Sopwith Triplane (oz1164)

About this Plan

Sopwith Triplane. Scale free flight gas model of the WWI fighter. Small semi-scale model, with simple sheet balsa construction.

Quote: "Feeling nostalgic? How about a spot of relaxation shaping a few sheets of balsa into this elegant little machine, then taking her out to the flying field for some rewarding flying? Anyone can have fun with this Sopwith Tripe - the youngster who is wanting to try his hand at something out of the rut for the first time, or the oldster who has done everything, but wants to get back to basics.

The flying properties which endeared this design to the RNAS pilots who flew the full size originals make it an ideal model subject. Sopwiths had to reduce the prototype's tail area to enhance maneouverability, but I have increased the tail area from scale (although the unscale structure makes this point of academic interest) in order to increase stability. I employed the built up tail structure, as the Cox Pee Wee is so light; 3/4 lighter than a .5cc diesel.

Constructionally, the hardest part was to design a simple yet strong cabane and middle wing root fixing; the arrangement eventually used is crash proof, provided you do not strap the wings in place immovably.

The overall assembly is fairly self-explanatory. Glue the cabane struts to the fuselage sides over the plan to ensure correct and identical alignment, before adding the doublers..."

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article pages.

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