Tucano
Here are a few words from Colin about his latest plane:
45" Tucano
Built from Nigel Hawes (BVR Kits) kit and powered by a Fanfare 20T brushed motor
running on 7 x 2000 nicads driving an 11" prop via an MPJ 3.33:1 gearbox.
Overall weight is just under 3lbs and the balsa used in the construction (yes
all built up!) is the lightest I've ever encountered, yet very strong in
construction design. The markings were done on my computer using the RCM&E
article for guidance and a little research on the 'net' for squadron markings.
First flight on Sunday 5th Dec was an absolute delight, a couple of clicks of
aileron trim and she flew straight and level from a hand launch. The stall is
non existent, just nods its nose and keeps on flying.
Very stable and smooth in flight, it does exactly what every review says it
will.
Brilliant model, and adequately powered... for now! Maybe a brushless will give
it that extra ooomph to keep me on my toes.
Thanks for the photos Colin. From what I saw of it
during the test flights, I think you're onto a winner. It appeared very stable
and controllable, and looks very scale in the air. Super job with the
markings too!!
Here are a few words from Colin on his Tucano:
Following a good level of success with the model using a brushed motor with
gearbox, I decided to bite the bullet and buy a brushless motor. After doing a
bit of research, I opted for a motor supplied by a small company called All
Electric RC. The motor is an AXI lookalike, but at a much better price; it is
a Vortex 35/36/1500 which will quite happily swing a large prop as a direct
drive unit. The resulting improvement in performance was excellent, as the
motor is a lot lighter than the previous motor/gearbox combination. Flight
times on 7 cell 2400mah nicad packs were around 7 or 8 minutes, with better
climb out and power in reserve.
I persuaded my wife to buy me a couple of 3300mah NiMh 8 cell packs for Xmas
and the performance has taken another leap forward. The vertical performance
is enhanced, and flight times are currently in excess of 12 minutes.
I will stay with this set up for now, as I don't want to upgrade to LiPo cells
with all the hassle of new charger, cells etc. I have no doubt that they offer
superior performance, but I can still recommend the lower cost route of nicad
/ nimh cells as a more than viable option. I would recommend the upgrade to
brushless motors though, as their prices are now very competitive and the
advantages are clear in terms of weight and power.
If anyone wants more info on the model and power train, please feel free to
call me