Humdinger (oz14717)

 

Humdinger (oz14717) by John Stroud 1981 - plan thumbnail

About this Plan

Humdinger. Control line sport stunt model. For .06 engine.

Note this planfile is derived from the raw scan by ilgk48 on the HPA site (see datafile). This version here has had a minor cleanup and been stitched together onto a single sheet for clarity.

See supplement alternate plan for a scan of the magazine pages as originally printed.

Quote: "Full size plan to build a sport control line stunter. Humdinger, by John Stroud.

Humdinger was designed with three criteria in mind. Inexpensive, simple, manoeuvrable. The idea was to build a plane which provides a worthwhile improvement in performance over a 'straight and level only basic trainer with as little increase in building difficulty as possible. Many beginners are not happy about built-up and covered wings on their second or third model, so the notion was born to try solid sheet wings and a flat plate section.

When talking over the design with the editor last year, he reminded me that one of his free plans had been for a TD 049, profile stunter with flaps on 3mm sheet wings. Thinking that a modest increase in manoeuvrability would be enough, I decided to put pencil to drawing board. A built-up fuselage was chosen because they look a lot better, are stronger and are only slightly more difficult to build. On top of that, it allowed the model to be constructed from just two sheets of balsa plus a few odds and ends. Even if you buy the tank, you should be able to get all the dry materials for less than £3 at the moment.

With only an average amount of enthusiasm, the prototype was taken out for testing on a bitterly cold day in December. The engine was rather difficult to start due to the coldness, and my helpers began to show a strong reluctance to take their hands out of warm pockets. When the G-Mark 06 finally started I set off, slightly rich, on 35ft lines. The model flew well, with good control response but a lack of line tension when flying high.

The next flight was made with a slightly leaner engine, and I decided to explore the stunt capability of the aeroplane. To my amazement, it performed consecutive loops, bunts, horizontal eights, inverted flights and wingovers with plenty to spare. Line section tension was still not good enough so the rest of my young testers stuck to climbs and dives. I went home to thaw out very satisfied (and slightly puzzled).

That night I increased the size of the fin to improve line tension, but could not get over how well it performed aerobatics. Perhaps I am just unlucky that I have not seen a good sheet wing stunter before. However, I must say the G-Mark 06 certainly seems to do it's bit by churning out lots of power, especially if it is given a brew with plenty of nitro.

If you have got a hot little engine and fancy some fast action, then Humdinger is just the plane for you.

Start the construction by marking out the balsa parts on the 10cm wide sheets of 3mm and 4.5mm thick balsa. The trick to getting all the pieces out of one sheet of each, is to mark the fuselage sides out facing in opposite directions, nose outwards and against one edge of the wood. The tailplane then comes neatly out of what is left. Mark everything out faintly at first. I turned mine over and had another go before I got it right.

Cut out the wing parts and glue on the tapered leading edge and tips. Note: the grain of the tips must go across the width of the wing to stop warping. The tip radii can be marked round baked bean tins or any similar object. Remember the flaps will come out of the 3mm sheet. If your engine is not a G-Mark, check that it will fit between the bearers as drawn. Adjustment to the width of the body might be necessary for some engines.

Cut out the two front bulkheads from 3mm ply. Glue two engine bearers to the rear bulkhead only. The front one can be used as a distance piece but must not be glued into position yet. Leave this assembly to dry whilst you cut out the remaining parts. Shape the 3mm fuselage sides with them pinned together to make sure they are the same.

Sand and shape the wing and check it fits properly to the fuselage sides. Sand the tailplane and elevator edges round and fit with sewn or tape hinges. When the first assembly is thoroughly dry, glue on the fuselage sides. Once again use the front bulkhead as a spacer, but be careful not to glue it in place..."

Supplementary file notes

Alternate plan scan.
Article.

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Humdinger (oz14717) by John Stroud 1981 - model pic

Datafile:

Humdinger (oz14717) by John Stroud 1981 - pic 003.jpg
003.jpg
Humdinger (oz14717) by John Stroud 1981 - pic 004.jpg
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User comments

Ah, great union and cleaning job!
Thank you :-)
Ilgk48
Paolo - 16/12/2023
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