Heinkel He46 C1 (oz15186)

About this Plan

Heinkel He46 C1. Radio control scale model. Wingspan 46-1/2 in, for .20 to .25 engines.

Quote: "Heinkel He46 C1. A 46-1/2 in wing span model for 20-25 engines and four function radio. Designed by David Boddington, and built by Shaun Clay.

THE 1930's BROUGHT FORTH a whole host of interesting aircraft prototypes and many that make excellent scale subjects. As you can read in Prototype Parade, the He 46 was developed both as a biplane and a monoplane, but it is the latter version, with its parasol wing, that stirred the editor to get drawing. Not all aeroplanes convert well to relatively small R/C scale models but the swept parasol wing format of the German observation aircraft had plenty going for it and offered a better chance than most subjects. I had read, in Aeromodeller, Doug McHard's complimentary remarks on his small CO2 powered model's flying characteristics so all the omens were favourable.

Shaun Clay, who lives down in Seaford, Sussex, had bravely offered to build a scale model of my design so I sent off the drawings and what information I had on the prototype, to him. 'Gen' on the full-size aircraft was not easy to obtain and I am in gratitude to Doug for getting some details to me and at a later stage, Peter J Hartwig for loaning me a book on the subject.

The plans were drawn, initially, from a quite small three view so I am not claiming 100% accuracy for them, they are as near as I was able to get with the information available.

Now Shaun is one of those delightful modellers who is neat and precise in their building and finishing and I really couldn't have gone to a better person for the project. A model of this description requires care and accurate building and the He 46 model certainly got its fair share of TLC. For instance, Shaun believes it is difficult - almost impossible - to cover a model properly where struts are poking out all over the place. I am inclined to agree with him, but what do you do with a model with wing centre section struts and undercarriage struts attached to the fuselage? Shaun's answer, sensibly, is to make them detachable and where I had shown the pianowire struts sewn and epoxied to formers he substituted brass tube of the same gauge. This allows the pianowire stubs to be housed into the tubing and sprung to release the assemblies when covering operations are taking place.

I get used to modellers making a better job of my designs than I do myself and Shaun really excelled himself - the He 46 looks superb. Although not a very experienced pilot, he flew it around while I took the flying shots. He was also trusting enough to let me handle the Heinkel, and I can confirm its excellent flying qualities.

So, clear the decks, sweep the board clean, sharpen the knives and away we go.

Fuselage: There is sufficient, but not over generous, space in the fuselage for the radio and I would suggest that you locate accurately the position for the servos, Rx, switch etc. Also, a small receiver battery (280 or 250mAh nicad) is recommended.

Decide on the engine to be used to see how it fits in with the dummy radial engine and for the throttle connection. If you do not fancy constructing a dummy radial engine - although it adds a lot to the character of the model - you could opt for the alternative 'E' version which had a fully enclosing cowl.

Because of the limited space around the nose area you are advised to construct your own tinplate fuel tank. You might be lucky enough to find a suitable commercial item but it is unlikely. Constructing the tank as shown on the drawing will allow it to be removed through the front bulkhead should any servicing be required.

Construction of the fuselage is typical Boddington, a box frame with stringered and sheeted sides and top decks. Engine and servo bearers need to be pre-drilled before fixing, as are the hardwood blocks housing the brass tubing for strut attachments. Wet the 0.4mm plywood to make it supple when fitting the top decking. Lower hatches, for access to radio equipment should be close fitting and retained with screws.

No springing is incorporated in the undercarriage and none has found to be necessary. Make the front and rear legs to the patterns, insert stubs into brass tubing (in hardwood) in fuselage and bend and solder at the axle and top front leg positions (2). Pull points A and B together and bind and solder, this will tension the undercarriage legs. The unit can now be sprung apart to remove from the undercarriage.

Tail surfaces: Fin and rudder are open structure from 3/16 strip and sheet, the trailing edge of the rudder is laminated from strips of 1/16 balsa and 0.4mm ply. Taper the fin to the trailing edge. Build the tailplane and elevator from a 1/16 balsa core with 1/16 sheet and strip on both sides to represent the full size structure. Where the elevators are tapered to a thin edge the edge should be reinforced with cyano glue. Sleeve the holes for the tailplane braces with tubing to accept 10ba bolts, the struts can be made from 14g aluminium tubing..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

From R/C Scale Aircraft, April 1992.

Update 26/3/2024: Added Prototype Parade article, thanks to hogal.

Quote: "Steve/Mary, In the same addition of the RCSA there was a prototype parade giving some more details of the He46. I've attached a copy. I liked the model that much I also built a larger copy of it, 60 in span. Plans are also attached [see Heinkel He46 (oz15192)]. Cheers, Al"

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.
Prototype Parade.

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