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
Once in the air, the behavior of the American model, again, is entirely
different from its English rival. Our aeroplanes are off with a rush.
The first part of the flight is at a more or less sharply drawn angle of
elevation. It usually rises to an altitude of from ten to twenty feet in
a straight line. To secure a good rise requires a much more scientific
adjustment of the planes and weighting than in the case of the English
models. As it reaches its altitude, it adjusts itself, and here the
problem of stability comes in. The marvelous little craft balances
itself with the least possible loss of time and power, comes to a
horizontal position, and is off on its flight. If its adjustment is not
all it should be, it will, of course, fail to right itself and fall
backward, or, as the phrase goes "sit on its tail." It is estimated that
one-third of the power of the motors is used up in leaving the ground
and rising to its maximum altitude.
Our American model builders believe that their flights are far more
scientific than in the case of a hand-launched model, and that they are
doing more for the actual development of the art of aviation than their
English cousins. Whether one prefers to watch an American or English
tournament is, of course, largely a matter of taste; certainly both are
fascinating.
Much has been learned about motors. It has been found that the rubber
motor is capable of great development. Since a flight of one-half a mile
may be made by twisted bands of rubber, the average model builder may be
content to let clock work and miniature gasoline engines take care of
themselves. By building and flying thousands of models, we have found
what form of rubber strand is best, just how heavy the strands should
be, and the most efficient point of winding. Instead of short heavy
bands, we now use much longer and more slender motors. The efficiency of
rubber motors has been greatly increased by arranging them in series and
connecting them up by gear wheels. It is even possible to buy miniature
gasoline motors suitable for model aeroplanes. Flights of more than one
mile have been made in this way.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account