Phoenix 020 (oz16894)

About this Plan

Phoenix 020. Free flight power model. Wingspan 24 in, for .020 engine.

Note see also the 50 inch Phoenix (oz6101) first published in May 1947.

Quote: "An 020 version of a famous old-timer. Phoenix, by Frank Ehling,

The Phoenix was a popular model in every variation produced, covering the class spectrum, It was built from the smallest size to a version of over 1000 sq inches. The design was used by numerous fliers. Many were modified by those who wanted to add their own individuality. The version presented here is not meant for beginners, but it is a sport model, one which can be flown in a rougher terrain better than a tissue-covered version. Our model is an .02-powered version, a kind of mini-oldtimer. But it flies to beat the band.

Being of all-balsa construction, care must be taken in the selection of the wood, if the model is to balance as shown. The choice of balsa is not necessarily a difficult task. The wood for the fuselage should be the heaviest, the wood for the wing the next-lightest, and the parts used for the tail assembly lightest of all.

Be careful when finishing. This means to go easy on the dope. Be sure to use a brand which has low shrink quality. It is also essential to refrain from using pigmented dope, unless it is used only for trim and forward of the balance point (CG) shown on the plan. All extremities, wing tips, and tail surfaces should be as light as possible.

CONSTRUCTION:

(1) Cut the fuselage bulkheads from balsa, apply wood and fuselage sides. Assemble, using the plan to align the structure.

(2) The pylon can be cut to shape and sanded as shown, then cemented into position. This is easy enough that instructions are not needed.

(3) The fuselage can be covered, top and bottom, starting with the bottom. The stabilizer and rudder can be cut to outline - remember to use the lightest balsa on hand, carefully sanded, and cemented in place on the fuselage.

(4) The wing now can be cut to outline. It is good here to take an overall piece of wood for this task, cutting along the center from leading to trailing edge. By turning these outward, bring the original outer portions together, thus forming the center section. This is done to avoid any imbalance that may be in the original piece of wood.

(5) The wing can be sanded to an airfoil section and then, where the dihedral joints will be positioned, shape these areas as shown on the plan. To assemble the wing, merely dampen the upper surface lightly. This will tend to swell this top surface, aiding in forming the curvature desired to produce the wing cross section. When dry, these panels can be carefully aligned and cemented together at the center. These joints should be carefully cemented with several coats of your favorite cement. Give ample time to dry between coats. It is also wise to 'feather' cement joints so the strength will be greatest from the seam outward.

(6) The pylon platform new can be assembled, and cemented atop the pylon. Care should be exercised that a strong cement joint is obtained. The landing gear can be bent and attached to the plywood bulkhead, carefully checking that the wheels are in alignment..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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