Charlotte Budd Posted June 18 Share Posted June 18 We have an old model plane which we’ve began to try to repair. We can’t find any kind of handbook for it online - would anyone have any ideas for a repair guide or any other documentation? It’s labelled as ‘Olympian 40’ and ‘Dave Smith Model.’ We’re all complete beginners to trying to repair this, and can’t find anything online for the specific plane we have - we’ve likely had it since around 2002. Any help would be great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 - Moderator Posted June 18 Share Posted June 18 Looks pretty good only thing I see is that it is missing the tape/band that should cover the wing joint. Nice looking plane and Irvine 40? What other issues do you have with it. Lots of good info for beginners in this forum section Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsay Todd Posted June 18 Share Posted June 18 The model is a Micro Made Models Olympian 40, nothing to do with Dave Smith Models, that is just a sticker that has been put on. Very similar I believe to the Irvine Tutor 40 for which you might find more details a little easier but the airframe looks to be in fair condition. What are your issues? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted June 18 Share Posted June 18 @Charlotte Buddwhat are you going to do with it once it's fixed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Day Posted June 18 Share Posted June 18 2 dowels and elastic bands to hold the wing on. Looks pretty sound, could be up in the air with a couple of hours work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis Posted June 18 Share Posted June 18 Hello Charlotte and welcome to the forum. Are the two wing halves securely glued together? The engine looks like an Irvine 40 or 46. These are very good engines and run well on ready made fuel containing 5% nitromethane. Please look into joining a club, most aeromodellers are keen to help beginners. You may find clubs near to your home here: https://bmfa.justgo.com/clubFinder.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin b Posted June 18 Share Posted June 18 What area are you in Charlotte ? Maybe someone on the forum is near enough to contact you, with a view to helping. Also we could help direct you to a local club. I assume from the "we" that this is a family project. That is good. We need more lady fliers. ☺️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Day Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 Looking at the original picture they could be school kids so perhaps direct them to a club in their area, is there an adult contact. Safety 1st. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin_K Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 Charlotte, What is the scope of the project? If it is just to examine and repair the model carry on as you are. If it is to fly the model you need a number of things running in parallel. Preparing the model for flight, the 'plane itself and radio control. Preparing the pilots to fly it, their skills and legal requirements. Somewhere to fly it from, a location where flying is permitted. A local club could help a lot. Keep at it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Colbourne Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 (edited) The Olympian 40 was made in Greece as its name alludes. The manufacturer exhibited them at one of the Sandown model shows in the mid 1990s, and certainly sold a few, as a father and son I instructed at the time had one each. The Olympian 40 used proper balsa wood and western Solarfilm-type covering as opposed to the brittle wood and split-prone covering of the Far Eastern competitors. When the father & son moved on to more advanced models, they gave me one of the Olympian 40s, which is still up in my attic somewhere. As others have suggested, go to a club and talk to people with some experience. Many clubs have a club trainer model which will allow you to start learning to fly without the pressure to get your model flying first. It doesn't look like there is much wrong with your model, however you do need a modeller experienced with wooden structures and engines (as opposed to plastic foam models and electric motors) to give it a thorough check over and guide you through the tasks to make it airworthy. There is a Youtube video of an Olympian 40 having its maiden flight here. Note that the main undercarriage on that model needs bending down. You don't want a tricycle undercarriage model sitting with the nose up in the air like that. It will make a smooth landing much more difficult. Can you give a rough geographical idea of where you are, so we can point you to suitable clubs? There may even be someone on this forum in a club near you. Edited June 19 by Robin Colbourne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yaho Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 Hey, I had a similar issue with an old RC plane I inherited. I found some great help in RC plane forums and Facebook groups. The enthusiasts there often have old manuals or can offer advice for hard-to-find models like your Olympian 40. Also, don't underestimate local model aviation clubs—they're usually full of folks who are happy to help with repairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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