It's all about balance..

KariFS wrote:
That picture got me thinking, theoretically the ideal "vertical" CoG position would be exactly at the line of the crankshaft. Then, of course the centerline of the aerodynamic drag should also be at the same line. I recall you already made a completely symmetrical model for inverted flying? Maybe symmetry would be beneficial for a speed model too. Less forces and moments fighting each other => less drag?

Hey Kari, The closest I've come to a fully symmetrical airframe design is my little Voodoo (Phred's Phalt).. but even that does not have a 100% symmetrical airfoil. It uses an Ace foam-core which has slightly more camber to it's top surface. I imagine that Ace designed it this way to provide some lifting characteristics.. but then; they weren't in the business of designing C/L airplanes either. The Wooten Voodoo is close to 100% symmetrical I believe. I'd like to see Rusty build/fly one of those! With the stunt-skills he's acquired, I'll bet he'd have a ball with it!

Sorry, I guess my memory doesn't serve me. I remember a symmetrical frame and somebody making a joke that the builder should add landing gear on the "top" side too You have published so many new ideas here that I automatically thought the symmetric plane was yours too.

Anyway, that Bear is a good and fast looking plane even without the paint

KariFS wrote:Sorry, I guess my memory doesn't serve me. I remember a symmetrical frame and somebody making a joke that the builder should add landing gear on the "top" side too  You have published so many new ideas here that I automatically thought the symmetric plane was yours too.

Anyway, that Bear is a good and fast looking plane even without the paint

Kari, no need to apologize. I do remember mentioning "Level-Louie".. a fella that used to fly with my dad, uncle and grandfather. He put landing gear on the topside of one of his C/L stunters. He was a timid flyer.. and was always worried about running out of fuel while inverted. I probably killed someone else's thread with that story..    

Thanks TONS for your compliments on the Rare Bear. I took lots of photos during construction.. and then there was the hard-tank work. There's dozens of photos in that folder. The build pics are fun to look back on. I was super-focused then.. but haven't been able to get back there again.

Some of my favorites..

Early-on with a Babe Bee and lengthened wing-tips.




White-wash..



Gold belly-trim..