Shinden (oz16436)

About this Plan

Shinden. Free flight model for rubber or CO2 power. Canard pusher layout.

Quote: "DURING THE Second World War there were several attempts to produce warplanes using the 'canard' or tail first layout. Despite the potential advantages of such a configuration none of these designs entered production. Perhaps the one which came closest to success was the Japanese Kyushu J7W1 Shinden (meaning 'Magnificent Lightning'). This aircraft flew in prototype form, but plans for mass production were halted by the surrender of Japan in 1945,

The history of this model is almost as bizarre as its appearance. Some twenty years ago as a thirteen-year-old schoolboy I first saw drawings of the Shinden in a reference hook. With the enthusiasm of youth, which usually implies a total disregard for practicability, a simple rubber powered model was built and proved a surprisingly good flier. This model was rather rough, being built from odd scraps of balsa and an improved Mark II version was built. My interest moved onto I/C powered models, control-line free-flight and finally radio control and the Shinden design was forgotten over the years.

Some months ago I discovered that a colleague built small CO2 powered models during his lunch hour. Andy claimed that this is the best form of dieting yet discovered and as a bonus you ended up burning off calories running after the model. Seeing his CO2 models set me itching to try a free-flight model again. At that moment the Shinden resurfaced from the depths of my memory - fortunately I had kept the original plans and after a few moments I felt the design could be modified to take a CO2 motor. No more time was wasted and a Telco Turbo-tank 3000 unit was purchased and balsa cut.

Shinden Mark III looked fine, but no matter how I adjusted the motor the best that could be achieved was a prolonged glide. No doubt the weight of the motor and nose ballast was too much for the simple flat plate section wing.

Refusing to be defeated, Mark IV was built returning to rubber power and success returned after some twenty years. Before anything else could go wrong I put pen to paper to describe what may not be the most aesthetically pleasing model, but you must admit to its eye-catching nature.

Construction: This model is so simple that no detailed construction notes are needed, a few tips are in order though. Firstly, the grade of balsa to use is medium weight, preferably quarter grain for extra stiffness. Light soft balsa should be avoided, vunerability to damage will be greater without any improvement in performance. Balsa cement is ideal for this model, reinforcing important joints with three or four smoothed-out layers.

It is best to construct the wing (omitting the fins until later) and fuselage separately and take great care over accuracy when joining them together. Accuracy is also required with the two fins, small they may be, but their effect is quite powerful.

The only concession to aerodynamics is to sand all the corners of the model round, but this isn't essential since Marks I and II managed with blunt wings. None of the four Shindens were doped or painted, insignia and cockpit trim being added with felt-tip pens, don't worry it won't warp unless you insist in flying in the rain. A conventional propeller assembly is used although it does have to work backwards, and a 7-inch diameter plastic prop is ideal..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Good morning Steve, I scanned this model and published it in HPA within Aeromodeller issue of November 1983. The model is printed on the central pages so I joined them. It is a 'funny' model :). The union page and the article in png format 300 dpi are attached. I built it for fun, see pic [main pic].

I have some others plan uploaded to HPA by me and not present in Outerzone: if you agree I continue to share them. Best regards,"

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Article.

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