Flying Rootbeer Can (oz15942)

About this Plan

Flying Rootbeer Can. Free flight sport model.

Quote: "Tired of going around in circles? Lost your free flight? Desire something new? What you need is a Flying Rootbeer Can. In any event, almost every modeler has an old .049 engine with rear engine mounts somewhere, or can get one from a friend, so let's get started.

The cost of this project is about one dollar if you have an .049. The following materials are required and are available at most hobby shops: two 36 in pieces of 3/32 steel wire; one 2 x20 in piece of balsa 1/16, 3/32, or 1/8 thick; one wedge-shaped fuel tank and one 4 inch piece of fuel line.

Two rootbeer cans (others may be substituted) will also be required. The cans must be made of tin since they will be soldered. Miscellaneous materials such as small strips of cloth, cement, plastic electrical tape, and paint, if desired, will also be required.

The only special tool you'll need is a soldering iron. If you don't have one, ask around the neighborhood. If you've never soldered anything, get dad, or someone with experience to help.

CONSTRUCTION: Before we start, let me remind you - tin is sharp - don't find out the hard way. Cut the cans into 2 in wide strips by cutting around the can (avoid using the can seams). Join the strips together, overlapping approximately 1/2 in, and solder after scraping or sanding the paint and plating off the areas to be soldered. Bend the 2 in strip to make a cylinder 1/2 in larger in diameter than the prop you intend to use. My Wen Mac .049 has a 4.5 inch prop so the cylinder diameter is 5 in.

Next, punch or drill four 3/32 holes evenly spaced around the can, 1/2 in from one edge. Cut the 3/32 steel wire into two 28 in pieces. (A metal cutting file is a big help.) Bend a U-shaped kink in the center of one wire so that a flat plate may be soldered to the intersection of the two wires. Push the wires through the holes in the can so that they make a large X and solder where they pass through the can. After the solder joints have cooled, put plastic electrical tape around the edges of the shroud to prevent any accidental contact with the sharp tin..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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