RSM Skylark & Merco 61

LAST EDITED ON Mar-09-06 AT 05:55 PM (CST)
 
RSM has the Skylark and Merco 61 in a combo. Has anyone had experience with this? I know the kit is a plans only build, how difficult is it? How is the Merco 61 regarded? Thanks
Don't Know how I did this I'm in the wrong place.

Hi Lee,
The Merco is a brick and can not hold a candle to a ST V .60 or G .51. Skylark is a fine ship. The Merco probably runs ok, but if you want to run a .60 go for the good one .ST V .60 or a Double Stat.60 the ST clone. I know you may here how wonderful the Merco's are. Just see how many use them. Merco has changed hands a number of times and some real bad ones out there. Current production I hear is much better. Cheers,Dan

LAST EDITED ON Mar-09-06 AT 10:53 PM (CST)
 
Hey Lee:
The RSM Skylark actually builds into your choice of three different versions.
The 35-40 size is about 52" span, the 46 size is 56.5", and the 60 version about 60" span. Nothing else really changes except the wing and stab/elevator spans.
To me, and not being critical, it would seem the Fuselage would look outsized on the shorter span ship, maybe a little undersized on the 60' span ship but the 56.5". I have done a total of 3 of the 56.5" so called .46 sized Skylarks and the 4th is coming together. These have been from both Southwick plans and RSM plans
They are pretty easy builders, nothing strange about them, particularly the RSM version which uses a different(easier)wing system. Another unusual, and in my mind undesirable feature is that the design is built around using a shaft extension. Definitely needed on short shafted engines to get a decent cowl. Might can engineer around it if using a longer shaft.
All of mine have wound up nose heavy BTW which further discourages the Merco 61 in my mind. One other
An ST 46 would be the cat's meow. However, if you are like me and out of ST 46's, an LA 46 works well. My current version, though heavy seems pretty well powered by a Stuka Stunt modified OS 35FP and I can use lighter lines. It does not have a whole lot of time on the airplane engine combo so time will tell us more. Even more power(ST G51) would not be all bad if you can make it all fit in and work.
Later
Jim
Oh, almost forgot. The 56.5" 46 sized version is classic legal, the .60 size is not. The 52" version is an improved version of the Sterling kit and is deemed classic legal also.

My Skylark used a Super Tigre 46 and mine turned out nose heavy. It took lead in the tail and removal of everything I could from the front to get it to balance. I would not use anything larger or heavier than the ST 46 and really watch the nose construction weight.
Since the original's used an unmuffled McCoy 40, the nose should be shorter to use the modern engines, but then they look different.
Chris...

To add to Dankar, if it is the Merco 61 with the black case and large "MERCO" on the transfer, FORGET IT. They were a total waste of time with bad fitting/manufactured cylinders etc.

>To add to Dankar, if it is the Merco 61 with the black case
>and large "MERCO" on the transfer, FORGET IT. They were a
>total waste of time with bad fitting/manufactured cylinders
>etc.
>
>HH

I believe that the Merco in question is the one being made by Ian Russel which has nothing to do with previous Mercos at all. Those that have bought anything fron Ian know that they are first class products. As to their lack of presence it may simply be because of availability and prejudice or the mystique of the ST or anything else you can conjure up. But the bottom line is this is not the Premier Plastic black case Mercos or the earlier twin plug Mercos or any copy of previous offerings. They fit into ST60 bolt pattern and while I don't have one I have heard only positive comments on their running and handling charateristics.
Dennis

LAST EDITED ON Apr-18-06 AT 07:06 AM (CST)
 
Now that's a different story. A great looking engine. Got a 61 from Ian but as yet un-run as model is still under construction. Also, for those looking for a 40, you can't go past Ian's R/Merco 40 as well. Plenty of power, easy starting and a great smooth run.

I am one of the few who really like the Merco .61 and although it's likely you'll not see many posts saying so,its' weight isn't a big problem - it takes a lot less lead to balance a slightly nose heavy ship than it does one that is tail heavy. Just remember that the Merco may require a bit more pitch in the prop than the Super Tigre as it has most of it's grunt at somewhat lower RPMs than the Tigre and don't build a "lead sled" and it will be just fine.

Reading through this I think there may be some confusion about these engines. I have two Rustler-Merco 61 Stunt Engines in production. The first is on the old side exhaust c/case, and it is anodised black. £80, plus £10.50 for muffler if required. It is distinguished from any other SE Merco by the fact that the R in MERCO is highlighted (for Rustler) while the rest of the word is black. In case anyone polishes up the R in their Premier Merco, mine is true ABC, not ABN. In my opinion it is much underated!
The other is the new Metamorph side/rear exhaust AAC engine. Under 12.5oz. inc. muffler, 6 point mount. £130.

Hello Ian where would be able to see or find more info on the motors you sell? Thanks

Dennis Pedersen <><

RSM distributes the meRco engines.

Dennis, you just have to ask me. I don't have a web site. I hope to one day! Maybe.

Ian:
Does the new "Metamorph 61" fit ST60 mountings?
Jim D.

>Ian:
>Does the new "Metamorph 61" fit ST60 mountings?
>Jim D.

Jim, yes it does.