Guillows Arrow Stick and Tissue Flying Model
Channel: BrusquePlatypus Aeronautics
Date: 2014-10-04

Location:
Eagle River, Alaska
2014/09/23

The Video and Model/Kit:

I was on my own so I both launched the plane and captured the video. Next time I should bring a tripod...and a video camera other than my phone.

This is a compilation of a few test flights of my newly built Guillow's Arrow. It comes as a few sheets (shapes laser cut) and some sticks with full size plans for assembly.

Covering:
The covering is tissue paper (like the tissue one would be used as decoration for a present/gift). I sprayed/misted 3 very light treatments of Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating on the tissue before flying. The coating makes the tissue less permeable and less absorbent, and a bit more resistant to damage.

Rubber Motor:
I did not use the rubber that came with the kit. It is a grey rubber that I will probably use for something. The included rubber is junk compared the the SIG Sport Rubber I bought a few years ago from A2Z/Peck (that no longer sells this type of stuff). I expect that I will not have too much trouble getting some additional quality rubber in the near future.

Nose Block:
For these test flights I only put about 100 to 220 winds in the rubber -- putting a bit more in each flight. When I said 70 winds during the video, I could more accurately have said "70 seconds of winding" using the little electric winder i made from a power screwdriver. Each second the screwdriver makes 2 to 3 full rotations. Using an electric winder makes it easier to wind the rubber without using a friend or stooge to hold planes.

I was unable to stretch the rubber while winding since the hole for the nose bearing is very small. I will need to make a removable nose block that will allow the rubber to be stretched while winding. 

Propeller:
I plan to add additional info for this plane/model on future videos. e.g. info about the popup tail dethermalizer i added, the landing gear modification, etc.

I will say that the propeller that was part of the kit seems to be pretty poor. I added 5 dental rubber bands to the tip of one blade to balance the excess weight of the other blade. For other props i have used I have only needed to add a bit (or two) of clear tape to one of the blades.