Eugene II (oz15958)

About this Plan

Eugene II. Free flight Wakefield rubber competition model. Wingspan 43 in.

Quote: "A beautiful rubber-motored project for advanced builders. The directions are worthwhile reading for any model builder. Eugene II, by Ed Lidgard.

In its present form, Eugene II was evolved from a similar model designed in 1938. The basic aerodynamic design is the same except for minor modifications.

Eugene I was a 175 square inch contest model which had a very long and successful run until it was stored away during the war. It was lost OOS seven times and was in excellent condition when finally stolen after seven years in existence. It would consistently average 3:10 to 3:15 in calm evening air.

As it stands now, Eugene II is a practical compromise between a box and a streamliner - with many refinements in structure which make it extremely strong, light and durable. Under the present rules, which call for four ounces per 100 square inches, one model per event, and ten minute maximum flight time, this model is an ideal contest performer.

I would like to make it clear that this model, although very stable and, capable of high duration, should not be attempted by a novice - due to construction features which require - skill and experience for satisfactory completion. Rather than go into explicit instructions on how to build Eugene II, I will explain the unusual construction features and the reasons for their use.

Due to the fact that Wakefield competition and other rubber-powered events limit the contestant to one model, it becomes obvious that that one model must be dependable, durable and have provisions made for its return in case it is caught in a powerful thermal current.

With the new rule which limits a single flight to a maximum of ten minutes, provision also must be provided to bring the model down out of the thermal after a flight of no more than ten minutes. A dethermalizer, or more accurately a 'flight limiter', must be incorporated into the design of a contest model. A flight limiter naturally is going to add some weight (approximately 5/8 oz) to the model. However, this compromise between light weight and consistency will pay off.

After much experimentation, the flight limiter used in Eugene II has proven very dependable. This has not always been true - as will be remembered by those who witnessed the second official race at the 1947 meet in Minneapolis, where the dethermalizer cut in as soon as the power ran out, due to a loose release linkage. The pop-up stabilizer used is one of the most sure fire means of bringing a model safely out of a thermal. When the stabilizer assumes a 450 negative angle, the model drops straight down and lands on its belly, which is definitely better than parachutes, wind socks, etc.

In order to make a pneumatic timing device dependable it is essential that, during the time the plunger is in motion, it meets a minimum of friction. In the past many people..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Note this plan is not complete. There is a missing sheet (plate #1) that will show the ribs and more formers.

Note see also Eugene II (oz229) for a later redrawn version of this design from MB, Dec 1977.

Supplementary file notes

Article (incomplete).

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