Dot I (oz12059)

About this Plan

Dot I. Radio control sport/trainer model. Wingspan 72 in, wing area 738 sq in.

Quote: "Dot I, by Vince Micchia. A modern-day Old Timer, if you can believe that! Dot I is a 3-channel trainer for beginners yearning to try a builder's project; not hard to build and you'll learn a lot!

After looking through some old magazines, I decided to design a good old free-flight model. Something that could be constructed mainly of strips. Something easy to build and simple to fly. I surely hope I succeeded.

There is nothing difficult in the construction, as it is all straightforward building. The aircraft is certainly a dream to fly. The takeoffs are short and sweet, and a pleasure to watch. Just point Dot I into the wind, give it a little power, keep it straight - and that's it. Dot I will lift its tail and in about 10-15 feet it's off. With a little more power it will climb, so let it go.

Once the desired altitude is attained, throttle back to just above idle, set your trim for level flight, and just fly. There are no tensions, no jitters, just plain fun. A little more power and she'll loop. Dot I will not spin, yet will fly inverted - but I suggest you have some altitude, as she is a little bashful.

The flight isn't over just because the engine quit, it's just beginning. The first day we took Dot I out, we caught two thermals. It's really very easy with this model. Dead-stick landings are very slow, but give yourself a lot of room and start your approach a long way off.

Now for the construction of Dot I. There is one thing I do want to stress during the construction (not only when building Dot I, but for the construction of any model). Make sure the parts fit well before you cement them together. I put this little rule in mostly for the beginner. Some old-timers will build first and read later. So, for the beginner, read as you go; and for the old-timer, you can use this article as a construction reference.

FUSELAGE. Place waxed paper over the fuselage side view. Note that the frame is marked with X's at the crossbraces on the top and side views. Pin the 1/4 x 1/4 x 42 in balsa strips in position from the fire-wall to the tail. For the first upright, cut a piece of 1/4 x 1/2 in balsa and cement it in place at the firewall. The balance of the uprights and diagonals are 1/4 in sq. Cement all uprights first, and fit and cement the diagonals later. Make two of these frames so you'll have a left side and a right side..."

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