RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
It's time to post what I have of the plan for TBX, and tie up a couple loose ends before moving on to something new that few, if any besides Tom and Helen knew about...but first TBX. The TBX was scanned by an outfit in Charlotte,NC, so I don't have the plans to post here. If you want a copy of those plans, I can request them through Jeff Petroski who took them in for scanning. Duane
Posted on: 11/17/2009 11:39 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9261863

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
[quote]ORIGINAL: Free Bird Very interesting account of the short life of the Apogee. It's a shame when that happens to any new model. Very interesting pics Duane. FB [/quote] Apogee or course was rebuilt, but according to Tom did not fly as true as Perigee...so it became the back-up ship. Duane
Posted on: 11/16/2009 7:40 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9257200

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Tom's OWLs: The first is Tom's "main" Owl that Helen still owns, and the one she tells stories about. It has the same, but a somewhat more intracate paint scheme compared to the one we saw above, now belonging to Don Patterson. It doesn't show anything characteristic of Tom "style" other than the name on the plane.
Posted on: 11/15/2009 8:00 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256110

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Now to discuss a couple other airplanes of Tom's that Helen provided information on. Imagine my surprise when I saw the airplane below displayed at the annual VR/CS Muncie, Indiana fly-in with Tom's name and address prominently displayed behind the wing. The new owner is Don Patterson, who lives a short distance from Helen in Michigan. About five years ago, a friend (Don Franklin), mentioned to him that Helen might be willing to part with Tom's radio equipment, so they went over to take a look, and spent the afternoon looking at and removing the various radios from Tom's planes. The "Owl", (which is the name of this design), had a single channel radio installed. This apparently wasn't Tom's primary Owl since Helen still owns the one Tom flew the most. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only one of Tom's planes, (other than the original Perigee which was donated along the Orbit reed transmitter to the AMA museum), that Helen doesn't still have in "the hangar". The other design is an aileron-only configuration that for some reason wasn't named. Note that the aileron-only model shows the beginnings of Tom's characteristic paint schemes. I don't know the colors, but I bed it was blue-on-blue. Duane
Posted on: 11/15/2009 7:51 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256078

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
[quote]ORIGINAL: Michaelj2k [quote]ORIGINAL: AndyKunz Hey, I've got one of those spinners. It needs a new home. Andy [/quote] I have several of them too and I know just where to put them! Duane, you have done a service for all of us who appreciate vintage airplanes. And to find them in like new condition too! My thanks go to you and the Brett family for such a historical find. Thank you for sharing the plans. I've downloaded and printed them and just marvel at the amount of detail. [/quote] You're very welcome Michael...I tell you, this whole adventure since July 4th when I was able to visit Helen, (a relative stranger then), and see Tom's planes "live and in living color" as been one of the great memories of my R/C life. [:D] One thing seems to lead to another. If it hadn't been for our pal from California, Chuck Winter producing that tremendous 30..minute video none of this would have been possible as I wouldn't have had a good enough excuse to bother Helen asking for a personal visit. [;)] The vintage R/C community has many wonderful people associated with it. I meant every word when I said that Tom had quite an effect in shaping my tastes in R/C. Even observing him from a distance, you could see he was a meticulous builder and engineer...his work was flawless, as were his plans. I got to "know him" better as a person by reading his articles, and taking some cues on his personality from them. It's a shame I was too shy as a young teen back then to push all the others out of the way and introduce myself, but it took years for the impressions to "sink in" and become important to me. Sometimes you have to look back on your life to see the things that leave a positive impression on you. The RCCD, and the Detroit Invitationals and all those famous pioneers of pattern shaped my interest in R/C which was later fueled by great organizations like VR/CS and SPA. All these elements came together for me to make all this so much fun. Anyway, I'm glad this worked out so well. It wouldn't have been nearly as much fun or as good a thread without the continued support and documentation in the form of photos, and impressions that came directly from Helen Brett and the Brett family, Willie McMath, Mel Santmyer, and Chuck Winter. I'm glad you folks have enjoyed the thread, but we're not quite done. We'll be hearing directly from Helen again, and we'll see another Brett plane. Who knows, maybe new pictures will surface as new people find the thread...we'll see. Duane
Posted on: 11/4/2009 1:11 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227776

RE: Ed Kazmurski's Taurus
Here are the rest of the photos I have from the day when Ed's Taurus was donated to the AMA Museum. Jeff Petroski and I were able to have custody that last night before "Donation Day", and we made the most of it by taking detailed measurements to see if Ed's personal Taurus was any different than the standard Top Flite kit. Just as a reminder, we found the wing on the VR/CS Taurus to have less wingspan than the kit, (about 1-1/2 inch less). We also found a 1/4 inch difference in the height of the fuselage side...all other measurements and moments were identical to the kit, which was a bit of a surprise based on what we were led to believe earlier on in this thread. That's why we wanted to take these last minute measurements, because this was the last chance; once ownership was transferred, it would be "hands-off". Upon arriving at the AMA complex we decided to take a number of "private" photos before giving up "sole ownership", (letting everyone else have access to Ed's Taurus). The pictures below were taken before and after we arrived at flying site #3 for the days activities. The plane was truly in remarkable condition...a few minor repairs to the sewn hinges, (and maybe a touch of paint, I don't know), and it looked almost like a shiney new penny, (shiney copper for those overseas).[;)] One word of advice..don't wear an orange shirt while holding a red plane.[:D] Duane
Posted on: 11/4/2009 9:06 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217996

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
One point I wanted to make about Nimbus III If you go back to page 10, post 250...take a look at the fuselage top view nose section. It appears to be offset thrust to the extent that it alters the shape of the nose somewhat. Are there any commments from those knowing more than me about such things...is this "offset thrust", or is this just the normal right side thrust? Comments?
Posted on: 11/4/2009 9:05 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227301

RE: Ed Kazmurski's Taurus
Here are two more pictures from the day of the Donation Ceremony to the AMA Museum. That Friday was a LOUSY DAY weather-wise, (but it could have been worse). All day there was light rain with brief periods of clouds between periods of drizzle. Both the Taurus and Ed's second generation Taurus-2 were displayed together for most of the day. Before Ed's passing, these two models had spent over 40 years together in the same travel crate Ed had created for his trip to Africa in April 1962. Early in this thread you see the pictures from Chuck Noble when the planes were first revealed. Forty years is a long time, but all things come to an end. One of the main reasons I wanted to travel to Muncie this year was to be SURE we could get some pictures of Ed's personal Taurus models together again for the last time before the more famous Taurus went on permanent display. It was necessary to keep them on a table under a tent, (thank goodness for the tent). During periods when it wasn't drizzling, we'd grab both planes for photos of different people in VR/CS holding Ed's Taurus. It was a time for saying personal good-byes. [b]The first picture is a retouched photo of the two models sitting there on the table[/b] with all the background clutter removed. It isn't perfect but I like it. The transmitter in the picture is Ed's personal ORBIT proportional from approximately 1965. On the "O" on the Orbit logo, "Kaz" scratched his name for identification. Pretty cool[:)] A very special person who personally donated $1,500 in the effort to keep the Taurus in the US was VR/CS historian Guiseppe, (Beppe) Fascione. We felt that Beppe deserved a special picture, so when it was his turn, we got out a picture of the original January 1963 MAN cover, (over 46 years earlier), and different members instructed Beppe in the proper method to hold and display the Taurus so he might look as much like Ed as possible. Beppe is a wonderful guy, totally dedicated to vintage R/C, and very knowledgable when it comes to the history of R/C modeling; he is a walking encyclopedia of R/C. Beppe, we thank you for your role and sacrifice in securing the Taurus. Your example inspired a few more of us to "cough up" a bit more than we had planned. [b]This picture is one I call "Beppe Kazmirski"[/b]
Posted on: 11/4/2009 12:05 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9226793

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Final Nimbus photos: Comments welcome[:)]
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:16 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9226694

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
How about more Nimbus III pictures: Duane
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:15 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9226687

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
[quote]ORIGINAL: EvenflowTen yeah I will post a couple that don't get a lot of detail...so you can have that fun. This way people will be waiting with baited breath. [/quote] I like your style Brett. I don't know about everybody else, but I can't open them. There are just those tantalizing little red "X"s to look at. Keep 'em guessing[:)] THIS IS LATER THAT SAME DAY: WOAH-THERE THEY ARE
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:11 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224779

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
[quote]ORIGINAL: EvenflowTen If you folks don't mind, I am Brett, Helen's grandson.  I can post the images myself. [/quote] Brett...you will be spoiling all my fun. [;)] I wanted to build a little suspense for now, and this is (almost) the last surprise before we wrap things up.....but why don't you go ahead and post a couple at least. I've saved the pictures at home and was planning on posting them tonight, but a little preview wouldn't hurt. Thanks for taking them for us. Duane
Posted on: 11/3/2009 9:37 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224743

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Evan; Helen's grandson, Brett sent me 10 pictures of Nimbus III, but unfortunately they were not sent as attachments in a way that I can save them, (at least at work), and attach them as photos in this thread.[8|] So for the time being, what you're going to have to do is to imagine a beautiful, large, two-tone blue plane with minimal dihedral.....elliptical cut-outs on the wings with capstrips and yellow silk. Nimbus III appears to be in pristine condition, and looks ready to fly. It is super-sleek...and no rubber bands. Evan, (and Free Bird), do you have that plane pictured? Kind-of like RADIO isn't it? [;)] Let's see how it compares with the real thing when I can get the pictures posted later. Sorry to leave you hanging over there in New Zealand, but that's the way it goes.[:D] Duane
Posted on: 11/3/2009 8:02 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224604

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
[quote]ORIGINAL: pimmnz Thanks for that Duane, you have probably saved three models, and a host of memories, from being simply lost in the mists of time. I realise that you are not an archivist, nor a professional historian, but if you can somehow package this stuff and preserve it then at least this bit of your modelling history will be safe from attempts to corrupt that which has already happened. And I got a couple more models to build... Evan. [/quote] Evan; I'm certainly open for suggestions about the best way to do that....but how, and how could interested modelers find it? I've tried to document Tom's career as completely and fully as possible with Helen Brett's help. I was just e-mailing her that both Cirrus and Nimbus III were completely unknown except to a handful of fellow modelers at Tom's home club some 40 years ago. I bet 95% of the current members at RCCD have no knowledge of either of them. Now others interested in vintage modeling, (actually just modeling and building in general), will be able to build these beautiful planes for themselves; talk about having something different to take to the flying field[:D], and something with some history behind it as well. Evan...take a close look at the lines of Nimbus III; isn't she a beauty!![:)] And the larger size is just what I like personally speaking. Duane
Posted on: 11/2/2009 7:59 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9222022

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
[quote]ORIGINAL: kingaltair Evan; I'll provide you with exact wingspan measurements for all the plans that I'll be posting. We'll be talking about Nimbus III soon. Duane [/quote] Evan, and everyone...We now begin the final phase of this thread as we begin to discuss Tom's Nimbus III, (his last design). I'm especially excited about this plane because I believe
Posted on: 10/31/2009 2:16 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217778

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Here are the rest of the Nimbus III drawings, but first a few more details. Nimbus III is the first plane where Tom uses an alternative, (other than dowels and rubber bands), method for attaching the wing. The design of Nimbus III is even more sleek, (if you can believe it) than Perigee, or Nimbus II. Tom designed Nimbus III just before he and Helen turned to flying full-scale aircraft. Helen told me Tom flew Nimbus III "a few times" in the summer of 1966. In my response back to her, I said that I imagine Tom was probably curious about how the plane would fly, but his heart was already turning to flying the real thing with her, (which was his long time goal). That probably accounts for the fact there are no known photos of Tom with his Nimbus III, which is really unfortunate for us. Helen's grandson Brett came by to visit her a few days ago, and Helen tells me he took pictures of Nimbus III that will be sent to me. I'm looking forward to receiving them; when I get them, you'll be the first to know. Duane
Posted on: 10/31/2009 2:07 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217819

RE: Ed Kazmurski's Taurus
[quote]ORIGINAL: bem Duane, Nice pictures of the Taurus! It would be nice to see more pictures here if you have. /Bo [/quote] Appreciate it Bo.....I DO have more that I'll be posting soon.
Posted on: 10/30/2009 7:46 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9214557

RE: Ed Kazmurski's Taurus
I've been working on pictures taken at the day of the Taurus's donation ceremony, and the VR/CS to AMA Museum ownership ceremony itself. The Taurus was in pristeen condition, and was definitely flyable had there been the desire to do that. Doesn't she look beautiful?[:)] Some of the people involved in the VR/CS purchase of Ed's personal Taurus are featured in the pictures. One picture shows VR/CS Presient Bob Noll by himself with the Taurus pre-ceremony, then pictured with others involved in the process, VR/CS Historian Giuseppe (Beppe) Fascione, Treasurer Terry Terrenoire, (who made the actual bid on eBay), and yours truly. Beppe also gave a talk on the history and early development of the Taurus before the actual transfer. BTW...It sure would have been great to have known that everyone else was going to wear a VR/CS "yellow shirt". Nobody was willing to give me the "shirt off their back".[;)]Nothing like fitting in...right? Duane
Posted on: 10/27/2009 7:41 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9204087

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Evan; I'll provide you with exact wingspan measurements for all the plans that I'll be posting. We'll be talking about Nimbus III soon. Duane
Posted on: 10/27/2009 7:35 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9205393

RE: Ed Kazmurski's Taurus
Thanks UStik...nice to see the "gang" is still together[;)]
Posted on: 10/26/2009 7:48 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9202630

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
How do you know how to "scale" the plans? BTW...I heard from Helen yesterday that her grandson took pictures of Nimbus III, so now we'll be able to include those. Duane
Posted on: 10/26/2009 7:42 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9202621

RE: Ed Kazmurski's Taurus
I must admit that the wingtips really DO look fully elliptical in the B&W picture, (more than could be accounted for by any sun angle). Also there is no evidence of red paint wrapping toward the tip. It appears the red and black go straight out to the tip in the B&W picture. For sure it's not the best quality picture or the best angle to view it from, but the ball park model doesn't seem to be the one donated to the museum. I just took it for granted they were the same...I didn't look as carefully as you guys did.[8D] I DO BELIEVE this was a later model because of the trike gear, but still the barn-door ailerons remain. It seems to me to be very unlikely he would "borrow"someone else's plane. How many Orions were there in Ed's stable anyway?? Duane
Posted on: 10/25/2009 10:34 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201988

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
The rest...these refer to the 850 wing:
Posted on: 10/25/2009 10:22 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201942

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Here are more on the Cirrus: Will these e-mail attachments be enough to give you workable plans?? BTW.....These are Tom's original velum drawings...good shape don't you think?
Posted on: 10/25/2009 10:18 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201926

RE: Ed Kazmurski's Taurus
Hi there everyone... We can't keep this thread "down" for too long before something new comes up. In an effort to be as precise as we can about speculations on this thread, I have some new information about the TRIKE-GEAR Orion that was mentioned on page 74, (post 1848). While visiting the AMA museum for the Taurus dedication, (some final pictures coming), I noticed that the Orion in the museum was a Tricycle landing gear Orion, and not the original tail-dragger. It is impossible to know for certain if this is the same Orion pictured in that post that taxied, (and maybe flew) around the infield at the White Sox ball park, but it sure looks like the same one. Another point made in post 1853-1854 by Evan mentioned elliptical wingtips, (based on the shadow on the ground). If this is the same plane, I can show the tips were definitely NOT elliptical...it must have been the shadow angle that made it look elliptical. There is also speculation about the possibility of strip ailerons on a later Orion model such as this one. Attached are pictures of the trike gear Orion at the ballpark, the Orion in the AMA museum, and a detail of the wingtip. Duane
Posted on: 10/25/2009 7:10 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201409

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
The files attached above are the first of many PDF files sent via e-mail from the copier. Could you use these files directly to have your own plans made locally? If not, I can e-mail you the files, and you cand send them back to the copier to get your own set of plans, (he doesn't keep the scans on file). That's how I would have additional plans made for myself. Duane
Posted on: 10/25/2009 6:34 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201331

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Evan; New Zealand currency not allowed unless you provide airfare there so I'll have the opportunity to spend it. We do accept GOLD.[:)]
Posted on: 10/25/2009 6:24 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201304

RE: My new Taurus
[quote]ORIGINAL: MMcConville Flew it today. It was a lot of fun!! .....I'd never flown one till this morning. Flies well, and landing speed is very slow. I couldnt find a stall, it just keeps slowing down. Cant wait to fly it some more. [/quote] Mike; Nice looking Taurus I consider the Taurus to be the first "modern" pattern plane. It was a real trend-setter back in 1962, with many other designs following its lead with a short nose moment and long tail moment. It is probably the most famous pattern plane kit of all time, (if not [b][i][u]the most[/u][/i] [/b]famous kit ever produced world-wide). The Taurus still makes a great sport plane, and because it was designed afor pattern, it flys decidedly better than many. It's simple, straight-forward, upgradable, (can be modernized), and easy to fly. Jeff from HomeandHobbySolutions still produces a Taurus replica as a laser-cut kit. Welcome to the Taurus club
Posted on: 10/25/2009 6:01 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201258

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
Over the past few days I've taken the original velum drawings of Cirrus and Nimbus III (provided by Helen Brett), into an architectural drafting and blueprint supplier to have them properly copied. It is interesting that when I told the guy behind the counter the age of the drawings he told me they were the best quality plans he has ever seen close to that age. They look like they could have been drawn last week.[:)] I'll be trying to post the plans, (PDF) on this thread over the next few days for discussion. Anyone interested in plans can contact me off thread, and I'll tell you how to get your own set directly from the copier. Duane
Posted on: 10/23/2009 2:25 PM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9196315

RE: TOM BRETT'S DESIGNS-UPDATE
[quote]ORIGINAL: Free Bird Very cute pups Duane! Should have named them Apogee & Perigee!! [:)] FB [/quote] FB.....I'm SURE my wife wouldn't have gone along with that.[:)] Duane
Posted on: 10/19/2009 7:32 AM by Author "kingaltair" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9184704