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
To assemble the model, connect the forward ends of the sticks carrying
the motors by a piece of reed bent to a half circle, by merely binding
the ends firmly together. The sticks should diverge so that the
propellers will be about ten inches apart, giving plenty of room for the
propellers to turn without striking one another. Next fasten the larger
plane in position across the top of the sticks, and about two inches
away from the propellers, making the plane serve as a cross piece to
hold them firmly in position. The strands of the motor should preferably
be carried above the plane. This plan does away with the rear stick of
the motor base, thus saving this weight. Adjust the parts very
carefully, that the frame will be rigid enough to stand the strain of
the motor.
[Illustration: An Efficient Three-ounce Model.]
The model will require careful adjusting to be brought to an even keel.
The forward plane should be attached in such a way that it may be tilted
up or down as desired. With care, the weight of the model may be brought
within three ounces, although a fraction over will not matter. Models
built on these lines have flown in a perfectly straight line for 900
feet.
AN ALL-METAL MODEL FRAME.
In a previous paper, it was suggested that the motor base be made of
tubes of aluminum. The idea has been carried further, and attractive
frames are now constructed in which not only the main frame is
constructed of metal tubing, but the cross piece supporting the
propellers and the braces as well are of the same material. The new
metal, "magnalium," has been used successfully for this purpose. It is a
trifle heavier than aluminum, but much stronger, and almost as easy to
work. In England, the motor base is sometimes made of metal tubing one
inch in diameter, and the rubber motor is passed through the tube
itself.
[Illustration: An All-metal Model Frame.]
Such a frame may be made readily by one who has had no experience in
tinsmithing or metal work. The metal frames are sometimes constructed by
driving wooden blocks into the ends of the tubes and letting them
project one-half an inch or more. The plug may be cut off flush, and the
cross piece fastened by wire and stout nails through the cross tube into
the plug of the main tube. A convenient brace may be constructed by
cutting the tubes to the proper size, fasten the ends and pass the rivet
through both tubes at the point of intersection, and screw the nut down
firmly on the opposite side. Such a frame is practically indestructible.
There is one possible drawback, however, in the tendency of the metal to
bend if the rubber motor pulls too strongly. Once bent, it is difficult
to get back into shape. This tendency may be overcome when twin
propellers are used, by winding alternately, giving one propeller one
hundred turns and the other propeller one hundred turns, then the first
another hundred, and so on until the motor is wound up. The planes,
propellers and skids may be of any reliable design.
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