spinning airplane idea.

Very cool! I’d like to see some details when you have time, Ron. 

Thanks for posting your note with pix.  I bought a disco ball for a similar project -- for a Christmas-decor plastic blimp that has a battery-powered spinning propeller.  I've drawn several sketches of how to mount it so it would travel along a tri-oval path above my layout. Admittedly, my mechanical engineering skills are lacking, and I'm now working on my third sketch.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

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@Mike H Mottler posted:

Thanks for posting your note with pix.  I bought a disco ball for a similar project -- for a Christmas-decor plastic blimp that has a battery-powered spinning propeller.  I've drawn several sketches of how to mount it so it would travel along a tri-oval path above my layout. Admittedly, my mechanical engineering skills are lacking, and I'm now working on my third sketch.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

 Never used the battery one only 120vac. The best part is that I have these running for years 24/7 spinning white/black foam board for maximum picture change so the camera could detect motion. When the start to make noice is when I Replace the motor in. On the airplane one I made something like a slip clutch for the motor to spin. Bit first then when it is stopped, the motor stops but the spinning continues for a little bit. This is to absorb the gorge of the motor to the planes and planes to motor saving the motor gears and mounts🤓

If you are going to animate an aircraft flying in a circle, don’t leave it level. Bank the wings into the turn, like a real aircraft.

@Rich Melvin posted:

If you are going to animate an aircraft flying in a circle, don’t leave it level. Bank the wings into the turn, like a real aircraft.

Good idea, it is easy to adjust, because on the top the fishing line goes through a hole (hole edges are beveled/chafed to reduce line wearing and breaking). Then the line is secure between two washers with a wing nut to tighten. In a day or so I will add how I built the stuff and by the way all the planes are scratched built, no kits involved as I did not want to pay $15 to $20 per kit👍
Also the prop is just a round piece of plastic that is scored to make it look like the prop is spinning.
If you would like I can try to send you a 30 second video to watch. This goes for anyone else who would like to see it in motion. Unfortunately I am unable to post the video in this forum, Apple product? My email is in my profile.