Mini Early Bird (oz15126)

About this Plan

Mini Early Bird. Control line combat model, for 1 to 1.5 cc engine.

Quote: "Construction: The Mini Early-Bird was developed from the 2.5 cc Early Bird (oz3271) combat wing, with strength and simple construction as its two main features. It still retains all the excellent handling qualities of its big brother and is much cheaper to build, for those on schoolboy budgets. Any 1 - 1.5 cc engine will be suitable except those with rear intakes.

Commence construction with the leading edge. Cut all the strips to length then glue the centre lamination of two 1/2 inch sq soft strips together, then the top and bottom 3/4 x 3/16 medium strips, making sure they overlap the rear by exactly 3/8 in. Add 3/8 x 3/16 fill in strips at centre area then set aside to dry. Plane 1/4 in off the front 1/2 in sq strip. (This saves buying a 1/2 x 3 in sheet). Carve to shape tapering the leading edge, leaving centre section square.

Cut and shape 3/16 sheet trailing edge and then all the ribs. Use PVA glue to secure ribs to leading edge including the centre section lamination of two outer 3/16 sheet and one inner 1/8 sheet. Slide shaped trailing edge into ribs, adding 1/8 tip plates, 3/16 x 3/8 filler pieces at tips and braces, gussets, etc. Sew leadout tubes in place, glue plywood bellcrank platform in, then add bellcrank, pushrod, leadout wires. Solder tank as in full size drawing, glue into centre section then add sheeting.

Shape 1/2 x 3/8 beech or maple engine bearers and glue onto leading edge and sheeting. When dry, add two 3/16 sides, 1/16 plywood bearer spacer and nose block. Drill two 3/16 holes and glue 3/16 dowel rods through fuselage and bearers. Sand fuselage pod to a smooth stream lined shape. Cover pod with gauze bandage rubbing plenty of cement in, and the entire model with nylon, then apply three coats of dope.

Solder loops in the leadouts. Cut two 1/8 in. plywood booms drilling 5/64 in dia holes for the 16 swg elevator pivot wire, and elevator from 1/8 sheet. Slide plywood booms onto the wire-pivot hinge and bend to shape, then push it into the elevator sewing and smearing with balsa cement. Next, cover elevator with nylon.

Cement 1/16 ply elevator horn mounting plates in place and drill holes to suit nylon horn. Pre-cement booms over trailing edge and centre section sheeting. Give booms and elevator three coats of dope. Connect up the pushrod, drill the motor holes and your Mini Early-Bird is ready to fly. "

From Aeromodeller, May 1966.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article.

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