Watch Rick Test This Beautiful Scale Model
It is always cool to see what you guys (our readers, builders, and pilots) are up to. A big thanks to Mr. Rick Davey for sending us this awesome video of a test run on his recently acquired Nieuport 24bis.
The Nieuport 24bis is a 1/3 scale model that sports a 107″ wingspan and weighs 53 pounds. However, this particular model is quite impressive because it was built without any servos in the wings or tail. Instead of servos, Alan Yendle (the builder) designed the model so that the control surfaces operated through a series of cables and torque rods, as in the full-scale version. As Mr. Davey also explained, this aircraft is rather unique. The original, full-scale aircraft flew for the first time in 1917, but would never make it into service. The design was flawed and needed a tail from the Nieuport 17 to fly correctly – hence the “bis” designation after the name. “Bis” indicated “diversion or change”. Once the issue was solved, the aircraft went into service under the name Nieuport 24.
You can see more details about Alan’s build on RC Scale Builder.
Let’s take a look at what Mr. Davey has set up inside! Of course, he trusts his Nieuport to Jeti (we knew that), but you might be wondering “what exactly does he use?” Well, we found out! He flies a DC-24 transmitter, which you can see (and hear) in the video. Currently, he runs four Jeti receivers in conjunction with a Central Box 320. His primary receiver is a Jeti R12 REX Assist, a standard R12 as a backup, an R3 REX 900 as his 900mhz failsafe, and an R3/RSW used as a wireless switch. The receivers are powered by two Jeti Ion 5200mAh battery packs. The engine is a Moki 250cc engine, pumped with a Hacker fuel pump regulated to 30% output with overflow. The fuel system is finished with a Rotoflo tank and a servo on the choke. He runs Jeti and Hacker servos where servos are needed, has a custom propeller from Seidel Props, and a pilot (Andre) from Axel Scale Pilots.
Check out what Mr. Davey has to say about the video and his Jeti DC-24 System.
I wanted to show in the video how I hand start a COLD Moki 250cc engine, and to showcase the Jeti radio I fly, a DC-24, especially the “sound on events” feature. Announcing the actions of the switches is a significant safety feature. No time to have a senior moment, I’m 75. When you fly several complicated planes with the same radio, switches often have different functions, depending on the model. It’s a great double check, a refresher, and coupled with the PreFlight feature in the radio, makes things much safer.
Rick Davey
