Cessna 172 (oz1799)

About this Plan

Cessna 172. Free flight scale gas model. July 1957 Aeromodeller.

Quote: "At Last! A model for 'Big' scale enthusiasts and radio control. WP Holland's Design for a 72 in version of the Cessna 172.

BIG SCALE MODELS are always impressive, and when the subject is a perfectly proportioned Cessna 172, with traditionally bright American colour scheme, trike undercarriage and a fuselage capacious enough for any radio gear, one can readily appreciate how Peter Holland's design has joined Aeromodeller Plans Service.

The model is 1/6th full size - just 6 ft wing span, and construction has been kept as simple as possible. Initially it was tested as pure free-flight, then it was equipped with radio, and Peter's own speciality - a 'pendulator'. This ingenious device takes over in the event of over-control and prevents a button happy operator from spiral diving such a fine inherently stable model. Further details of the pendulator"are included on the full-size plan.

Light weight (less than 3 lb) is one of the contributing factors to the stability virtues of the design (it climbs at a steady angle with the AM25 revving moderately on a 10 x 6 nylon prop) and whether required for sport flying or precision radio work, it is a most attractive aircraft to see around the flying field. Much credit for the inspiration to build the plane should go to Swiss A/2 and Wakefield expert Bruno Bachli, now with Swissair, who flies the full size HB-CPD regularly from Kloten and personally demonstrated its airworthy charms to our Asst. Ed. last July. Swiss markings for this 'first 172 in Europe' help to embellish the bright decorative scheme and the aluminium finish is easily reproduced by metal polishing a coat of silver dope.

Construction, though not for beginners, is quite simple. Wing and tail halves detach for transportation and the fuselage presents the only carrying problem. Built-up formers are cemented to the basic 1/8 in sheet sides, top and bottom, making assembly very simple, planking being required for the radiused corners and cowling. Window sections on the doors open to give interior access should R/C be fitted. Point to watch on the wing is that spars have to be lifted off the board to allow for letting into ribs, and the outer sections are raised when building for incorporated dihedral. Being a tricycle U/C, the front unit employs a sensible torsion bar springing with a stop to prevent a complete fold-back.

Has this whetted your appetite for big-stuff? The full-size plan is packed with constructional and colour detail gen to enable one to make a perfect replica of this fine modelling subject. "

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