Smartie (oz11801)

About this Plan

Smartie. Control line stunt biplane model.

Quote: "Trainer and stunt Job performance are combined in this profile biplane. Proved design, good for 29 to 35, and quite docile on 52 ft lines. Smartie, by William F Winters.

This model is the result of several experiments in biplane design. Working on the theory that a biplane would make a good stunt ship. Smartie is the final result.

The fuselage was built first. Simply cut from straight grained 1/2 in balsa to correct shape and add top part for upper wing mounting. Cut to shape shown on plans. Cut out for wing section both top and bottom.

The wings are self-explanatory. To save weight the trailing edge was made from 1 x 1/16 in balsa and inserted in cut-out on bottom edge only. Plank mid-section of top wing on bottom only; bottom wing, top only, to fit to fuselage.

The bellcrank fixing was made from scrap aluminum, in-serted through slot in fuselage and a small piece of engine mount material inserted in cut-out just below aluminum through fuselage. See plans.

The engine (a Fox .35 was used) is mounted in side winder fashion, regular engine mounts being used with 1/16 in. ply over to strengthen fuselage and make a solid mounting. Mount fuel tank on side of fuselage.

The wing struts are built with a center of 16 in ply. Cut slots as shown on plans and fasten to inside of second from last outboard rib at top and next to last outboard rib at bottom.

The easiest way to assemble wings is to cement bottom wing firmly in position, let dry. Cement struts to bottom wing, then place top wing in position and check for alinement. The wings were covered before assembly.

Small cut-outs were made in covering at the position for struts and covering cemented back in place after assembly.

The landing gear is mounted similarly to any profile model. Insert wire through hole in fuselage and bind securely at bottom. A small piece of wire formed U-fashion and driven into the fuselage across the wire binding will help keep the gear in place.

The tail section is built from 3/16 in sheet. Use your favorite hinge system. The tail skid is formed from sheet aluminum in two pieces. Cut one small piece to use for a spring. Drill both for 1/16 in dia wood screws and fasten to rear of fuselage. Good results were obtained from this method.

To save weight, thin Hely-Arc wheels may be used.

Fly on '52 lines. The bipe will perform the usual stunt pattern, behaving especially well when flown almost straight overhead, It is not tricky, combining the docile qualities of a trainer with the maneuverability of a good stunt machine."

Smartie, MAN, June 1954.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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