Legacy Turbo Duster

[jgallacher]

I am looking to replace a Multiplex Mentor tow plane with a 65" Legacy Turbo Duster. The Mentor was good for sailplanes up to 4-5 pounds I expect the Turbo Duster to be good to 6 Pounds or so.Has anyone used this plane as a tow plane?
Jim Gallacher

[JimD]

No experience with this model, so we will be anxious to hear how it works out. If looks count, it should be a winner because it sure is cute!

Here is a link to the Extreme Flight page: http://extremeflightrc.com/65-Turbo-...me_p_2171.html

[ARUP]

How about the 40 sized one from Horizon Hobby? It's a little bigger at 80" span and once you get the electric motor you want it would probably be about the same $$$.

[JimD]

One of our local guys built an electric version of the Hangar 9 Pawnee 40 ARF. It was an okay tow plane, but was a bit tricky to fly. If you rapidly applied throttle, it had a nasty tendency to torque roll. The larger Pawnee is a docile plane with no such bad habits.

The long tapered nose of the Turbo Duster should be much better than the fairly large blunt nose of the Pawnee.

[jgallacher]

The reason for the size (65") is for the ease of transport with other planes in my Rav4.
Thanks for the input.
Jim

[jgallacher]

I now have the Legacy Turbo Duster in my position. Very well built and covered. However the cockpit is so far aft if I try to install a tow release at the rear edge of the wing it would be almost at the top of the cockpit. Is there a rule of thumb regarding the position of the tow release above the thrust line?
Thanks Jim

[lenb]

Hi Jim,
Congrats on your acquisition.
You may have to go to the side fuse tow release position. Some have made a Y bridle that connects to each side of the fuse and meets into one line at of the rudder. I've never seen one in person, but I know a few guys in Australia use this method.
The release servo would sit in the center of the fuse with a simple tube and pin out each side of the fuse. Thrust line is never much of a concern with most models. Obviously the closer to the thrust line, the less pitch change you would feel with different sailplanes.

LEN

[jgallacher]

Thanks Len
Does the Y bridle come together behind or in front of the rudder?
Jim

[lenb]

Behind the rudder, far enough back so the rudder will move in between