Austria Elefant (oz16885)

About this Plan

Austria Elefant. Radio control scale model glider. Wingspan 5000 mm.

Quote (google-translated): "Semi-Scale Replica of the Historic Glider. Austria Elephant, by Klaus Nietzer.

Building the Model: The description is not very extensive, but in my opinion, it is perfectly adequate for the model builder for whom the Elephant is intended: experienced in building complex models from plans or their own designs. Such model builders will use the construction description - if at all - only as a rough guide; otherwise, they will proceed according to their own judgment.

The plans describe the Elephant in conventional balsa plywood construction; wings in Styrofoam/balsa are also conceivable. The basic structure must be built as follows: Join the main wing and the wing extensions to the point where the upper surface is unplanked. This makes all the internal components easier to install. The same procedure is followed for the horizontal stabilizer. Only after these parts have been fitted to the fuselage and the linkage tested may the remaining sheeting be applied. The ailerons are cut out only after the sheeting is complete. Positions 1 and 2 serve as templates for creating the rib block for the main wing, and positions 2 and 3 for the outer wing.

The wing plan is joined at the indicated point X, protected with film, and the wing frame is glued onto it. The individual ribs are placed on the lower main spar,which should be slightly raised with small pieces of wood, as we have hollow airfoil sections in the inner area.

Note that the necessary plywood ribs, which are made of balsa in the block, should be taken from it and used as templates for making them from plywood.

Next, the upper main spar is attached, the leading edge (item 20) is fitted, and the balsa spars (items 22 and 23) are inserted from rib to rib, leaving a 6 mm gap between the spar rows, as this is where the aileron will later be cut out. (See sketch A)

According to the plans, the underside sheeting is glued together. The grain direction of the individual sheets can be seen in sketch B. All sheeting pieces must be sanded before gluing.

The wing is then removed from the plans, its underside is sanded, and it is covered with pre-cut sheeting. The plans are then turned over, and the second set of wing panels is constructed in the same way. At this stage, the wing joiner is also fitted; it is shown exactly in sketch 3 of the plans. Box sections are fitted from rib to rib.

Horizontal stabilizer: Items 1 and 2 are the templates for another rib block, where items 4 and 5, 2 x 1, and item 6 are again to be added from plywood. Tack the ribs onto the plan, as shown in Fig. 4, and reinforce them with wooden strips. Glue in the leading edge and longitudinal stringer (item 9), lightly sand the whole thing, and plank one side. Join the two rudders together using the familiar flat construction method and sand them smooth. Glue reinforcement (item 26) to both sides. Install the servo and pushrods. Lay these semi-finished parts on their sides..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 25/7/2026: Added part 1 of the article, thanks to Axel_VPF.

Supplementary file notes

Article (parts 1 and 2).

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