Passero FM1 (oz15009)

About this Plan

Passero FM1. Radio control scale model pusher, for brushless electric power. Wingspan 1200 mm.

Quote (google-translated from the Italian): "Passero FM1, by Alberto Dotti. A semi-scale model of the first plane designed by the great Stelio Frati.

In the 'Oldtimers and Vecchi Laces' column of about a year ago, I had the opportunity to learn about an original project by the great Stelio Frati, an aeronautical designer who, I am convinced, every aeromodeller who is not a 'new entry' definitely knows. He also wrote an exceptional editorial work on the model aircraft project published many years ago, but still valid and interesting. A book that should be read these days especially by new aeromodellers if they want to be considered such. In fact, they would be able to discover that model airplanes can be built not only with a beautiful mold filled with expanded polystyrene and the like, but also with good wood worked with knowledge of the facts and meticulously finished to obtain the maximum even under the aesthetic appearance.

Today, mainly, only two types of models are seen around: the first type includes those works of construction art which we then see illustrated on 'Settimo Cielo' (and to their builders I give a well-deserved 'chapeau!'): large and beautiful models in composite or other refined materials whose workmanship is reserved only for those who can afford it. The second type includes a plethora of 'plastics' which have very few positive aspects, but cost little, and sometimes even manage to fly decently.

Instead, I follow the traditional path which does not necessarily mean ancient and outdated; it is simply not the one suggested by the current commercial system and at the same time it does not require refined equipment and expensive investments. In other words, I prefer to design and build my own models and following my own path, I often find myself taking inspiration for my constructions from airplanes of the past that are closest to my way of working.

As you can see, this is how we close the circle on the reason for the choice that fell on the 'Passero', the first aircraft designed and built by Engineer Frati which I mentioned at the beginning.

The fact that you are reading these lines means that you are readers of Modellismo and therefore I can avoid repeating what you can find in the article already appeared in n° 114 where the origin of the project is told and where it is possible to see a 3-view personally designed by the engineer Friars. I can therefore move directly to the description of the model construction procedure.

The construction of the model is not the simplest, but with a little practice and patient work you can also have fun. The fuselage must be assembled starting from the central horizontal plywood core on which the frames, parts of which are divided in half vertically, are progressively fitted.

To align everything easily, it is advantageous to place what is called the 'cabin support base' in the drawing on the assembly surface and fit all the frames onto it. By doing this you will find the entire front part of the fuselage assembled, but upside down and this will allow you to position the lower longitudinal rib which will complete the alignment of the fuselage ready for definitive gluing.

At this point you can prepare the 0 3 harmonic steel carriage and arrange for its fixing on the plate glued under the central core.

Now we need to assemble the rear part of the ovoid-section fuselage by inserting the frames onto the carbon tube and adding the balsa spar that will align everything in the lower part. I covered this trunk by preparing a conical tube of 0.4 mm aviation plywood wrapped directly on the oval frames. I think it is possible as an alternative to wrap in the same way as 1.5mm balsa.

The fixing to the front part is carried out by inserting the carbon tube into the frames F8 and F9 and gluing the frames F9 and F9bis together, obviously checking the perfect alignment of the entire structure. The important thing is to stay very light in the entire rear part because you run the risk of having to add weight in the front part to have the center of gravity in the required position. To complete the fuselage it is now necessary to assemble the upper part, ie the cabin and the part that supports the wing. Take care of the alignment of the wing support base to obtain the correct fit with respect to the fuselage axis.

At this point the fuselage must be covered with 1.5 mm balsa panels. The work can be done either with planks or panels, I preferred the second method because it is more practical. I then cut the panels one by one as wide as needed to place them side by side in correspondence with the front frames which are 5 mm thick..."

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