Heron (oz16689)

About this Plan

Heron. Radio control sport model. Wingspan 48-1/2 in, for relectric power with 120 - 150W brushless motor.

Quote: "Heron. A nostalgia-style 48-1/2 inch span IC or electric model for sports flying designed by Andy Reid for 3-function RC.

Introduction: Heron was specifically created as a straightforward sports model that retains some of the nostalgia style of a 1950's free-flight model but at the same time being fully up to date with regard to equipment and construction. Basic rudder/elevator control is used combined with all the benefits of electric power and miniature RC to provide you with enjoyable hassle free flying sessions as an antidote to more demanding aeromodelling activities. Although intended for electric motors you could substitute a small I/C motor if preferred.

Construction: Building your Heron should present little difficulty to any modeller who has previously tackled some built-up construction. This is a very robust model but careful selection of the correct grades of balsa will help to keep the weight down and maximise performance.

The first step for most builders will be to cut out the basic balsa and plywood components such as fuselage sides and formers, wing ribs, etc.

The prototype was built using PVA white glue for the fuselage, wing frames and sheeted areas. with 20-minute epoxy for fixing the formers in place and final assembly. To prevent the fuselage sides sticling to the surface of the plan cover with wrapping film or rub over thoroughly with a domestic wax candle before starting construction.

Fuselage: Start construction of the fuselage by selecting suitable lengths of 4.5 mm square hard grade balsa. Start by pinning down sidepieces SF1, SF2 and SF3 at the tail end together with the top and bottom longerons. then add internals. Pin through the sheet areas to hold them in but place pins on each side of the longerons where possible. Remove the sides from the board and give them a light sanding to remove excess glue, etc. Cut out the slot for the tailplane in F3 at this stage and also add the 4.5 mm square and 10 x 4.5 mm bracing strips for formers Fl and F2 to the sides.

Motor mounting details for a typical brushless out-runner with radial motor mount are shown on the plan. Check the mounting requirements for your particular motor and make any modifications required to former F1 accordingly before getting too far advanced with the fuselage construction..."

Heron from R/C Model World, November 2009.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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