Leprechaun (oz16385)

About this Plan

Leprechaun. Free flight sport model for rubber power. Wingspan 24 in.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 11/11/2025: Added article, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "Full-size plans to make it easy for you to build and fly this sleek rubber-powered contest trainer. Leprechaun, by Don McGovern

This design is not meant to be the last word in contest jobs, but it is an extremely easy ship to build, as well as being light, inexpensive and easy to fly. With it you can master your first folding prop, and make the jump from sport flyers to contest aircraft. If you care to stash about 800 turns in her, you will get a sudden lesson on how high is up!

Construction has been greatly simplified by the lightweight sheet-balsa fuselage. With crosspieces every inch, any bowing tendencies of the sheet balsa have been eliminated. The plans are full-size, so all you need is a little ambition and the materials listed at the end of the article.

WING: Let's begin construction with the wing surface. Its rectangular nature precludes the need for intricate wingtips and tapering ribs. Cut the required ribs from 1/20 medium hard sheet balsa if it is available. If necessary, a slightly softer grade of 1/16 sheet balsa may be used throughout the entire model wherever 1/20 sheet is called for.

The next step is to cut the leading and trailing edges to proper length, taking care to select only the straightest wood for these important members. With a sharp razor blade, taper the trailing edge as indicated on the drawing of the rib section, and sand smooth. Place the trailing edge on the plan, mark off the rib positions, and notch accordingly. This will provide a much stronger cementing surface and prevent a reflexed trailing edge after doping.

Once the trailing edge has been pinned in place, the wing ribs are inserted and cemented. Follow with the diamond-shaped leading edge and the 1/16 x 1/8 spars. A note of caution: be sure to cement the center ribs at a slight angle, to allow for the 1-3/4 inch dihedral.

After removal from the plan, the panels should be cleaned of excess cement, then trimmed and sanded to the proper shape. Next, the panels should be joined with a double coat of cement on all end grain, and the required spar gussets. The addition of the 3/8 sheet wing tips completes the wing structure.

STAB AND RUDDER : The stab requires little comment, as it is basically a simplified replica of the wing. All ribs are the same size and shape, and the center ribs form the slot in which the rudder is to be cemented. Do not, however, cement the rudder in place prior to covering, as this will only complicate the operation.

The rudder is outlined on the plans over the wing and landing gear. Butt two pieces cf sheet together, then cut and sand to shape.

FUSELAGE: The easy-to-make fuselage is next. Select two evenly matched sheets of balsa of the required thickness and tack lightly tiogether with cement. While they are adhering, skecth the fuselage side view on the wood, including the notches for the crosspieces... "

Supplementary file notes

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