The Second Boys' Book of Model AeroplanesCollins, Francis A. (Francis Arnold)
Science
The Second Boys' Book of Model Aeroplanes
Collins, Francis A. (Francis Arnold)
Airplanes -- Models
Motor bases are of two general divisions. The "single stickers," or
bases consisting of one member, are commonly called "spars," while the
more complicated frameworks are designated as "built-up" frames. The
spar type is, of course, the simplest to construct, and, as many
believe, the most efficient of all forms. The simpler the design, as a
rule, the less chance will there be of breakage. For the beginner the
use of plain, honest sticks is, of course, to be recommended.
The built-up motor bases, on the other hand, make a more attractive
model to the eye. There is besides an opportunity to reduce the weight
of the frame while retaining the same strength. An examination of the
models illustrated elsewhere will show to what an art such construction
has been brought. By ingenious bracing it is possible to construct motor
bases of strips one-sixteenth of an inch, or even less, in width, and
yet render the whole sufficiently rigid to withstand the pull of
powerful twin motors.
Your frame may be considerably lightened by using hollow sticks or
shafts in place of solid members. A stick three-fourths of an inch wide
formed of light lath one-eighth of an inch thick will weigh no more than
a solid piece one quarter of an inch square. Such a member is stronger
than the small, solid stick; it bends less readily under the pull of
your motors, and renders the entire frame far more rigid. It will also
be found much more satisfactory to mount the planes upon such a frame.
A little practice will enable you to make a very satisfactory stick of
this pattern. Secure a light strip one-eighth of an inch thick and of a
width one-eighth of an inch less than that of the stick you intend to
build. A one-inch stick is probably larger than you will need. The
following directions are intended for a stick three-fourths of an inch
square.
First cut three square plugs one-half an inch square and one-fourth of
an inch thick, and placing one at either end and one in the middle to
form a core, build your frame about them. The edges should overlap and
be glued continuously together, and the plugs fastened in position with
brads driven from the middle of the four sides. When dry, cut away the
glue, sandpaper and varnish.
Some model builders prefer a T-section-shaped spar, which is almost as
light as the hollow stick, besides being easier to construct. We assume
that you are working with eight-inch strips, which will prove heavy
enough for ordinary purposes. Prepare one strip one-half an inch wide,
the desired length of your base, and the second strip three-eighths of
an inch wide, the thickness and length being the same.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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