My "Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Fly" Flying Fool

Kim Sun Jul 16, 2023 11:30 pm

Got this almost ready-to-go Flying Fool biplane at the SIRS Fun-Fly last weekend. Its builder REALLY tried to take it to another level in finish and pursuit of the box model's box art.

The plane has an extreme nostalgic draw for me (I know...I got a lot of those "draws") as I'd attempted to build the kit me dad bought for me right before he bailed on us in the mid-1960's. I was 12 at the time, and totally ill-equipped to even try such a project.

A year later, my Uncle Wayne took the kit and "un-built" the small bit of work I'd tried to do on it, finishing the plane and giving me back a ready to fly model.

Unfortunately, I'd only flown it a few times before it fell victim to a younger brother, who fell spread-eagle across it, crushing the wings, and breaking off the tail.

The Flying Fool is not considered to be a good stunter because of its weight, but I'll be TOTALLY happy if we can pull off a few loops and wing-overs....and MAYBE some inverted stuff once we get to know each other.

Its engine is an appropriate size Enya .19 TV, and I'll be adding an exhaust collector to try and aim most of the castor out and away from its frame.

Today, I took it to the airport for some ramp photos. I'll probably pull the Enya for some test stand running...it appears to have never seen fuel, and may also try to reinforce the infamous cabane strut that seems to be the death of so many of these "Fools".

There will, of course, be video when it flys.

My short-lived original Flying Fool, staged up on the sidewalk on a Sunday morning.

My "Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Fly" Flying Fool Captur15

My "Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Fly" Flying Fool 100_52

My "Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Fly" Flying Fool 105_19

My "Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Fly" Flying Fool 109_11

My "Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Fly" Flying Fool 110_25

My "Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Fly" Flying Fool 111_11

My "Almost-Too-Pretty-to-Fly" Flying Fool Dsc_0156

Ken Cook Mon Jul 17, 2023 12:20 am

It looks terrific Kim, nice color scheme. Ken

Kim Mon Jul 17, 2023 1:00 am

Ken Cook wrote: It looks terrific Kim, nice color scheme. Ken

Thank You Ken!!
Wish I could take credit for it. She will look good in the circle!

GallopingGhostler Mon Jul 17, 2023 1:01 am

Kim, that Flying Fool, your friend did a really nice finish on it, top notched. Your engine is not a .19-V TV, it is a 19-V. I have the exact same engine with venturi, bought it NOS for a a reasonable cost may be 10 years ago complete with plastic case, when engines didn't quite command some of the crazy prices I see now.

I also have its cousin, the R/C version Enya .19-VI TV, which is also a sweet little engine.

Congrats on your acquisition. Looking at your earlier black & white photo reminds me of my 12 inch wingspan Walt Musciano Scientific Little Bipe. It had similar cabin struts, 1/8th inch thick sheet balse wings with round wing tips, hollow log with open cockpit, Babe Bee powered.

NEW222 Mon Jul 17, 2023 3:09 am

What a beautiful looking plane. Heck, I would be too scared to even fly it.

getback Mon Jul 17, 2023 1:53 pm

Very Nice Kim , hope it fly's as good as it looks Very Happy

MauricioB Mon Jul 17, 2023 2:40 pm

hello Kim, that biplane is beautiful, congratulations on your purchase!... surely we will see it in action soon.
Biplanes have a special charm, the ACE ALL STAR KIT is still waiting for me... at some point I'll start it, yes at R/C!
Hug Kim, I accompany you with all that enthusiasm!

Kim Mon Jul 17, 2023 2:44 pm

getback wrote:Very Nice Kim , hope it fly's as good as it looks

Thanks Eric!!!
I figure to fly it at Breezy Hill, among my like-minded comrades!!! Though I'm hopeful that it WILL NOT "re-kit" itself in mid-air like my buddy Billy's did!!!

Levent Suberk Mon Jul 17, 2023 7:20 pm

It is good looking model Kim Very Happy

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