Plunderer (oz14655)

About this Plan

Plunderer. Radio control sport model.

Quote: "A thing can get too complicated, and R/C is not exactly an exception. The ultimate in scale or multi is nice, but stretching the rigging or de-griming servos at the Sunday dust-bowl can be less than exhilarating.

It's at a time like this that a workhorse is needed. The type that's staunch and simple, ready to go with a minimum of check points. This is just such a ship. Nothing spectacular, but durable, a rough air flyer, big, roomy and versatile. As presented here, it is a single channel, rudder only job, with two speed engine. Add elevator if you so desire.

The radio equipment used is now outmoded, which speaks well at least for the airframes durability. Receiver is a two tube Lorenz, rigidly mounted on a sliding plywood panel. The Sigma 4F relay is shock and vibration mounted on foam rubber. Switches, pots, plug and metering jack are also conveniently mounted on this same plywood panel. A second ply mount, some distance in front of the receiver carries the aluminum battery boxes etc. Placement is determined by final balancing needs.

Rudder and engine speed have been used on many flights, with excellent results. Power is a Fox .25, which gives it ample zip on high speed. A Bonner Comp actuates the rudder, via a torque rod, and triggers the engine speed escapement.

Feel free to install the latest in electronic wizzardry, hotter mills, if you've got the courage, wherewithal, and experience. The design makes a good trainer, and is all over the sky, if given the go-ahead. It derives its name from its tank-like attitude approaching greenhouses.

And so we pass on to the mutilation of the balsa. If you have built enough other ships to fly R/C, then nothing in the structure of this one will be a problem. Full size plans are available if desired, and contain necessary construction data.

A brief run-down of the ship will give you an idea of assembly procedures to follow.

Wing: 68 in, slight undercamber, shaped leading edge, sheeted on top to first spar, two sturdy bottom spars, large trailing edge, well gussetted. Ruggedly braced at the center.

Stab and Rudder: Symmetrical section, internal spar, shaped leading edge, simple, well stressed.

Fuselage: Built around two sides, sheet fill-in, wide stab rest, solid carved nose. Gear is double wire, no sign of strain after many flights.

Covering: Red silk throughout, yellow trim, doped to a high gloss.

It might not be a bad choice for your first R/C, but we would recommend it more for a flyer with some background. Give it a solid heave then gain what altitude you can before playing 'Tiger'. The tinkerers can watch it go, while about their chores. Good luck with yours."

Plunderer from Flying Models August/September 1961.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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