Duchess (oz10351)

About this Plan

Duchess. Free flight gas model.

Quote: "The Duchess. A Seven Foot Contest Model, by Larry Eisinger.

RECENTLY, the gas model builders have started to shift from the slow, 'box-car' gas model to the sleek, high-climbing streamlined model. The reasons for this movement are the keen competition and changing rules. When the gas model was just a babe the general idea was to get it to fly. A high, fast climbing ship was not needed to compete, successfully in contests because the rules allowed you anywhere from two to seven minutes to get 'up there' and then the fun began. The large Condor-like model of low wing loading could glide practically all day because you can make a large model lighter per square foot than a smaller one. With these rules in mind, box-cars galore flooded the contests until the limited motor run rules made their appearance.

Since the new rules stated that your motor run must not exceed 20, or 30 seconds in some cases many contestants scrapped their box-cars and began to build smaller models that offered less resistance and consequently, climbed higher within a certain time limit. The Duchess was designed with these thoughts in mind, and she will turn in a
creditable, possibly prize-winning, performance at any contest.

Construction. The fuselage of the Duchess is of elliptical shape and made with backbone and bulk-head construction. It is advisable to study the plans carefully before going into the actual work to get a clear conception of the type of construction used. To begin the actual work obtain as a backbone a soft piece of 1/2-in square balsa. Mark off where the various bulkheads should be situated, then start cutting them out. The first four bulk-heads are cut from 1/8-in birch for strength while the rest are cut from 1/8-in, medium sheet balsa. After all the bulkheads are cut out cement each one in its respective posi-tion and proceed with the cementing of the stringers. You will note that an additional semi-round stringer is cemented in the bulk-heads to prevent the covering from touching the bulkheads. This reduces skin friction.

The landing gear is bent from 1/8-in steel wire and cemented securely to the bulkheads shown before the nose is planked. The wiring and motor installation are then completed so the coil and batteries may be accessible through the top of the fuselage..."

Hi Steve Mary, Here is the promised Duchess Original plan from Model Builders' Handbook no.1 of 1939. For me the most elegant old timer plane. Please note the differences in construction design and materials from the Italian copy Il Duca (oz2026). I feel the Italian model seems to fragile compared with this American one. As usual probably it was a simple redraw that was never built or flown in such a form. Consider the photos of Ninetto Ridenti's Duchess who reinforced his model and modified some parts making it more similar to the original plans. This is the first time Duchess appears on Internet, could be a dream if other contributors can give us a full size plan. Regards, Pit"

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article. Includes scans of the original drawings, as printed.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction