Neptune (oz16070)

About this Plan

Neptune. Free flight power model. Wingspan 50 in. Torp .15 shown.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 6/6/2025: Added article, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Air Force's top free flight design. All-Class Neptune. By S/Sgt Al St Clair.

Even the man with the very short memory can recall times when a model builder in the Air Force had to undertake his construction atop a foot locker, if at all. Standby inspections, lack of sufficient space and fire regulations made model building nearly impossible.

But a look by the Air Force at the engineering potential which lay dormant in these frustrated modelers changed all that in recent years. The Air Force has climbed aboard the model- aviation bandwagon with its own series of model airplane contests. From the results of these contests team members are chosen to represent the Air Force at the National airplane contest. Not only that, but most Air Force bases today have model clubs, shops to build in and materials readily obtainable.

Early in 1951 word was received that airplane contests would be held for Air Force personnel. At the time I was stationed at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas. Upon looking over my own contest models I found it necessary to build a new Class B free flight, as I was not satisfied with the one I had. Finding no kits available which filled my needs, I decided to build an original job. The model I wanted was one that would fly consistently under all weather conditions, one I could count on to fly the same every time.

After much deliberation and the study of as many articles as were available on free flight design, I decided to try to couple a fast climb with the floating glide of a towline glider. And after much travail, the model itself was ready for testing.

It was a cold afternoon early in the month of February when the as yet un-named model took to the blue. The wind was blowing at approximately 15 mph when we arrived at the field. Rather than risk testing the new model under the conditions present I decided to stall for time in the hope that the wind would diminish. Three hours and as many crackups later, feeling lower than the bottom barnacle on Beebe's bathosphere, I threw caution to the winds. Upon release the model climbed in a rapid right spiral for 15 seconds and recovered perfectly into an exceptional glide. Fifteen minutes later it landed gracefully in a pasture some seven miles from the base. The ensuing discussion gave birth to the name. Quipped one Cliff Cox: That tail looks fishy, hence 'Neptune.'

Since that day Neptune has undergone many modifications and has been flown in many classes with exceptional results. It has been largely responsible for my being on the Air Force Team for the last three years and was the big reason for the tie between Tommy Baker and myself for the Air Force Championship back in 1951.

At McClellen AFB, while attending the Pacific Coast Conference eliminations, Neptune managed to snare the sweepstakes for me with a first place, four second places and one third place.

Complete construction details are available on the full-size plans."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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