Profile Gee Bee (oz16602)

About this Plan

Profile Gee Bee. Radio control profile scale model, for electric power. Indoor racer. Wingspan 34.25 in, wing area 180 sq in.

Quote: "A small group of fliers from the Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX, area have been building these indoor racers for almost a year now, and they have come up with a loose set of rules and limitations. Basically, the planes must resemble Golden Age racers in profile, have approximately 200 square inches of wing area, carry no more than six, 120mA batteries, weigh from 61/2 to 81/2 ounces (71/2 ounces seems to be the average) and take off on their own.

If you're interested in this up-and-coming micro pylon racing, the plan that's presented here is a good place to start. It doesn't get any better than a Gee Bee! This is an incredibly simple design, and most people will be able to just use the plan. I'll keep this brief so you can get started.

The fuselage is built out of a slab of 1/2-inch-thick beaded polystyrene foam with 1/32-inch-thick balsa on both sides. Prior to 'skinning' both sides, determine the radio-gear placement and cut out the appropriate areas. Hold the servos, receiver, etc in place with masking tape, and use 3M77 spray adhesive to plank both sides with the 1/32-inch balsa sheets (3M77 won't attack the foam; check all other adhesives). The proper method for using the 3M77 is to lightly dust both the foam and the balsa. This stuff is heavy, so be gentle.

The tail surfaces are all 1/16-inch balsa and should be C-grain. Applying Japan-ese tissue isn't tricky: just dust both the tissue and balsa with 3M77 and apply the tissue, smoothing it out with your fingers. Do the bottoms (if applicable) and lap the top surface around to the other side. Cut small Zslices with a sharp hobby knife to facilitate rounding the curves. To seal the edges, apply thinned white glue with a small brush, wiping the excess with a paper towel. When dry, gently dampen the surface with a wet paper towel and allow it to dry. When it's dry, brush on one coat of thinned nitrate dope. We use this method to tissue all surfaces.

The wing couldn't be much simpler. You can cut the plan view first and then pin it over the ribs, or place the ribs by hand and glue them into place one at a time. I've tried both methods, and one is about as easy as the other. The ailerons are simple and self-explanatory. The aluminum welding rod that's used for a torque rod is unique, however. Pick up one of these at a welding supply store. These rods are cheap, light and extremely handy..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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