Early (1949) ARFs

I got a letter today inquiring about plans for some 1949 era Old Time planes. One was Smitty's Super Bat rat racer. The others were the BROWN'S Flying Wing and Stunt Trainer.

He sent me copies of the original ads and the Brown's Flying Wing and Stunt Trainer were rather interesting. Neither lists engine size, but the Flying Wing (straight wing with stunt airfoil) was $1.98 and the Stunt Trainer was $2.25. OK, that was 1949 prices. Things have gone up a bit. But the most interesting thing was the both of these included a completely assembled and glued wing. The Stunt trainer was a profile with a split (down the middle) fuselage where the top and bottom half would clamp around the wing. And it couldn't have been too small, because the wing contained 14 (count 'em) ribs.

Now Monocote wasn't available back then, so you would have to cover these, but, think of it, a full built wing in a profile stunt trainer and all for $ 2.25.

Oh, anybody have the plans to any of these?

I don't remember Rat in '49. But I suppose there were Rat Racer-ish planes out there.

Some of the Darwin brand planes from the '50s were ARF-ish. One I recall had a solid wing, already "finished". It was sort of a dark red stain or something, dipped in what might pass (by Ray Charles) for Clear dope.

>I don't remember Rat in '49. But I suppose there were Rat
>Racer-ish planes out there.
>
>Some of the Darwin brand planes from the '50s were ARF-ish.
>One I recall had a solid wing, already "finished". It was
>sort of a dark red stain or something, dipped in what might
>pass (by Ray Charles) for Clear dope.
>
>Currell

The person who sent these to me recalled the date as being around 1949 and the ad copy says "Plans For The All New SUPER BAT High Performance Rat Racer. Advanced construction features. Rugged, dependable for pit stop grind. New patented M type wing design gives extra stability, quick control response, speeds above 100 mph. Contest proven 2 yrs. Span 19 in. Length 18 in. Weight 12 oz excl. engine.

Plans were $1.00 and the address is there. I wonder if I sent him a dollar and a copy of the ad if I would still get them. Um, nah!

Leonard,

Does that effect the definition of the "average kit"

Sorry, I just can't help it, this darn keyboard is obsessed, well maybe it's me. Naw, has to be the keyboard....

Len: Was the "Browns" kit from NYC or Staten Island? Brownie's Hobby Shop is still there, and a terrific place!

See Ya

>Len: Was the "Browns" kit from NYC or Staten Island?
>Brownie's Hobby Shop is still there, and a terrific place!
>
>See Ya
>
>Peabody

Sorry, it is Brow Mfg. Co, 2818 E. 79th, Chicago, Illinois.

" Due to the rapid moving era of model aviation, the Brown Manufacturing Company takes pleasure in presenting a real "Flying Wing". Many Months of experimenting and tests have gone into the "Flying Wing" to bring a real stunt and sport airplane."

Brown MFG. CO. 2818 E. 79th ST. Chicago, Ill.
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The Brown's flying wing was not an ARF. It is not even an ARC. The kit comes with the 2 assembled wing halves which are 14" long. (you have to put on both trailing edges) The wing span is 28", with a chord of 5 1/2". The five spars are hardwood, and the balsa ribs appear to be made of WW II surplus material. The wingtips are square.
The airfoil is symmetrical.

A flat Froom fuel tank is shown mounted in the center of the wing, and is planked over with 1/16" balsa sheet..

The C shaped motor mount/semi fuselage is made from pine, and measures 6" x 3/4" x 1". A picture of an O&R .23 is shown as the power plant. The elevator is a piece of 1/8" x 1" x 8" balsa. There is no rudder.

You are told to hook up your favorite control system.

A picture of a suggested takeoff dolly is included in the plans, with the provision that attached landing gear can be used. Location of the attached landing gear is not shown.

The finished model resembles a "T" Square combat ship from the 1960's. The plans are actually assembly drawings and are not full size.

If built light, a modern .061 or .09 engine would fly this thing. It is designed for motors .19 cu, in. to .30 cu. in. If built from the kit, it would be a dog of monumental proportions, and would probably only fly level.