Bonzo - Buster (oz15220)

About this Plan

Bonzo - Buster (Goodyear Racers). Control line profile midget racer model. Wingspan 23 in, for .15 engine.

Plan shows both the Bonzo and the Buster.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 14/4/2024: Added article from American Modeler, July 1961, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Sound like fun? It is, and with none of the complications of expert model racing events.

The models presented here are of similar construction. They can be built quickly and simply. Fuselages and wings can both be built of 1/2 in thick planks or wings can be built-up with 1/16 sheet skins. Tails are all 1/8 sheet. Construction procedure is similar for both models so one description should suffice. There are numerous detail variations which can be adapted from one model to the other. Some details can also be used that were shown on Thompson Trophy Racers plans - see AM July 1960.

You will note that the plans contain additional information on sister-ships of the prototype. 'Bonzo' can be made into the other famous Wittman design 'Buster' by changes to the tail feathers. The Cosmic Wind series included three almost identical racers: Little Toni, No.3; Minnow, No.4; and Ballerina, No.5; so actually five different models can be built from these plans.

Let's tackle Bonzo: Begin with the fuselage. Glue up plank to the necessary width by edge gluing 1/2 in sheet together. Use Elmer's Glue-all for this and other lamination joints. If obtainable, 6 in wide sheet can be used. Cut fuselage sheet to profile, preferably with jig or bandsaw, so that cutouts and notches will be square. Engine bearers are spaced to fit K&B .15 engine. If other engines are used check mount width and cut accordingly. Cut out 1/16 plywood nose doublers. Make cut out for engine in right side piece only. Glue hardwood engine bearers into notches in balsa, then glue doublers in place. Clamp and let dry thoroughly.

While fuselage nose lamination is drying wing construction can be started. The Bonzo wing has a 6-9/16 inch chord so a solid plank wing will need an additional piece to make up necessary width. We glued on a length of pine at leading edge to give additional strength. Shape wing to airfoil contour with a block plane and sandpaper. Cut tips to outline and shape taper in thickness.

Bellcrank is mounted externally on bottom of wing so that leadouts will be in proper vertical position relative to the CG of the model. So don't bury the bellcrank and leadouts in a built-up version of the wing. Carefully chisel recesses for plywood inlays in both top and bottom of left wing surface for the bellcrank mounting bolt. A small 5/16 thick pine block glued between plywood pieces will prevent crushing when pivot bolt is tightened down.

Check fit of wing in cut-out in fuselage, relieve as necessary. Slide wing almost into position and squirt glue into crack along wing and fuselage. Work from side to side to get good glue coverage then position wing exactly and pin in position. Check squareness with fuselage both in top and front view..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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