Nimbus (oz16967)

About this Plan

Aeroflyte Nimbus. Free flight towline glider model. Wingspan 30 in.

Quote: "Before starting any assembly, study the plan carefully. Aero-Flyte C17 and C23 cement are formulated for use with Balsawood, and their use is strongly recommended for this model - C17 for normal use, and C23 for heavy duty areas such as wing joints, formers etc.

FUSELAGE ASSEMBLY: Build one fuselage side by cutting and pinning the longerons and uprights into place over the fuselage side view (step 1) and cementing. When dry, lay greaseproof paper over the fuselage side and build the second side in an identical way. Next cement F4A to F4 and F5A to F5 as shown and allow to dry. When dry, remove the fuselage sides from the side view, and by placing them on the top view, cement F5 and F4 squarely into place - allow to dry (step 2).

When dry, cement the two sides together, making sure that the assembly is square (step 3). Allow these joints to dry completely before fitting F1 and the tailblock as in step 4. Next add the remaining cross pieces, F6, F2 and F3, the top stringer and joiners (shown shaded) and the nose block. Drill F6 as shown, fit and bend the towhook bind and cement in position. Fit the wing and tailplane dowels.

WING ASSEMBLY: Pin the leading and trailing edges of one wing over the plan. Cement the diecut wing tips 18, 19 in position. Next pin the lower mainspar into place, and pin and cement the wing ribs in position. Use the wing tip template for the correct angle of the centre ribs. Cement the top mainspar into position, bending it down at the edges to meet the wing tip. Build the other wing in the same way, and join the two at the correct dihedral angle shown by butting and cementing the centre ribs, then strengthening the mainspar with a scrap piece of 1/4" x 1/8" Balsa at the wing joint.

TAILPLANE ASSEMBLY: This is built in a similar fashion to the wing making sure that a gap is left between the centre ribs for the fin assembly. FIN ASSEMBLY: - Cut the outer frame to shape and pin over the plan. Cement the supports and the fin filler strip (8) into position. When dry fit the fin into the tailplane gap, and cement in place, making sure that the fin is square to the tailplane.

FINISHING: Cut the celluloid canopy and pin and cement into place. Drill a 1/4" diameter hole in the nose block as shown, trim off any surplus wood, and lightly sandpaper the model all over. Tissue cover the model as follows - fuselage sides, fuselage top and bottom, wing top then bottom and finally the tailplane top and bottom and fin sides. Give the model two or three coats of Aero-Flyte dope and if desired, paint the model with hobby lacquer.

FLYING: Secure the wings and tailplane with the rubber bands supplied and add ballast until the model balances at the balance point. Fit a plug to the nose block hole, and test glide the model into the wind from shoulder height. If the model climbs sharply, then dives, add more ballast. If the model dives, remove ballast until a satisfactory glide is achieved. Make a light cotton towline about 100 feet long with a small metal ring on one end. Fit the ring over the towhook, and run into the wind, watching the model over your shoulder. When the model is at full height, slacken the towline to release it, and your Nimbus is now under way!"

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 1/9/2026: Added printwood, thanks to Circlip.

Supplementary file notes

Additional instructions sheet.
Printwood.

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