Milibar
Written for 'RCM&E', November 1970.
Like Mike Birch I like to read of the development of other people's models. However, (I cannot tell a lie) this model was developed for me. Look closely and you will see that it is none other than Phil Kraft's 'Bar-Fli' in disguise.
After building two Bar-Flis I decided I liked the layout generally but did not like the 'built-in drag' approach since it limited the performance in certain manoeuvres. About this time, I decided that I wanted a model to practice pylon course flying. This model was, preferably, to be the same size and weight as a Goodyear (Formula 1) racer.
It was then discovered that scaling the Bar-Fli down to nine tenths full-size gave a wing area of 470 sq. in.; the stage was thus set for the 'Millibar' (only one 'l' on the prototype Mr. Editor the fin isn't big enough for two!).
It was dccided to mount the motor on its side and clean up the front end. The cockpit was moved forward to give the fashionable 'Fish' look. There was a very sound aerodynamic reason for doing this - I needed somewhere to stow the DEACs on my bulky Digitno - 4!
The resulting model turned out to be a much better aerobatic model than I ever expected. Its competition results have been limited more by my flying ability than its own failings, although things have not been helped by a motor in pylon racing trim rather than a proper aerobatic motor. Incidentally, anyone who has seen my pylon 'course flying will probably feel that the model hasn't justified its original purpose!
Click on the plan for a larger image.
