HP Hampden (oz11968)

About this Plan

Handley Page Hampden. Scale model WWII bomber. Wingspan 28 in.

Note: this is not actually a rubber model. Or indeed a flying model. But it is a fine plan. And today, with modern equipment, this design could easily be converted to (say) a twin electric model with 2 channel RC.

Note: this plan was published in July 1942 Aeromodeller as a 'non-flying' scale model. Here on Outerzone we have tagged it as 'Rubber' since that is the closest option available, to represent the design style and the building method used (balsa structure of formers and stringers, tissue-covered).

Note: originally printed with only the formers at full size, all general layout was at half-size. Here the plan has been enlarged to show everything at 100%.

Note: rib patterns will need some work.

Quote: "A 28 inch span scale model HP Hampden. By DR Murrin.

General description. The model is built of balsa throughout with the exception of the 1/16 square stringers which are of bass. The fuselage is built up on a 1/16 sheet balsa keel to which the formers are first of all attached. This keel is broken in three positions by the cabin and gun positions and the necessary portions should be cut out when the fuselage assembly is almost completed.

The stringers are cemented to the outside of each former, not slotted in, and spaced as shown on the plan. A slit must be cut in the rear end of the keel to accommodate the tailplane, this being secured by cement, and the tailwheel fixing bound and cemented to the keel.

All the gun positions and the cabin are then filled in with 1/16 sheet and painted matt grey. The two fins and rudders are cut from two laminations of 3/32 sheet and the position of the rudder hinge line and the trimming tab should be scored on the wood. They are then cemented in their correct position on the tailplane.

Photograph by courtesy of the Air Ministry.

The wings are built in two parts and the dihedral set on the outer sections. The fuselage is set on an even keel and the wings are raised to the correct level, cemented in place and left to set. The leading edge and the main spar are ceraen ted to formers 5 and 6 respectively. The 1/8 sheeting at the centre section may then be added and also the 1/16 sheet fill-in between the stringers around the wing centre section. Finally add the wing fillets of cartridge paper.

The undercarriage legs are bound and cemented to the wings. The engines are mounted on in. square strips and the nacelles built up. The engine push rods are painted silver, with the interior details of the engine black and the collector ring, exhausts and air intakes matt grey. The cowlings themselves are cut from cartridge paper with the gills cut or scored at the trailing edge.

The cockpit covers are the most difficult part of the model. To make these a wooden former of the required shape is first of all necessary, and this should be lightly greased. Each former must be slightly longer than the required cover and a small notch is cut near the back. A sheet of gelatine is then taken and placed in water, removing before it commences to dissolve. The water is gently shaken off the sheet which is then moulded over the form with the fingers, taking care to remove all wrinkles, etc. Hold in place with a rubber band find leave to dry overnight. It will then slide of the block quite easily. The covers may then be lined with Indian ink to represent the framework, but this must be used sparingly or the gelatine will soften and lose its shape. As a final precaution the finished cover should be varnished.

The photographs of the finished model show the particularly good finish which was obtained by covering the whole model with white tissue, water spraying to tauten, and then clear doping. Camouflage dopes were then applied and the control hinge lines and other details marked in with Indian ink."

Note this plan and article were extracted (then cleaned, edited) from the original RCLibrary magazine scans (thanks to Stormin) at https://rclibrary.co.uk/title_details.asp?ID=2291 with thanks to Mary.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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