Cub (oz14736)

About this Plan

The Cub. Radio control sport-scale model. Wingspan 52 in, wing area 420 sq in. For 15 to 30 engines.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Description: Another Piper Cub! This is a 3 channel, semi-scale model of the venerable Piper Cub. The kit was sold by World Engines back in the 1970s. Designed by John Woods, who also designed the Mr Mulligan (oz13277) model of the same size and series. Balsa and plywood construction. This plan is ideal for a scratch builder as all formers are shown on the second drawing."

Update 30/5/2024: Added kit review from Model Builder, June 1978, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Products In Use: World Engines' Piper J-3 Cub, by Nick Ziroli Jr.

The Piper J-3 Cub is likely to be the most famous light plane in America. The Cub was originally manufactured in 1931 as an E-2. As time went on, it went through other versions. The J-3 Cub was intro-duced in 1938, with a 65 hp engine.

The Cub has been very useful in the past; as a crop duster, for observation, flying ambulance, and especially a trainer, since it is so easy to fly. A few months ago, I went up in a J-3 Cub and tried to fly it. I didn't have much trouble, since it's so similar to RC flying.

The World Engines J-3 Cub is also very easy to fly and easy to build. The fuselage is 1/8 inch die-cut plywood. Every little piece punches right out without any splintering at all. Almost the entire airplane is plywood, with the exception of a few pieces, including the wing ribs and tail surfaces. The sides are cut to make it look like a framework, and also to lighten it up.

A fuselage like this is very easy to assemble, and very strong. The two center frames are glued to one of the sides, making sure they are straight. The other fuselage side is then placed on top, again being sure everything lines up straight. recommend using epoxy, and building on a flat surface.

The fuselage sides are notched on the top and bottom so the frames fit right in. Also, you don't have to trace lines off the plans to know where the formers go. When the formers are dry, pull the tail together and line everything up. A balsa wedge is put in between the sides when they are joined at the tail. When everything is dry the rest of the formers are put in.

Now the landing gear block is put in, flush with the bottom, so when the bottom is put on, it goes right over the block. The maple wood mounts are epoxied to the firewall and fuselage sides. I used a 6 oz round fuel tank. The plans call for a 4 oz, but the 6 oz fit nicely. The neck of the fuel tank sticks through the firewall for easy service. This is not shown on the plan.

I put a silicone seal all around the tank, so it wouldn't move. Also, a 1/4 inch balsa square was added on top of the tank so the balsa sheeting had something to glue to. The sheeting is in two pieces, to make it easier to put around the windows. This takes some cutting and fitting..."

Supplementary file notes

Review.

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