Provost (oz1370)

About this Plan

Hunting Provost. Indoor RTP design with IC power and an elevator control. Full details of pole and controller included. February 1959 Aeromodeller.

Quote: "Always popular at exhibitions, yet generally considered to be the fortunate asset of clubs with influence at the local engineer's shop, the remote controlled power model can now be enjoyed by anyone with the ability to use hand tools.

Clive Hall, David Miller and Dick Godden of the Cambridge MAC. developed this centre pylon which will give a good range of control and has had many hours of active demonstration use with models like the Hunting Provost for .5 to .8 cc. This little design will fly equally well from a normal C/L handle for outdoor use; but why not try powered RTP in your clubroom (if it's big enough!) and enjoy some joystick flying!

First, the model. A 45-degree engine mounting is a compromise between inverted and side mounting which helps appearance, the cowl will take a Dart, Merlin or ED Baby; in fact, the latter was used in the prototype.

Start by fitting the bearers at right spacing for the crankcase in the two main formers 1 and 2, with the tank between. Set aside and carve the wing from if in. sheet and fit the torsion bar undercarriage. Now cement the basic fuselage sides to the bearer formers, add other formers, control assembly, then the tail unit, the wing and the fuselage top and bottom.

The cowl is made up with soft block and the cabin built up with flat sections of celluloid over the two frames. Fit the wing tip guides, wheels and leg fairings, decorate and fuel proof, then you are ready to go! For a good finish, cover the entire model with tissue prior to applying the first coats of clear dope and silver, but if you're in a hurry, a couple of coats of sanding sealer will suffice to give an effective surface.

The pylon unit is usually clamped in the top of a metal tube, with two necessary 56 lb weights keeping the base in place on the floor. A pulley at the bottom of the pylon tube carries the single wire from the joystick up to the pylon unit, attaching to the hole in L, and it will be seen that by pulling on this wire, the trigger L lifts the push rod K and moves the two-line controller J. Spring tension against this action provides a positive movement.

To make the unit, one should first study the requirements of the various component parts. Variation in the sizes is tolerable, provided the same general principles are adhered to and the rotating head is a safe and rigid fit about the ball race mount B. Patience, a file, hacksaw, and set of drills will soon give you a source of permanent enjoyment and the same pylon unit can also be profitably employed for rubber RTP. Perhaps the club funds will cover the cost of materials!

One small word of warning - don't try it outdoors in a wind -the pylon can't walk back to take up slack!"

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article.

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