DL5 (oz15738)

About this Plan

DL5. Radio control scale model. Wingspan 60 in.

Quote: "DL5. Fascinating home-build subject is translated into a delightful 1/5 scale, 60 in span, 20 FS powered model, by Keith James.

DO YOU REMEMBER the fun and excitement experienced during those first few weeks of learning to fly a radio control model? Do you, as I do, start to look for that little extra motivation to relive those early thrills?

For some considerable time my hobby interests have been directed towards scale modelling, but between long term projects I have managed to find a week or two to construct a sports model. Not being a 'zap around the sky' type of flyer I have concentrated on the slower flying types but eventually there comes a time when, instead of building other people's designs, the challenge presents itself to do your own thing. The decision to design my own scale model came when, in RCM&E, the David Livesey originated aircraft, the DL5, was illustrated and described.

Introduction: I have lost count on the number of evenings taken up reading and rereading the article. The DL5 had a shape and simplicity of design which had captured my interest and within a short time, quick sketches on bits of paper began to accumulate in my workshop.

The section illustration in the `Aeroplane' showed a distinctive shaped rudder and elevator, which would give plenty of positive control. The Clark Y aerofoil, would give plenty of lift and stability at low airspeeds and the wing being constant chord, presented an uncomplicated approach in its construction. The open cockpit meant that instrumentation and a pilot would have to be made, but these would not be difficult and could provide a few evenings of interesting fiddly bits. This was definitely the aircraft I wanted to model.

My design requirements, from the outsets, were fora model which follows the construction of the full size - as far as possible and although lightly loaded, would be strong enough for the every day flying at the club field. It had to be taken apart easily and yet go into the average sized family car, without leaving the rest of the family standing on the drive. The speeds at which it would be flying, required a small yet moderately powerful engine, having a scale like sound and resulting in my choice of the OS 2OFS.

During October 1987 I was recovering from a spell in hospital and in this time, more notebook sketches were made and with the calculator help, from my friend Terry Moore, final design parameters for optimum size and weight were decided.

I attempted to gather further documentation on the aircraft through Richard Riding, editor of 'Aeroplane Monthly' but alas, he was not able to give me any information on David Livesey's present abode or whether his design, actually went into production. Therefore, all information is based on the Aeroplane article. It goes without saying that I would be very grateful for any information about the designer and his aircraft, from anyone who could complete the story of what I consider, to be a very stylish aeroplane.

Before commencing the building, please make sure that you read the plan and notes carefully, but thoroughly.

If this is your first scale model, you will enjoy the building from start to finish, the only difficult areas being the fixing of the windscreen and the tailwheel unit. You will no doubt perceive from the above that it is an easy model to construct. You should not find any difficulty in installing radio equipment, as there is more than enough space for Rx battery and servos..."

DL5 from R/C Scale Aircraft, Summer 1989.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction