Varsity (oz2225)

About this Plan

Varsity. Free flight Class C power model. Wingspan 50 in, wing area 370 sq in.

Planfile includes full build instructions.

Quote: "The Class B Varsity is the result of an effort by Scierilfic to bring to the public a gas model that would appeal to both the contest builders, and the sport flyers alike. We believe the Varsity fulfills this purpose beyond a doubt, as tests have proven that its rapid climb and soaring glide would enable it to more than hold its own in competitive flying, while its rugged, pursuit-like design combined with stability-plus will prove a delight to the sport fans.

The fuselage of the Varsity is built in an entirely new manner which would enable even a beginner to produce a perfectly aligned fuselage in half the time usually required for this type of constructicn.

Do not attempt the actual construction of the model until you have read the instructions and studied the plans and photos carefully, so you will have a clear picture of just what you have to do. You should have a flat surface upon which to pin the plans, since all the parts are built directly over the drawing with waxed paper in between the wood and the plan to prevent them from sticking together.

The fuselage is built first. Refer to the plan view and Fig.1 and take note of the shape of the master fuselage former. On the top view of the fuselage it assumes the full outline shape shown. Notice the rear part where the shape is shown by dotted lines and also the front which is cut out to receive the motor unit later on. With a soft pencil mark the positions of the bulkheads on the master former. All of the bulkheads may be cut out and notched with the exception of #10B and #11B which are not notched until immediately before the stringers are inserted. This prevents the bulkheads from splitting.

Pin the master former securely to a flat surface and cement the lower halves of the bulkheads in place (Fig.1). Be sure they are square before the cement sets. The 1/8 sq diagonal bracings are cemented in place before any of the stringers are inserted. The center string is the first to go in place from #1B to 10B and then the other stringers follow. Leave the rear of the stringers long enough to allow for trimming later when the cement has set. The lower half of the fuselage is then removed from the plan to allow the insertion of F-2 in the rear and the cementing of #1, to #1B. When this is done, the remaining bulkheads are cemented in place on the top of their respecive places.

Cement the long side stringers in place and thee cut the wing and stabilizer platforms from 1/16 sheet balsa. Cement these and bulkhead #5T in place. Add the top stringers, diagonal bracings, dowels and carve the solid balsa block which forms the top, front of the fuselage.

The entire fuselage forward of bulkhead #6 is covered with 1/32 sheet balsa. You may cover from bulkhead to bulkhead using wide strlps, or cover from stringer to stringer using long narrow strips. Use pins to hold the pieces in place until the cement sets. Sandpaper the joints smooth and taper the sheet covering to a feather-edge where it ends at bulkhead #6. The cockpit is covered with four pieces of celluloid - two sides, top, and front.

The removable nose is made next. Be sure the 1/8 plywood will fit the front of your model before you cut it out. A good way to check this is to see if the dowel holes printed or the plywood check with the dowels on your model. Make any change if necessary and drill the holes. Put the plywood against the front of the model and see if the printed outline conforms with the shape of the fuselage front. Before you cut out the squares for the motor bearers, be sure they are spaced properly to fit your motor..."

Update 07/12/2013: Replaced this plan with a clearer scan which also shows full printwood, thanks to JJ.

Supplementary file notes

Alternate plan.

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