Gold Brick

I noticed two examples of Wild Bill's 'Gold Brick' design at this year's VSC. I find it attractive in a pseudo art deco 1950's kind of way. Reminds me of some of the Enterprise kits that do things with the tips and rudder to bring some style to the design.

Here's some photos, with an intent to spark some discussion on the merits of the design.

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Wild Bill's own copy. Is this the original or a recreation?

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A fine example in the courtyard. Lovely look of extra nose ribs and translucent cover. Seems like an I-Beam wing. Whose airplane?

Sunlit view on the flying field.

Why no spinners?

Let's hear the stories associated with this design...

Cy

I believe that the second one is by Doc Hollidy (have no idea how to spell his name.

It is John (Doc) Holiday's Gold Brick. Very nicely done. He had it over at our club meeting just before VSC. And, he flew it in our contest Memorial Day weekend. The covering is cloth; can't remember if it is silk or what. Said he got it at a fabric shop.

Wild Bill told me that he designed this airplane as a protest against the appearance point rules of that time. The aerodynamic numbers are correct on the design; the aesthetics aren't.

That's interesting.

The plane has a certain charm. Not what you would call stylish, but at the same time it is consistent in the style it is trying to achieve, which is retro- 50's quaint, or something.

Does it fly well?

Anyone have plans?

I can verify that the "Wild Bill" Goldbrick flies very well. Bill also told me that this was a "protest", but I didn't follow his reasoning at the time. Hey; as long as you are going to spend time and $$ building something, why not a plane that looks neat: like a Palmer Smoothie or T-Bird?

I'm presently stripping my Palmer VENUS because the silk and Aero Gloss have become brittle and has split. So now SGM silkspan and Brodak dope from now on.

I'm using Jasco stripper. It has methelyne chloride which is tough on the skin. I use disposable gloves, but I can't find a size glove large enough for my big hands.

Did you try the hospital supply?

I use disposable gloves, but I can't
>find a size glove large enough for my big hands.
>
>Floyd

Hello Floyd,

My friendly dentist got me a box of 100 size X Large at a medical supply business. I could only find up to Large at outher sources. I wear a size 15 wedding ring if that is of any use in judging sizes.