Curtis L. Olson

My Super Sportster 60 Project

I started this project in HS in early 1985. This kit was my Christmas present (thanks Mom and Dad!) I put it on hold for a while when I went to college. Then post college came along and my first real full time job, then grad school, then marriage ... leaving not enough time for other hobbies. Recently my interest was rekindled and I hope to have this big bird finished some time this spring (2000.)

Well, I'm looking at this and it's May 2005 so I guess I missed my target of Spring, 2000 by just a little bit. What are you going to do? 2 kids, 2 dogs, grass to mow, there are just too many things going on these days. So there she sits, but I'll get back to her someday, I promise. :-)

Construction

Construction began early in 1985, as I said, but was put on hold for several years. At the time, I had finished most of the wood work, but still had a few details such as the ailerons and wing fairings to finish up ... plus plenty of sanding of course.

The kit (60 size) originally came with 40 size ailerons, but I called up Great Planes and they sent out the proper part right away, so no complaints there.

This is my 5th R/C plane, my first tail dragger, and my first plane with a glass/epoxy strengthened wing center section. I hope it all holds together. :-)

ss60-01
Wishing for a bigger "work shop". 		ss60-02
Almost done with the woodwork. The pieces are starting to come together. 		ss60-03
A close up of the tail section showing some damage that occurred when the plane escaped it's ceiling mounts one day.
ss60-04
A profile shot. 		ss60-05
The plans. Did I mention that this plane has classic and very beautiful lines? 		ss60-07
A close up of the wing fairings in progress. Fitting these three pieces of wood was probably one of the more difficult parts of building this plane.
ss60-06
Fitting the fairings under the wing. 		ss60-08
A profile shot with the canopy set in place ... looks like I have some sanding to do before it will fit.

Engine

I have a K&B 61 Sportster engine that was bought at the same time as the kit back in 1984. It is the exact engine that is inked onto the plans and is brand new, in the box, never been ran. I thought that was kind of cool. I'm sure that modern engines can generate a bit more power, but I'm going to have a go with this combination.

Radio

I recently purchased a Futaba 6XAS 6 channel radio to go into this plane. It's one of these new fangled computer radios. Maybe I'll have to stick each aileron on it's own servo so I can do flaperons?

Comments

So far I'm absolutely in love with this plane. I saw a 40 sized Super Sportster flying one day at the club field and was absolutely impressed with it's rock solid, flying on rails tendencies. If my version flies even half as well, I will be very happy. :-)

Updates

August 19, 2000: I have begun to install the radios and linkages. AKA: "Fun with servo buzzing" and "Why the heck did I glue that there?". This is my first model where the rudder and elevator are connected via "golden rod." I'm finding that this approach is a lot more picky about where the rod exits relative to the control horns and servos.
Servos
Detail of the elevator, rudder, and throttle servos.

Other Super Sportsters on the internet

A quick browse through these is all it take to re-motivate me to keep working on mine. :-)

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Curtis L. Olson