Launch Dolly

[CappyAmeric]

I built a FT P-38 a while ago but have resisted a maiden because I fly alone and a hand launch of almost 60 inches seems a little too much. I decided to research launch dollies and stumbled across a $25 plastic Red Flyer wagon that would do the trick. Some foam board, a 97 cent pool noodle, and some hot glue gave me something to start testing.

Here is a link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Radio-Flyer-My-1st-2-in-1-Play-Wagon-Push-Walker-Red/51799543

 

[CappyAmeric]

Testing with a FT P-40 (which does not need a dolly):

 

[Piotrsko]

Any control over steering?

 

[CappyAmeric]

Any control over steering?

Somewhat with the aircraft rudder. I think with a twin and differential thrust it would really do well.

 

[CrshNBrn]

Thanks for the great idea. I'm building the Me-262 next and don't want to put landing gear on it.

 

[CappyAmeric]

Thanks for the great idea. I'm building the Me-262 next and don't want to put landing gear on it.

I’ve used it successfully multiple times with the MS P-38 and MS A-10, which is the only way I can launch them solo.

 

[Ratcheeroo]

Yeah in the same boat, not great at hand launching and this is the only way I think that I am going to be able to maiden my P-38, great idea!

 

[CappyAmeric]

Yeah in the same boat, not great at hand launching and this is the only way I think that I am going to be able to maiden my P-38, great idea!

The only issues I have had are getting it started on grass (some up elevator to keep it from tipping forward), and disconnect for lift off.

The disconnect part is something I am working on because some models seem to stick to the vertical pool noodles. I have noticed that if the model does not want to lift off because it has too much forward pressure on the vertical pool noodles, sometimes a quick down movement and then back up on throttle will release the forward pressure.

I need to test without vertical pool noodles to see if that makes a difference but I was trying to keep from potentially denting foam board. FT's homemade dolly looks like it has paint sticks for the vertical part, which might work better.

 

[Ratcheeroo]

The only issues I have had are getting it started on grass (some up elevator to keep it from tipping forward), and disconnect for lift off.

The disconnect part is something I am working on because some models seem to stick to the vertical pool noodles. I have noticed that if the model does not want to lift off because it has too much forward pressure on the vertical pool noodles, sometimes a quick down movement and then back up on throttle will release the forward pressure. I need to test without vertical pool noodles to see if that makes a difference but I was trying to keep from potentially denting foam board.

Thanks for the insight, time to build one of these, getting tired of just seeing the P-38 hanging from the ceiling in the hangar

 

[Ratcheeroo]

I seem to kind of remember Flite Test building something similar recently and I think it was to launch an ME-262 if I am remembering correctly

 

[CrshNBrn]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Cappy. I'll post here whenever I build mine for the good of the cause.

A little off topic, but I find hand launching my P-38 to be one of the easiest MS planes to do. I hold it underneath the cockpit and with the differential thrust at about 50%, it just floats out straight with only a light toss. Lots of time to get on the sticks; nothing like the torque rolls of some of the other planes. For example my MS P-47 launch is still hairy sometimes, even after a year of pretty regular flying.

 

[Ratcheeroo]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Cappy. I'll post here whenever I build mine for the good of the cause.

A little off topic, but I find hand launching my P-38 to be one of the easiest MS planes to do. I hold it underneath the cockpit and with the differential thrust at about 50%, it just floats out straight with only a light toss. Lots of time to get on the sticks; nothing like the torque rolls of some of the other planes. For example my MS P-47 launch is still hairy sometimes, even after a year of pretty regular flying.

You know I think all that it is with that plane is that its kind of the jewel in my hangar and I just want to have the best opportunity to put it in the air. But thats a couple of times now that I have heard it is an easy launcher so maybe I just got to gather a little more intestinal fortitude and go for it, worst that can happen is that I have to repair it, right? Build , fly, crash, repeat

 

[Crophopper]

Cool idea. I'm building the new Retro Rocket with EDF power and no gear. Not worried about landing. Getting into the air is what I want to explore. Anyone launching the Retro Rocket with no gear? The EDF is heavier so does it work? How? Thanks!

 

[CrshNBrn]

Here's a little homemade dolly I use to launch my F-18, and it's a big ol' dual EDF monster. Anything similar should be able to handle the Retro Rocket.

 

[Mr NCT]

Dolly Madison, I love it!

 

[LitterBug]

might be entertaining to build a roof rack for my Traxxas 1/10 Slash....