FAI Team Racer (oz14196)

About this Plan

FAI Team Racer. Control line Team Racer model.

Quote: "Full size fold pout plans! Ken Long's FAI Team Racer. Britain's top contest winning model.

Development of this model has taken more than seven years, throughout which time only standard (straight out of the box) ETA 15's have been used. Up to the present time no internal modifications have been tried, as the performance of the model did not necessitate it.

Instead of engine modifications I have tried to concentrate on model development. The model embodies the latest aerodynamic ideas and as the performance has steadily increased, there can be no doubt that attention to even the smallest aerodynamic detail is well worthwhile. A general external 'clean-ness' is the key word throughout the design.

The latest versions have recorded speeds of over 100 mph and this has rarely fallen below 95 mph, even with a hot motor. Fastest times recorded have been: 4.32 and 4.37, but a usual average would be around 4.40-4.45 which is not difficult to achieve with this model. Successes of the model are many, but some of the more notable include:

It should be remembered that no matter how good the model is, only 60 percent of the success can be given purely to the motor/model combination. A very important consideration is the make-up of the 'Team.' You need someone to help here, as no racer is any good until the team which operates it is at least the equal of the model.

Having found your partner, decide between you who is to be pilot and who will be the mechanic. In the first instance the mechanic will have the most responsible job, but a really good pilot can make a considerable amount of difference. I am lucky in having one of the most experienced and best pilots in the business in Les Davy. We have been racing together now for nine years and are just beginning to get the hang of it, so do not expect the earth in your first race.

Construction. Wing: Glue together the wing sheets (two 3/8 x 3 x 36 in balsa) allow to set completely then add the obeche leading edge. When set,
cut to the correct plan form and shape to section, leaving a 3 in wide portion at the wing foot 'square.' Cut leadout grooves and bellcrank well and fit pivot stud mounting platform (1/8 ply). Use PVA glue for all wing joints except for fixing the obeche leading edge which should be attached with Araldite. Unlike balsa cement, PVA glue does not shrink appreciably on drying and therefore wing warps are minimised.

Assemble bellcrank, leadouts and fit alu-minium leadout tubes to the wing. Again using PVA glue, cover leadout tubes with strip balsa, leave to set then sand flush, checking wing section for accuracy. Fit tip skid and tip weight..."

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