Miss Los Angeles (oz1590)

About this Plan

Miss Los Angeles. Control line scale gas model. Model Airplane News, March 1949.

The scale subject, Miss Los Angeles, was built by Lawrence Brown for the 1934 Nationals. Painted a scarlet red, she sported a 300hp Menasco engine and recorded an impressive 243.14 mph.

Quote: "An advanced design in 1934, this slick ship is still a modeler's favorite. Miss Los Angeles, by Gabriel Bedish.

DESIGNED by Lawrence W Brown in 1934, Miss Los Angeles - one of the foremost in the ranks of immortal racing planes of pre-war days - was a challenge to the super-powered class of racers which dominated the events of that day by their brute speed.

Mr Brown's protegy was an outstanding example of applied strategy and proved to be one of the most formidable contestants in racing competition for many succeeding years. This conception, though powered, by a 300 hp Menasco Buccaneer as against the then con-ventional 1000 or more hp powerplants, gained her advantage through the use of lighter wing loading and cleaner design.

Possessed of a much higher degree of maneuverability than her competitors, the craft, with a top speed of only slightly over 270 mph, gained a decisive adavantage on turns and other situations in which a high degree of maneuverability could be exercised to advantage. With this ability the craft could outstrip the field by twenty miles. Landing flaps produced a low landing speed of 60 mph with flaps fully extended.

A great deal of time and effort were expended through the preparation of two model designs, the latter an improved version of the former and shown here. The inherent beauty of the model in itself is more than sufficient to tantalize the scale advocate, while performance will remove any skepticism which the hot-rod advocate may harbor. Fidelity to scale between the model and prototype was kept almost exact, the general proportions of aircraft of this type being ideally suited for controline work.

Operating landing flaps of a foolproof design, working in conjunction with the ignition tinier, provide an accessory that greatly increases the thrill of flying Miss Los Angeles, as well as greatly simplifying the landing operation. Following the tripping of the third line, the flaps lower and a few seconds later the engine cuts. A new type control system emphasizing a more gradual control and reducing the danger of over-controlling was instituted with results of a superior nature. Its compact size is also an asset.

Wire bracing of the structure not only increases its beauty by producing a higher degree of scale effect but imparts such great strength to the model that it is almost indestructible. Bracing installation is purely up to the builder's discretion however, the model having been designed with more than enough strength to get by well without.

The first step in construction is to enlarge the plans. This operation requires pencils, eraser, ruler, and if possible dividers and draftsman's curves. Wrapping paper of store variety is a reliable surface on which to work..."

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article.

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