Back again and after building the tail feathers of the Super 90 it was a case of where to go next.

One task I don't really like is cutting wing ribs however, as previously mentioned, my colleague had requested built up ribs. Something I had never done before and which I approached with some trepidation. Yes trepidation. First I had to design them, secondly design a suitable wing structure (which included 'barn door' ailerons and flaps) and then, finally, build them.

After looking at the plan I had an idea of what I was going to do. The cross section on all ribs was the same and there were only three distinct types of ribs, those at the centre section and wing tip, those at the aileron root and the rest. They could, however, be built to the same pattern by just replacing the warren girder form with sheet at stressed points. The quantity was another matter - did I have the endurance to build 28 ribs??

So I started cutting out the outlines and area between the spars from sheet. For this I used plywood templates and cut the curves in a similar manner to that used for indoor planes. I was surprised at how little wood was being consumed. If I had cut the ribs from sheet the cost would have been huge (each rib is approximately 15" x 2½") but here I was using 1 sheet of balsa to get the outlines done for 12 ribs. It was planned to use 1/8" sq. and 1/8" x 1/4" stock (plus stripping the bits left over from the outline cutting) for the bracing...Continue Reading

A colleague has asked me to build him a Super 90.

What is that - well a 1.5 times Super 60 of course. The original plane will need no introduction to many but is was a Keil Kraft kit designed as a single channel trainer in the early 60's with an ED racer as a power source. It has undergone many changes of use since that time but now normally shows up with a 4 stroke or electric motor and 3 or 4 channel control. These changes are never detrimental to the fine handling qualities of the craft.

The plane proved that popular that Keil Kraft went on to produce a 48" inch version, the Mini Super. Yet another excellent flyer.

Variations that have appeared in plan format include the Bi-Mini by David Boddington. I had many a happy hour with the one I built in the early 90's with 2 channel control (rudder/elevator) and a PAW 80.

So history has a habit of repeating itself and the hangar is now the proud home of the Super 60 and Mini Super. Remaining impressed by the designs I went ahead and some 5 years ago drew up a 90 inch version and the plans have been available on OuterZone for sometime. It was built and remains a favourite of mine. I originally fitted an ASP 108 two stroke in it which gave certainly more than sufficient power but emptied the 8oz tank in next to no time. I swapped this out for an ASP 90 four stroke and now have a delightful, fine summers evening, giant to fly around and enjoy.

Sufficient to say my colleague saw it flying one day and...Continue Reading