Skyliner (oz11771)

About this Plan

Skyliner. Radio control aerobatic model.

Quote: "Multi model for the contest man. Skyliner, by Maurice Franklin.

The primary considerations in mind when designing the Skyliner were the need for simplicity of construction and ease of flying. The first design chosen was a parallel cord wing for case of construction with full span ailerons. I am a lazy builder so construction of the Skyliner is quite straightforward with no gimmicks to worry about.

Cut out two identical side panels and lay them outside downwards on the building board so that you have a left and right handed pair. Proceed to fit doublers using PVA glue to make a good joint. Fit main 1/2 in square and 1/4 in square longerons, fuselage cross members and top block, leave to set well overnight. When completely dry, remove all pins.

Before fitting motor mounts, mark the position of engine bolts with a ball point pert. Cut bearers to shape shown then coat the glueing area liberally with PVA glue. Press motor mounts into position, a heavy weight of some kind can be placed across both motor mounts while the glue sets.

Cut out formers 1, 2 and 3 ready for fuselage assembly. When the motor mounts are dry (not before!) glue these formers in position. Draw the rear end of fuselage sides together and turn the assembly upside down on building board to align them properly.

Cut out cross members and half round top formers ready to glue in position. The next step is the tail-plane, construction of which is self explanatory; there should be no problems here, just make sure it is pinned down well to avoid warps during drying. Add centre spars when removed from the plan; sand to shape as plan, then cover with heavy Modelspan tissue, silk or nylon (depending on the pocket). Give two or three coats of clear dope, pin down to avoid warps during drying.

Cut the two elevators from soft sheet, sand to shape and cover. I always use light Modelspan tissue for these; its easier than silk. Make elevator horn, drill holes in elevator to suit the wire size then after doping elevators sew in position ready for fixing to fuselage. I always fit the elevator end of push rod permanently at this point, feeding it down into the fuselage before glueing tailplane in position. Make sure the incidence is correct as per plan, pack up to suit with scrap balsa.

The top of the fuselage is now planked with 3/32 sheet strips, start at the centre working out on both sides and finishing off with shims of balsa wood to fill in cracks that remain. Build up the nose block as shown on the plan, fitting motor nuts and plates before putting the 1/2 in sheets under motor mounts. Cover the fuselage bottom with 1/16 sheet crossgrained for improved strength.

Mark out front nosewheel platform on plywood, cut across the front of the fuselage to accommodate it then sand to contour of bottom. Now cut out fin sections from sheet balsa and glue together, then sand, cover with tissue and dope well. Make a slot in the fuselage planking to suit, glue fin in position... "

Skyliner, RCM&E, June 1964.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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