Ken's Kreutzer

Ken Jones has sent in some details about his superbly detailed model of the Kreutzer.  Here is a bit of info about the full size aircraft.

The first Kreutzer was built in 1928 in California. Following various upgrades in the engine department and other improvements it ended up as the K5 with 3 x 100 HP Kinner engines. Only a handful were ever made, the company being killed off by the 1929 financial crash and today there is only one remaining example. This was rescued in the early 80's from a high altitude airstrip in Mexico where it had been abandoned for 40 years.  It was restored by Greg Herrick and flew again in 1999.

Why build a Kreutzer?

When wondering what to build next I was considering a De Havilland Rapide. I picked up an Aeroplane Monthly as it had an interesting article on Rapides which looked useful. However,on the cover was a lovely shot of the Kreutzer and an article inside referred to an earlier issue which included a 3 view drawing. I contacted Aeroplane Monthly and got the last available back issue. Enthusiasm grew for the Kreutzer as I was confident it would never be available as an ARTF and I didn't think anyone else would have one and that is a good enough reason to give it a go.

The Model.

View from inside looking               The model on the tarmac at AD

at the detailed construction of

the fuselage.

Some brilliant work and effort in producing those dummy radial engines.

Basic details of model:

Scale 1:6

Span 96ins

Chord 14ins

Wing section: Gottingen 398

Covering: Supershrink Polyester (solarfilm product) Power 2 wing mounted ASP Four stroke 30's and a single OS 48 Four stroke at the front end.

Radio: My ancient Sanwa with a collection of various servos. SM services opto-isolator (Unless someone who has upgraded to 2.4 has a better offer!)  You'll be lucky NB

Nice shots of the model on the strip at the field.

Construction:

Very conventional balsa and ply for the main parts except the front engine struts which are carbon tubes. All the struts are fully working as are the UC units. The dummy engines are mostly ply but the collector rings are Vac formed Polystyrene with PS inlet and outlet manifolds. Rocker covers are resin cast. All the Aluminium parts are hand beaten and engine turned to achieve the look you see. Not a quick job!

 When is she going to fly?

I'm about to start covering which shouldn't take too long. Then it's the big assemble. Should be ready for late spring/early summer providing I can make the ASP's behave. (Thanks to all those who have made helpful suggestions for improving performance)

 Lovely Model Ken, cant wait to see it's maiden!