SPEED 400 BACKGROUND
THE SPEED 400
class is an Old Timer RC duration event with a 2 minute motor run, using an inexpensive Speed 400 electric motor.It is expected to become the most popular SAM class, exceeding 1/2A Texaco which is the current favorite. There are many reasons. One of the biggest is that new SAM flyers strongly prefer electric.
The biggest benefit of S400 is that you will get more use from it than any other SAM (or non-SAM) plane.
THE PLANES
The class is based on pre1943 (pre 1950 for International) free-flight designs of about 48" wingspan. The flight is slow and majestic, and the free-flight aspect of the designs makes them inherently stable. This makes you look like a better pilot than you really are. Something I can never get enough of!TWO BASIC DESIGNS
Pylon
, such as the Lanzo BomberCabin such as the Dallaire.
The pylon design is a typical free-flight concept where the raised wing gives greater pendulum stability. The Playboy, for example, comes in both configurations. The cabin version is probably the best for RC. It is more robust and has a roomy cockpit for easy radio and battery installation. Both versions are competitive and have their loyal supporters. The long-standing debate over which is the better has never been resolved (will it ever be?). SAM 27 members fly both.
THE MOTOR
The rules require the 6 volt Graupner Speed 400. The 7.2V version you wouldn’t want anyway. It develops less power. The 5V version develops more power (because it is seriously overdriven) but burns out quickly. So the 6V motor is the motor of choice anyway and levels the playing field. Having Graupner as the supplier levels it "internationally".The typical battery is a 2-cell LiPo of about 1200 mAh capacity. This gives three 2-minute climbs per charge.
LONGEVITY
Old Time airplanes tend to have long and productive lives. The inherent stability and slow flight ensure this. If the plane gets away downwind you can always use "emergency power" to bring it back and prevent a fly-away. S400’s will never become neglected old hangar queens. The pleasing flight characteristics and effortless climbs make them frequent flyers. On sunny days just come to the field and soar with the hawks.Happy building… Andrew