PB Models Tornado

[Tony H]

Hi all,

 

I have been thinking of getting a PB Models Tornado 60 size. Does anyone know how well they fly and if a Irvine 61 would be enough for it? Also does anyone know of a good retractable system for it with steerable nose?

[Nigel R]

It was designed when lighter, old crossflow type 61s were around... At 625sq in,  it's small for a schneurle 61 like the irvine. Perfect partner, AX55 or Irvine 53?

 

There is a larger version is for something like the irvine 61

 

https://www.cloudmodels.co.uk/store/product/calibre-mk2

[Tony H]

I assume the old 61 engine was a lot lighter and less powerful than the Irvine 61?

[Nigel R]

The old crossflows were, yes. About 10pc less power and mostly weighed about 550gm compared to around 750gm for the irvine. The irvine will work, for sure, i would guess you just need watch the weight and balance etc. 

[gangster]

Isn’t this the old Crescent Tornado? If so it was a contemporary of schneurl ported engines back then. The Webra Speed HP Gold cup OS FSR ,Redshift and not forgetting the Irvine 61 itself.  Those were the ones we were putting in the Tornado.Ok the modern engines are a tad lighter and a tad more powerful. But be assured that us old codgers were not pottering around with Cross flow scavenged engines in the 70s. Is it the same model

[Robert Welford]

I flew a Tornado (Crescent version) in the late 80s. It was powered by an HP 61 FS and then a Webra 61 Champion on a pipe.

The Irvine 61 will be a good match. Any trike retracts will be suitable - Springair, Robart and Rhom retracts sometimes come up on ebay.

Edited October 4, 2021 by Robert Welford
typo

[Nigel R]

I stand corrected ?

[Martin Dance 1]

I built and flew a Tornado back in the late 70's early 80's powered by an OS 61 FSR, again a Schneurle ported. As for retracts I had planned to install them and had actually bought a set of retracts, still have them, unused. However when planning the installation of the nose leg unit it became obvious that it would restrict the size of fuel tank that could be used and as the motor would consume 10oz fuel in a 10 minute flight the largest tank if I recall correctly that would fit would be 6 oz not really enough.

[Bob Cotsford]

When I had one 10 years(?) or so ago it was powered by an OS61SF with a minipipe.  Main retracts were cheap Hobbyking electric units and the noseleg an E-Flite unit.  Half the wheel sat proud when retracted but it meant I could get a 12oz DuBro tank in.

It was my go-to heavy weather model!

[John Minchell]

Funnily enough I was just emailing with PB and his comment was "Why don't people contact us to ask"?

Or words to that effect. ?

 

 

 

[Paul Marsh]

I have the Tornado and with a Irvine 61 in it. I flies well, not over powered, could do with more power, but ok as it is...

 

[Robert Putley 1]

I got through three of these from the early seventies into the late eighties.  Ran mine on OSP 60,s, wih an ED quiet pipe and matching carb. Bags of power, fabulous flier.

 

Tempted to get one for a winter build.

[Mark travers]

I bought one from Paul a few years ago, flew with an SC 91 in it, now swapped for an OS 61FX i managed to acquire, needs testing when weather gets better.