Wheel Building

Yep...what Andrew said. That is truly remarkable workmanship. I can barely lace a bike rim, let alone something that small.

The ingenuity of the membership here is absolutely bewildering, mind-blowing, and to be applauded! Great job, RDW!

Beautiful work down to the smallest detail, like always, Robert, I am amazed at your skills.

Great job! I've seen articles about making wire wheels in RCM and Model Maker but it's the first time someone is actually doing this.

That’s Incredible, Nice Job

sensational work Robert very few would posses your skills and craftsmanship.

Very Nice ! I know I couldn't do that , cant even tighten spokes with out a warp

Thank you Gentlemen

A bit of a story behind the wheels, and plane…. I still have the November ‘86 issue of Model Builder this airplane was first published in…(It’s available on OZ now too)…..The airplane is named “Footrot Flier” after an obscure comic strip from New Zealand …..I always liked the design and put it in the maybe one of these days list for a long time…The article has a lot of interesting insight to rudder only R/C and a very innovative landing gear system….

RCG was having a rudder only group build a few years ago and I decided to finally build the Footrot Flier…..I resized it smaller to fit some equipment I had…. After posting a few photos of the build a friendly gentleman that goes by Footrot replied …. I didn’t know he was still active so that was kind of special to “meet” the designer….He shared with me he still has and flies the original FF and posted an updated photo of it…. Sporting spoked wheels, In the build article it had Williams Bros. wheels….. I really liked the look of the spokes and inquired about it and he kindly did a little tutorial on them….

So was special to me anyway and a bit of surprise to interact with the designer on a little plane I had always admired…. He had converted his to 3 ch a long time ago and I did mine as well just to be able to keep it in a tight space….

So that’s the story on the spokes…. I’ve got some video of FF and will post it after some editing….A very docile little flyer….

I like the story as much as the wheels Robert! A definite art-form with functionality. I think that many of us are drawn to the symmetry of mechanical things.Wonderful to have that type of skill and patience.

Thanks Roddie, I’m glad you liked the story….The “stuff” of what we do is a lot of fun but but interacting with like minded friends, maybe more so

I have high regard for your artistry as well… Rare Bear, a wonderful example… Excellent detail of the mechanics and finished like a painting…Thoughtfulness in the photography and lighting …Nice…

Robert

Footrot trying the new wheels for the first time at a nearby softball field…Progressively gets more breezy as the flight goes on ….

Thanks for entertaining this for a while…. Back to engines and flammable liquids!!!

Well, I can't add anything other than was alread said, but yes, those are truly amazing. Such attention to detail with the 'spokes'!

Hi Robert, I really enjoyed the Footrot Flier video. It's a nice little airplane! I like the look of the stitch-hinged control surfaces.. and of course; those wire wheels!