For complete Novices: Brodak "Flite Streak Trainer", OS .15LA-S, 2 oz Sullivan clunk tank, .012" x 52' braided steel lines,
simple handle with 2" line spacing. Adjust model speed with prop pitch...3" to 4" pitch keeps the speed down. A 9-4 works.
For folks who used to fly CL, but haven't for a long, long, time: SIG Skyray 35, Brodak "Flite Streak" or Top Flite "ARF Flite Streak" ("Almost Ready to Fly"),
OS .25LA-S, OS .25FP-S, Thunder Tiger .25GP-S, 3.25 oz GRW "Chicken Hopper" tank, .015" x 60' braided steel lines, decent handle, such as
Tom Morris, Ted Fancher, Brodak or RSM. Start with the handle spacing at about 2.5". Again, adjust the model speed with prop pitch. A 9-4 will
be a good start.
Another option, one that can take a novice from "zero" to "flying the pattern", is the U-key 35 or U-key 40. Either will work well with the
OS .25LA-S or OS .25FP-S, Fox .35 Stunt, etc. Jim Pearson is currently making these in Georgia. The U-key 35 has 400 sq. inch wing area, and is $60 plus $8 shipping. The U-key 40
has about 500sq. in. area, and is $70 plus $8 shipping. Jim also has kits for the Prowler, a less "disposable" (i.e., can be neat and
lovely!) profile foam winged stunter for $75 plus $10 shipping. A U-key 15 is again on the drawing board, hopefully with a thicker wing.
Email at: Jim Pearson.
For a Novice to Navy Carrier, the Brodak profile Bearcat, with a Thunder Tiger .36 "Pro". Brodak makes the 3 line bellcrank,
handle and lines, to provide throttle control. A 9-6 APC prop would be a good starting point. The required lines are .015" x 60' (3!) braided steel.
A lot of terrific combinations are available to Novice "Stunt" fliers, after the "Flite Streak" or SIG "Skyray 35". The Top Flite ARF Nobler
flies excellently, with a Fox .35, Brodak .40, Magnum XLS .36, etc. The Brodak Cardinal (soon to be available as an "ARF"), is a super flier
with an OS .40LA-S or .46LA-S. Brodak's Pathfinder is an excellent design, and a great match for the OS .46LA-S. Each different engine will
want a different propeller, and that will change, depending on the muffler and other details. The Fox .35 likes an APC or Master Airscrew wood 10-5.
The Brodak .40, Magnum XLS .36 and OS .40LA-S will be good with an APC 11-4 or 10.5 x 4.5. The OS .46LA-S is generally good with an APC 11.5 x 4. These are all
stock sizes. Testing different propellers and trimming down the diameter, or re-pitching stock sizes is a major source of improved performance, always
a worthwhile and continuing process.
NW Skyraiders Official Flight Instructor:
Vern Bryant (nobblerjr8@msn.com) Available by appointment. Phone 253-887-8834.
