Webby (oz16411)

About this Plan

Webby. Free flight sport amphibian model, for rubber power. Wingspan 28 in.

Quote: "Just a small pond will do for successful ROW flights with this realistic amphibian. Webby, by James McCrea.

FOR the fellows who want to experiment and do something really different, there is the alternative of leaving the good old terra firma and hying themselves to the water. Hydro flying presents more unknowns and variables than any other phase of aeromodeling. This fact in itself adds tremendous incentive to the keen modeler. Hydros, or flying boats, have always been designed on the premise that 'if it floated it would take off.' The large water drag of the hull, plus the air drag of the machine as a whole, prevented good 'planing' so that the model taxied in circles and frequently nosed up without taking off. And if the hull was improperly shaped, this condition was worse.

Webby was finally adopted because its long hull gave greater water stability. It was designed to give low air and water drag. It is light, yet strong enough to stand reasonably rough treatment. The water line is long enough to provide longitudinal stability on the water and still permit the model to rise on the rear step for planing. The wide beam makes for a smaller draught, and the use of a flared bottom and a sharp chine permits efficient planing avoiding a lot of waves and spray.

Another advantage of this type of hull is that every section between bulkheads comprises a watertight compartment; thus, any punctures that may occur when planing or flying will not prove very disastrous. In many cases, flying can be continued, despite damage, during the day, and the repair made when you are back in your workshop.

The efficiency of tins type of hull and complete design was proven on the very first water test for stability. Placed on the water about seven feet from the shore and headed toward the shore line, the model was released with only about 26 turns in the water. It planed along the water and ran about four feet up on the beach. Subsequent flights showed good duration.

Construction: Crutch-type construction simplifies the hull and speeds up building. Note that there is both an upper and lower crutch. Lay out the lower crutch on the plans. While this is drying, cut out all upper formers that are mounted on this crutch and glue them in place. When dry, remove from board and follow the same proceduire with the upper crutch..."

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