DH.80A Puss Moth (oz3849)

About this Plan

DH-80 Puss Moth. Scale model for rubber power. Scale is 1/24.

Quote: "An 18-1/2 inch span rubber-powered scale model by our scale columnist. DH Puss Moth, by Eric Coates.

BEFORE, during, and just after the last war, the Puss Moth was probably the most popular subject for a scale rubber powered model. Several plans, of varying scales, were published and quite a number of kits were marketed by a variety of manufacturers all, alas, now fond and distant memories. The most popular scale was 1/2 in = 1 ft (1/24th). Examination of photographs of these old models, however, reveals that in many cases the designers took considerable liberties with the outlines of the Puss and virtually all paid scant respect for a scale structure.

In my model, the first rubber-driven scale model I have ever designed, I have tried to incorporate as near to a scale structure as possible, utilising some of the techniques evolved over many years of powered scale model designs, but also freely 'cribbing' methods employed by the acknowledged expert on this class of model - Doug McHard. The tail surfaces, however, are slightly enlarged from true scale and a small amount of dihedral is incorporated - this latter modification I personally feel is an improvement in the appearance of the full sized Puss; which always gives a droopy appearance with its dead flat wings! The wing section is also flattened on its lower surface to make for easier building and slow the flying speed down a bit.

I am indebted to Vivian Bellamy, GP of the nearby village of Botley, Hants, who allowed me to crawl over G-AEOA to measure and take photographs. Dr Bellamy virtually rescued G-AEOA from the scrapheap in the 1960s - completely remaking the wooden wings and tail structure which had rotted with the ravishes of time.

Although the model is no beginner's project it is not difficult for those with a delicate touch. If you have built nothing but R/C models for years though and fancy having a go I would suggest an intermediate model such as a Keil Kraft Senator (oz472) or Ajax (oz1368); just to get the feeling for light scantlings again. Because there is rather more structure than is usual on a scale model of this size, care must be taken in selecting the lightest possible grades of balsa to do the job asked of them.

Fuselage. Start with the fuselage, which is the simplest part. Two basic fuselage sides are made from medium-hard 1/16 in square. Omit the stringer along the fuselage centre line at this stage (see sketch 1). I recommend PVA as an adhesive for most of this model, to eliminate structural warps. Cut out the fuselage formers F1 to 4, then join the two basic sides with formers 3 and 4 and fit all the intermediate cross braces between them (see sketch 2). Crack the longerons at former 3 and join at the nose with 1mm ply former..."

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