Whizler (oz2910)

About this Plan

Whizler. Chuck glider.

Published in July 1961 Aeromodeller, Whizler was designed as part 1 of a beginners course that ran for 5 editions.

This is a modern redrawn plan in PDFvector format.

Planfile includes article.

Quote: "THE METHODS USED in building and flying contest model aircraft can best be learned by starting off with a basic flying machine like Whizier, a hand-launched glider of all-balsa construction and conventional layout. You'll find it simple to build (a couple of hours work will do the job) and it will turn in beautiful flights. Whister can be hand or catapult launched, and with proper adjustment and a little luck you can lose it out of sight as easily as you can an expensive R/C job.

Selection of wood is important in model construction, so start by picking the correct grades as noted on the plan. Now cut a 24 in length of soft 1/8 by 3 inch balsa, add a half inch strip of hard 1/8 balsa for the leading edge, then trace on it the outline of the wing. Draw the rudder and elevator on medium 1/16 balsa and cut out outside the line and complete the shaping with sandpaper.

The full-length profile of the fuselage should next be traced on hard 1/8 balsa. Cut this part with great care to establish the proper angle of wing and elevator mounting surfaces. Cut the slot at the front and the hole below it. Bend the launching hook and use it as a pattern to cut the slots in order to be sure of a fit. Shape a piece of lead 1/8 in thick to fit into the circular hole to establish approximate trim.

Now cut the side doublets and cement to the centre section. Use your razor-blade to whittle off the corners except for the surfaces where the wing and tailplane will fit), and use sandpaper to shape to the cross-sections shown on plan.

Sand the wing to the airfoil shape shown on the side view of the fuselage and round the tips, then finish - sand with fine sandpaper. Cut a groove on the centre-line, and crack the wing to the proper dihedral angle. Cement the joint and add a strip of gauze bandage reinforcement.

Round the edges of the rudder and elevator with fine sandpaper: cut the tab free from the rudder and reinstall with soft copper wire hinges.

Now give all the parts a coat of clear dope and another light sanding. Then cut a slight valley in the wing mount and cement the wing in position, holding it with straight pins until dry, then add the tailplane and rudder.

When the cement has dried thoroughly, give the entire model another check for rough spots and finish with a final coat of clear dope. If you wish, a coat of colour dope can be used to brighten things up. Add any transfers you happen to have lying around and you're ready for flight-testing.

Make your first test glides by tossing the model forward with a smooth motion as though throwing a light spear. Add weight as needed to trim. When you have achieved a long, flat, fast glide, set the rudder tab to establish a slight turn, and cement it. Now you can try a harder launch - or a catapult - and Whizler will show you what she can do."

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article.

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