APRIL RC CLUB FLYERS
PILOT SPEAK By Ray Ihlenburg
IMG_4774.jpg – by Ray Ihlenburg; caption: KAG ready for maiden mission
The Spring Fly-In is just days away! April 5 from 9 am until 1:00 pm to be exact. The models on display and flying are always great to observe; there will be coffee and donuts followed be lunch from the famous RC FLYER grill. This Fly-In a WW I and II ‘gaggle’ is planned. A gaggle is when a bunch of planes from the same era fly together. The WW I planes fly slower and it is easier to see them close together during a fly-by, but the WW II plane are really impressive.
This writer needs a real life subject when starting a new kit. The chance to buy an antique Sterling Kit of the Piper Tri-Pacer (PA-22) presented a challenge. On top of that, a warbird was needed for a future warbird fly in. Some research found KAG, the fighting Tri-Pacer. The following ‘facts’ were taken from a series of articles documenting the restoration of N2650A by owner/pilot Doug Kulick as an exact duplicate of the French Marine Corps aircraft of squadron “KAG”.
It is interesting to learn that the Tri-Pacer was used by five armies. Israel, South Africa, Kenya, Cuba and France, obtained Tri-Pacers in civilian livery and then militarized them. Twelve Tri-Pacers were flown by the French Marine Corps crews within the North African area of operations during France’s Algerian War to preserve their colonial world from November 1, 1954 to March 19, 1962.
The Tri-Pacer was preferred by the French Marine Corps for its high wing that protected the pilot and crew from the African desert and mountain sun. KAG was a FAC (forward air control) in support of the French Foreign Legion calling in artillery and fast-moving bombing aircraft. M-18 smoke and frag grenades in mason jars were rumored to be dropped on targets of opportunity. In addition, the pilot and crew had 30 Cal. Carbines and Browning machine guns. The Fighting Tri-Pacers suffered only one loss when the wind collapsed its hanger.
This kit was basically a free-flight model designed for rudder only using a single channel rubber band escapement. Really old school. The redesign included reducing the dihedral to prototype specifications, designing provisions for the ailerons and fully functioning tail feathers, steerable nose wheel requiring a separate servo, and the provisions for the installation of the electric motor, ESC, and battery compartment as well as access to the radio equipment. The maiden mission will happen as soon as the wind and nerve allow.
The model is covered with olive drab Monokote but will be weathered to resemble a plane operating in the desert sand and sun. The graphics are from Callie Graphics.
DON’T FORGET THE SPRING FLY IN ON APRIL 5TH.