Electric Kerswap (oz16051)

 

Electric Kerswap (oz16051) by Gilbert Morris, Tom Hunt 2008 - plan thumbnail

About this Plan

Electric Kerswap. Radio control sport model, for electric power. Wingspan 51.8 in, wing area 400 sq in.

Quote: "Gilbert Morris, Designer of the Kerswap. Gilbert Morris started building model airplanes at the age of 8 in 1933. He soon began building his own designs. His main interest was in duration flying. His early efforts were all rubber powered. He bought his first engine in 1939 and from that time on stayed with powered models. In the fall of 1941 Morris designed the Kerswap. He built three Kerswaps that winter. During the 1942 contest season he lost all three models when they flew out of sight!

Our version of the Kerswap was designed by Tom Hunt. The new version features a larger wing span, easier to cover flat bottom airfoil, simplified construction and we have converted it for electric power. We think you will enjoy this new edition of a fine old timer.

Tools and materials needed to build the Kerswap: A few simple tools and materials are needed to build the Kerswap. Experienced builders will probably already have these items on hand. Beginning modelers should gather the items listed below before beginning construction of this kit.

Building board: We recommend purchasing a balsawood building board. These boards are made of laminated balsa to produce a flat work surface, an important requirement for building a straight airplane. They also accept and hold pins very well. Other materials can make acceptable building boards. A piece of sheet rock or plywood with one sanded surface may also be used. Whatever material the modeler chooses for a building board, remember it must be flat and should be at least 12 x 30 in for the Kerswap.

Construction begins by studying the plans, parts, and instructions. The builder should understand what is to be done before committing glue to wood. This attitude towards building helps to eliminate mistakes and results in a more enjoyable and successful building project. Every model airplane kit should be built carefully. Good building practices will result in a better looking and flying model. Taking the time to accurately cut stock and pre-fit parts pays off with an overall better model.

A few important points should be kept in mind throughout construction and are essential if the model is to fly as designed.

- The model must be built true.
- The flight controls must operate smoothly with no binding.
- The model must be kept light.
- The completed model must balance where shown on the plan.

Following the instructions carefully will help to insure these important requirements are accomplished.

Vertical Fin & Rudder: Parts and materials required for this building segment Laser cut fin/rudder pieces V1, V2, V3, V4 3/16 x 3/8 balsa strip stock. 1) Cut the 3/16 x 3/8 strip stock for the fin trailing edge and the rudder leading edge and pin them over the plan. Leave them long, they will be sanded to size later. Cut a piece of 3/16 x 3/8 strip stock for the bottom of the rudder, trim the end to the correct angle, and pin to the plan..."

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Supplementary file notes

Instructions.

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Datafile:
  • (oz16051)
    Electric Kerswap
    by Gilbert Morris, Tom Hunt
    from Aero Craft
    October 2008 
    51in span
    Electric R/C Pylon Kit
    clean :)
    all formers complete :)
  • Submitted: 22/04/2025
    Filesize: 484KB
    Format: • PDFbitmap
    Credit*: theshadow
    Downloads: 280

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User comments

It's interesting that Dr. Hunt (Grumman) would change to a flat bottom airfoil. I built one of the old Cal-Aero Powerhouses and Bob Oslan did the same thing. I guess it was tough to get films to stick to undercambers but it's not an issue today with UnderCamber Glue https://tinyurl.com/undercamberglue
The Kerswap is notoriously difficult to balance and there have been some versions seen with questionably long noses. I think this one managed to keep the propeller arc near where it is on the original and they didn't move the landing gear forward.
Gilbert is still modelling in the American Midwest.
Istvan Nagy - 28/05/2025
Wow... He would be a 100 years old... still modeling? Would love to see a video or at least a pic of that...
RC Yeager - 29/05/2025
He lives in my town. I think he’s 99
TomRyan - 29/05/2025
Just 99? Well then... never mind...
RC Yeager - 29/05/2025
Even at an advanced age, he still inspires people.
https://shorturl.at/VhXyc
TomRyan - 01/06/2025
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Download File(s):
  • Electric Kerswap (oz16051)
  • Plan File Filesize: 484KB Filename: Electric_Kerswap_oz16051.pdf
  • Supplement Filesize: 1148KB Filename: Electric_Kerswap_oz16051_instructions.pdf
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Notes

* Credit field

The Credit field in the Outerzone database is designed to recognise and credit the hard work done in scanning and digitally cleaning these vintage and old timer model aircraft plans to get them into a usable format. Currently, it is also used to credit people simply for uploading the plan to a forum on the internet. Which is not quite the same thing. This will change soon. Probably.

Scaling

This model plan (like all plans on Outerzone) is supposedly scaled correctly and supposedly will print out nicely at the right size. But that doesn't always happen. If you are about to start building a model plane using this free plan, you are strongly advised to check the scaling very, very carefully before cutting any balsa wood.

 

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