First tests on the Brodak Cardinal ARF P

We were able to fly the plane at KOI on Friday and, to summarize, IT'S A WINNER.
Were it not for a lean setting, I could have easily done the pattern on the first flight. A number of people tried it and all feedback was positive.
Details: Engine - Brodak .40 with Bro-Zam muffler
Tank - Brodak 4 ounce, deep rectangular, fuel filter
Prop - Top Flite 11-6 wide blade wood
Spinner - 2" plastic
Lines - 58 ft, .015". Hot Rock handle
Weight ~ 42 ounces
Trim - engine offset zero, slight rudder offset,
a bit too much line rake, zero tip weight (the outboard tip
is solid and just heavy enough)
The engine was reset to a moderate 2/4 break and the plane
just went where it was pointed - no surprises.
Kirk Wicker flew it for the first time in an official flight and did extremely well. He placed second in beginner at his first contest with a plane he never flew before. What does that tell me? He won't be flying beginner for very long!
Feel free to contact me with any questions relating the the plane and it's flying. All questions regarding cost and delivery should be directed to Brodak Mfg.
Bob Zambelli

And, some pictures.

Correction on the spinner - it's a 2" aluminum one. The plastic one is on the Oriental. Also, the tank shown is a 3 ounce. The one used Friday is the same type but 4 ounce.
Bob

What is the engine mount system ure using?
Thanks

Hey, Z-Man.

What covering material is used?

Thanks.

Hi, Mike, Hi, Sour!
Two answers:
1) The engine mount system is comprised of two aluminum bars that clamp the engine to the bearers. John Brodak sells it, Windy uses it on the B-25 and I highly recommend it. There are four brass inserts threaded/epoxied into the bearers and the clamping bolts thread into them. The nice thing is that they accommodate a variety of engine as well as permitting some for-and-aft along with thrustline adjustments.
2) Super Monocote - at least it appears that way. It has all the characteristics and seems to adhere and shrink well.

I hope these two close ups show how well done it is.
Bob

Very nice ARF. It really appears to be a very high quality product.

Its a nice model. I was lucky enough to be on the handle for one of the test flights. Flies very much like the kit one I used to have, except the wing is truer on the ARF. I think this model is really going to change the profile stunt event, as I expect to see hordes of them showing up at the contests. With the clamp motor mount it will be fun to hang various engines on it and see what they do.

The model was well executed, about the only change I sugested to Bob Z was making sure the 1/8 wire gear mounting was secured a bit better.

When they come out I will be sure to get one!

As stated above I was given the chance to fly the ARF Cardinal in the beginners class at the KOI. My first flight was on the rich side, but the plane flew thru the pattern just fine. There is more than likely to much rudder off set right now but I will fly the plane some more before I change it if needed. I can also work with the leadout guides too to get things tracking better. In the squares the wing didn't seem to pop or anything bad for that matter so as Bob said the tip weight could be right on.

The gear as is now is a piano wire type with 90 degree bends into the fuse. The wire gear will chew up the balsa inside and loosen the gear legs. As mentioned above on a previous reply, it will be addressed. I will be putting in a hard wood dowel and this should make for a good hard area for the gear.

Other than these few small adjustments the plane is fine as is. As I put more time on the plane we'll see what if anything shows up that may need to be looked at. For now I really think this plane is a winner and is going to be a plane that everyone will be happy to own.