Heinkel He 51 (oz3024)

About this Plan

Heinkel HE-51. Scale rubber model German biplane. Scale is 1/12.

Quote: "A 30 in Span Flying Scale Heinkel He51, by GR Woollett.

THIS model has proved to be a steady flier and is capable of average flights of 30 secs under normal conditions, though it is definitely a fine weather model and should not be hurled into the air when its performance cannot be appreciated.

An unexpected freak of versatility in its make-up was discovered when, during gliding experiments, it was tested with a few turns on the motor and the lower planes removed. It put up a steady flight of a few secs! This was increased upon further turns being applied and a little alteration in trim will give good flights in this form. But beware gusty days!

Building the model. Fuselage. Commence construction on the fuselage. Cut out of 1/16 in hard balsa sheet all formers and fit with cardboard templates having a square hole in the centre for mounting on assembly jig in the usual way. Mark position of all stringers. Sew and securely cement the brass u/c tubes in position on F3 and mark on F4, 3 and 5 positions of c/s strut supports. Now fit root rib spars in position. Note that there are two spars on F5 - one each side. Shape and attach the wire tailskid to F9, then assemble all formers on wooden jig and mount in a vice.

Cement 1/16 in sq hard balsa stringers in position and u/c spruce bracing struts from F4. Before cementing top stringers fit accurately Sp. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The paper tubes for bracing threads may now be secured in position and the nose and top decking planked in with soft 1/16 in balsa. The cockpit is cut out after the fuselage has been sanded. Shape now and fit the two cylinder blocks and fill the vee " in, when drv, with a third block of soft balsa.

Particular care should be exercised when fitting the tailplane datum spars to give +1 degree incidence as shown. Fit the 1/16 in ply bamboo motor peg anchorage after drilling 1/8 in diameter hole for the peg.

The bottom stringer S 15 severed at the front of the skid is reinforced by a wedge of 1/16 in scrap balsa cemented to F9. The rear continuation of this stringer is similarly braced. When dry complete the skid fairing and fit balsa wedge to retain elastic band from fin..."

Quote: "Here is GR Woollett's Heinkel HE-51 from the Aeromodeller Plans Service, circa 08-43. This is a full size plan scan of a blueprint drawing from the 'treasure chest', very dirty and 'noisy'. I felt a redraw would change it's personality so I did a tedious, raster cleanup on this gem. I think the result was worth the effort."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pic, thanks to SBurling.

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