Challenger (oz14271)

About this Plan

Challenger. Rubber competition model.

Quote: "Bob’s stick model won the famous Mulvihill trophy twice, took 3 firsts at the Nats. Challenger, by Bob Bienenstein.

This stick job was designed with one thought in mind: the need for a consistent contest model that would fly in all kinds of weather and hold up with the best of them. The ship has been thoroughly proven and has lived up to all the requirements. Its contest record is proof enough of its ability to snare top hardware at any meet. Most impressive wins were the taking of first place for three consecutive years at the Nationals, plus capturing the famed Mulvihill trophy twice, which is a record in itself.

There have been two changes made since the original model took to the air. A sheet leading edge on the wing was omitted since it proved unnecessary. We also incorporated a tail pop up which was found to be more effective.

It is also simple and fool-proof. (We can thank Dick Korda for that one.) With a little care and patience, you too can have a hardware collection. Let’s go, and don’t spare the glue.

Lay the drawing on a smooth soft board. Clear white pine, preferably. Make certain the board is perfectly straight, as this will assure you of warp-free surfaces. The fuselage longerons should be straight-grained and medium hard 5/32 square balsa. Place them in their exact position on the drawing.

Next, add the cross braces, placing the uprights in position first. When the first side has been completed, build the next side directly on top of the first. This will assure you of similar straight sides. When dry, separate with a razor. Now join the sides together, starting at the center and working toward the front and back. Then fill in the nose and tail sections. The nose block face of the fuselage is covered with 1/32 plywood to prevent it from splitting, as it takes quite a beating..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Steve, Today I had a local printing shop scan a Mulvilill model from the July 1950 Air Trails. The title is The Challenger by Bob Bienenstein... Thanks,"

Update 28/5/2024: Replaced article with a clearer copy, thanks to TomRyan.

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