Paddys Wagon (oz2511)

About this Plan

Paddys Wagon. Free Flight power model. Wingspan 35 in, for .049 engine.

Quote: "Free flights are becoming big but fragile. So here's small job with big ship performance. Paddy's Wagon, by Pat Tomasulo.

After many years of contest flying, experience has taught me that consistency, durability and ease of construction are the three prime requisites for a contest model plane.

With the introduction of the 'hot' glow plug engine, larger models were built to control the power. However, these planes had to be of light construction to keep the weight down and so were usually too fragile for the rigors of contest flying. As if this weren't problem enough for the "limited time" model builder, a model of this design has somehow been consistently lost at every contest entered, including the latest Mirror Meet.

Therefore, I aimed at a smaller, sturdier model that could last a long time. How to control the power? After long experimentation, I hit on the following set-up: a moderately high pylon, a 50 per cent tail moment arm, a 40 to 50 per cent stab, and the fire wall placed in line with the leading edge of the wing.

The smaller type plane enabled me to use sheeted leading edges in the wings and stabilizers, silk covering and sheet body fuselages. A model of this type should last a couple of seasons.

A small square fuselage and rectangular wings were found to work out efficiently. An undercambered wing was used for a steep climb and a slow floating glide. Unlike a real plane, a model flies too slowly to receive any great benefit from streamlining, so the nose cowl shown on the plans is optional.

Construction is ultra simple, but be sure to follow the same building sequence as detailed in the sketches. Start by joining pieces of sheet edge-to-edge to provide the required width for the pylon and flying surface mounts. Cut out all the parts (F1 to F17), using balsa of the particular hardness specified.

Cement former F1 and the three F2 formers to the pylon F3. When dry, cement the two sides (F4) in place, carefully checking alinement so that the extreme ends are level. Insert former F5, then add the intermediate F6-F10 formers. Pull the ends together, then install the two remaining formers (F11 and F12) and the dowel in front of F5.

Now cover top and bottom with the F13 and F14 sheet pieces. Join the F15 wing supports to the wing platform (F16) and cement the latter to the top of the pylon. Trim four strips of 1/8 sq. to a triangular section and add these to the pylon-platform and pylon-fuselage junctions. Next, add the wing dowels, the stab platform..."

Update 26/6/2025: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to dfritzke.

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