Retro RC’s
A 21st century re-design of a mid 20th century legend makes a standout presence at the field!
By Jim Wiggin
PHOTOGRAPHY: JIM WIGGIN & ANGELA HAYNES M
ention Sinbad the Sailor in a group of modelers and most will envision pirates, wooden ships and maybe even Popeye. Howev- er, to a more seasoned veteran modeler, it brings back memories of a beautiful looking and graceful flying sailplane from Berkeley. Berkeley had many great models and Sin- bad was certainly one of them. Up until re- cently, if you wanted one of these models, one would have to spend some time on eBay or build one from scratch from original plans. That is until Retro RC introduced their new Sinbad the Sailor 36 park flier sailplane kit.
I first saw the model at the 2012 Toledo show while talking with kit designer, owner, and all around nice guy, Mark Freeland. Mark saw me taking pictures and signaled me to come over to see his newest offering. To see it in person really leaves a lasting im- pression, as there is nothing out there in its class like it. In an era of carbon composite this and foam that, the Retro RC model stands out in sharp contrast with a mix of early model charm and modern laser-cut
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construction. All of the charm of the original model by Berkeley is there. However, it is not a genuine reproduction. This version has a 36-inch wingspan with a flatbottom versus the original’s 50-inch undercambered wing. Also the fuselage cross section looks the part, but it too has been modified to build easier without the fear of warps. These changes to Sinbad do not make it eligible for SAM contests, but it does get one into the air quickly with a model that will instantly stand out at your local flying field. Think of it as your favorite antique roadster with a modern fuel injected engine.
I’m sure as Mark talked he could see my eyes grow larger and my mind start to wan- der in that dreamland of virtual flight. “Here, go ahead and try one!” I could hardly pass up an opportunity like this. Growing up, watching my father fly full scale sailplanes, I’ve always been fascinated with silent flight. So I agreed and the Sinbad the Sailor kit went home with me.
The kit comes in a plastic tube like bag and consists of ten sheets of balsa parts, a few sheets of light ply laser-cut parts, as
AT A GLANCE Type:
Construction: Wing span: Wing area: Airfoil: Length: Weight:
Wing loading: Motor: ESC:
Battery: Radio:
R/C or F/F sailplane balsa
36 inches 127 sq. in. flat bottom
21.75 inches
3.0–5.0 ounces 3.4–5.7 oz./sq.ft.
GWS 1030 (optional)
Castle Creations Pixie 7P True RC 2S 250 mAh Li-Po Futaba 7C with R6004FF
Manufacturer:
Retro RC LLC P.O. Box 193
Keego Harbor, MI 48320 248-212-9666
www.retrorc.us.com
MARCH 2013
Sinbad
The
Sailor
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