Kirkpatrick RoadRunner 40 Clone Retro Build

[RaceMechaniX]

I was given this unfinished RoadRunner 40 clone built by Marty Kirkpatrick which had been sitting in the rafters for many years to finish out and make into a winter build. By today's standard it looks more like a big 20 rigger than a 45, but the plan was to find an older 45 motor and shoehorn it in there. None of the modern VAC style drum induction motors would fit due to the rear boom position so I found an older OS 46 VR-M disc induction motor which fit nicely. I forgot to take some pics before the Createx paint was applied, but the paint turned out pretty **** good for shooting in 30 deg weather. Speedmaster 21 engine mounts plus 1" hardware on the rear.

 

[RaceMechaniX]

I was lucky enough to find an OS inflight needle to mount on the carb.

 

[RaceMechaniX]

This past weekend we had an opportunity make the maiden run and I gotta say we could not be more pleased with how it ran.



Marty showing off his rigger.

 

[Grimracer]

Nice work TG!

 

[Little John]

Love those old road runners

 

[Mike Hughes]

That was my first 45 motor that I bought. Just dont get greedy on the needle. I junked a few of those motors when ran her lean to get a little more out of her. Pin keeper on the disk fails and goes thru the motor. We were also not running the 20% oil package back then as well. So that might be part of it as well. Great motor. I owned 5 of them over the years.
Mike

 

[shoboat]

Tyler,

What propeller we’re you running in the first video?
The paint job and finish came out beautiful. One of
my 21-Road Runners looks like it’s twin.If it can turn
an Octura 1860 propeller it will run in the 80+ mph range.
I used to put OPS-45’s in my 21-Hydros to have a little
more fun and pick up more speed. The boat corners very
well with a little different turnfin.
Just curious,

Mark

 

[Timbo Whalen]

Nice boat.

 

[RaceMechaniX]

Tyler,

What propeller we’re you running in the first video?
The paint job and finish came out beautiful. One of
my 21-Road Runners looks like it’s twin.If it can turn
an Octura 1860 propeller it will run in the 80+ mph range.
I used to put OPS-45’s in my 21-Hydros to have a little
more fun and pick up more speed. The boat corners very
well with a little different turnfin.
Just curious,

Mark

Mark I think we were running a stock 2216.

 

[shoboat]

Tyler,
Just a few things to try out:
Next time you go out if you have a 2217 try that, it would have a
better thrust cone and probably much less roosertail flutter. I think
the turnfin needs a little adjustment. It does look good on the water
for the first shakedown run. I may have some other 45-Hydro test
propellers to try when you go back out with Marty. A 1460 cupped
up at the tips or a 1457 would run really smooth on that boat as well.
The 2216-10*-50%’s make a lot of that flutter. A little less blade area
and nine degrees more rake angle will make quite a difference. Those
older Road Runners run great with a little more power. I had a lot of
fun running John Ackerman prepared OPS-45’s in those boats.
Thanks For The Video,
It Brings Back Great Memories,

Mark Sholund

 

[RaceMechaniX]

Thanks Mark,

I've got all those props from my SGX45. It was definitely fun seeing that boat make some laps. The OS motor is bone stock. I just pulled it apart to check everything, set the deck and put it back together. I have a cowl for it I need to prep and paint to make it all complete.
-Tyler