Bell P-39 Airacobra (oz3518)
About this Plan
Bell P-39 Airacobra. Rubber scale model fighter. Scale is 1/24. This plan is from the book 'Flying Scale Models of WWII' from MB magazine.
Quote: "The sleek lines and graceful proportions of the P-39 made it a beautiful aircraft! Designer Lawrence Bell showed refreshing originality in locating the engine over the wing and driving the propeller by an extension shaft. That location permitted a number of features; the pilot was well forward for visibility, the big 37mm cannon could fire through the propeller shaft, thus not requiring synchronization, and the nose could be thin and streamlined yet house tricycle gear for rough field operation.
The model is very realistic and flies well. It is built close to scale, with modest increases in stabilizer area, dihedral, and propeller size. Being a low winger with a short tail moment and smallish tail areas, it does not have much excess stability. Notice that the balance point is well forward. This increases the effectiveness of the tail and requires the negative able shown in the stabilizer.
The original model was kept light by using medium grade balsa, built up wheels, 1/32 x 1/16 stringers, and a light coat of dope. It weighs three quarters of an ounce empty, and flies for about a minute ROG.
When cutting the ribs and formers, do not notch them for the spars and stringers. Cut the notches after the parts are in position on the wing and the fuselage. Small errors in the notch position cause an unsightly snakiness in the long strips. This can be avoided by sighting along the ribs and formers and making required adjustments. As drawn, the formers are slightly oversize, to allow for tracing and cutting errors.
Note the stringers are pre-bent before being glued in place so they won't pull the body out of shape..."
Direct submission to Outerzone.
Update 14/7/2024: Added article, thanks to theshadow.
Supplementary file notes
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(oz3518)
Bell P-39 Airacobra
by Clarence Mather
from Flying Scale Models of WWII
1976
17in span
Scale Rubber F/F LowWing Military Fighter
clean :)
all formers complete :)
got article :) -
Submitted: 11/10/2012
Filesize: 396KB
Format: • PDFbitmap
Credit*: katarra
Downloads: 3953
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- Bell P-39 Airacobra (oz3518)
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Scaling
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