Vought V-143 (oz406)

About this Plan

Vought V-143. WWII export fighter model, from Air Trails, 1939.

Quote: "A flying model of the latest Vought Export Fighter, by Walter Kahn.

DESIGNED to conform with the United States army specifications and listed by the manufacturer, Chance Vought, as an export model, the V-143 is a challenge to any other ship within its class. Capable of doing close to three hundred miles per hour, the V-143 is easily maneuvered and can ably defend itself.

The construction of the model is simple, entailing only the primary steps of model-aircraft building. Before attempting to build the model it is advisable. to read and thoroughly digest the directions. By doing this, costly mistakes will be avoided.

Construction: Fuselage may either be constructed in two halves or else with complete bulkheads. The bulkheads are, all except #1, cut from 1/16 sheet with the grain running vertically. In cutting out the bulkheads only the four main notches need be cut. The position of the intermediate stringers should be marked. This procedure is suggested to enable proper alignment of the stringers. After the four main stringers are secured in place the notches for the intermediate stringers are cut with a sliver of a twoedged razor.

The complete cockpit cover frame is made from 1/32 square bamboo. This frame is covered with a sheet of celluloid. The portion between #4 and #5 is covered with 1/32 sheet, and made to fit as shown on the top and side view. The tail block is cut to the shape shown on 3. It is hollowed out to as thin a wall thickness as possible. The wood for the tail block must be the lightest obtainable. The block is not cemented in place until the stabilizer is secured.

Wing: The wing construction follows the same general procedure for building most model wings. The wing is constructed in one panel. Because of this it is necessary to trace the half of the wing shown and use it as the other half. The complete layout of half the wing is gotten by connecting Sheet 2 with Sheet 4. The ribs are all cut from 1/16 sheet. The wing is constructed on the plan itself with the various parts held in place by pins until the cement has set. As the wing is tapered, both top and front, it is necessary to taper the leading edge and spars accordingly. It is suggested that the parts first be roughly shaped and glued in place. After the wing is removed from the plan the parts are then sanded to a smooth finish. The wing tips are of bamboo and can best be formed over a flame. If desired they can be wound with thread at the leading and trailing edges.

Special attention should be given to the center block. The block is not hollowed out as the bulk is required to balance the completed model. The crosssectional shape is shown on the plan. It follows that of the wing section, except it is extended farther forward of the leading edge.

After the wing is completed, the outer wing panels are broken at the point of the solid center block to form the 1-1/4 inch dihedral. The joints are reglued. Tail surfaces. The construction of both the rudder and stabilizer is like that of the wing. It is important that the lightest balsa wood be used in its construction. (Due to the large moment arm of the model a heavy tail will throw it out of complete balance.) The spars used are 1/16 balsa rounded and are made to run through the ribs as shown. The ribs of the tail are first cut roughly to a streamline shape. After the tail is completed they are sanded smoothly. The tips are of bamboo. The bamboo used should not be greater than 1/32 square.

Landing gear construction is extremely simple, as it consists entirely of a single strut attached to the wing as shown. The shape of the strut is shown on Sheet 2. The strut is made in two parts and attached by inserting the lower part into the top. The axle is a piece of music wire bent to the shape shown; it is glued and wound with thread for security. The side cover of the strut is cut from 1/16 sheet balsa and cemented to the strut..."

Supplementary file notes

Aded a second version, includes original page layout and text.

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