Gilbert, something a little different

I don't know, stars and bars could be airbrushed or cut of vinyl, checkerboard patten must be commercial. All nicely done but could be a big disapppointment. The staining on the canopys clip indicates that it has been fueled and ran. But we will see.

Whoever did it had a talent that I don't.

Nice plane. Pictures are a bit confusing to me though, maybe just the angle at what they were taken. Is the wing flat in that shape, or is it a gull-wing?

NEW222 wrote:Nice plane. Pictures are a bit confusing to me though, maybe just the angle at what they were taken. Is the wing flat in that shape, or is it a gull-wing?

Flatter than a pancake Chancey.

Thanks for clearing that up for me. The pictures sure played mind games with me earlier!

Looking at the shape of the wing, you might almost assume that the original design had a balance problem, so the wing was shifted back half and inch or so.
Then again, they might have just been trying to cash in on the stylish leading edge design of the Mustang.

It's design is different from most plastic airplanes, seem's that Gilbert was serious about flying and did not attempt to "clone" any established military or civilian design.  From the position of the engine to the fuel tank, to the complicated and yet to be understood bell crank, to the airfoil wing and large tail surfaces, it, unlike the majority of plastic models was meant to be flown.  

Additionally, it's ease of disassembly/assembly, multiple drain holes in the fuselage, strong landing gear reenforced to the fuselage with four guide posts and a plate, threaded engine mounts secured with washers, lock washers, spacers and a securing nut ensure that the motor will stay in place.

I'm yet to understand those horizontal and vertical leadout holes in the wing guide.



And, there is something to be said about locating the needle valve back away from the propeller.

By the way, I snipped off those fishermans thingies.

BTW 2. If you think working with a plastic airplane is easy. It's not. Give me a balsa airplane anytime for ease in build/repair.

Bob,
Since you have a full-on Gilbert plane/engine combo, I'd like for you to entertain a notion please.

You mentioned tank placement. Is the tank centered on the spare bar's jet/hole? I ask because this engine appears to favor a high-mounted tank with the intake port so high.

I just got through reading an older thread about the Gilbert .11, and it was mentioned that an All American Trainer (26") would be an ideal plane for this engine. That plane is a low/mid-wing model with the crank centerline up high in the nose. Considering tanks are "supposed to be" centered on the spray bar, or rather, the center of the venturi where the NVA passes, in this model this leaves little room for a shallow, but long tank above the wing.

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=347

I'm considering modifying the AA to be shoulder-wing with inverted engine and the tank down low. Moving the engine upright, but low so the tank is above the wing will only lead to prop strikes.

What do you think? Your answers regarding Gilbert's OEM solution will be of significant influence.

Oh, and an alternative plane may be to provide Capt Black Hawk another 27" Mosquito, but with upright Gilberts and the tanks ABOVE the wing. He still needs a ride, and I kept the canopy from the last one...just in case. Anyway, that places the tanks centered on the NVA, and gets the tanks away from controls. Even better may be to invert, or sidewind the engines, mount the tanks as appropriate (sidewinders would have the venturies inboard with tanks also inboard) and move controls above the wings  The bonus is I get to use the two Gilberts that fell into my lap.

Thanks in advance.

HIya Bob! You have been rescuing these AC Gilberts, so you might know if this one is worth the asking price. It's on Facebook and ships from Ohio.
 

Jim, review this thread, it will answer some of your questions. Kim running it and his picture of the position of the fuel tank relative to the engine. George's interest in the AA also.

https://www.coxengineforum.com/t16249-bob-s-gilbert-skyflash-bob-s-extra-11-runs-on-a-test-stand?highlight=gilbert

Rene, for that price (about what I paid for the subject model) I would jump on it. Trainer version with clear windshields, engine complete with exhaust stacks, and a different spinner from the button type usually seen. Had it been on ebay BIN for that price it would be mine. But then, I'm just a wild and crazy guy...........

Got the starry Gilbert today.  Vinyl appliques over paint, nicely done.  Asked the seller if it had been fueled and flown, I'm pretty sure it has.  Don't want to take apart to find out.  It remains a shelf queen.  





Rene, did you ever inquire about the one you pictured?