SLOPING OFF...
...the Newsletter of Christchurch and District Model Flying Club for...March 2024
MISS PHILADELPHIA
by John Taylor
The original design by the American modeller Maxwell Bassett was built and flown in 1934.It was 8ft span and powered by a 10cc petrol engine.Because he always had problems starting the engine if it was inverted he mounted it upright and as it was a long stroke motor the model looked odd with a very low thrust line.This set up was similar to later design pylon models and made his design one of the best free flight duration models.
In 1990 Frank Smith from the Northhampton club built this model to experiment with electric power.He scaled the model down to 6ft span and fitted a 540 brushed Buggy motor.This drove through a home made 3.5 to 1 reduction gear [see pic].Prop size unknown and battery details are not known.This model did fly free flight and the plans were published in 1990
After Frank Smith died his model was added to David Baker’s vast collection of vintage models. David was the founder of SAM 1066.This is a nationwide club of modellers who build and fly vintage free flight models.For more details just google SAM 1066.When He passed away his collection of old models was distributed among SAM1066 members. Miss Philladelphia came to me. After some repair to the cabin area and removing warps in the wing and tail I cut into the outline of the fin and tail to create a rudder and elevator.The old motor was replaced with a brushless motor and Spektrum radio installed.To get the CG in the right place I fitted 7cell sub c NiMh. Ready to fly the Model weighed just 2lb6oz. At this weight the model flies at a very sedate pace and is a pleasure to see an Old Timer back in the sky.My flight log shows that over the last 20 flights the average flight duration was 17mins 30 seconds.The best flight was 39 mins.
Tech details.
Span 72ins
Weight 2lbs 6oz.
Motor A 2217-9T 950K
Prop 9x5 90Watt 7000 rpm.
