Vintage model airplane takes flight for the first time in decades...

After more than 30 years since she was first started this beautiful Mercury IV Free-Flight design from 1945 finally gets completed and takes to the air for an eventful Maiden Flight. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for regular Build and Fly videos using this link kzbin.info...
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[@tetherracer1]

Hi Cliff, beautiful to watch the Mercury IV fly at last. It's been through three generations of my family, from my Grandfather Arthur to my Dad Les, finally in my hands (Paul). My Grandad started the build over 40 year'sago, could even be 50 year's ago! He passed away suddenly from cancer in the early 1980's, my Dad got to plank the fueslage (he builds large model ship's like the Victory) and them the partially finished airframe was put aside in the late 1980's and forgotten about. My father's health declined and the airframe came into my possession. I have kept a few of my Dad's completed vintage model's that I enjoyed so much flying them back in the 1980's, 90' and into the 2000's. But the Mercury IV was filthy dusty and required time to restore it and complete the build, time I could not dedicate to it, so it was sold to a gentleman as an afterthought when he came to pick up a Bird of Time airframe. It probably saved this Mercury IV from the incinerator! I have a few airframes surviving from the late 1930's in flying condition, but will need rc assist adding as they are free flight model's being very large close to 3m wingspans. Thank you for saving this model, you have turned it from a dusty sad relic into a piece of graceful beauty. Kind regards, Paul.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Paul, thank you so much for the history of this model ... and it's some history, it brings a lump to my throat and to think I was the modeller lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to take her on. It was a week or two after I first saw her before I finally told Martin (the Bird of Time man) that I would like to complete the build. Thank you once more for your comment, cheers, Cliff

[@tetherracer1]

@@CliffHarveyRCPlanes A big thank you to you too Cliff, you have absolutely transformed this model from a basket case to a model of grace and beauty. My family will be thrilled and proud when I show them what you have achieved and the level of finish second to none in my opinion. A big thank you for saving this model. I wish you years of happy flying. Kindest regards, Paul.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

@@tetherracer1 Hi Paul, the second outing for Arthur's model is uploaded, cheers kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2mYXqunorGeecU

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thank you to everyone who's followed this series from the beginning, it's been a total honour to have finished this model and flown her, I've learned loads of new techniques and tried to share them as we've gone along, give the video a thumbs up and we'll see what's next, thanks again, cheers 👍

[@michaelmcgovern8110]

"See you up there." Wonderful. Nice catch on the takeoff!!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

@@michaelmcgovern8110 Thanks Michael, it caused a bit of excitement but when you're climbing out there's no time to worry about bits dropping off and funny noises 😁👍

[@adnanlamri]

You can be very proud Cliff. Great maiden! I am happy for you😀👍

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Adnan 🙂

[@xjet]

What a beautiful model! Fantastic! It's true that the "pucker-factor" is a lot higher with a model that isn't made of foam. A reminder of "the good old days". This is the sort of model I remember flying with a single-channel bang-bang RC system and rubber powered escapements. All that was really missing (for the full nostalgia trip) was the cantankerous and smelly diesel engine up front. Mind you... it looks as if it vibrates as much as a good old diesel -- some balancing to do? 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I increasingly find this type of model more interesting and attractive than today's EDF-powered foam jets. Now I understand why old guys like me fly vintage models. A great video.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Bruce, glad you enjoyed it, the plan shows a Super Cyclone diesel, mounted inverted, before my time I hasten to add 😁 I rechecked the balance of the prop and it's fine, I think what is perceived as vibration is the cowl 'rattling' on its magnets, time will tell, if I had have suspected that in the field I could have taped it a bit 🤔 Anyhow thanks for watching and the prehistoric memory 😂 cheers Bruce 👍

[@vollzeitflieger2490]

Such a beautifull model, great maiden flight. Congratulations, Cliff, you gave this model a wonderfull second chance and boy did it pay off!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Frederic, I couldn't have done it without my KZbin 'Team's' support, cheers 😀👍

[@garyshakles7764]

Great job Cliff, the look on your face at 9:15 minutes in says it all, well one.👍

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Gary, thank you, and that's the advantage of having a camera person 🙂👍

[@woutersmith7616]

Good going Cliff. She is beautifull😀👍🛩️

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Wouter, beautiful is the word 🙂👍

[@stepheny6321]

Great maiden Cliff. Looking forward to seeing more flights

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Definitely Stephen 👍

[@Bellairvideo]

What a classic aircraft Cliff. So well built with loving care. Well done indeed👏👏👏👏

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Noel, thanks, it was enjoyable all the way, cheers 👍

[@sabrinap8208]

Congratulations for the maiden!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Sabrina 🙂👍

[@SteffenRC]

Wow Cliff.. So happy you had a wonderful maiden on this magnificent plane. Such a wonderful flyer.. btw, your camera crew did a great job..

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Will, thanks, I'm well pleased, not often I have a better camera available, watch out for more videos of this beautiful model, cheers 👍

[@bobi2582]

Well done Cliff. She looked very good. Elevons are a novel idea. Be nice to see her go on a sunny calm day if ever we get one!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Bob, thanks, I'm sure there's good weather ahead 👍

[@bobi2582]

@@CliffHarveyRCPlanes Hope so going up to Old Warden for free flighting this weekend!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Congratulations Cliff! What an epic journey this has been. It is really something to resurrect a project, put your twist on it, and see it take flight in a way better than it's designer ever intended. I enjoyed every episode. You did a beautiful job on the build and modifications, and a beautiful job flying it. It is a true classic, and a real treat to see.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Adam, thanks for following along and all the comments that you, and quite a few of our brothers, made to each video, it really does make the whole project buzz along at a good pace. I'm sure the designer, RH Smith would approve of my mods. Once I've got a few more flights on her and fully understand where her little intricacies lie the flights will become a lot smoother, cheers 🙂👍

[@alexisscott9573]

Lovely to see Cliff, congratulations

[@bobbarlow1]

What a gorgeous looking and flying model well done Cliff 😎

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thank you Bob, she'll provide endless hours of fun and satisfaction I am sure 🙂👍

[@tobZZZilla]

What a beautiful bird Cliff, enjoyed the whole series a lot. Although I mainly build aerobatic foam waffles myself, and something without ailerons or less thrust than weight doesn't really appear as an option to me, watching you masterfully complete such a nice oldschool project was relaxing and entertaining. Keep up the great work! I can't believe people were free flying these back in the day. Building such a thing and then letting it go without control, must have been worse than any sketchy maiden - every time.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Tobu, I know what you mean, just imagine firing her up and seeing what happens 😯 for me personally it's just a kick building something that was way before my date of birth, cheers. Ps I may convert you yet 😁👍

[@IansRCExploits]

Great maiden flight Cliff, I thought the plane looked so stately in the air, a real classic!! You did an amazing job restoring the plane and I really enjoyed watching every step 😀👍

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Ian, thanks for following along, this model's been a wonderful path to walk, cheers 👍

[@thebarronflights]

Wind down windows, well that’s just showing off. A well turned out model. Considering what you started with, and the time and effort you put in. Well as the weather does improve over the next week or so means you can go flying. Fresh air and hopefully good company. Well done. 👍🏼

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks for following along Nick, a bit of sunshine hopefully for the next video, I've sorted out more things now, roll on the Summer, cheers 👍🏼

[@dutchloveRC]

Congrats buddy!! she looks GR8!!!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Cheers Dutch 👍

[@andretrishrousselle6330]

WELL that was real cool good job Cliff ,amazing stuff you build.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Andre, I do enjoy what I do, cheers 👍

[@bobflyman]

Well done Cliff, good work!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Bob, you'll see her flying eventually 👍

[@rafaeltorres2886]

Looks good in the air.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Rafael 🙂👍

[@donrusnak7230]

Beautiful Cliff! Been keeping up on this build, very excited to see her in the air. I just bought my 1st 2 real RC planes, a week and a half prior i bought my 1st one in general and never flew a RC plane before.... im happy to say i only was crashing my 1st 2 days, ever since ive been flying decent. Yesterday i had it up about 4 min, did a couple of loops, i can even land! So im stepping it up to the foam one, then the wooden one after i master the foamy

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Well done Don, what is the balsa model?

[@donrusnak7230]

@@CliffHarveyRCPlanes its a mono ww1 style, has a bomb drop too which is pretty neat, it has no aerleons, but the one im learning on is the same way tail only, so it might be easier since im familiar with tail only. I wish i could figure out to send pics on here, are you on facebook?

[@safelandings]

That's just great Cliff, looks majestic in the air. Two thumbs up to the camera girl, kept it in shot really well and we all know it's not easy.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Richard, thanks, she did well considering how hard it is to see a 'dot' on a mobile phone, cheers 👍

[@andrewfairweather1340]

Nice one Cliff. You've really brought this old model back to life. Looks great! Seems to glide really well? 🦅👍

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Andrew, didn't really bring her back to life because she never had it in the first place but I know what you mean, cheers 😁 I suspected the glide would be good being undercambered👍

[@amirawadalla5866]

Absolutely love that plane, and good choice on the brown propellor, gives it a good vintage theme.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Amir, thanks, I just spray my propellors sometimes, they look so much better, especially in this case, cheers

[@normanbartlett6338]

Thanks!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thank you Norman, I've just decided this model needs a bigger esc after a problem in flight only yesterday. I had to deadstick a landing ... very fortunately I was in a position that enabled me to perform a good one, your donation will help, cheers 👍

[@nigelcopestake3618]

Nice model, really looks awesome in flight 👍👍👍

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Nigel, it'll look a lot better with a blue sky with fluffy white clouds on a calmer day, cheers 😁👍

[@jgroetsema]

Nice flight, beautiful plane! I had a similar vibration sound with my Babby Buzzard Bombshell. Turned out the motor was cavitating its bearings at higher speeds and the wings resonated the sound.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Jeff, good idea but I don't think this is the case in this instance, the motor's brand new (so should be alright!), worth considering though, cheers 👍

[@DoyleBlevins]

Lovely model, great work and looks like a sweet flyer.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Doyle, I'm expecting many happy flying sessions 🙂👍

[@kitchentablebalsabuilds]

Thoroughly enjoyed this series. Beautiful airplane, fun video! Especially liked the rear-facing camera angle!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks, it turned out well 🙂👍

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Cliff the Mercury flew great, well done Sir. From the onboard video it like like the wing was slightly pulling up when throttling up. Whooa Jeff in LA USA

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

I thought the same Jeff, once the grass is cut I'm sure it'll be a little more 'lady like', thanks for watching, cheers

[@oldponytail]

Great stuff Cliff. Nice maiden considering the wind. Lovely model. Always entertaining. I appreciate the sharing of tips and tricks. I always learn something,

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Len, thanks, I'm pretty happy with the way she's turned out, a lovely aeroplane from the days before things got too technical 👍🙂

[@spaced-out-records]

Awesome Cliff 👍

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thank you 🙂👍

[@Yogenh]

You did a wonderful job later it looks like you could even slope glide it

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Paul, I reckon she'd soar very nicely, especially given the uc just plugs in, cheers 👍🏼

[@offtopicjes]

wow cliff we have been waiting and here it is! nice job! love you mate.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Jes, glad you approve, now what's next 🤔🙂👍

[@andrewtolley3706]

A very impressive maiden cliff, i've followed the mercury project from the start. Can't help thinking it has retained some of the ff flying characteristics for which the model was originally intended! Brilliant stuff, thank you for sharing.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Andrew, thank you, I think on a calmer day I should be able to let go of the sticks quite a lot, then it really will be free flight, thanks for commenting, cheers 🙂👍

[@downwindchecklist6567]

Majestic! That slow flight was really great! Well worth the effort! Great camera work and debrief too. As usual, very inspiring!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Andrew, it seems these bigger models take more time to move around so majestic is a good word, I'm looking forward to more flights this Summer 🙂👍

[@MarkRobinson555]

Lovely flier, well done Cliff, great work on the restoration

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Mark, coming from yourself that's appreciated, cheers 👍

[@mbkmmodels9406]

Nice model Cliff. Good flight also. I love vintage models.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks, there's something about them isn't there, cheers 👍

[@RCPlanesCoptersTrucks]

Fantastic flight, Cliff! Love the airplane.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks, it went ok, cheers 👍

[@dginia]

To make the hatch easier to remove you could put a bit of yarn at the magnet end. While it is flowing with the breeze, your pilot can use it for a yaw string! Such a good refurbishment you have done!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Dennis, thank you, that's the solution I've been looking for, brilliant, simple and practical 😁👍

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi again Dennis, string pull release now made 👍 I anchored it around a cocktail stick and finished the exit with a brass servo grommet sleeve it looks superb, cheers 🙂

[@dginia]

@@CliffHarveyRCPlanes Isn’t it terrific when a plan actually works out? Good job and so pleased I could help.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

@@dginia Cheers Dennis 🙂

[@markdam]

Maybe a touch of right thrust with a washer behind the motor? Both takeoffs look the same when it torqued to the left or add more right rudder on takeoff? Other than that great to finally see it fly beautiful plane I have an old timer I've been holding on to for years that I eventually I'm going to build I don't think it's quite as big as yours but I look forward to it😊

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Good suggestions Mark, thanks, yes you really do need to get building, what model is it anyway?

[@RcAircraft]

Very Nice. 👍👍👍

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Cheers Stephen 😊

[@timtheplaneman]

Camera crew did a great job. It was a great view from the plane too. Shame about the "jello" - probably due to that cowl vibration, so fix that and the video will be awesome!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Tim, thanks, she did well ... I've have to employ her again 🤔 I had seven minutes of aerial video but you feel seasick after a while. I don't think it was a cow vibration that caused it to do that, I think it's more the camera mount itself was a bit wobbly 🙂👍

[@timtheplaneman]

@@CliffHarveyRCPlanes that makes sense too. Perhaps both? Looking forward to the next flight.

[@guyoreilly5670]

Congratulations on another successful Maiden Flight!!! Love the elevon mix. You mentioned effective at low speed; is there a problem at high speed?

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Guy, thanks, they worked well at normal cruise speed but surprisingly well also at low speed. I can't say the effect at high speed because I didn't fly above 65% throttle 🤔👍

[@andretrishrousselle6330]

Felecitation mon ami.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Andre 🙂

[@racem558]

Hi, I just opened Utube and noticed your model. Are you the gentleman I spoke with some time back? If so you'll remember I personally knew Mick Smith who designed the Mercury many years ago!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Alistair, it could well have been me, it's certainly a special model 🤔🙂👍

[@racem558]

Hi, I knew the original model and it's designer,Mick Smith many years ago in Africa !

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Alistair, that's a great memory, I wonder if he's looking down and smiling? 🙂👍

[@racem558]

Yes I knew Mick for many years! I also knew another Mercury 4 in Northern Rhodesia around 1963. On it's first flight the rudder servo was not strong enough and we lost the model, some natives had found it up in tree far from where we were! It survived to fly again. The engine was an Anderson spitfire ten cc with no throttle. Thought it might interest you, stay well, Alistair Sutherland.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

@@racem558 That is interesting Alistair, I can just imagine the scene. The size of rudder was a concern for me but she turns pretty well without ailerons, cheers

[@collinmccallum]

brilliant!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Thanks Collin 👍

[@NorthGaSawyer]

Congrats on a successful maiden Cliff!. Why are the two elevator halves moving independently?

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi NGS, thanks, to answer your question it's because I wasn't sure if the rudder would turn the model so I set up the elevators on a switch as a back-up, they work in conjunction with the rudder to help boost the turn if needed. I saw the idea on a video of a 3/4 scale Fokker Dr1 and thought it would be worth giving it a go, cheers 👍

[@MarkCroucherRC4fun]

That's about typical for vintage take off, get the power on and away from the ground. Great maiden

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

The longer grass than normal really didn't help Mark but, as you say, get away from the ground, cheers 👍🏼

[@JustwingitRC]

Absolutely BRILLIANT Cliff! So glad to see this beauty in the air. I learned on planes such as this back in the 1970's. My father converted many free-flight models into simple 3-channel RC ships, some 2-channel, and my original flight being on a single channel, rudder only. Your Mercury flew wonderful! The "wallowing" you describe is quite common for the type of model; these all feel kind of wallowing, floating, whatever you choose to use to describe the flight. That's perfectly fine, and all part of the experience. Congrats again on the successful maiden! Are you considering a slightly larger prop for more "pull" off the grass? Probably not needed, but might help to get her in the air depending on the amp pull based against electronics. I think she's about ready for the annual Cocklebarrow old timer gathering in the Cotswalds! Cheers mate!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi John, what great memories, thanks for sharing them. I do need to try other props, the current one is 13x8, this is the smallest prop recommended for this motor, usually the glass is a lot shorter anyway. Cocklebarrow is September time isn't it?

[@colcol303]

Very very nice, that motor sounds abit off to me, is the prop balanced as on higher rpm it sounds like vibration appears, not sure. Beautiful plane

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Colcol, thankbyou, yes, I rechecked the prop to make sure, I'm pretty sure it was the cowl vibrating, we'll see on the next outing 🤔👍

[@davidquerry8869]

HA HA, great job Cliff.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi David, thank you, I'm pleased 👍

[@makanudo08]

Amei o voo gostei mesmo , eu possuo um rádio da mesma marca e modelo

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Mauricio, thanks, it's a great combination 😁👍

[@thunderbird6759]

Go with bigger balloon wheels.

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

I do have bigger wheels but they just wouldn't go in the spats which I really wanted to use, if the spats break up then they will go on, cheers 👍

[@EnglishTurbines]

The propeller is badly out of balance. Vibrated the hatch off and caused a load of jello in the onboard camera footage....You really need to replace it with an electric propeller. Thats an IC prop....It will wreck the plane if left.... Surprised you missed something so basic....Why are the elevators moving out of sync...?....Set up as Elevons? More questions than answers...🤔🤔😳😳🇬🇧

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi ET, the jello effect is just vibration nothing's out of balance, it seems to do it on all my models. The prop looks ic possibly because it's painted 🤔 The elevators are set on a switch to engage ruddervators, I wasn't sure if the rudder was going to be big enough to steer the model, as it turns out it's not bad at all, thanks for your concerns though, it's appreciated 🙂👍

[@EnglishTurbines]

@@CliffHarveyRCPlanes Okay, but vibration is caused by imbalance.. Balance your prop...The jello is vibration caused by your motor and prop being out of balance I assure you.....🤔😏🇬🇧

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

​@@EnglishTurbinesI've rechecked the balance and it was very slightly out, I've fine-tuned it so looking forward to her next outing 👍

[@paulhelman2376]

Mercury is meant for free flight not RC!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Hi Paul, I don't think anybody in their right mind would fly a model of this size and weight free flight, certainly not in my part of the World. Besides had RC been available to the designer 80 years ago it would have been a no-brainer to install it. Would you fly it without RC? Cheers 🤔