Autogyros - Page 2

duncan · 13-04-2004

Yeah pretty is the Cub look-a-like . They are called "Little Wing" I think. Your man shedding a blade shouldnt have stopped him flying. I`ve had it a lot on a Boddo Twin Gyro, called it "Shakein` Sheila" after a while. Even in normal(?) flight one rotor can be going twice as fast as the other, sometimes nearly stopping. Bit of a laugh trying to get them both to stop at top of a slow loop. Never took to helicopters though. Your four years are nearly up I think ! Hot news on BBC News today (14/04/04) was "round the world" attempt by autogyro. A Benson-Type with Rotax. Should be interesting to follow progress, very difficult, but best of British I say. Duncan

**wonwinglo** · 18-04-2004

Yes that was me that shed the rotor ! mourn the passing of that DB Autogiro,in a wind you could bring her down vertically and land at your feet,the only criteria is a very strong undercarriage a la the original machines,found that four bladed rotors worked well,regarding flying anyone with some fixed wing experience can handle the DB example,once you have mastered the angle of dangle that she flies at ( ie very nose up ) then you are there,to land just throttle back and aim 45 degrees and let her settle,in wind they will hover and what a sight they make as the tailwheel/skid touches first,these are fun machines with a capital 'F'
by the way loops are great fun,as you go over the rotor stops for a few precious seconds and then picks up as the g-stops,rolls also are possible even on rudder,climb steeply and whack on full rudder over she goes !
Built the Hobbit but never managed to get her to fly,she had a pulley where you wound string around just under the rotor head,the other end went under your foot as you gave her the gun for take off as the rotor in theory spun up,the problem with the Hobbit is that she had a complicated helicopter type head and bi-symetrical rotors,this was also un-usual in that she also had an Hiller fly-bar for rotor dampening,totally un-necessary with autogyros.
Next winter I will build another autogyro but at the moment I am too busy flying,I have plans for one fitted with an Outrunner electric motor now that would be really something !

duncan · 18-04-2004

Hi Wonwinglo, I found 3 blade rotors with Clark Y transformed the DB Twin. Clubmate had a Hobbit , flew well but fast, didnt hover well. Complex head. Let us know your choice when you get to building. Cheers.

**wonwinglo** · 18-04-2004

Picture of the DB twin rotor contra rotating autogyro as attachment.

18-04-2004

I arrived at the three balde clark y rotor after a lot of experimentation too, Dunc'! Graet minds etc etc

Tried all sorts. Five blade high aspect symmetrical below. You should'a seen those go when I crashed!!

Seriously though, they did work quite well and sounded better! But ultimately three blade clark y won out.

Wonwinglo's Gyrace in action added too!

**wonwinglo** · 19-04-2004

Here is a picture of the Hobbit autogyro with the strange and highly complicated rotor head you mention,despite hours of tinkering this is one that I never mastered,I tried to get in touch with the manufacturers but they had gone bust.

The other picture is of a home brew autogyro which flew well,one thing that you can do is fly these things in a gale with great success,just make sure that you have the rotor masts well anchored,the accident to the DB Gyrace was due to the mast becoming detached in flight,just re-inforce this area.

You just have to experience the autogyro to appreciate the sheer fun that can be had with this type of model,the thrill of those blades fully spinning up and just leaping into the air is something that I will never forget.

Yes next winter I am going to build a replacement.

05-05-2004

No Wonwinglo, it wasn't you shedding a blade, but I do remember you doing it too ages ago. It was one of the Dereks. Can't remember the name of the gyro. I'll ask him when I see him. Interesting looking thing though. I'll see if I can get a pic'.

EDIT: Did ask him but he couldn't remember! Isn't age a wondeful disease?!!

Paul · 01-03-2005

Hi all, I've just joined this forum as I'm currently building a 2-D gyro from Autogyro Company in Arizona http://www.autogyro-rc.com/Kits.html
Anyone have any experience with this model? I've built it more or less as per instructions, except for strengthening fus as it was very flimsy, and making undercarriage removable for transportation & storage.
Overall kit was pretty good though there's some things I'm not too sure of, but lack experience to start modifying as this is my first gyro so stuck to plans!
I've attatched some pics which hopefully will appear on post if I've done it correctly?

**wonwinglo** · 01-03-2005

Well Paul it looks fine to me,the design appears to have been based on the Kellett coupe autogiro from the thirties,look nice and light as well,you could need more downthrust judging by the slot for the engine,best way is to get the blades spinning fast and open the throttle slowly at first,she should leap into the air so be ready with the down trim ! let us all know how you get on please.

duncan · 04-08-2005

A good day out ? How about "Wallis Days 2005" at Shipdam Airfield, Norfolk, mainly full size but for first time model autogyros will be there. Plus the chance to see Wing Commander Ken Wallis`s unique `gyro collection. Bit far for me but if anybody goes..take a camera.