Whipper Snappers (oz15711)

About this Plan

Whipper Snappers. Simple whip power model.

Quote: "Whip models are the basic form of control-line flying. Many of the maneuvers performed by the more sophisticated control-line models can also be performed by the simple whippers. In fact, the Whippersnapper is a logical step toward introducing the beginner to the basics of control-line flying. The Whippersnapper can provide the experienced flier a broader challenge in the mastery of flight.

Now you are sold, let's get to the construction.

Four (4) Whippersnappers can be constructed from one sheet of 1/8 x 3 x 36 in balsa, two (2) 1/4 x 1/8 x 36 in hardwood sticks (or two (2) 1/4 x 1/4 x 36 in pieces of balsa), glue, and modeling clay.

Place all wood over the accompanying full-scale plans and trim to size. Lightly round off indicated edges with sandpaper. Mark off location of wing and stabilizer on the twin booms. Using white glue (or model airplane cement), bond entire model together and allow to dry. Decorations may be added with a felt-tip pen. Add modeling clay to the forward end of the outer boom until balance is obtained, close to the leading edge of the wing. Secure a length of heavy thread (or tight string) to a control stick. The stick should be 2 to 3 feet in length. The string or thread should be cut to length so that when it is secured to the model, the model will barely clear the ground with the arm and stick extended vertically above the head.

And now for your first flight. Begin flying by leading the model with the control stick. Flying toward your left (counterclockwise), the model is considered upright. At first, turn with your model. When flight is obtained, swing the stick in a rotary motion around your head to sustain flight. Wind will have a significant effect on the flying characteristics of the model. Going into the wind the model will have a tendency to rise; downwind, to drop. Wind effect can be countered by lowering the control stick when flying into the wind and conversely, raising the stick when flying downwind. If control is lost, don't panic, simply raise the control stick to keep the model from crash landing.

When you think you have mastered the basics of flying with the wind, you are ready to put the wind to work for you.

Stunting: Removal of small portions of nose weight from the boom will make the Whippersnapper more maneuverable. Instability will result if you take off too much weight. Experiment until proper trim is obtained. With the wind at your back (to keep the line taut) the Whippersnapper can easily be led through consecutive loops. To stop looping simply stop whipping. If speed is reduced while performing consecutive loops, so that the Whippersnapper is going very slowly at the top of the loop, you will find that you have gone to inverted flight. Direction of flight can also be reversed by starting the model in either direction.

The horizontal figure-eight will prove to be one of the more difficult maneuvers. To perform one, begin a slow loop, switch to inverted flight. Begin another loop (inverted position) and recover in upright position. Experience and perseverence are required to perfect the figure eight. To obtain an increase in speed, noseweight must be added until the model hangs level from the tether line. As flying skill is increased, you can have hours of fun with the following maneuvers..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

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