Tlush Mite (oz2589)

About this Plan

Tlush Mite. Free flight power model.

Originally published in May 1938 Air Trails as the Midget-Powered Mite (oz6146). This here is a later re-drawn plan from MB, in 1979.

Quote: "OLD TIMER Model of the Month Designed by: Francis Tlush Drawn by: Al Patterson Text by: Bill Northrop.

The cover painting in the May 1938 issue of Air Trails shows a Lockheed Electra XC-35 in US Army colors. The cover story, also by artist Frank Tinsley, tells of the experiments being con-ducted at Wright Field by the Air Corps, attempting to solve the problems related to flying passengers above 15,000 feet in pressurized cabins - something we all simply take for granted these days.

Back in the model section of the magazine, we find plans and a construction article by Francis Tlush entitled, '"The Midget-Powered Mite'. Tucked in the pages with the article is a yellowed piece of paper containing a price list of the materials to build the model. The material, as we priced it out back in 1938, came to $1.69, without the Austin timer, which was an additional $1.25! According to the list, we must have covered the fuselage with blue bamboo paper, and the flying surfaces with yellow tissue.

Oh yes, we built the model, modified (don't we all?) the wing from V to polyhedral, and installed an Atom engine. Being our second ever gas model (first was Bassett's 'Miss Philly' with Baby Cyclone), the Mite spent much of its air time in cautious test glides. The greatest were down the gradual slope on a part of the nearby University of Delaware campus. Powered flights were definitely of the sport variety, nothing sensational, but consistent and very stable. The Atom engine was a jewel. It started easily on the pen cell flight batteries - no boosters needed, and was easy to maintain. The retail price was $12.50, and the cash was accumulated from lawn mowing and caddying at the local golf course.

The Mite would make a nice same-scale model for 2-minute precision competition, and based on the 225 sq in/.10 cu in displacement rule, it should really perform with an .09 engine. although a hot .049 would be adequate. Wish we had a photo of our original so we could put in the polyhedral."

Update 30/9/2022: Replaced this plan with a clearer version now at 600 dpi, thanks to theshadow.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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