Vindaloo (oz10725)

About this Plan

Vindaloo. Free flight 1/2A power duration model.

Quote: "A simple structure, high performance 45 inch power duration design for Half-A engines (.049 cu in 0.8 cc). Vindaloo. by Martin Dilly.

THIS MODEL has been flown in the form shown on the plan since early 1962, using a factory modified Holland Hornet; a similar model, powered by a TD .049 and having a sheet pylon, has also had a certain amount of success.

The original Holland Hornet model, from which Vindaloo was developed, was somewhat larger and had a 275 sq in, wing of 10-1/2:1 aspect ratio, using the same Conover type airfoil. Whilst this model was quite satisfactory in calm conditions, it was felt that a somewhat smaller wing area would be an advantage in windy weather. Since an attempt was then being made to standardize on wings and tails, the same 5 in chord was used, which gave an aspect ratio of 9:1 with a 245 sq in wing.

An auto-rudder was incorporated in the model from the start, and, although probably not essential, does help the power to glide transition. A modified camera timer is used on the original model to operate auto-rudder and engine, and notes on this are given later. A D/T timer is also used and this could be dispensed with if a lighter mode! is felt worth the effort of fuse, rubber bands and matches.

Construction is quite orthodox, with the possible exception of the tailplane ; this uses sliced ribs and is in fact, after 18 months, about the flattest tail-plane in the designer's collection. Start by cement-ing 1/16 in square diagonals between the leading and trailing edges; then cement the spars (use straight grained wood) in position. The upper ribs are produced as follows: Cut a piece of 3 in wide 1/16 in sheet slightly longer than the final length of the diagonal ribs; then simply cut round the upper camber of the rib template, moving it down 1/16 in each time. When sufficient ribs are cut, take half of them, stack them together, skew them into a suitable parallelogram and chamfer the leading edge of the resulting block; repeat to give an opposite handed set for the other half. Cement into place, trimming the trailing edges, as necessary; add tips and fittings, sand and cover with lightweight tissue.

A point to watch on the wing, apart from using a straight-grained hard grade of wood for the mainspar, occurs during covering; it has been found on these wings that if Jap tissue is used and not stuck to the ribs, extensive distortion and rib bowing takes place; therefore, if you decide to use Jap, stick the covering to the ribs top and bottom. If lightweight Modelspan is used, there is sufficient dope penetration to attach the tissue during doping. In either case, steam shrink the tissue and use three coats of clear nitrate and one of fuel proofer (thinned with ordinary nitrate thinners if necessary), or else three coats of thin Butyrate (use Butyrate thinners!).

It is suggested that the wing and tailplane are completed and covered before the final fuselage assembly; then, with all hardware and flying sur-faces attached, the pylon and wing can be slid along the fuselage using a lash-up of rubber bands or pins, until the correct CG position is obtained. Then the pylon can be double cemented into place.

An aid to fuselage survival is to reinforce the area around the nose with nylon stuck with Araldite ; if the rest of the fuselage is then given a couple of coats of sanding sealer, and rubbed down well it will be ready for fuel proofing. An epoxy type of paint is strongly recommended; two coats of air-drying grade 'Detel' were used on the original, slightly thinned and brushed on. The reason for using Araldite, which is an epoxy adhesive, to rein-force the nose area is that the epoxy paint will bond to it, and spilt fuel will not lift or soften the paint. When fuels with 50 or 60 per cent nitro-methane are used, it has been found that epoxy or polyurethane resin paint provides the most complete protection as well as being obtainable in a variety of colours..."

Vindaloo, Aeromodeller, February 1964.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Note this is a low resolution plan.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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