Little Herbie (oz2102)

About this Plan

Little Herbie. Control line team racer, for 2-2.5cc diesels. From Australian Model Hobbies Nov-Dec 1950.

Quote: "Team Speedster. Simple, rugged construction for hectic Team Speed flying. A speedy model for 2-2.5 cc diesels. Little Herbie, by Merv Robinson.

The popularity of the diesel motor in Australia made the development of the small team speedster a foregone conclusion, and many prefer these 1/2A models because of their simplicity, low cost of construction, and operation.

Little Herbie is as tough as a practical model can be and will take most of the knocks encountered in team racing.

The rules at present call for a model with a wing area of 75 square inches minimum. The fuel tank capacity 1 cubic inch maximum. Controline length 42-1/2 feet. Plus other of the FAST rules as out-lined in the last issue of AMH.

For competition work one of the modern 2.5 high performance diesels is recommended. such as the Elfin 2.49 or the GB 2.5 cc Sabre. but for general flying any of the small motors provide sufficient power. The original Herbie was powered by a 1.96 cc 'K' Falcon, which flew the model consistently at 63 mph.

Construction: Fuselage is formed from 1/4sheet and 1 inch block balsa. The motor mount is cut from 1/4 or 5/16 plywood. First study the plan carefully and make sure of the shape of the sheet sides, then trace this shape on to a sheet of 1/4 in balsa. The top of the sheet side is straight, so use the edge of the sheet of wood for the top of the sheet sides. Carbon paper placed beneath the plan may help to trace outlines. Cut out the bottom of fuselage in the same manner. The actual assembly of the fuselage is straightforward if the plan is followed.

Wing:The lower surface of the wing is cut from sheet balsa. Cement to this sheet bottom a piece of 1/4 x 1 in hard balsa to form the cambered leading edge and then the rear part-ribs. Cover the top of wing with 1/16 sheet balsa.

Cover the entire model with silk (rag) tissue or jap silk, dope well and finish in fuel proof colours. Apply several coats of cement to the inside of cowl and motor mount environs before fuel-proofing. Test fly the model on 35 foot steel lines.

A lengthy descrintion of construction has not been given, as the full size plan carries all detail."

Update 15/10/2019: Added article, thanks to perttime.

Supplementary file notes

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