Joker

G'day,

I've just been given some plans for the Models Unlimited Joker, designed for by OK Foster and HM Bourgeois. The plans do not show a date. I'm thinking of building one for vintage stunt here in Oz. We get points depending on the age of the model and the documentation.

So...
Does anyone know the age of this design?
Can anyone provide some sort of documentation to prove this - photocopy of a magazine article or advertisement or contest results or something?

And now for the biggie:
How would one of these critters fly with a Frog 500 up front?

I saw Hank B. at the '49 U.S Nats flying what I believe was the Joker, Super Cyclone 60 for power. He had several similar models Joker, Jester etc. so not positive but think it was the Joker. Roy DeCamara is presently flying a Joker with the Cyke on spark ignition in OTS. Maybe he can add to this with more definitive info. The airplane seems to fly pretty darn good too.

Model Airplane News, Oct, 1948, Page 28 #6, Photo of original Joker. Comment about #6, page 58,

"No. 6, sent in by Capt H. M. Bourgeois, was designed and built by O. K. Foster (address). The Joker is powered by an Anderson Spitfire and does 90 mph, weighs 2 lb. 14 oz. Note 'Hap' the hot pilot, in the cockpit with complete radio gear and instrument panel. Plane has an hand rubbed finish of feather grey, trimmed in trumpet gold with carmen red pin stripe. The super finish and details were necessary to win the 85 points given for finish and workmanship in a stunt contest held on the West Coast. The Joker is a very stable flyer and capable of any maneuver possible with a controliner. Incidentally, the plane is six months old and has over 500 flights (with nary a crackup) to its credit. Photo was take by Norman T. Van Pelt who is a controline modeler and master photographer."

Given that the October issue was published in August, adding two months lead time between the writing of the letter and the publication of the picture, plus the six months mentioned; it is very likely the airplane existed in some form during 1947. A later 1948 MAN has it listed, in an ad,as an available kit.

I flew my Viking against Roy last year at Brodak's. He is a very capable pilot and the Joker is an excellent flying airplane. His plane was, in my opinion, the best OTS bird at the meet.

Bob Z

Thanks for that Jim - that's perfect. Would you be able to scan the article for me and email it to me? Or if not, post it? I'm in Adelaide, Sth Aust and while I'd like to drop in and collect it personally, I don't think my wife would give me the travelling budget this year.

Sorry, I don't have a scanner. There is an icon for making a printer friendly version of a post. If that doesn't work, give me your snail mail address and I'll send you a xerox copy.

Jim [email protected]