Robomb X (oz2515)

About this Plan

Robomb X. Free flight power model from Flying Models, June 1954. By Bruce Lester.

Quote: "Over 10 years of experimentation has gone into this contest-winning model - you saw one of its predecessors, the Super Robomb (oz6838) in the February 1949 issue of FM. Build it and win. Robomb X, by Bruce Lester.

This model was developed with one aim - optimum performance with a .29 or .32 cubic inch displacement engine. With this in mind, the wing area was held to a minimum of 600 square inches and a 42% stabilizer was used, bringing the combined total flying area to about 850 square inches.

The model was first flown with a .199 engine and produced a near vertical climb and flights of over five minutes duration. By switching power to a .32 engine, it was possible to achieve greater 'penetration', that longed-for feature which takes your model high up into the blue, and leaves it there. The 'Robomb X' proved to be just the model we were looking for!

Fuselage. Our favorite type of construction is the use of a balsa crutch because of its simplicity and the strength obtained. Since the fuselage is longer than 36 in, it will be necessary to butt-join a 1-1/4 in long piece of balsa onto a full-length 1/8 x 2 x 36 inch medium balsa sheet. The joint will be towards the front of the model, in the area of former B. After the fuselage is completed, part of this area will be carved away to provide space for the tank installation.

Before starting actual construction, mark a center line on both sides of the crutch so that the formers and the pylon can be mounted properly. Cut out all of the formers using the outlines shown full-size on Plate 2 and mark center lines on all of them. A ball-point pen is best for doing the marking.

Start building the lower-half of the fuselage first. Mount the crutch on a flat board and cement the formers in position, following the dimensions shown on the side view. Then, saw the firewall out of a piece of 1/8 in plywood, following the full-size pattern shown on Plate 2. Secure the landing gear in place and mount the fire-wall onto the forward end of the crutch..."

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