Stahlwerk (oz16814)

About this Plan

Stahlwerk. Radio control scale model for electric power. Wingspan 36 in.

Quote: "Stahlwerk. A simple to build electric powered mode, designed by Peter Rake, with the prototype model built and described by Dudley Parker.

This model is the result of a request for a reasonably small, easy to build design. Unfortunately, once drawn up, the chap who requested the design was unable to complete the build, so it hung around for a little while. Then, following a request (from me) for prototype builders. Dudley came forward to save the poor little Stahlwerk from further languishing in the depths of my computer. Now, after a successful build and flight proving. I am able to present the design here. That being so. Ill hand you over to Dudley for all the details.

INTRODUCTION About mid September 2012, I saw a post in RCgroups from Pete asking for some help with some prototype builds he needed and after a few emails, we decided that the 36 inch Stahlwerk would be a fine pairing for me.

The Stahlwerk Mk.III was a German sport plane produced in the early 1920's in small numbers. It had a span of about 25 feet (which makes this model 1/8 scale) and like other homebuilt type designs, has great proportions for a model.

SOMETHING NEW After printing the pdf plans on my inkjet printer and glued the separate sheets together, building began. First I started on the horizontal and vertical stab sections and something a bit new for me was the use of laminated strip balsa sections for the perimeter of the assemblies. Using a glue stick, I stuck the plans to some foam board and then cut the forms matching the two stab pieces. An old wax candle was rubbed around the form edges to prevent glue from sticking to them. Using soft 1/16 by 1/8 balsa strips soaked in boiling water, I managed to glue up my 3-section laminations after a few botched attempts. I find this task goes well if you apply PVA glue to the wet strips and join them before wrapping them around the formers, still wet. Pin down the former and use small, waxed, pieces of scrap balsa to hold the laminations against the former as they are pulled around it - maintaining tension all the time. Some people form them around a fence of pins. but I find that puts creases in the wood.

Once the laminations are completely dry, the tail surfaces are built over the plan. The resulting structures are much stronger than first appearances would imply.

THE FUSELAGE BIGINS Next. I started work on the fuselage. The model design uses a very strong forward section and 1/8" longeron open box framework running to the tail. I'm fortunate to have a few handy power tools, which allows me to make my own parts, therefore all of the parts used in the model were made by me. In normal fashion, the fuse side frames were glued up, one on the plans, then the other side built on top..."

Stahlwerk from R/C Model Flyer, October 2013.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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