Phony Tony (oz2405)

About this Plan

Phony Tony. Free flight rubber model. 31in span Lightweight biplane rubber contest model, from Aeromodeller, May 1947.

Quote: "THE word 'lightweight' automatically brings to any aeromodeller's mind a vision of the notorious paper bag full of rubber, but equally this is thought of as a high-wing or parasol monoplane. Such has been the general run since Mick Farthing pioneered the course. It is interesting, therefore, to find the same principles of structural and aerodynamic design applied to a biplane with equal success. The resulting model, now offered to our readers, proved the winner of that Biplane Classic the K & MAA Cup in 1945. Phony Tony, AC Brown's prodigy put up the impressive aggregate of 498.05 seconds to win the event, and that this was no mere flash in the pan has been proved by consistent flying on many occasions since. Consecutive flying times taken from a recent day's flying are tabled as 100.0 secs, 120.2 secs, 201.0 secs - from this last flight the model was recovered some 12 miles away.

The cult of the biplane tends to be limited nowadays - less by lack of interest than the entirely erroneous belief that they are 'difficult.' Phony Tony is the ideal model to dispel such thoughts. Trimming is simplicity itself and will offer no more problems than a normal high wing monoplane, if the builder ignores the lower wing altogether when making adjustments. Splendid flights are no trouble and fliers will be rewarded not only by their contest placings but also by the attentive crowd that invariably attends the launching of a successful bipe.

Generally the model follows standard lightweight practice with regard to constrution featuring sparless wings and slabside fuselage. Thoroughly in keeping with modern trends is the absence of any undercarriage in the ordinary sense of the word, the only support for the instantaneous take-off being a thin wire whisker under the fuselage, A single bladed folding prop transfers the power of the rubber motor into suitable 'urge.'

Types with Pot-Hunting aspirations this season can get full size plans of pot-collector Phony Tony, price 2/– post free from Aeromodeller Plans Service, Allen House, Newarke Street, Leicester."

Update 28/07/2015: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy (patterned background removed) thanks to TonyP.

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