Martian (oz2826)

About this Plan

Martian. 17 inch span Tandem Wing free flight model. From Model Aircraft, February 1954.

Quote: "Strange but true, this little tandem wing job really flies. Any 1/2 cc motor will supply ample power. Martian, by Ray Malmstrom.

I can almost hear the aeromodelling wits murmuring, on seeing the Martian - evidently a case of what you lose on the tailplane (non-existent !) you make up for on the wings. Well, frankly, that's about it, and when it comes to real flying, this tiny tandem-wing certainly has no need of a tail-plane. Simple to build, easily trimmed, it has proved to be a very stable little job in the air.

The following notes are for the less experienced. To the old hand, resting for a while from the nerve racking business of building contest jobs, the Martian should present no problems, and provide just about a couple of evenings' light entertainment, before this diminutive little job is ready for the wide open spaces.

Fuselage. Trace the shape on 1/4 in sheet. The lucky ones with some 6 in wide stock tucked away can do it in one go. Others with only 3 in wide sheet handy must make the fuselage in two parts and dowel and cement them firmly together. Add the engine mount, drilled for the engine of your choice, noting here the right thrust (viewing model from the rear).

Add blocks A, wing platforms, fin, and the four dowels firmly cemented in, for the rubber bands. Add to this the undercart blocks and ply inserts, if you are going to use an undercart. The undercart legs are simply bent from 16 s.w.g. wire with bushed balsa or celluloid wheels retained by small washers soldered on. Round off all edges. Give two coats of clear dope and lay aside.

Wings. Front and rear wings are built in exactly the same way. Leading and trailing edges are cut from sheet. Pin these over plan and add ribs. Set root ribs by means of the template X, provided. A V-cut is made on the leading and trailing edges at the points shown, and the outer panels raised by 1-1/4 in. Cement generously at crack, and add gussets..."

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