Fieseler Storch (oz13698)

About this Plan

Fieseler Storch. Radio control scale model. Wingspan 70 in, for .40 engines.

Quote: "The Fieseler Storch was one of the original STOL aircraft, This slow, graceful ship could putter along at 31.4 mph and land nearly vertically, a capability which was put to much use by the Germans during World War II. It never achieved the fame of other planes such as the ME 109, FW 190 and the Stuka but if you read some of the adventures of the Storch, you wonder why this is so. Storches were used in North Africa (where Rommel used one to direct panzer columns in the desert) in Italy (where a Storch rescued Mussolini) and various other areas throughout the war.

I guess the reason I picked the Storch was because it is different. Pattern planes that look and fly like guided missiles turn me off and unfortunately most stand off scale planes are super-speedy fighters that fly just like pattern planes. This model will take off in 10-15 feet (scale take off distance is 20-25 feet) and will land nearly vertically with a slight breeze. ft won't do fancy maneuvers but it sure looks nice to see the pilots inside on a low, slow fly-past. if you want a plane that's unusual and flies nice and slow, this one is for you.

Construction: Since this model is for the experienced builder, I won't do a step by step procedure. Look carefully at the types of wood specified on the plans. If it says spruce, don't try to substitute balsa because it won't be strong enough. When gluing spruce, use a white glue such as Wilhold. The cement type glues dry too fast to soak into the spruce which results in a very weak structure.

Fuselage: First build the 3/16 square framework halves and leave them to dry overnight. Glue on the doublers and then glue the two halves to the formers F2 and F7 and add F10. When dry, pull nose and tail in, The next procedure is to add the landing gear wires. The landing gear is fully shock absorbing and must be built ruggedly if it is to last. Add external stringers and follow the plans.

You will find when you go to put the engine, tank, etc, in that the front end gets very crowded. There is room for up to a six oz tank which gives 10 minutes of running time on a .40. The cowls are made of 1/64 plywood. They wrap around the front end and can be held on with wood screws.

The 1/64 plywood covers on the landing gear must be formed very carefully. Cut blanks and soak in water for a few hours. Then, wrap around a 1/2 in dia dowel and close-pin the ends together. When dry, repeat the process using a 1/4 in dowel, When dry, trim down to size. The small covers can be epoxied directly to the 1/8 music wire. The large covers must be made as shown on the plans. Be sure the bottom cover slides freely in the top cover.

When building the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, instead of cutting out ribs, just use rectangular blanks and sand to shape after they have been glued in place. Its easier and faster. The fin and stab are glued to the fuselage before covering.

Wing: The wing is built in three sections; right panel, left panel and center section. The center section should be built right on top of the fuselage to insure a good fit. The aileron and flap push rods must run through the center section but if you run them under the 3/16 x 1/8 cross piece, they will be hard to see. It will be necessary to cut notches into the trailing edge of the wing to clear the pushrods to the aileron and flap control horns but these will be hidden by the flaps and ailerons. Be sure to use the differential bellcranks on the aileron as these make the plane much easier to fly..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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