Build Log Wiley Post Bi-plane/Hurst Bowers

[Vernon Hunt]

After getting well along with the DR1 build, I have decided to build a front yard flyer (my front yard). For this project I wanted something simple and it had to be a bi-plane. My dad saved every plan ever printed and every article from the magazines since 1960. Well, after he died I got all his stuff. Alot of the plans have since been sold or lost. I did however save the things that interested me. One of these plans was the Hurst Bowers 1975 Wiley Post Bi-plane. He never sent for the plan, but the magazine clipping is in the binder I saved. I have enlarged the model from 1" scale to 1 1/2" scale. That gives a wingspan of 45".
I started by cutting the 2 wing rib templates from plywood. Then cut the 24 lower wing ribs from 1/16" balsa. The wing has been beefed up with a covered leading edge of 1/32" sheet, and trailing edge. This means the ribs will be cap striped. Spars are 1/8" sq. balsa. Lotsa small parts, but very fun to build.
I'm not sure what power to use, but it will be an AXI on Li-polys. The idea will be to fly comfortably in the yard, and have some reserve to clear the trees and fences. So let the build begin!

[scrubs]

45" ?? Obviously your front yard is more generous than mine.
bill

[Vernon Hunt]

Bill,

I'm a former Milwaukee resident, and winter builder. At least 7 months for building and 2 months for flying.
I have about 2 acres for flying in the front yard. But with the trees and fence it can get dicey. I have flown 3D electric, discus launch gliders, and electric flying wings in the yard. This model should be perfect.

Vern

[Redbaron25]

My front yard is about 15 foot square...now if I give it a lot of rudder movement and make VERY tight turns...

Nice building Vern - I like the 'D' box style of wing construction (used a lot by one of my fave designers, David Boddington) as it gives a very strong wing. Look forward to the rest of your build.

Steve

[miniphase]

Originally Posted by Vernon Hunt

and electric flying wings in the yard.

Vern

good to see you churning out another model Vern, any of
those electric wings your own design? My swift wing is ready for covering.....

Paul

[Vernon Hunt]

Paul,

Yes, they were all my own design. Small flying wings are great for sitting in the yard and thermal soaring.
I have never stopped building in 50 years, just getting more practical. I have to stay home to get client calls, so flying at home is the way to go. My wife also likes the fact that these smaller models are cheaper.

Vern

P.S. Get that Swift covered and flying. Can't wait to see it fly!

[DPlumpe]

A great start, Vern! Hurst's Wiley Post has held my attention since that 1975 issue (I still have the article) and I'll be very interested in your approach to scaling it up, especially since the original was essentially a rubber-powered freeflight with few mods for a Cox .020 and pulse rudder.

Hurst Bowers left us quite a legacy. I'm in only my third build of his designs (Buhl Sport Airsedan, Kinner Sportster, and Farman Moustique so far), though I have parts cut out for 4 more and plans for 73 of the 74 I know of.

Keep it coming!

-Dave

[Vernon Hunt]

Dave,
My dad used to tell me about the designers like Hurst and others. I built alot of the rubber jobs when I was a kid in the 50's and 60's. So now to have many old plans to choose from I'm like a kid in a candy store. This project brings back memories and is so much fun I'm already planning my next project. I'm beefing up some of the structure, but still trying to keep it light. This should turn out to be a very nice model.

Vern

[Vernon Hunt]

Top wing time. The pictures tell the story on how this wing is built. A little more detail than the bottom wing. The ailerons make it a bit more challenging. But the final result worked out very well. So far both wings weigh 3ozs. Not bad for the extra wood on the leading edges. The wing tips are easy and light.

[eliworm]

Nice to see this model going together. It's one I have thought about for a long time. Looking good.

Jim

[Pat Daily]

Vern

Great to see another Hurst Bowers design--I remember the original Wiley Post that Hurst built with rubber power many years ago. I think somewhere along the line it got converted to electric ff. I will ask Don Srull--he may even have it somewhere in his basement. Hurst's ff designs are great for small electric rc at about 30-40 inches.

Pat

[Vernon Hunt]

Dave, Jim,and Pat,
Thanks for the comments and appreciation for Hurst Bowers modeling. I'm modeling the things now that I put off for years. I just hope I do this Wiley Post Bi-plane justice, and some semblance of Hurst's great modeling skills. Thats what makes it so much fun.

Vern

[Vernon Hunt]

Here are the results of cutting out the ailerons. Very tidy and light. I should have waited and put these up with the last set of shots.

[Vernon Hunt]

Worked on the fuselage over the past couple of days. Pretty basic stuff, but a joy to build this way. Trying to do a very perfect build is the challenge. It doesn't take long to get alot accomplished. I use squares to align the sides so they are vertical when joining them. I also draw the top view directly on the board to layout the fuse. This way I know it's straight. Also started blocking in the cowl and cocpit area.

[DPlumpe]

Looks great, Vern, but you cheated You covered the top of the nose with a balsa block, instead of struggling in a vain attempt to curve planking around that very tight compound curve. Or did you struggle with planking first, then use a block?

You gonna install all your RC gear thru the cockpit opening, using dental mirrors and double-jointed tweezers, or will you have a hatch somewhere? Also, I don't think Hurst's Ace Baby R/C bang-bang magnetic actuator will be strong enough for your scaled-up model.

-Dave