The other end of the stooge....

About to do the "all by myself" thing and was wondering about the plane side of the stooge. What kind of set-up should I do on the tail of the plane. I'm thinking a loop end wire with a 30 degree back bend and epoxy cloth over the wire. I just don't want the plane to take off without me. Is this sufficent enough?

Generally Yes, however instead of the epoxy bound cloth think about wrapping with copper wire and soldering.

I just designed, built, and field tested my first stooge. I am happy to report it works as desired. I am a novice who flys alone frequently. I would at least pull test any setup to 15lbs or so with a fish scale or equal so to ensure there are no suprises with your setup.

>I just designed, built, and field tested my first stooge. I
>am happy to report it works as desired. I am a novice who flys
>alone frequently. I would at least pull test any setup to
>15lbs or so with a fish scale or equal so to ensure there are
>no suprises with your setup.

Trouble is, tail wheels break. Stooge wires break. It can be good now, but a few more flexes and it isn't. I would either use cable, anchored securely and with the ends wrapped like you would your lines, or a good, strong wire for the stooge attachment--overkill!

Better yet...

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SLD's (self launching devices).


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I built this mini-flat top for launching 1/2A thru .15-size planes that can't get off the grass.
The carpet helps keep the airplane stabilized and pointing downrange.

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The "bidness end" is similar to an off-the-shelf Brodak unit, 'cept it's made from two nylon nose gear brackets.

It works perfectly. Just give up a little altitude in exchange for airspeed, in the style of Jimmy Doolittle.

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Hi Rob,

I use a stooge similar to Leonard. Only difference is the hardware. All this can be bought at Lowes or Home Depot.

Mike



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Tend to kick two long screwdrivers into the ground.

Use a loop of rope ? 4 - 5 m. m. dia. secured
around one, about two ft long . Softish rope .

stooge line ends in a 20 in length of music wire
catching the other end of the loop - strop. Which
is put under elevator over in front of fin ,then
back under elevator.

Upholsterers thread is o.k. for stooge line ,
in desperation you can snap it bare handed
as everything gets all tangled up in the lines !

The 100 Ft. length of light rope makes the plane tail heavy
if you manage to take of with it somehow attached.
Though makes it easy to find the handle following it./
and helps define 'the centre '.

I leave a little bow slack at the plane so its NOT under tension
as vibration can do stange things, tho not normally 20 inches worth.
tho the inner ends angled Fwd. also.

Studying the 'PIN ' vibrating out can firm your resolution
on such matters. Also long grass - passpellum catching the wires on
the take of roll can grab your attention smartly. So if its about
get rid of the tall bits in front of the lines.

And ALLWAYS double check connections and handles upright.
Red for up ? Id prefer green . My spiked handles a bit awkward
if upside down . The fith take of attempt we flipped it over after it took of on full DOWN. At last !
Waving the spike around in front of your face puts you off a bit .

Weve taken of up hill ,into the wind sucessfully after sundown thus
equipped . You can see the plane if its above the horizon.

Cow Paddock Matt.

I go for simplicity. I use a 2 inch piece of aluminum window channel screwed to the battery shelf on my Craft-Aire yellow plastic field box. I drilled a hole through the channel legs for the wire pin which holds the 550 cord/parachute cord that wraps around the planes tail. The pin is activated by very old Kevlar flying line. No extra set up involved, just run the release line out and your ready to go. I wind the line on a plastic handle from a kite. It looks like a small u/c handle.
Perry Rose

This is the first time that I've posted in this forum!!!

I am using a modified remote control module (for the Xmas light) to activate an auto door lock solenoid to release the airplane.


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I also use my toolbox as the weight to hold the stooge.


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Sean

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