Rubber-Powered Dornier DO-X Flies Again

The 27" rubber-powered free-flight 1931 DO-X was built in 2005-06 by Tom Hallman. Inspired by the 42" electric version by the late, great Don Srull, the model has flown in numerous Flying Aces Club events, but had not seen the air since 2016. I brought her out again in June 2022 with the intension of flying her at the 2022 FAC Nats in Geneseo, NY. The film shows the first few flights since the layoff, along with subsequent flights as she received tweaks thru the two trim sessions in Wawayanda. The film ends with her last official flight at the FAC Nats in Geneseo, NY, July 2022.
The model has always been in flux, having changed the prop & motor size numerous times. That has led to many trim sessions, ironing out the changes that happen when the CG gets knocked around. But she always comes back into form, and has been a pleasure to fly.
The 12 props on top free-wheel, while creating tremendous drag. The prop on the nose is allowed in Flying Aces Club competitions, as a nod to getting ships into the air, that would have otherwise been impossible with rubber-power. I don't even see the prop anymore, but instead, I hear the 12 props free-wheeling.
Filmed with a Canon Powershot SX20, and iPhone 11Pro.
Geneseo launch photos by Karin Escalante. Music via artist.io.
42" Srull plan: www.hallmanstud...
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:
brooklyn-balsa...
www.easybuiltmo...
www.volareprodu...
www.flyingacesc...
National Free Flight Society - freeflight.org/
Mike Stuart's Flying Scale Models - www.ffscale.co.uk/
www.freeflight...

[@marktaylor8659]

Such a beautiful model and fantastic video. You asked the question at the start whether she still had the urge to fly. I think she answered your question quite eloquently. Thank you for sharing.

[@maxfliart]

Haha...thx, Mark.

[@1967AJB]

You do make the most beautiful and compelling films. They bring back painfully happy memories of my boyhood, playing with my wonderful father. Thank you.

[@richuar]

Even if your DO-X was just a static model it would be beautiful, the fact it flies and flies so well is a serious accomplishment!

[@maxfliart]

Thx for ur kind words. No one was more pleased / surprised to see her fly for the first time in 2006 than me. That she still flies today, is almost unthinkable.

[@richardbrowne3641]

That is a unique build. I didn't know the engines on top were dummy engines. It took along time to get it to fly. It flew nice after trimming.

[@williamrobinson7435]

This Dornier is SUCH an unusual marque, what with all those props! It's so great to see planes like this modelled. I was wondering if you get nervous, flying in huge events like the Nats? I know I would! As ever, stunning model, flown beautifully. That long grass certainly did come in handy for the renaissance trim flights! 🌟👍

[@maxfliart]

Thx, William. 30+ years ago at the Nats, I was surely nervous. Now though, it's all a blessing, sharing time on the field with the flying buddies I've come to know and love. I can't imagine my life without them. So whatever happens in the contest events, let the chips fall. I simply try to fly my best, but most of all, enjoy it, and film it whenever I can....occasionally sharing it here with u and the others on the channel.

[@brookelinford1910]

Wow, excellent flights after trimming! Nothing like getting a little lift with a well trimmed model.

[@62swampboy62]

How wonderful. That final flight was just grand.

[@deepshabad]

Beautiful. It just makes me smile watching you fly these amazing aircraft.

[@walk4718]

What an incredible bird even with all those drag generators 👌

[@maxfliart]

SAhe'll never have much of a glide, but I love hearing those twelve props spin in unison.

[@paulnelson5314]

Getting ready to turn some wheels on the drill press, when this was posted. Had to take a look, glad I did too! Truly craftsmanship to aspire to

[@maxfliart]

Thx, Paul.

[@o.t.4028]

Hey there I love your videos they're very awesome could you make rubber powder Japanese zero airplane in your next video it would be awesome to see

[@davidquerry8869]

fantastic

[@jeffhayes1855]

Since the “basement hanger” was mentioned, I’ll ask everyone - How do you all hanger your fleets of model aircraft? And Mr Hallman, has storage been a subject of one of your videos? Lovely plane and video btw!

[@maxfliart]

No films yet, but storage would be a good idea, because it does quickly become a problem once u get the building bug. It's the best way to avoid "hangar rash", or unexpected broken models. I store all of mine in boxes. Often there are 4-5 models of varying sizes in one box. Thx for the suggestion.

[@Oh-Jay52]

Just.........Beautiful....Thank You ...

[@64mustangfan]

While watching this I felt the delight and freshness of being a child in a field long ago.

[@barkebaat]

0:50 - just looking at that grass makes me happy :-) I think this either makes me a fool or a wise man ... or am I really some sort of bipedal herbivore ? Ah! confused! that's what I am

[@Lionel_frankenstein]

I wonder if painting the prop sky blue would add to the scale effect in flight.

[@raymondo162]

not if it's cloudy....................

[@maxfliart]

I went with silver because I felt it might reflect the changing light & color around it. Perhaps a clear prop, but there too, it won't fully disappear. It's all about light & shadow, where on occasion, the prop is hidden for a moment or two. I like when that happens.

[@raymondo162]

WOW. Breathtaking. BIG Thumbs up

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Lovely model and a triumphant final flight 👍

[@taildragger7355]

Spectacular! All that it requires is a scale model of the Queen of Spain to break the champagne bottle on her bow.

[@tonyarthur9437]

Absolutely brilliant breathtaking some people have a lot of patience to build and trim a model like this wonderfully aeroplane tony a south aust 😊

[@patoconnor1743]

Remarkable, thank you for sharing!

[@nilim9606]

videos always so pretty, this sun is good during the winter. thank you 👍

[@johnparr5879]

When I return to watch your creative work, the sense of self peace and simple enjoyment filters right through to me. The silent observer. Thank you *

[@ronwade5433]

AMA #348418 I flew thousands of hours of free flight rubber powered, RC gliders and speed racers and patter ships in west Phoenix and Flagstaff, Aridzona in the 1980s and 1990s. After I got out of the NAVY and ended up teaching and playing in Sun Valley, Idaho I pretty much got away from the greasy Nitro engines and gave away all my Cox TD . 051 etc engines and went back to electric school yard flyers. I love Rubber powered but the dry, hot climate here always killed the rubs. The last stuff I flew was all micro RC foam stuff and I ended up giving that stuff away too. Now that I'm retired, I think I'll go to my local Hobby Store and get something to fly again. I am inspired by this build, your channel and this Video. Thank You so Much!

[@maxfliart]

Hey Ron. I appreciate the kind words. Thx for sharing ur modeling history. Fascinating stuff. Well back to FF rubber.

[@Its_Stone_Time]

Great flight. One of my favorites.

[@kenkingsflyingmachines2382]

At 7:34 you can see mylar streamers on the ground being blown UP. What a great day! Have you ever broken one of these masterpieces beyond repair? Thanks for the sun and heat on a cold January morning.

[@maxfliart]

I noticed that too...gave me a smile. Clearly I was in the good air...

[@billpope2111]

Absolutely amazing!

[@mitjagger]

niiiiice video, congrats for your nice model. have you ever try to fly without the dummy props? is only a quriosity question, really impressed with your job.

[@maxfliart]

No, I haven't. They would be difficult to remove, then replace. But I'm sure it would make a difference.

[@craigh3381]

Very nice...thanks for sharing...

[@jetflyer102]

Fantastic video my friend.

[@ohtayukiho6444]

これは素晴らしい。スケール機としての出来栄えと強風の中でのフライト見とれてしまいました。

[@maxfliart]

嬉しいお言葉ありがとうございます。

[@Hermod_Hermit]

Rumor is that this man, given fresh rubber, can make a rock fly like a bird. I believe those rumors.

[@maxfliart]

I've had a few bricks fly in my lifetime, but so far no rocks. :-D

[@walterstewart1927]

Just great!!!! Thank you!!

[@garthbarrett6067]

Always amazing builds

[@ethanhermsey]

1800 turns, max.

[@titaniumhen]

What are those things on the tops of the wings (In the rear of the wings)? That is a pretty awesome plane!

[@maxfliart]

Thx, Henry. They're aerodynamic counterbalances, or servo tabs, which on the full sized aircraft lightened the controlling forces for the pilot...at least that's what I've heard.

[@pachanauta7083]

delicious👍🏿

[@andrewtolley3706]

Another amazing film. And your perseverance with such an unusual model that you inherited from a colleague! That final flight was a fitting tribute to two skilled model makers. thank you for sharing your remarkable talent!

[@scotdobberfuhl4209]

??? Who's the other modeller?

[@maxfliart]

Thx. Yes, back in 2005, Don Srull shared all of his plans & doc with me from his 42" electric version, allowing me to re-imagine the DO-X as the flyable 27" rubber version shown in this film. He was very helpful.

[@joekrim6557]

Very nice

[@donaldvincent]

Wow

[@harrykeel8557]

I think you're daughter caught hold of it and gave it and you both a beautiful flight.

[@maxfliart]

I'd like to think so. Thx, Harry.

[@Vladancz]

Excellent!!