Hal DeBolt Live Wire Champ EP

[ragbag]

Built By Russell Lewis, Gainesville Fl. E-Conversion, Axi Power.

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[Sky Sharkster]

To Ragbag, thanks for passing that along, the Live Wire is a classic and this one looks like a beauty! Hal DeBolt's designs will be around a long time. Russell did a super job on the build.
Ron

[ragbag]

Here is a better picture of the gentleman that did the honors.

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The test pilot was Mr. Red, one of the moderators here at Wattflyer. A very good shot of their bellies. I'm behind the camera, can almost see mine showing under the camera.

[ragbag]

This airplane was built to debute at The Harold DeBolt 7th Annual Memorial, March 11-12-2006, at Potter's Field, Spring Hill, Florida.

Sponsered by the Hernando County R/C Club and VR/CS Chapter II,Bald Eagles.



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[DavKhy]

I have a short kit and was wondering if you built the vertical fin as per plans or did you just use one piece of balsa. Nice looking plane by the way.

[ragbag]

I have a short kit and was wondering if you built the vertical fin as per plans or did you just use one piece of balsa. Nice looking plane by the way.


Without contacting Russell, I would say that it is one piece of balsa. The picture seems to show that. You would think that as much as I handle it I would know.

It is a kit from Early RC, which has been sold to Wing:


http://www.earlyrcmodels.com/

http://www.wingmfg.com/

:)


.

[russlew]

As reported by Ragbag I built the Champion from kit by EarlyR/CModels/Wing. The Champ was built according to plans with laser cut parts. The vertical fin and associated rudder,stab, and controls were all solid balsa. Test flight performed by flying buddy Red. I am very pleased with the kit, and the realistic flight performance.
Russ

[imodel]

Which Axi, prop and battery are you using? I've been looking at this kit for a while and might get one.

TIA!

[russlew]

Power system for my DeBolt Live Wire Champ: AXI 2820/10, APC E 10x5 prop,Jeti 40 plus ESC, ThunderPower 3S2P 4200 mah battery. Flying weight is 62 ozs. Flies very nice on this power arrangement.
Russ

[ragbag]

If you are looking at the kits from the Wing-Early RC group we can vouch for the quality of their work.
Wing did a very good job in their large scale kits, as I understand it.
They have continued the Early RC quality also.

Russell is very modest in his building and flying abilities, the Champ is a Champ and he makes it shine both in his build and his flying.
George


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[Rosie]

George .... Can you give me an address for the Wing-Early RC Group. Sounds like their kits are very good. Some of my best flying days were with DeBolt's planes and converting them to electric sounds great. Tks.
Rosie

[ragbag]

George .... Can you give me an address for the Wing-Early RC Group. Sounds like their kits are very good. Some of my best flying days were with DeBolt's planes and converting them to electric sounds great. Tks.
Rosie

Been working with Dan and (Ms.)Billie:

http://www.wingmfg.com/

Good people.:)

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[weller]

I just finished my Wing, Mfg. Live Wire Champ...with a bit of kit bashing along the way. I stretched the cord an inch to 12 inches. This was done to accomodate strip ailerons. I lengthed the fuselage at the tail an inch as well to keep the moment the same.

The tail feathers are open construction using some of the same parts as intended for the sheet build-up type that the plans called for. I did this to help with the balance because I made the fuse longer as mentioned above.

I re-invented the cowl to enclose the E-flite 15 outrunner in the nose. I designed and carved the wheel pants to dress her up a bit. I used the aluminum gear that was supplied in the kit. Finally, I made the windscreen and windows from 1/64" ply. I was concerned that the celluloid was to fragile next to The rubber band wing dowels.

The model weighs 59 oz. fully loaded with gear and a 3200 mah battery. Watt meter testing indicates full throttle at 100 watts per pound...more than enough power.

The weather has warmed here in Michigan and I hope to get a flight in this next week!

Larry Weller

[ZL3VML]

Hi guys, great looking Champs.

I had one many years ago and it was a superb flyer indeed.

Does anyone have an electronic or alternatively, a paper copy of the plan?

Mark

[mitime]

I have a 'new' Original Debolt kit (UNBUILT), I have no idea what it is worth. It is in the box with the plans and all of the parts seem to be there. I have pictures of the kit and it's contents. please email me for information and pictures.

[weller]

Your kit will make someone a nice plane. I flew mine the other evening for the first time. The kit is a rudder only but I added strip ailerons as shown in the photos above. I coupled in 10% rudder with the ailerons, which seems to be just right.

The Champ is a dream to fly. When slowed down and full up elevator applied it refuses to stall...just mushes. To land I cut the throttle to off as the plane enters base leg and then just apply up elevator to slow it down as it glides gently on to the grass from final approach. The landings couldn't be much smoother.

Take off is a bit squirrelly to say the least. You have to apply full up elevator and use the rudder as it wants to twirl to the right. The right wheel is a little draggy. I am fixing that and bending the gear for a little toe in. If that works I will have no complaints whatsoever with this plane!

Larry Weller

[ragbag]

I have a 'new' Original Debolt kit (UNBUILT), I have no idea what it is worth. It is in the box with the plans and all of the parts seem to be there. I have pictures of the kit and it's contents. please email me for information and pictures.

Found this listing a few posts down:

What's It Worth? Kit Collectors' Price Guide

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ever wonder what that Berkeley Rudderbug NIB kit you've been hoarding since 1956 is worth? Well, how about $ 212.00? Sound fair? How much would you pay for a Jemco F6F Hellcat? Bidding starts at $102.00 and goes to $233.00. Bud Nosen made some nice models, remember the P-47? Price range $ 280.00 to $470.00.
All this info and lots more is available at The New Kit Collector Price Guide (1-8-07) http://members.aol.com/skylane42a/price.html


It had the following listed, after a search:

DeBOLT:

Livewire Rebel $66.00

Live Wire Trainer $69.00 - $182.00

DeBolt LIVEWIRE KITTEN $47.00 - $70.00

DEBOLT LIVEWIRE CHAMP $96.00-$190.00


Take a look yourself, I find the new laser cut kits much nicer to work with. Everything fits, if your not a collector then I would go that way.
Just picked up a Ken Willard LeCrate off Ebay the other day.

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[Glo4U]

The Champs look good. I scratch built the REBEL and love it. It came in at 28ozs. I just received plans for Hal's "Taylor Craft" 55" w/s and after building the RudderBug (66%) I plan to build the T Craft.
I am a member of the Springhill Club that hosts the fly-in each year. Next March 7-9, 2008 I will be the CD for the fly-in. Hope to see you there.
Gloria

[Leadchucker]

Wow,does that bring back memories. The Champ was the fiist R/C plane I ever flew way back in..err..about 36 years ago. I had an old just about ran Fox .19 on it with a home built HeathKit radio. Nice job!

[flypaper 2]

My first reed plane was the Debolt trainer. just rudder and throttle. OS .09 Pet up front, which I still have. That was about 63 ish.

[unclewillie]

can you tell me where i might be able to get a set of plans for the debolt champ?I have to rebuild the stabliliser.Thank You

Unclewillie

[unclewillie]

Hello
What are the specs to this plane?

Unclewillie

[billmod12]

Do you know which stabilizer plan you need? If you do not know can you post a photo of the old one or what is left of it. I have all of them and I may can help.

[billmod12]

Here is some specs and info for you. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8514148/tm.htm