Solo (oz15486)

About this Plan

Solo. Radio control basic trainer model. Wingspan 54 in, for .19 to .35 engines.

Quote: "A Christmas gift to radio control novices! This 54 in span basic trainer has been designed around three function radio and .19 to .35 engines. Solo, by TW Blair.

A need for a basic trainer arose because my family (wife and two daughters) fancied having a go at flying a radio con-trolled model and I didn't like the idea of entrusting a .45 powered aerobatic machine to their tender care.

The design had to be based around various spare bits and pieces that were to hand, an Enya .19, an ageing receiver and servos. It had to be strong and at the same time be a good stable flyer. My thoughts went back a year or two to when I flew single channel (on a Hill two valve receiver, etc) and the type of models flown then. These were high wing, box-fuselage tail draggers; usually hand launched, and Solo closely imitates these machines.

Before starting to build it, it is a good idea to 'kit' the model, that is cut out all the bits and pieces and check that they all fit together. This does save a lot of time once you do start to build.

Covering the plan with a sheet of grease-proof paper is also recommended as it tends to get a bit tatty if left uncovered.

Wings: I always build the wings first as it is very useful to have it available as the fuselage is being built.

Pin the trailing edge in place on the plan and put small 1/16 packing pieces under the bottom main spar. Cut the bottom cap strip to size and lay them in position, gluing them to the trailing edge. Now glue ribs W2 and W3 in place taking care that they are vertical and add leading edge, centralising it on the front of the ribs. Top main spar, dihedral braces B1 (three off) and W1 are now added using the template to set W1 at correct angle. Cut out and fit the 1/16 webbing (with the grain vertical), followed by top leading edge sheet-ing, centre section top sheeting and top cap strips (bottom leading edge sheeting is added after joining wing halves). The wing panel should then be left to dry thoroughly. The second wing panel is built in the same manner except for the dihedral braces.

When both wing panels are finalised can now be joined together, lining them up care-fully. Set dihedral, 2-3/4 in under each tip, ie a total of 5-1/2 in, and leave to dry. Afterwards B2, wing bolt seating, bottom centre section sheeting, bottom cap strips and finally the wing tips may be added. Sand the complete wing carefully, remember any flaws at this stage will show up when covering is applied. The wing centre section may be reinforced with glass fibre if required, although the prototype wing proved to be strong enough without it.

Fuselage: Bind the undercarriage to former F2 using strong thread and cover both sides of the binding with epoxy glue. Make up nose crutch assembly with formers Fl, F2 and F2A and engine bearers, again using epoxy glue and allow to dry.

Stick plywood to the inner faces of the fuselage sides using impact adhesive and add 3/8 triangular section strip as shown, making sure you end up with one left-hand and one right-hand side. It is all too easy to end up with two the same..."

Solo from Radio Modeller December 1983.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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