Mighty Gnat (oz10374)

About this Plan

Mighty Gnat. Free flight sport model.

Quote: "For fun at club meetings, build this little R.O.G. And if you've a friend who wants to start modeling, try him on - the Mighty Gnat, by 'Oldtimer'

This little R.O.G. is one of the simplest and best flying models we have ever seen. As modern looking and capable as it was when we first saw one like it years ago, it is one of those rare never-grow-old jobs that really amuse and instruct the beginner. The first time we saw this baby R.O.G. was in high school - and we aren't going to tell you when that was! Matter of fact, the senior class used to raffle them off to raise funds. So Mighty Gnat is about as close to those early R.O.G.'s as we can remember.

The nicest thing about Mighty Gnat is that 'he' is so easy to make. The prop is easily bent from a piece of steamed sheet balsa; the tissue wings and stab have no edges and a thin spar is their only support. The wheels are paper cones made from an old envelope or from thick writing paper. And despite its flimsy appearance. Mighty Gnat can take a beating. Its very lightness makes it almost indestructible for some rugged in-the-parlor free-flight.

Since the propeller is the only item that takes time, let's get it out of the way first, then we can finish the model while we wait for the prop to dry out. Using the template on the plan, cut out the propeller blank from 1/16 sheet balsa. Sandpaper the blank until it is about midway between1/16 and 1/32 in thickness. Try to leave the narrow hub portion thick for strength. Now soak the blank in boiling water for at least 15 minutes. (While this is going on, why not get on with the directions below.)

Remove the blank from the water and, following details of the sketch on how to bend the blades, support the blank on the bench by means of straight pins, and use weighted objects to create the twist and camber. This is as simple as the sketch shows. After the prop has dried out, sandpaper the blunt edges round, and smooth the surfaces. Rub cement behind the blades to retain the camber and pitch, and bend and install the .020 in music wire propeller shaft.

The rubber hook portion of the shaft need not be bent until the shaft slides through the thrust bearing later on. When the shaft is in place, slide a small washer over the shaft and glue it evenly to the rear of the propeller hub. Balance the blades by removing wood from the heavy Made, or by placing cement on the light blade near the hub (Check balance after cement dries, for it is lighter then.)

The motor stick is a piece of hard 1/8 in square balsa. The thrust bearing is glued to the motor stick and the joint is reinforced with a few windings of thread. Bend the rear rubber hook from 020 in wire and cement it in position, again reinforcing with a few loops of thread..."

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article.

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