So-Lo (oz2389)

About this Plan

So-Lo. Single channel radio control low-wing sports model. Featured in the March 1961 American Modeler.

Quote: "While the 'multi' experts are spending hours tuning their reeds, get airborne with this thoroughly proven rudder-only single-channel radio controlled low-winger designed and flown by Len King, pres. North Jersey R/C Club. Original model made over 100 flights!

Low-wing R/C planes are here to stay. Wind penetration is better due to added streamlining, cross wind flying seems smoother without the tendency to wallow, and ground handling characteristics are exceptional. For multi-channel, they just can't be beat, but single channel has presented a challenge.

After watching a 6-foot wingspan low-wing 8 channel job perform at a contest, I headed for the drawing board determined to fill the gap between huge multi jobs and the flea sized single channel planes then available.

Three months later So-Lo made her debut. Torpedo 15 powered, 55 in wing-span, 33-1/2 in length, 3 lb-4 oz gross, 10 degree dihedral, and low wing were the final specs on what I hoped would be an ideal rudder-only plane.

Since then, So-Lo has racked up over a hundred flights and is still going strong. Before attempting to fly your So-Lo, trim the glide by adjusting the stab, then use enough downthrust to maintain a good rate of climb under full power. On the original plane, about 7 degrees downthrust was employed.

Once you get your So-Lo trimmed out, it will amaze you. Take-offs are a dream. The tail lifts off, almost instantly and from then on, you're the boss. The ground run makes you think it's on rails. Wait until the wheels leave the runway and then heave it into a nearly vertical bank, and listen to the crowd applaud as it zooms overhead in a tight climbing turn.

Stability, which is a problem in low wingers, proved to be excellent. In fact, it handles just as well, if not better, than any high winged plane I've flown. When you put it in a banking turn, it has a tendency to stay locked in the groove until reverse rudder is applied.

Most any stunt in the AMA stunt pattern for rudder can be done easily and So-Lo looks more spectacular doing them, In fact, it looked so good that I entered So-Lo in the annual New York Mirror Meet and with a 7-minute engine run handicap I managed to take second place in the Rudder-Only category. Then, a couple of weeks later at Charlestown, Rhode Island, I tied for third in the Northeast Regional meet, still flying 7 minutes maximum.

If you fly rudder-only, and you're hankering for a change from run-of-the-mill planes, here's your chance.

Fuselage is simplification personified. Two 3/32 in hard sheet balsa sides are cut and laid upside down on the top view. Fuselage bulkheads (No.'s 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) are fitted, while the contour of the side sheets are held to shape with pins. The 3/8 hardwood motor mounts are next fitted into bulkheads 1 and 2. The 1/16 plywood radio deck is then cemented into place on the top of the fuselage sides. Formers 1 through 6 are then mounted on top. The tank comes next..."

Update 14/05/2016: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to RFJ, Circlip.

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