Martian Invader (oz16200)

About this Plan

Martian Invader. Control line sport model. Wingspan 12 in, for .049 engine.

Quote: "HERE is a model that can truly be described as being 'out of this world.' The Mechanix Illustrated Martian Invader, a flying saucer, is a most unusual control line model airplane patterned along the lines of those luminous disks that thousands of people have seen during the past several years.

The twin bubble canopies housing the Martian pilot and his robot and the rakish fins add to the futuristic appearance of our saucer. The six-ounce craft can be powered with any .039 to .074 cubic-inch displacement glow plug or diesel engine. It does not matter whether the engine has an attached fuel tank or not, this plane will accommodate it. The fact that the entire body contributes to the lift, coupled with the symmetrical airfoil, creates a craft that is ideal for stunting purposes. The two balance points for sport or stunt flying will be described later.

Construction has been simplified to the point where only two sizes of balsa wood sheet and one size plywood are required to complete this model. Although easy to build, it will simplify matters if the full size plans are used for construction.

Start by tracing parts 1 to 13 onto hard 1/8 sheet balsa. Follow this by tracing the bulkhead, landing gear support and bellcrank support onto 1/8 plywood. Cut the sheet balsa pieces to shape with a single edge razor blade or jig saw. The plywood can be cut with a jig or coping saw. Sand all pieces smooth with 3/0 sandpaper. Cement the plywood bulkhead and bellcrank support to the pieces No.4. Slip the forward spar, piece No.1, through pieces No.4 and cement well; follow this with spars No. 2 and 3.

When the cement has dried slip ribs Nos.5, 6 and 7 onto the spars to form an 'egg crate' structure. Trace and cut pieces Nos.8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 to shape. Cement these very securely to the ribs, spars and No.4. Attach the elevator, No.13, to No.12 by using cloth hinges; these are first cemented to the top and bottom of the elevator.

While drying install the control horn. Slip the horn onto the elevator and cement this firmly. Bend the control rod to shape with pliers and ship the offset end through the control horn hole. Pass, the control rod through the holes in the spars. Now cement the remainder of the cloth hinges to piece No.12, alternating as shown, top and bottom..."

Update 10/8/2025: Replaced article file with complete version, thanks to Pit.

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