Dragoon (oz2663)

About this Plan

Dragoon. 37in span C/L stunt model by Hoh Fang Chiun. For 2.5-3.5cc motors.

Quote: "A sleek stunt/combat model for 2.5 - 3.5 cc motors. Dragoon, by Hoh Fang-Chiun.

WHEN 'Combat' was first introduced the models flown were usually old stunters retrieved from the scrap box. However, in a very short time, this new branch of the sport rapidly gained in popularity, and specialist combat models were produced with a stunt performance but simplified construction. As the mortality rate of models increased, the emphasis was more and more on ease of building until, today, a combat model is the simplest and often the ugliest of contest models!

In an attempt to get away from this rut, I have designed Dragoon, in which I have tried to combine a slick, manoeuvrable stunt model with a fast, easy-to-build combat job. Powered by a well-broken-in Taifun 'Tornado' 2.5 cc diesel, the prototype flies at an average speed of 60 mph, and with a line length of 55 ft it is capable of doing the most advanced manoeuvres.

Construction. Build the entire mainplane first, by first joining up the 9/16 in sq leading edge and 3/8 in sq hard balsa mainspar. Cut all the ribs from 1/16 medium balsa, not forgetting to cut slots in the port wing ribs for the lead-out wires.

Slide and cement the ribs onto the mainspar and check that they line up correctly. Note that the 3 mm plywood bellcrank mount has to be cemented in place before the ribs are added. Cut notches for the ribs in the leading and trailing edges and cement these in place. Add the 1/8 sheet balsa tips and insert the 14 swg tubes through the port tip for the lead-outs. Don't forget to fix a 1 oz lead weight in the starboard wing tip.

Before sheet covering the centre part of the mainplane, cement the 1/8 balsa reinforcement at the trailing edge joint and bolt the complete bellcrank assembly in place.

The entire fuselage is hollowed from balsa block except for the engine compartment which is built first. Cut the three plywood formers (F1-F3) and the hardwood engine mounts. If you wish to instal a drop-off undercarriage, cement and bind the two 14 swg brass tubes to the firewall at this stage..."

Update 28/08/2015: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy (patterned background removed) thanks to TonyP.

Supplementary file notes

Article page, text and pic. Also, previous scan version.

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