Heinkel 112 (oz16172)

About this Plan

Heinkel 112. Control line scale model fighter. Wingspan 35 in.

Quote: "A SCALE model with the speed of a specially designed racer! Impossible you say? Well, just try your hand at this Heinkel fighter. With a projected wing area of 162 square inches and powered with an Ohlsson & Rice 60, top speed hovers in the 80 mph class. It is the answer to those modelers who are looking for a speedy scale model. Now for a few words about the full size plane.

In spite of its up to date appearance, this design is not new. It was introduced in 1938 as a multi-purpose fighter-trainer-interceptor, depending on the power and armament. Engines from the 685 hp Junkers Jumo diesel to the 1,600 hp Daimler Benz were used according to the purpose of the ship. A Daimler powered He-112 held the world's speed record with over 463 mph, although standard speed was -slightly over 325 mph. Standard armament (fighter version) consisted of two 20 m.m. cannon in the outer wing panels and two 7.7 rn.m. machine guns in the cowl. Interceptors used six to eight machine guns in the wings and cowl. All except the interceptor had three small bombs fitted to internal racks in each inboard wing panel. Although of excellent design and truly a great step forward, the Heinkel He-112 did not become widely known and it remained for the He-113, a night fighter version, to become renowned in World War II.

Model builders will appreciate, as did the author, the adaptability of this design to control line flying. The elliptical wings of low aspect ratio combine efficiency with great strength and the inverted gull permits the use of a shorter landing gear. Advantage was taken of the underslung radiator to house both engine cylinder head and gas tank. This engine location necessitates the use of an extension shaft which is actually not as difficult as it appears. If the builder so desires, he can install the engine in conventional manner, upright or inverted, and balance the ship by moving the ignition rearward. It will be noticed that the span is almost the same dimension as the fuselage length, a condition normally found on racing planes.

As an aid to enlarging the plans, they were drawn one half model size so that by merely doubling any measurement on the plan actual size model plans may he drawn. When these are completely understood, construction may be started.

The original fuselage was carved from two solid blocks of balsa cemented lightly along the horizontal centerline and, when dry, the side and then plan views are carved. Following the sections on the plans, the fuselage should be completed and given two coats of clear dope and then pried apart and hollowed to about 1/4 inch wall thickness. Apply two coats of dope to the interior and install the engine mounts. Note that they run clear to the nose to support the 'oilite' shaft bearing. Bulkhead C can be added, using plenty of cement followed by the bell-crank foundation, bellcrank and control rod. All of these mentioned items are attached to lower shell only. Stabilizer and elevator, cut from 3/16 sheet balsa and doped, may be cemented in place at this time.

After the control rod has been connected and is in working order, the upper rear portion of the fuselage should be well cemented to the lower shell. The forward portion remains removable in order to allow access to engine and ignition. Coil, condenser and battery boxes (four pen cells) should be firmly mounted to fuselage because they have the habit of tearing loose at the first rough landing. The coil may be strapped to the bulkhead with fibre strips.

Extension shaft and engine location shown have advantages. The plane is easily handled because the weights are located close to the CG and scale appearance is not marred by a protruding cylinder in the bullet nose. 'Oilite' is the name of the bearing used; ask for #A-401-3 in any reputable hardware store. This bearing is made of powdered metal and oil and does not require lubrication. It is soldered well to the brass plate which is bolted to the engine mount as shown. The bearing should be soaked in gasoline, ether or alcohol before soldering in order to drive out the oil. After soldering, the bearing is soaked in motor oil to replenish its lubricating qualities.

It is doubtful whether there is any modeler who does not have access to a lathe which is required to make the shaft extension. It is turned from hex stock steel to dimensions given. The locknut is a conventional hex nut filed to 1/8 in thickness. The prop back plate can be turned from dural or steel and held in place on the shaft with a taper pin after the shaft has been inserted through the bearings..."

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Supplementary file notes

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