Jump to content

This winter's build,Gangster 63


Recommended Posts

Well I couldn't wait any longer, although I have three builds in the finishing off stage I've  been itching to start on this after buying an original MR kit last year. 

1942697944_IMG_20240923_181738516_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.cd6ba561fa72442e364b62ad20957646.jpg

This is a real nostalgia build for me, my first was made in '76 Horizon radio and a HP 61 FS up front, this will also have a HP 61 but the earlier ons same as on the kit box.This won't be a blow by blow as it's a very straight forward model to  build 

1962954088_IMG_20240922_124756109_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.3e599abf1a3b1d70b38187682a0401fc.jpg

a few hours in and the wing is looking good 

1410104878_IMG_20240923_121827085_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.af6f719ac4e8d8abbcd992b679260f59.jpg

 

Aileron horns, careful with that glue!

IMG_20240923_124111129_MFNR.thumb.jpg.09980f990edbca38934c890631ee24aa.jpg

The fuselage is a basic box construction and went together quickly, in fact I probably spent more time waiting for glue to dry.This has been modified from the kit instructions by having the tank hatch on top rather than underneath and the wing is a bolt on fixing 

 

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Advert


Was this an old kit or a new kit of the old foam wing design?   I see that Mick Reeves website offers the 'old' type Gangster 63 Classic  - made in small batches for keen builders-as well as the Gangster 63 Lite.    I note that the 2022 price for the foam wing Classic 63 is much higher than the 63 Lite version!   Presumably less balsa in the Lite means lower cost and foam wings cost more to produce than wing rib versions.

 

Also I note that the Gangster 52 Classic is available as a foam wing kit although  as the website mentions 2022 prices i wonder if this is still currently available?

Edited by kc
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is as far as I know from the seller a 30+ year old kit ,amazingly the wing veneer is in perfect condition unlike some other vintage kits I have brought! This is a model deserving of the title 'classic ' in design that has its roots in Mick's dictator c/l stunt model,and its construction so typical of the 70's as 'solid' in order to take the rough and tumble of the average club flyer but capable of performing well enough to get people into competition aerobatics. 

As for availability and prices, a quick call to MR wil give you the answer, maybe I will get a 52 as I have a box full of vintage 40's! 😄 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As I am not a serious buyer at the moment I didn't phone Mick and waste his time but if anyone else is a buyer then let us all know whether they are actually available.    Maybe a Gangster 52 Lite would be the thing nowadays too.......

 

Loads of other goodies on the Mick Reeves site which are worth a look.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Back in the 1970s, I built a Gangster 63 with an HP61. It wasn't overpowered by any measure but more recently I put together a G63 Lite with an Irvine 53. The Lite's all built-up structure transforms to performance, even with strengthening modifications like all sheet tail surfaces and the replacement of the inset ailerons with strip ailerons as per the original. I find It's the perfect model for practising aerobatics with the CG back at 120mm and laterally balanced.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, kc said:

As I am not a serious buyer at the moment I didn't phone Mick and waste his time but if anyone else is a buyer then let us all know whether they are actually available.    Maybe a Gangster 52 Lite would be the thing nowadays too.......

 

Loads of other goodies on the Mick Reeves site which are worth a look.

Hi Kc   I bought the gangster 63 classic about 3 weeks ago, ordered from Mick Reeves was in stock and delivered very quickly.

This is my winter build, it will be IC powered looking like the brand new OS 55ax I have sitting in the shed.

Regards

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So spent the last couple of evenings doing one of the jobs I least like doing, G/F the wing joint and sanding it down although since I have been using epoxy finishing resin it's a lot less tedious. 

IMG_20240925_140035525_MFNR.thumb.jpg.f5a21ccab848c3ed6b4613c4c4e42837.jpg

IMG_20240926_162434631_MFNR.thumb.jpg.84ddbb56bae29fd9c2e5e34b4f5b4bc5.jpg

602053524_IMG_20240926_162838431_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.266fc46e3b25de291cd15199b3c90ab6.jpg

Well thats the tank bay fuel proofed!

 1200928983_IMG_20240926_162745051_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.ab9204fa8db73392259c6e34b3983ada.jpg

Servos and wing  mounting blocks in place, l did drop the throttle servo down  as it was a bit close to the aileron servo plenty of clearance now

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

976687665_IMG_20240928_112505507_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.eb5d7a0f92b60cae22380b64e6fb8738.jpg

With the wing bolted on it's time to check the incidence  before mounting the tailplane 

650155542_IMG_20240928_130844583_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.98a37718e8fbbbc2663ece8d3f35a96f.jpg

with the tailplane checked for square it's out with the glue and clamps 

IMG_20240928_182054886_MFNR.thumb.jpg.39db0187da32199ec07b33ae7fe490fe.jpg

Once the fin is glued in place the rear decking is added

711056791_IMG_20240928_182119273_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.dc5cab1994d76eeb35ce169c9d9b593d.jpg

final bit today building up the cowling so I can look forward to some therapeutic carving and sanding 👍

 

IMG_20240928_130844583_MFNR~3.jpg

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well it does quite literally say it's a kwikbult kit! This was the industry standard in the late 60's & 70's, Chris Foss is still selling his Wot  series models using the same formula, a pair of quality foam wings, precut parts and an instruction book!

And models back then needed to be able to hand less than ideal conditions.  Hopefully I've done this right!

 https://youtu.be/BNSFX9RP5_g?si=vEUkETHGZKbZ6zcV

628490393_IMG_20240929_120604689_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.ecf70e7ccb105ab8fdd994a596dd489b.jpg

Last bit glued on

1837506853_IMG_20240929_120618135_MFNR2.thumb.jpg.55f5c6b95d970add9656bf8736177e26.jpg

Cowl and forward part of fuselage carved and sanded to shape, just need to decide on which HP 61 I will use?

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did follow your thread at the time,for anyone interested MR has a 75 kit in stock from a recent run of kits and still makes short runs of the classic range,I'm waiting for a 52 kit.

Fuselage now sanded and final cowling blocks added only things left is replacement of one of the ailerons as the wood is far to soft and making a decision on the kind of finish and the dreaded colour scheme 😬 !

IMG_20241003_163302143_MFNR.thumb.jpg.68be6d252d41439c774cd6dde3574b40.jpg

IMG_20241003_163126032_MFNR.thumb.jpg.5bf77337ff7eb63eda06a8752eb18c05.jpg

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...