Morane Saulnier Type L (oz16799)

About this Plan

Morane Saulnier Type L. Radio control scale model, for electric power with geared Speed 400 motor. Parasol layout. Wingspan 46-1/2 in.

Quote: "Silent Saulnier. A simple scale model of the Morane Saulnier Type L, for geared 400 size motors and 3 functions. Designed by Peter Rake.

This model was designed to fit in with a series of 1/9 scale WWI aircraft. I chose this perhaps slightly unusual scale because it gives models of just about the perfect size for the excellent Graupner 2.33/1 geared Speed 400 motor unit. They are also ideal for operation from small fields, such as the cricket field which is just 2 minute walk from my house (there's method to my madness!).

At this size it is not essential to use micro servos. My own models use the very good Hitec mini servos and relatively inexpensive speed controllers. Standard sized receivers are fine if you don't have a small one to hand.

A speed controller is really a must, if you are to get the most from these small models. And believe me, there is a lot of fun to be had with them, for very little outlay. If this one costs you much more than £15 to build and cover you've done something very wrong.

I chose to build my model without dihedral (as per scale) relying on washout of the wing tips for stabilising, but you may prefer to add a small amount of dihedral, if you feel happier with it that way. The choice is yours.

There is plenty of scope for minor variations with this model, since the prototype was used by several different countries and could be fitted with skis if desired. If you paint the entire nose area black, fit a Spandau gun and crosses, you've got a Pfalz A1 - how's that for value?

Construction of the model is so straight forward that a full set of stick A to B type instructions should hardly be needed. I will, however, cover the points that I feel do need more explanation. The most important point is to keep the model light. So no beefing-up, thank you. You really don't need to. If the model is kept as light as strength will allow, you can then add just a little more detail.

The fuselage construction is totally conventional and as long as you keep it straight and square, no problems should arise.

Infill the bottom fuselage bay aft of the hatch with 1/16 balsa sheet, so that you have somewhere to grip the model for hand-launching.

Bind and cyano the main undercarriage legs in place and bind and solder the axle to them. Repeat the process with the tail skid pylon. but don't fit the skid just yet.

Cabane struts are fitted in a similar manner to the undercarriage before fitting the 1/16 balsa decking and cockpit floor.

The cowl is made by first gluing the 1/32 ply strip around Cl and then adding C2. Finally, glue the 1/4 in balsa section and 1/32 ply C3 in place before shaping. sanding and filling the cowl. The cowl should be fitted after the motor and NiCads are in place and may be either glued or screwed in place.

Both rigging pylons are simply cyanoed or epoxied into holes drilled in the wing blocks and bottom longerons. The rigging need be nothing more complicated than shirring elastic, hooked in place.

For those of you who decide to make your own wheels, this is how I did it. For each wheel, cut a disc and a 1/4 in wide ring of 3/32 liteply to the required size..."

Morane Saulnier Type L from RCM&E July 1998.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction