Mountain Models Dandy
August 2003
| The Dandy's a Dandy... |
General Specifications
Kit Manufacturer - Mountain Models
Aircraft - Dandy & Dandy Sport
Build Date - August 2003
| Airframe Type - | Top Wing | Flying Type - | Lightweight Sport Flyer | |
| Wingspan = | 35 inches (Dandy) | Length = | 27 inches | |
| Wing Area = | 300 sq. inches | All-Up Weight = | 13.4 ounces | |
| Motor - | BP8Y Brushless | Wing Load = | 6.4 oz/sq. ft. | |
| Propellor - | 10 x 4.7 GWS Orange | Power = | 80 watts (Static) | |
| Thrust = | 17.3 ounces | Thrust/Weight = | 1.29 | |
| Battery Type - | Lipoly 3S1p | Capacity = | 800mah - 1200mah | |
| Speed Control - | Castle 10 amp | BEC - | Integral to ESC |
Commentary
So, back in 2003 when I was first getting into RC Electrics, I found a local fun fly event at RAM's field in Sumner, Washington. This event was billed as an "All Electric Fly In". That is, anyone with an electric plane and an AMA membership could come and fly, meet some new folks and have a great barbeque. I thought this sounded great and excitedly attended.
One of the planes I saw fly at this event was the Mountain Models Dandy Sport. It fascinated me because this small plane appeared to do just about any aerobatic maneuver, it flew for what seemed an eternity (~40 minutes!) and it did this in a constant 5 - 10 mph wind. While at this point I had very little experience flying on windy days, I could tell by the lack of other planes in the air this should be difficult.
When the plane finally landed I approached the pilot and asked if he could give me information on where to get this plane, how difficult was it to build and any changes he had done to the original kit. He overwhelmed me with information. He told me everything he had done and everything I should do given my piloting skill level. He even went so far as to tell me where to buy all the components, why they were selected, how much they would likely cost, any difficulties I might run into and how the plane should be trimmed out for the first flight. My head was spinning.
Turns out he, Bernard Cawley, is a nationally recognized journalist in the Model Aircraft world. Go figure!
When I then set out to build this great little plane, it all came true. It cost what he estimated, the build was remarkably easy and when it was finished, it looked great. Now the big maiden flight...
Not much drama on the maiden flight, just a big grin and from the first flight to flights I still enjoy today this plane is pure joy. Wonderfully easy to fly and so well behaved, I use it now mostly to try out new aerobatic techniques or tricks and just pilot meditation. Sometimes I just throw it in the car, run to the local school, take off and enjoy the Zen of flying for 20 or 30 minutes.
Update
September 2008
Only two! First, I changed from the original Astro flight geared brushless motor to a BP Hobbies brushless outrunner. This bumped the power up from about 50 watts to about 80 watts and has the advantage of no maintenance (no gears). Also, it doesn't need a special gearbox/mount and it is very inexpensive (~$13). Second, I changed the 72mhz radio system to a Spektrum 2.4ghz system.
- Buy recommendation - Absolutely!
- Build skill - Novice/Intermediate (Balsa Kit)
- Pilot skill - Novice (Aileron trainer)
- What Else? - Mountain models makes two versions, the Dandy and the Dandy Sport. The sport version is simply a different wing with no dihedryl and slightly shorter. I recomend you get both wings as it really makes two different aircraft that both fly exceptionally well.
