Darmstadt D-22 (oz343)

About this Plan

Darmstadt D-22. Free flight scale model of the 1930's German 2-seat civil biplane. Wingspan 2 2in. Scale is 1/12.

Quote: "How You Can Build a Model of a Famous German Sport Plane Which Has Unusual Flying Qualities. Not Just Another Model. The Darmstadt D-22. By Elbert J Weathers.

THE Darmstadt D-22 is, like several modern German aircraft, strikingly different in design. This biplane is the product of The Darmstadt University Aviation Society (Academische Fliegruppe) of Darmstadt, Germany, perhaps better known for their excellent sailplane designs. It was chosen for model work because of its many novel features, which are namely, the great amount of wing stagger, the wide gap between planes, wings of extremely high aspect ratio, the omission of all outer wing struts usually found on a biplane, the long lever arm, monocoque fuselage and the amply large tail surfaces for constructing a 100% scaled model.

The numerals to be painted on the model, 'B8' were painted likewise on the particular large Darmstadt biplane after which the color scheme of this replica was copied, and signify the entry number assigned to this Darmstadt in a circuit air race of Europe staged in 1932.

The primary purpose of the ship is a sport-trainer, and its top speed is 152 mph, which speed placed it near the top in such performance figures of all the commercial planes of Europe at the time of the race. The span of each wing is 23 feet and its overall length is 21 feet.

The scale to which it is reproduced is 1 in = 1 ft. The writer's original model weighs just 2-1/4 oz, ready to fly. All claims made for its fine flight ability will be amply proved if it is constructed with a little care to insure perfect alignment. All balsa used in construction should be of medium-hard variety unless otherwise noted.

Fuselage: This part seems to be the basic point of construction in building most models, so we lead off with this unit. First, secure two balsa blocks, size each, 1-1/4 x 3-1/4 x 19 inches, which should be fairly soft. Now cement them together at two or three points to insure temporary adhesion. Lay off the fuselage outline (side view first) and proceed to shape the block along these lines. Do the same in respect to the top view of fuselage when side shaping is completed. All operations should be well sanded.

According to the templates found on Plate 1, begin to shape the exterior of the fuselage, using a knife to approach the proper cross-section at each template location. Sand it to as smooth a finish as possible. At this point, break the halves apart.

It is now possible to start the removal of the balsa internally, which should be done, with a little patience, according to the dotted lines shown on the drawings. Any suitable tool may be used; a common pocket knife being employed in completing this part on the original. It need not be too smooth inside, although painting the interior with black colored dope is advised to remove the 'raw' appearance. Note that a 3/8 in diameter hole is made in the front end to receive the nose block.

Reassemble the fuselage by cementing the two shells together, which will result in a featherweight, amply strong unit. The slight indentation made to represent the end of the engine cowl may now be made, to be followed by the rear hook block installation. Install the block itself with the end grain showing, flush with the fuselage sides..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction