Model of the Month: January, 1999
Chuck Redifer

Several years ago I was in Mesa, AZ, and stopped to see Andy Clancy at Clancy Aviation. He showed me prototype model of Speedy Bee (40" wing span). He loaned me a set of preliminary plans. I had the plans enlarged to 150% to get a 60" wing span model.

I then scratch built the plane from the plans. To the best of my knowledge (confirmed by Andy) this is the only BIG (60") Speedy Bee we are aware of. The original engine was a Tower 40 2-cycle. It lacked power so I installed an OS 0.48 4-cycle. This was an OK set up, but the engine developed problems, so I installed a Fox 0.45 2-cycle which gave me more power for low and slow maneuvers. Currently using the OS 0.48 4-cycle engine, which I had rebuilt. I plan to rebuild the plane to handle an OS 0.70 FS to get better low speed vertical maneuvers.

The six inch Trexeler wheels are available only from Clancy, and come in sets of three (includes small tail wheel). The use of model truck "Monster Shocks" instead of rubber bands was learned from Clancy. He sells them, but does not show them on his plans.

The fin and stab/elevator are removable for ease of transport and storage. The model has been flown in Santa Maria, CA; Wooster, Ohio; Washington, DC; Virginia Beach, VA; Hot Springs, AK; and a number of locations in Southern California.