Designed by Andy Reynolds. Free plans from Summer 2012 Park Pilot.
As a change of pace from the quick and agile warbirds I have designed in the past, I wanted to try my hand at something relaxing to putter around with when the wind is low. What I came up with is the EZ-Cruiser, a simple, three-channel, high wing model that’s a nice- and easy-flying floater. The slow speed of the model, as well as its self-righting quality imparted by the dihedral, also make it an ideal choice as a primary RC trainer. Based on the good results of the original 39-inch, 8-1/2-ounce model made with 5mm blue foam, I scaled the Cruiser down to 26 inches and used 3mm Depron for a smaller version. The resulting Mini-Cruiser weighs only 3.4 ounces, and should work well for indoor or outdoor flying. I fly both versions outdoors, and even the small one can handle a bit of wind without a problem. Read the entire build process in the Summer 2012 issue of Park Pilot.
Carbon-fiber rod is used to make the wing struts. A dab of hot glue at each end holds them securely.
Struts are temporarily mounted, and pressure is applied over the wing while the epoxy cures.
The EZ-Cruiser is painted and close to ready to fly. Note the clamps securely holding the fuselage while measurements are checked.
From the first toss, I could tell that the EZ-Cruiser was going to be a gentle, relaxing flyer. It pulled away in a smooth climb with hardly any control input. Taking it up high and cutting the power, the airplane glides well and can catch an occasional thermal. It’s a very stable model, even in moderate wind. It’s slow, so it can’t make much progress in a strong headwind, but there is plenty of pull to go vertical for as long as you like. The Mini-Cruiser is an equally good flier and can also handle a bit of a breeze. It’s easy to fly in a tight space, so it should work well indoors as well as out.
The EZ-Cruiser and Mini-Cruiser are gentle flyers that can deal with reasonable wind conditions. Either one makes an excellent primary trainer — and they’re fun to build.
The EZ-Cruiser and Mini-Cruiser pull away in a smooth climb with hardly any control input.
The EZ-Cruiser and Mini-Cruiser are great indoor or outdoor slow flyers/trainers.
Download full-size plans (30.58 x 23.03")
Download tiled-plans (Nine 8.5 x 11" pages )
Download full-size plans (12.00 x 9.15")
Download tiled plans (Two 8.5 x 11" pages")
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Comments
Uncle (not verified)
Wonderful beginner's plane
Mon, 02/10/2014 - 15:59Thanks, Andy! I built your mini-cruiser using old parts from a Cox P-40 with NiMH battery. Mine was heavier than your prototype, but still wouldn't stall. It just sort of floated down to the ground. The mini-cruiser is so docile, I taught my niece and nephew to fly it in one easy lesson. They loved it!
Gary H. (not verified)
Andy Reynolds EZ Cruiser and Mini Cruiser
Mon, 02/24/2014 - 22:32Looks absolutely like my kind of airplane. Will gather up the building items and go for it. Thank you sir for the plans.
Brian Mau (not verified)
Airframe Longivity
Mon, 03/17/2014 - 12:00I am happy to report that I had 83 flights with the Cruiser before a 15Mph gust ended my flying. 8 people have learned to fly with this plane as it is quite stable and easy to fly. Several club members have built the cruiser and all think it is a great design, easy to build and repair if needed.
John M (not verified)
Mini Cruiser
Sun, 08/16/2015 - 13:58Built this last fall and flew outside and indoors during the winter. This is my park flyer that can handle some of the stronger breezes. I did add 1/32 ply doublers to the nose at some strength for the motor.
Will be building another for this winter's indoor season.
Park Pilot Reader (not verified)
Interested.
Fri, 09/25/2015 - 16:25Interested.
Georg D (not verified)
Mini Cruiser is flying indoor near Cologne
Fri, 11/18/2016 - 00:47Thanks Andy!
My Mini Cruiser is flying indoor this winterseason near Cologne, Germany. I modified it with a landing gear and it`flying an landing great.
www.fsc-siegburg.de/2016/images/mini_cruiser_1.jpg - picture
www.fsc-siegburg.de >>> Aktuelles - Date Dienstag, 15.11.2016 - Mini Cruiser Indoor Video
Gren (not verified)
Plans of the 26inch version
Sat, 12/31/2016 - 09:19Hi, the plans of the 26 inch version are small when I download them.
Bob cate (not verified)
Tiled plans A4 size
Sat, 03/17/2018 - 13:56Can you send me a link to download A4 size tiled plans please,hope you can help me out, looking fwd to building one,keep up the good work .
David Clay (not verified)
Dollar Tree foam board Mini Cruiser
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 16:12I built a Mini Cruiser from Dollar Tree foam board. I removed the paper from the foam board and covered the parts of the plane with clear packing tape. I used the electrical components from a crashed cheapo motor glider.
What a great little airplane. It builds and flies so easily, and is virtually indestructible. It is so light weight I can just drift along with the motor at zero throttle. Thanks for sharing this really smart yet simple design. Now, I'll have to build it's big brother.
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