37" Rubber-Powered Model Airplane - 1931 Babcock - Anatomy of a Trim Session

Film is a series of photos and clips showing the trimming process of the 37" span rubber-powered free-flight 1931 Babcock Taubman LC-13, designed & built by Tom Hallman in 2019. Flying session took place in Wawayanda, NY on 7.3.19. Goes through a series of 10 trim flights, showing the effects of adjustments to the tail, thrust, CG and the use of Gurney flaps on the wing TE. Music: "Loveable" by www.bensound.com
I’ve drawn a detailed plan in the style of our late mentor, Dave Rees. The full-sized plan with documentation packet is available for digital download, print ready at 34.5” x 48”.
Order your file here: thegeebee.com/...
Mine was printed on blue-print paper via Staples, but any other group with
the printing resources should be able to accommodate.
*** 10 steps to trimming a rubber model, by John Koptonak: www.flyingacesc...
Tutorial, How to Make Louvers: • Modeling Tutorial - Ho...
Article on the use of dethermalizers: www.hallmanstud...
Badge Classic DT & spring (at the bottom of the page): www.starlink-fl...
Balsa density chart with the sweet spot for building light: hallmanstudio.c...
Flying Aces Club merchandise: www.cafepress....
Center of Gravity merchandise: www.cafepress....
For more info on free-flight rubber-powered models, check these websites:
www.easybuiltmo...
www.volareprodu...
www.flyingacesc...
Outerzone - outerzone.co.u...
National Free Flight Society - freeflight.org/
Mike Stuart's Flying Scale Models - www.ffscale.co.uk/
www.freeflight...

[@robertsalas3989]

Beautiful airplane and flight characteristic, Vearne Babcock & partner Samuel Taubman would probably cry to see the flying elegance of the LC13. While aviation was in its infancy in 1931, it’s unimaginable they designed such a modern, state-of-art aircraft. Thank you for bringing this piece of American history and aviation ingenuity to my understanding...well done!

[@paulsoler8986]

You are truly a master of the art and science of FF model flying, an inspiration to old modelers. This is a dying hobby, and I think we must keep it alive.

[@darrellid]

Watching your planes fly is immensely satisfying, and that one is an absolute stunner. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidhardy879]

Loved how she just " Sat right down " on flight test #8 ! And that cloud " Fly by " in test #9 was stunning ! A joy to watch your channel and your beautiful " Birds " !

[@marvintaylor3492]

After flying some rc models over 10 years ago, today's the day I discovered interest in free flight rubber powered stuff,simply beautiful

[@maxfliart]

Thx for the feedback, Marvin. Welcome. Chances are you'll find free-flight to be a much more relaxed and calming approach to spending time at a flying field. Any of the resources listed above will surely help you get there.

[@marvintaylor3492]

@@maxfliart I am right now losing myself in your videos. You are absolutely right, I am just realising the calming effect it has! Already checking out the sources mentioned, count me in!

[@mpojr]

l building model ac for 50 years now and l enjoy your channel ,you do beautiful work Tom ;not many build anymore l guess we are a dying breed of model builders.

[@robertcieslak1861]

Beautiful flights with a beautiful model. My hats off to you for a job well done. I am an 82 year old model fan (rubber power and U-control) and this certainly brings back happy memories of my early trial and error period during the late 1940's and 1950's. After rubber power flight was put on the back burner, my first U-control model was a Mini-Zulch powered with my first motor, an .049 OK Cub. I still have that little motor as a keepsake item from happier times.

[@chrisbailey4254]

That is surely one of the most graceful plane shapes of all time.

[@rafaeltorres2886]

I'm telling you all your beautiful rubber powered creations some day should be on displayed to the public to get a closer look at your fantastic artistry.

[@citicolina]

After an exhausting day you just made my day with this video. Her silhouette in the sky is something else. And those landings, my goodness...

[@Winter_Sportster]

Just found this, and it gets tabbed for repeated viewing. As Jorge said, a great video after an exhausting day! Thanks for posting!!!!!!!!!!

[@redryderaus]

Your models are always beautifully finished. Watching you go through the trimming process is amazing. Each flight I'm willing it higher.

[@martinkupka3575]

Gorgeous model with beautiful flight properties. I love all your videos and learn a lot from these trim sessions. Here in Germany rubber powered free flight does not seem to be a very common hobby. Not much information available and litteraly no experienced guys whom I could ask. So you are an inspiration and a very big help as well. Thanks a lot.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

This is what rubber freeflight is all about. That is a beeeee-autiful bird!

[@r.waynefournier4283]

You are to be commended! I never knew a model could fly so long, so graceful and beautiful.

[@laming2006]

From an old (inactive) CL'er: THAT was some beautiful craftsmanship and some excellent trimming. Such a treat and a thing of beauty to watch it fly. Well done!

[@mitchilito99]

There is nothing I don't love about that little plane. And she finally got some altitude for you. What a dream.

[@maxfliart]

Thx, Mitch. I feel the same. This model has been a dream. Checks off all of the boxes.

[@davidellis7695]

Really enjoyed this video. Took me back to being a kid and the first day flying a new plane. Always very exciting.

[@tomcoryell]

I absolutely Love rubber powered FF planes! And you sir are a master!

[@dginia]

You are very patient, and your patience has been rewarded. The lines of this plane are, indeed, classic!

[@lembriggs1075]

Wilbur and Orvile would be very impressed with your airmanship.

[@felipedenovaesreis5098]

This is so satisfying! Beautiful model! Thank you for all video you’ve doing!

[@bradleymasson1777]

You know what you're doing. Beautiful to watch, thank you for sharing. I felt I was there in the moment.

[@pahlevan1352]

beautiful plane. had to come back and watch it again

[@maxfliart]

Thx. One of my favorites too. FYI, I'm going to have a full sized plan of the model available within a month.

[@Allbbrz]

In the 70's a cousin of mine had a rubber powered plane and it never convinced me that it would do any good so bad a performance it showed. Like almost 45 years after, I have to say I'm impressed with this. I am speechless by how far, how smooth and how great this plane goes. Well, evidently, you know that you are doing... we had no idea :-)

[@danbenson7587]

I hold my breath watching a free flight model. It’s a thrill the RCs don’t give

[@MyYouTube.]

You are wrong. Try to fly a DLG ( Discus Launch Glider ) then You will get the same thrill x 100....

[@SteveCrowe37]

Your videos bring such beauty and peace in these uncertain times. Thank you so much for building and sharing these delights of the sky with us

[@davidholmgren659]

Boy does THAT Fly nice!... and it looks spectacular.

[@Wyowanderer]

What a treat. But then, so are all your videos.

[@walk4718]

Love the lower altitude views. Beautiful plane

[@eclipser2004]

Flight at 5-56 looked perfect to me. It even lands itself.

[@rcfanaticd.garcia6393]

Beautiful pictures. Excellent work. Congratulations from Spain.

[@joecalobeer6396]

Those flights also show how well that airplane was constructed! You obviously understand rubber powered free flight! There are some lessons to learn from your expertise. Beautiful job!!!

[@williamrobinson7435]

Beautiful, and the scale detail is lovely. When she gets above that necessary evening altitude, she really floats up! Remarkably atmospheric flights! 👍

[@ReevansElectro]

I am amazed that you would bring a piano out to the field to play some music on your last flight. That is commitment.

[@maxfliart]

Next time I'm also having a cellist tag along.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

@@maxfliart C’mon, how about a string quartet?

[@maxfliart]

@@jamesjacocks6221 Actually, a good flying friend is the lead cellist for the IPO...unfortunately, he's stuck at home in Tel Aviv...

[@ihatethedisplayname332]

Hhjh

[@ihatethedisplayname332]

Marco

[@AIexanderHartdegen]

This video makes me remember my childhood when I was building aircraf with rubber like this, but not so nice. I feel like this is a poetry about youngness and simple pleasure, like to make fly a plane we made. Thanks for this little moment of peace.

[@TheBigDirty716]

Skilled craftsmanship. Absolutely wonderful.

[@ratride1]

Beautiful flights! The landings are perfect. The prop turning in the grass almost sounds like a engine running.

[@K3Flyguy]

WOW!! That's about the best way to say it! Most excellent few minutes I just spent with you and your model! Thank you Sir! Enjoy all of your videos!

[@ericgoldstein4734]

You’re models are always beautifully made both in looks and flight quality; but there was something about this one... I think it’s one of the most beautiful you made; and I loved the way it flew (even though it didn’t go as high as some others), it felt like a real plane on a perfect day.

[@maxfliart]

Thx for the kind words. I can only imagine what it must've been like to see the original full-sized aircraft fly. Sure was a beautiful design.

[@sasquatchjunk]

That motor difference was huge! Beautiful build and finish as usual. Thanks for sharing a great day!

[@f2b2f1c]

Thank you for making these videos, you’ve been an inspiration since 1986.

[@Fantus70]

That was just simply beautiful. Congratulation for you work

[@andrewretallick4614]

It's a thing of beauty! Thanks for showing the work involved in trimming, very interesting 🙂👍

[@robertpapps3618]

True art and a beautiful meditation!

[@CLASSICALBUILDER]

Gorgeous majestic flight and model. Congrats.

[@kevindaly5093]

I have a feeling your blood pressure is perfect. ;-) Beautiful model and flights, but I'd love to see some details of the actual adjustments you made for thrust, CG, up elevator... Always trying to learn. Thank you.

[@benaissabouzana3262]

B9..pfft ř

[@Tadrjbs]

Loved aircraft all my life. Built and flown R/C models to full size to carry me aloft. Never understood rubber powered free flight. Now I finally get it, thanks Tom. You must be an artist. Perfect video with piano background....Moses

[@maxfliart]

Thx for there feedback. Glad you're enjoying this earliest form of model flying. Can't believe how it's much the same that it was for my dad back in the early 1930s, when he was a young teen. Finally, something in the world that hasn't really changed all that much.

[@triskellian]

Another enjoyable trim session.Your workmanship and methodical flight prep are admirable!

[@HappyFlapps]

She flies SOOOOO smoothly!! Such a beautiful model. Bravo friend!

[@robertm8401]

So soothing to watch. I think this one touches the ground more gracefully than the others you have shared with us. Thanks for uploading! 😊

[@BadChizzle]

Such a beautiful design. This is soothing to observe. Thank you!

[@Eugensdiet]

I'm surprised that a nice looking plane as this Babcock Taubman had escaped me. Carried out very nicely.

[@maxfliart]

Thx Roy. I felt the same, as it immediately turned my head, so I jumped quickly on the build. . I'm looking forward to getting her back into the blue.

[@carlosjuarez7449]

I started building and flying rubber band airplanes when I was 9. Sure brings back memories! Thanks for sharing this awesome video! What a great job you did building this plane!

[@motoflyte]

wow..that one flies beautifully...lands on it's wheels every time too

[@hanfordcreek5309]

Best yet.

[@jessepaulsen4694]

And again yes this video is a wonderful piece of work.as is the plan music just all of it

[@mattshaffer5935]

Just wonderful! What a beautiful ship!

[@larryfisher7056]

Really enjoyed the analysis comments after each trim flight..beautiful bird.

[@danyel80be40]

Beautiful model. Thank you for the show and the lesson about trimming!

[@Zofmui]

Good job on the trimming. You must be an expert.

[@MegaChekov]

Boy That is perfect Thanks for sharing all the best from John in Texas

[@GabrielPHahn]

I still can't believe someone hit unlike button! That's amazing! Congratulations for these flights!

[@jameshickman5299]

I don’t know. I just can’t get past it. I think that is an absolutely wonderful model. An attractive subject, beautiful technique, masterful flying.

[@math4U1234]

Something so simple brings so much joy. Who needs blood pressure medicine when you have this?

[@mdtidwell6095]

Beautiful as usual. Thanks for sharing your craft and knowledge.

[@4486xxdawson]

I used to watch my broyher fly rc planes but was never interested in flying them myself but this makes me want to get into this hobbie . I had elastic planes when i was a kid and loved them but didnt know there are models , and now you have sparked my intrest .

[@kevinsouth2950]

Beautiful, I've been watching your videos for a couple of years now and this is my favourite so far...

[@maxfliart]

Thx. She's quickly becoming a favorite of mine too.

[@conradboykoii1170]

Brings back memories of Aerogloss Dope, thinner, and wood glue!

[@billsomrak]

Really a gorgeous model, and you're right about the "Golden Age of Aviation" looks. Last flight was really nice. I think if you take it to max turns, it will Max out ... be sure to set the DT. Your videos are always appreciated. Cheers.

[@rueliggett5100]

Wonderful

[@stellarpod]

Absolutely superb! What a gorgeous bird. Great job building, both structurally and aesthetically, just stunning to look at. The last two flights were poetry. As always, thanks so much for sharing. Steve

[@oldAdger]

As always a sheer joy to watch. What a beautiful model, l wish I could build models like that ............ Thank you.

[@stephensowell9578]

Thanks for the lesson, it's very interesting to follow your thought process. Much more precise and subtle than RC. Really enjoyed your success.

[@aeroearth]

Well, I am motivated by your numerous videos including this one to get back to Free Flight rubber powered models! When flying Open Rubber contest models decades ago now, I used a winding tube during winding to protect the fuselage in case the motor should break. Essentially a thin walled aluminium tube that slid inside the fuselage and hooked up the motor with a 1/4" dia. al. alloy rod just longer than the tube. Wound with prop. off tucked into my back pocket then when fully wound, slid the tube out from the fuselage over the rod and reached around to grab the end of the motor. Then unhooked the rod and let rod and tube fall to the ground and hooked up the prop. to the rubber motor and fitted the nose block. Was winding 14 strands of 1/4" rubber strip but could grab and hold that OK. To avoid sharp power burst used motors ~ 30% longer than between hooks and pre tensioned the motor by extending the motor out to 7 strands and winding counter clockwise with a small rod rubber banded in place in the midpoint of the motor. Then bringing the two end together and fitting them on a "Tim Gray" style double loop fuel tube covered piano wire hook. Hold that end of the motor and let go the rod and the motor cords up naturally. Used small 1/16" section bands to hold motor on the hook and used hollow high tensile al. alloy tube through the rear of the fuselage as a rear "peg". 60" span model weighed 3 1/8 ozs. and rubber weight slightly more than that for ~ 6 1/2 ozs. all up flying weight.

[@maxfliart]

Thx for the kind words. Enjoyed hearing your process from long ago. Seems like you haven't forgotten one step in the process!

[@jameshickman5299]

What a lovely airplane! I hope you realize that you make me insanely jealous.

[@friedlhochhaeuser6707]

All my respect for you Sir, and all I can say is congratulations for such a beautiful piece of art! Just beautiful!!!!!!!

[@motoflyte]

You must have a huge collection of beautiful planes

[@peterslootmans7237]

Soo beautiful. This would also make a nice RC electric model.

[@douglasbliss5595]

Well done! I have never seen rubber power fly so well! Thank you! 😊👍

[@Duke-225]

Thanks for taking us all back to a different time.

[@stratcat3216]

Work of art

[@daviddavids2884]

the presence of a tail wheel and extra thingies at the horiz-stab, make the tail HEAVIER than it could otherwise be.

[@mcfudpucker7904]

Beautiful model and flyer.

[@thewatcher5271]

How Cool You're The Model Master For Sure! While Watching I Thought Of The Flight Of The Phoenix (1965). After They Did All That Work He Told Them All He Built Were Models. That Could Be You!

[@RobNorman08]

Flight #10 was incredible..so so beautiful, your work is outstanding and an absolute pleasure to watch

[@sanpol4399]

AMAZING.

[@ducksandbears6900]

thank you very much for that video..best on my monitor for long time

[@angiefav1847]

Well l never flew this way l fly power rc model but when l saw this it's pure science what a beautiful bird what a experience it must be l am hooked l will try this one day soon well done l loved it cheers

[@ThePoliticlyinsain]

Very nice model! Thank you for the video.

[@56Gumball]

Stunningly beautiful model expertly trimmed, very well done! 👍🏼😎

[@yassermasood3423]

Mesmerising. It looks out of the picture from a magazine. You always inspire Tom. I like the community but anxiously waiting that when will you start making tutorials videos for us. Thanks

[@trapkit1]

What a beautiful, graceful flyer. A magnificent job done by you sir. Congratulations!

[@metalheadmalta]

Mesmerizing video. Beautiful beautiful build... and that last flight. Goosebumps... Subscribed!

[@615thAeroSquadron]

What a beautiful plane!

[@bigmikelongwood3276]

It flies wonderful

[@yashilghazi5948]

I really enjoy your videos. I aspire to build models to the quality and flight characteristics you do. Keep up the good work!

[@aminajmi2273]

Great video 👍

[@subramaniamchandrasekar1397]

What a wonderful flight. Thank you very much. You brought my young memories out. Regards.

[@johnnygearpin7596]

Simply outstanding looking and flying. Congratulations on a master work of art! Cheers!

[@raiquaza19airlines33]

I liked the part how it lands😁. Is so cute, like a feather falling down to the ground.