Bolero from Koado
Name: Bolero
Sold by: Miscellaneous
Manufacturer: Koado
Category: RC1 Models
Material: Fuselage composite / wings styro balsa
Wingspan: 1,5m
Length: 1,5m
Weight: ~3kg
Price: N.a.
Link to the Shop: Not available anymore
Sold by: Miscellaneous
Manufacturer: Koado
Category: RC1 Models
Material: Fuselage composite / wings styro balsa
Wingspan: 1,5m
Length: 1,5m
Weight: ~3kg
Price: N.a.
Link to the Shop: Not available anymore
Die guten alten Zeiten der RC1, wer erinnert sich nicht mehr daran? Na gut, vermutlich die jüngere Generation ;). Die RC1 Klasse war praktisch der Vorgänger der heutigen F3A Klasse und wurde mit Kunstflugmaschinen ausgetragen die zwischen 1,5 und 1,5m Spannweite hatten. Verbrennermotoren waren damals Stand der Technik und Hanno Prettner der weltbeste Pilot. Seine Curare ist heute noch eine Legende... Im Vergleich zur heutigen F3A Klasse war RC1 noch erschwinglich und so gut wie jeder Hobbypilot hatte eine RC1 Maschine zuhause. Mit dem Aufkommen der F3A mit 2m Spannweite und der Verbreitung von Elektromodellen sind die RC1 Flugzeuge praktisch ausgestorben. Umso schöner ist es dass die Curare wieder aufgelegt wurde und die RC1 so eine Art Retro Boom bekommen hat. Auch viele Jahre nach ihrem verschwinden strahlt die RC1 Klasse immer noch etwas besonderes aus und macht vorallem sehr viel Spaß zu fliegen.
Shipping:
Seriously? It has been 15 years ago that this plane was shipped in a box, I really can't remember...
My setup:
The Bolero aged in the meanwhile, back in the days he was equipeed with 5 Graupner C5077 which are still working perfect. The battery was changed this season to a 2700mAh NiMh and as engine, I use a Webra Speed 40 with Dynamix carburettor and tuned pipe. As receiver I'm using a OrangeRx R620 with a OrangeRx R100 satellite.
Built up:
The plane is arriving as well known ARF kit, this means that the composite fuselage and the wings are done already. The work reduces to iron the wings, rudder and elevator and the installation of the electronics, tank and engine. Surprises can't be found and in the hands of a good builder he is ready to fly within a few days.
Flight characteristics:
Who ever flew a RC1 model will get what he is awaiting, if you haven't done this, you will have a big grin in your face. The Bolero is a pure RC1 model with very neutral characteristics, and when you take you hands off from the sticks, he will keep flying in that position.
Doesn't matter if you're flying a rolling circle, negativ looping, turn or humpty bump, he goes trough all figures absolutely neutral and you don't need to do any unexpected corrections.
Starting is tail dragger usual restless and you need to correct much with the rudder until he has a certain amount of speed, but then he takes off nearly on its own. Landing is less critical, because he has a very good gliding angle and also good slow speed characteristics, butter smooth touch downs should came from alone.
Of course the engine is a dream. The Webra has a displacement of 6,5ccm but neraly the power of a 10ccm. The Dynamix carburetor has some peculiarities, but for that you get an acceleration you haven't seen before. Some motorcycles could get jealous.
All together a beatiful machine where nobody could pay me enough money that i would start to think about selling it.
Doesn't matter if you're flying a rolling circle, negativ looping, turn or humpty bump, he goes trough all figures absolutely neutral and you don't need to do any unexpected corrections.
Starting is tail dragger usual restless and you need to correct much with the rudder until he has a certain amount of speed, but then he takes off nearly on its own. Landing is less critical, because he has a very good gliding angle and also good slow speed characteristics, butter smooth touch downs should came from alone.
Of course the engine is a dream. The Webra has a displacement of 6,5ccm but neraly the power of a 10ccm. The Dynamix carburetor has some peculiarities, but for that you get an acceleration you haven't seen before. Some motorcycles could get jealous.
All together a beatiful machine where nobody could pay me enough money that i would start to think about selling it.
Here is a short video where i mounted the cam on the rudder:
One more with the flight from my point of view:
Conclusion:
Target group: Intermediate and professionals
Finishing: Middle
Flight characteristics: Perfect
Price / performance ratio: N.a. (Sorry, I can't say anything about the price anymore)
I'm really happy the the retro wave hit also (or especialy) the RC1 models. The Bolero is for sure one of the best RC1 models which is really flying absolutely neutral and can mess with all others. If you can find a used one, get it!
Finishing: Middle
Flight characteristics: Perfect
Price / performance ratio: N.a. (Sorry, I can't say anything about the price anymore)
I'm really happy the the retro wave hit also (or especialy) the RC1 models. The Bolero is for sure one of the best RC1 models which is really flying absolutely neutral and can mess with all others. If you can find a used one, get it!
Update 24.06.2014:
Time was wonderful, but everything comes to an end:
Yes, it doesn't always hit a foam plane, sometimes also really beatiful planes got hit.
What happend? Easy: Short pass with half throttle and 10° decending, suddenly elevator fluttering and an unbraked impact on the gras runway.
The model is a write-off, but the engine survived will be reanimated in another plane.
Head up, now there is place for new things and that will be something very special. But I won't tell anything before the maiden ;).
Pictures can be found under the crash category.
What happend? Easy: Short pass with half throttle and 10° decending, suddenly elevator fluttering and an unbraked impact on the gras runway.
The model is a write-off, but the engine survived will be reanimated in another plane.
Head up, now there is place for new things and that will be something very special. But I won't tell anything before the maiden ;).
Pictures can be found under the crash category.