Sporty Sombrero (oz15488)

About this Plan

Sporty Sombrero. Radio control sport model. Wingspan 51-1/2 in, for .15 - .19 engines.

Quote: "Build this nippy 51-1/2 in sports model. Sporty Sombrero, by Tony Wright.

The first Sombrero was built about 15 years ago, powered by an elderly Enya 19. The model flew very well until one flight when it ran out of altitude at the bottom of an outside loop. The present Sombrero was built when I obtained an OS 20FS. It is a very smooth flyer, capable of slow aerobatics and lovely touch-and-goes.

Built-up construction: The wings are required during the fuselage construction. Having cut the required parts, pin the TE and lower spars to the plan followed by the ribs, top spar, LE, and the vertical webbing. When set, cut the root ribs to accommodate the dihedral braces. The top of the wing can now be sheeted from the LE to the main spar plus the centre section. Add the top TE sheet plus the cap strips. When the glue is set, remove from the board, add wing tip. Build the second half of the wing on to the first half. When set, sand the wings and put aside.

For the fuselage, glue the plywood dubblers to the sides, followed by longerons and uprights to make a pair. When set, pin one of the sides upside down to the building board, followed by F2, F3 and F4. Then do the same for the other side. Keep everything square and parallel. When set, draw the rear of the fuselage sides together, not forgetting a drop of glue. Remove from the board, add formers F8, F9, F10, F11 plus cross braces. Add the spine and allow to set.

Sheet the rear decking and add the fin blocks. Sand to shape. Sheet the cockpit area, followed by F3A. Fix the engine mount and nose leg in place. Build up the nose with sheet, block and triangular balsa. The add Fl and carve the nose to shape. Temporarily install the engine and tank to check the plumbing and throttle link. When all is well, remove the engine and tank.

Sheet the top decking between F2 and F3A. Temporarily fix the wing to the fuselage, and glue formers FS, F6, Fl to the centre of the wing and spine. Add the rest of the decking over the wing. the Remove the wing. The bottom of the fuselage is now sheeted. Note the tank hatch, sand the fuselage and put aside. Cut out the fin, rudder, tail plane and elevators. Sand to shape and profile. Join the elevators with the wire link.

For the covering, I used iron-on film but any other material is suitable. Hinge the elevators to the tail plane and glue to the fuselage, followed by the fin and rudder. Fit the UC and wheels. Install the engine and the tank. Fit the radio equipment - I used balsa push rods. Band on the wings, check the C of G, charge up and go flying. Enjoy! "

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Sporty Sombrero, from Radio Modeller December 1996.

Update 25/8/2024: Added alternate sheet 1, thanks to Circlip. Clearer layout, shows complete fuselage as one piece.

Supplementary file notes

Alternate sheet 1.
Article pages thanks to RFJ.

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