Stinson SM-2 Junior (oz2624)

About this Plan

Stinson SM-2 Junior. Scale free flight model for Astro 02 electric motor and ni-cads. Scale is 1/12.

Quote: "I guess we all have some reason for building a particular model looks, history of the full-size plane, or whatever. This model was no different; it was made to settle an argument. It had been said that an electric-powered scale model could not get high static points because the weight of the power unit would not permit the extra detail to gather points. This was settled at the 1979 Nats when the Stinson got second highest points in the gas event. It also flew well, was not underpowered, and placed second overall.

The model was made from William Wylam's drawing in Book 4 of the Best of Wylam series. It is 1 inch to the foot, resulting in a 41-inch wingspan. The colors are made from the drawing and, as it had 'General Electric' across the side, what better power than an Astro 02 with General Electric nicad batteries for power?

It took me about a month to build, which wasn't long, and it didn't have any difficult parts to make. Although I made my own wheels, you can get a pair of spoked ones from Hungerford or a set of solid from Williams Brothers. Each would be scale so take your pick. I made my own cylinders also, but you can buy them from Williams Brothers.

The full-size plane was noted for its fine finish, so do a good job on this. Mine was finished with nitrate dope mixed with Floquill model railroad paint. I used a non-shrinking nitrate dope, as this prevents any unwanted warps in the final structure. Now the Floquill make s for a flat finish so spray, or brush on, two or three coats of clear dope. Rub this out with some DuPont white rubbing compound, doing a little at a time. and you will have a mirror finish when you're done.

CONSTRUCTION: Well, let's get started on your model of the Stinson. This may seem too basic, but study the plans carefully before you start to build, I have built myself into a corner by not doing this, when a little planning would have saved a lot of time, Let's build the fuselage first. After all, all the other parts fasten to it, right?

Make the fuselage frame from the side view, following the crossed lines, of 3/32 square balsa. After making two of these, make the cross pieces from the top view to form the basic box frame. Check to see if it is square, then add the two wing ribs shown on the side view. Make the landing gear wires of1/16 wire, lash them to the frame with carpet thread, and glue at sections D and E. Make the front end of 1/2-inch thick balsa, using formers A and B as outline guides, By the way, former A is made of 1/4 plywood.

Install the 1/16 sheet floor in the cabin area. It is best to glue the tissue on the sheet first and paint it grey before installing it in the model. Make the battery box and install it as shown on the plans. Open the plastic pack that the batteries come in and remove them. Very usefully lay the batteries flat into the box in the fuselage. Solder some wires to the battery leads and route the wire below the frame to the space between A and B sections. Leave a little extra wire at this end to work with later on.

Make all the formers now and cut them out to the dotted lines shown on the plans. Install them and the top windshield former to the frame..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 17/4/2024: Added complete article, thanks to theshadow.

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