This model even sounds like a real Cub!
TESTIMONIAL
I have owned and operated Ryobi engines, with the Jag conversion, for about seven years, in several ¼ scale size R/C models, including float planes. I currently own three Ryobis.
I was worried about how the magneto ignition system on the Ryobi would perform when exposed to the constantly wet water spray environment of float flying. This turned out to be a non-issue. We benched mounted a Ryobi and drenched it with water spray while it was idling. There was no evident effect - the engine just kept ticking over.
I then installed a Ryobi in an extended wing Bud Nosen ¼ scale Cub on
big 48 inch Stan's Fibertech fiberglass floats. The total weight of this 124 inch wingspan
model was 23 lb. The Ryobi, driving a 16-8 prop, had plenty of power for very realistic
water takeoffs and flight maneuvers. The engine was inverted and fairly closely cowled.
This model even sounds like a real Cub!
A second model in which I used a Ryobi was a standard Lazy Ace biplane.
This also flew quite nicely, on wheels and on Balsa USA ¼ scale floats. This 76 inch
wingspan model weighed about 19 lb. on floats, and would do most sport aerobatic type
maneuvers.
The engine was also inverted in a scale type cowl
I really like the low cost, easy starting, reliable pump carburetor and fuel economy of the Ryobi. It runs nicely inverted in a close scale cowling, and the magneto ignition has no apparent effect on my radio control equipment. One does not have to deal with expensive glow fuel, and its tendency to rust bearings and dissolve paint. I figured out that fuel costs on the Ryobi are less than 1/10 that of a similar size glow engine. The fuel tank can be relatively small (16 oz. is plenty), and the gas/oil mix fuel costs less than $1.50 per gallon.
My latest project is a ¼ scale Grumman Widgeon, based on the prototype
designed and built by Al Franklin of the Seattle Big Birds Club. Al's plane has retracting
landing gear and wing tip floats. Al's Widgeon recently won Best of Show at the Puyallup
Trade Show .
The engines arrived ready to bolt on the firewalls .
My Grumman Widgeon
My Widgeon will have the classic Widgeon inverted Ranger engine cowlings (similar to a
PT-19 or Tiger Moth cowling.) I agonized over the engine choice for this model, finally
picking the Jag Ryobi with C&H Ignition. My model will be a stand-off scale seaplane
with dummy landing gear and classic Widgeon fixed wing tip floats. I hope to limit the
all-up weight to about 30 lb. I figured that two Ryobi's will fly a 30 lb. model if one
will fly a 23 lb. model. I will report progress on the Widgeon in later updates of this
web site.
Oscar Weingart, AMA 3932
Vice-President, Riverside R/C Club.
mailto:weingart1@earthlink.net
Update May 8th, 2000
Wing and tail complete and covered.
Wing tip floats and engines mounted.
Wing holddowns installed.
Weight as shown is 32 lb., not including radio equipment, paint on glass
parts, fuel tanks and ignition systems, lower nacelle fairings.
Expected weight is about 37 lb., including nose ballast. Wing area is 15 square feet. Wing
loading will be about 40 oz./sq.ft.
Update May 27th, 2000
Engine Run-up went well today.
JAG Engines was onhand to assist with the tuning and throttle balancing.
Notice the JAG Engines Motormount and Muffler. A perfect match
8100 RPM with Master Airscrew 16 x 8 props.
Update October 8th, 2000
The Widgeon finally got off the ground, I mean water, ably piloted by Dan Egelhoff, on both Saturday and Sunday, October 7-8, at the Riverside Radio Control Club's Third Annual Float Fly at Lake Perris, CA..
Dale, the owner of JAG Engines, provided expert engine tuning assistance. We needed more nose ballast after the first flight, (total now 3 lb.) otherwise only minor dialing-in. There were no "bite you in the butt" tendencies in the flight characteristics. Total weight is now estimated at 40 lb. (15 sq. ft. wing area and 10 ft. span).
The two JAG Engines Ryobi 31cc gas engines had plenty of power – Dan did several rolls from level flight and the plane took off the water at half throttle. The bow wave on takeoff and landing was clear of the props, controlled nicely by the oversized nose spray rails. Rough water handling was fine. Differential throttle control, coupled to the rudder at low throttle settings and switch selectable, allowed water turns "on a dime" without a water rudder. There were a few drops of water inside the hull, but nothing worrisome. The full power low passes were spectacular!! As you can probably tell, with the successful conclusion of this three-year project, the writer is one happy camper.
Thanks to Al Franklin of Seattle, Stan’s Fiber Tech, JAG Engines, Chip Mull, and Jim Mayfield, who all contributed to the construction project.
 First flight went well today under the capable hands of Dan Egelhoff and Larry Klingberg. |
 Water taxi test runs went well with the rudder coupled throttles. |
 Lift off before full throttle proved the power of the Ryobis. |
 Lears Video was onhand to record the first flight for their tape. |
 Taxi-backs with engines running are truly a rewarding experience. |
Next stop - Lake Havasu, November 10th,11th & 12th, 2000
Following photos by Roger L. Evans
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
We flew two beautiful flights and won the Pilot's Choice Award
Along with All Franklin winning 1st Place in the Static Scale judging with his Widgeon.