North American SNJ (oz3162)

About this Plan

North American SNJ (Texan). Control line scale model. Wingspan 42 in. Scale is 1/12.

Quote: "One of the most loved planes of World War 2, big or little, North American's advanced trainer makes a highly successful U-control model for 29's and 35's. Known in the Air Force as AT-6 Texan. North American SNJ, by Vern Schroeder.

As a trainer, fighter, aerial spotter, and even a bomber, the North American SNJ or, as the Air Force calls it, the AT-6 Texan, or 'T-6' later on, has served no less than 35 allied nations since the beginning of World War II. Nicknamed 'Mosquitoes' during the Korean conflict for their aerial reconnaissance work, they flew deep into enemy territory buzzing the countryside, sometimes at treetop level, almost into the barrels of the Communist guns, spotting camouflaged enemy targets. One Communist prisoner once muttered that the little planes were the most hated by the enemy. It was this 'most hated' reputation that the pilots and observers of these 'Mosquitoes' did their best to maintain.

We have chosen the latest model, a remanufactured and modernized version of the famous SNJ used during World War II. A Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine boosted its speed to 212 mph and its service ceiling to 24,750 feet. Better visibility from both cockpits, improved cockpit arrangement, and steerable tail wheel were other improvements included in the modernization program.

Our model is built to a scale of 1 in = 1 ft which gives it a length of 291/2 inches and a span of 42 inches; it was scaled directly from plans prepared by North American Aviation. The SNJ is definitely not recommended as a beginner's model but the experienced scale builder will have little trouble provided assembly is made in the proper sequence. Be sure all parts fit accurately and by all means use plenty of cement.

Tail surfaces: Cut all tail surfaces from medium sheet balsa; carefully sand them to airfoil shape and then give them two coats of clear dope. The is built as an integral part of the fuselage so let it go for the present. The elevator hinges can be cemented in place but do not join them to the stabilizer at this time. The holes for the Veco control horn can be drilled but it should not be permanently cemented in place at this time. The control horn should be located about 3/16 off center (to the right side of the fuselage) so as to clear the 3/8 sheet fuselage keel. That's about as far as we can go in this department so let's move along.

Wing: Cut all ribs, rear leading edge, and skin covering from medium sheet balsa. The plywood center section is cut from 1/8 material and serves as a mount for the landing gear and bellerank. Bend the landing gear from 1/8 music wire and bolt it to the plywood mount with Veco landing gear clips. Next cement in place all of the center section ribs and then mount the bellcrank.

Cement the outer panel wing ribs to the rear leading edge and, when dry, cover the under surface only with the 1/16 sheet covering. Now cement the outer panels to the center section, blocking the tips to the proper dihedral angle. Mount the plywood tip guide and 1/32 wire control line leadouts. The balance of the wing can now be covered with 1/16 sheet..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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