
This has been something of a long standing personal quest for me. I had a kit I bought new at the WRAM show in 1974. Back then there weren't very many small field planes, not to mention scale subjects. As a pre-teen I was overwhelmed, though fascinated with, the complexity of the plans.

I never did build it, I remember I cut a few ribs and quit. The kit was lost in a house fire.

So 30 years later I am determined to finish what I'd started. I am still fascinated by, and less overwhelmed with, the plans.

Some build pics:

-David-

[D W]

Those are TWO fuse sides in pic above. Just use same outline pin holes in plans and they come out identical.

Fuse built from 1/8" squre. Top longeron is bass. Plans say may use spruce as option (in placxe of balsa). I had bass.

[D W]

Bought a scroll saw prior to this build and have been using it ALOT. So happy to finally have the room as this saw makes life so much easier. Cut 10 IDENTICAL ribs at a time. The best part is the perfect 90 degree edges on all the parts. Can't do that with an Exacto. Can't be beat for ply.
One of those "How'd I ever manage without it...?" tools.

[D W]

The Robin chick is a $2.95 download cardstock model frm Fiddlers Green. To use as reference.

[D W]

Wing Span is 41". Area is 240 sq.in. Weight 10 yo 16 oz. as per plan. That's with a Cox .049 Golden Bee and a Cannon brick or an Ace pulse. Bet most don't know what those are.
This should come out on the light side. Am using all contest wood and todays micro equipment.

[D W]

Plan on using an AF 010 in GWS GB (from AeroMicro) on 3S liPo for power.

[pda4you]

Looks just great - keep us updated!

Mike

[D W]

Kit is built exactly as per plan 'till this point. Wanna do the radial engined version so now will deviate and build own cowl.

[D W]

Hopefully will vac form a cowl from a carved balsa block. still have to finish home-made vacuum former. First attempt at making cowl plug was not up to par. Had difficulty transitioning from rectangular to round cross section. I think I've got it sussed now and will try again tonight (I hope).

EasyTiger,
I'll gladly mail you a cowl if they come out usable. That's a big IF...
love your work.

Will use Dare vac formed 1/12" radial. PERFECT size. Will bash to 5 cylinder.

[D W]

Using this pic as reference. Seems that at least some of the round engined Robins were after market conversions. even found a 7 cyl one. This type, with exhaust collector ring, seems to be most prevelent.

-David-

[Vyceroy]

Nice David .. great subject .. like the radial.. shoulda posted it in "Fomies"

[easytiger]

Something has puzzled me...I THINK the Round Robin's fuselage is not square...two stringers run down the side to round it out. Look at the Fiddler's Green one...see those two lines?

[easytiger]

I may be wrong, too.

Beef up the area where the front windsheld meets the LE of the wing, it's a vulnerable spot.

Mine came in at 14 ounces with a PAW 06 and Micafilm, three servos. You will have no problem whatsoever with weight, and even if it came out a little heavier than you thought, it would not matter. Lots of area, undercambered wings...

[R2800]

Wow, isnt that an AUTOGRAPHED picture of Wrong Way Corrigan?
Is it original? And yours?

[dk944s2]

Neat subject....love those big cylinders poking out into the airstream, and the interesting cabin windows.

I'll be interested to see how it flies, as I'm building a Super Cub with the same wingspan and area. Your wing looks like it has twice as many ribs as mine! (of course, my kit-supplied ribs are just slightly less dense than depleted uranium ).

Please keep the pictures coming.

--Doug