Aerocoupe (oz16373)

About this Plan

Aerocoupe. Simple rubber sport model. Wingspan 17 in.

Quote: "Rubber Powered Semi-Scale Model. The Aerocoupe, by Ray Malmstrom.

This is a slightly more advanced model called a 'semi-scale' type which besides being an absorbing building project, will introduce you to the techniques of tissue covering. The flying surface (and part of the fuselage) are built up structures covered with lightweight tissue paper. This covering needs to be tightened by water shrinking and finally doping.

There is always a great appeal about a semi-scale model that looks very much like the real thing, but is so designed as to avoid complexities associated with the true-to-scale type of model. Aerocoupe includes a pilot that adds to its realistic appearance in the air.

The plan provides all the information needed to get your Aerocoupe airborne, but a few additional hints may be helpful. If you do not have balsa block of the required dimensions for the noseblock, wheels, and wing dihedral jig you can laminate together several thicknesses of 1/16 sheet. You will need to take a tracing of the starboard (right-hand) wing panel shown on the plan, and reverse it in order to build the port (left-hand) wing panel. Be sure to avoid building TWO STARBOARD wing panels. Yes I we have done it - and it really is frustrating! Use tissue paste (available from your model shop) to fasten the tissue paper to the framework, cutting the tissue about 1/8 oversize all round and folding over the edges for a neat job. Allow to dry thoroughly.

When water shrinking and finally doping always pin the flying surfaces down on the building board, on small balsa blocks, while drying, to avoid those arch-enemies - WARPS f. NEVER use full strength dope qtraight from the bottle. Dilute the dope with thinners, (small bottle from your model shop), in the proportion of half dope, half thinners.

The brass bearing bush for the propeller shaft, as purchased, is too long. Cut to length, using a hacksaw. We have designed Aerocoupe to take a British Keilkraft 5 inch dia plastic propeller. You will need to remove the spinner portion with a fine hacksaw. Some hobby shops supply American 5 in dia plastic propellers. Fit one if you can. They are lighter and more efficient than the British equivalent..."

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