Crash Test Staggerwing

The 29.5" span rubber-powered free-flight version of 1937 Beechcraft Model 20M twin Staggerwing concept design had a mishap...make that two. Both were caused by one of the props locking up, or having the RPM significantly lowered at launch. Not wanting to have this happen a third time, I built a faux nacelle for testing purposes, which allowed me to get a clear view of what happens to the motor & prop shaft at max winds. Filmed by Tom Hallman, with contributions from Charlie Sauter. Music via ArtList.io.

**This test is valuable information for any model that either has a tight nose or tail, or is trying to squeeze long motors into a narrow or short space.**

Major thanks to friend & mentor Bob Wetherall, who turned me on to this design in October of 2024. He wrote, "...The attached file (sketch) is a kind of food for thought suggestion in case you are looking for another concept idea for a build. It has a retro futuristic look that could enable some artistic license. Could end up a capable flyer..."

Son of a gun, he knew for sure it would turn my head! Thx again, Bob.

Balsa Central, is a source for terrific balsa. Go to balsa sheets, select a width & length group, select a thickness, then select Aerolite, which is 4-6lb balsa density: https://aero.balsacentral.com.au

Beechcraft concept designs article: https://kingairmagazine.com/article/b...

*** 10 steps to trimming a rubber model, by John Koptonak: http://www.flyingacesclub.com/PFFT/Tr...

Also, these tutorials from Easy Built Models: https://easybuiltmodels.com/tips.htm#...

Geneseo FAC Nats Journals from 2016 & 2018: http://www.maxfliart.com

For more info on free-flight rubber-powered models, check these websites:
https://brooklyn-balsa.square.site
http://www.easybuiltmodels.com/
https://volare-products.myshopify.com
http://www.flyingacesclub.com
National Free Flight Society - https://freeflight.org/
Mike Stuart's Flying Scale Models - http://www.ffscale.co.uk/
https://www.freeflightsupplies.co.uk