Crusader info???

I'm curious about the Crusader by Mackey. The pod and boom construction gives it an individual look... (RSM has a kit available). I did a quick search of the archives and didn't see much. Comments indicate that there were some changes in the design from the original to the kit (surprise, surprise...). Does any body know how it changed? Also, is this a flapped stunter? Do the flaps extend full span or just the space between the tail booms?

>I'm curious about the Crusader by Mackey. The pod and boom
>construction gives it an individual look... (RSM has a kit
>available). I did a quick search of the archives and didn't
>see much. Comments indicate that there were some changes in
>the design from the original to the kit (surprise,
>surprise...). Does any body know how it changed? Also, is
>this a flapped stunter? Do the flaps extend full span or
>just the space between the tail booms?

It has full-span flaps. The construction article is in Flying Models, early '60s- I'd have to go pull the issue to tell you the exact one. Pretty good article- most FM articles were fairly brief in the old days. One thing Mackey said that was interesting was that the ship's design was intended to look different, as he felt this was an important addition in contest flying that would help catch the judge's eyes and hold their attention on your presentation- rather than having a look-alike model. If you need a copy of the article, let me know.

J.

Remember that copies of old articles are available from PAMPA Services, aka Capt. Curt here on SSW. There were at least 3 twin boom Mackey designs, the Junkers Gobbleswantz and Carousel being the others. The latter has a high mounted stabalizer, which seems like it would be a problem. Generally, the design type has some issues, with a lot of flap joiners, control system duplicity, etc., causing weight increases. Very cool looking, tho. I have a Gobbleswantz built by Lou Wolgast, who put in a ST .60 instead of the original Fox .35! Haven't decided on power yet, but DS .60 Lite seems likely, with SSW ASP .53 or GMA Magnum .53 being likely alternates. Steve

I've always liked these double boom models myself but have never built one due to the issues you bring up Steve. Having flown F1B and used alot of carbon fiber I'm rethinking the issues, I think the weight problem could be overcome while maintaining good structural strength, but all the connectors and gizmos still put me off.

I've always been partial to the Carousel even with its high elevator, but I'm more likely to chose a model on its asthetics then anything, that's what got me back into stunt, the Classics.

LAST EDITED ON May-30-03 AT 10:46 AM (CDT)
 
Randy,

Well, Jack Sheeks sure liked twin boomed planes. There are several that are classic legal. I always like the Sea Vixen and Bewitched.

Randy,

I am familiar with both those models and still prefer the Carousel. I think the Sea Vixen is actually an R/C model.

I was at the Nats in 1958 and watched the Gobblewantz fly in
the Walker Cup fly off. Seemed to fly well, the plane weighed
in at 58oz, and used 70ft lines, after he completed the pattern
he landed and taxied till he ran out of fuel!

Walter:+

Go to 1959 Flying Models October page 12.

>Also, is this a flapped stunter? Do the flaps extend full span or
>just the space between the tail booms?

Hof, the Crusader was published in Flying Models March, 1960. The flaps are only between the booms, not full span like the Gobbleswantz and others. The magazine contains full size parts such as wing ribs and the main plan page contains lots of dimensions so it would be quite easy to create basic full size drawings. To my knowledge, a full size plan was never available.

The Nov/Dec 2002 issue of Stunt News has some pictures of a lovely Crusader built by Richard Carville. Richard says the aircraft flies half decent but it lands but it refuses to land. Apparently his drops like an elevator. Richard is looking for ideas as to why his model has such strange landing characterisitics.

PS Randy: I have the full size Carousel plan.
Eggy

Call up Jach Sheeks he has a lot of information on that plane. I talked to him about it a few years ago and I think they had to put the stab in at a angle to get it to fly right. Jack is in the Pampa dir.
Ed Ruane

Eggy,

Could I get a copy from you?

>Eggy,
>
>Could I get a copy from you?
>
>Randy Ryan

Yes, do you also need the magazine article?

Eggy,

Thanks. Have the article, just need the plans.