Douglas O-43A (oz4114)

About this Plan

Douglas O-43A. Scale gas model.

Quote: "Good news, modelers! Here comes another nifty gas job by Frank Roberts, who prepared that fine Fairchild 24 printed in last February's FA. This time, Frank gives you an excellent scale model of the Army's Douglas O-41A gull-wing observation plane. Except for minor changes, the model follows the strict scale of the big ship - and it's a sure-fire flyer! So now - take it away!

Observation planes built by Douglas have been used by the Army in several different models and types. Some have had wire-braced wings, some are strut-braced. Radial engines have been installed in many of the models, and inline power plants have been used in others.

The Douglas O-41A is one of the later types, strut-braced and powered with an inline engine. Because of its fine flight characteristics it lends itself very willingly to reproduction in reduced scale as a gas-powered model. The original ship has a wingspan of about 45 feet and a fuselage length of 40 feet. Thus the fuselage is quite long for the span, and this feature adds definitely to the stability of a model.

Our flying scale model, which except for very minor changes accurately follows the big ship's scale, has a span of 49-7/8 inches, a length of 36-3/4 inches, and weighs but one pound and seven ounces. It was designed to fly with any of the standard miniature motors.

The drawings show the installations for the Syncro Bee and the Trojan Junior. The bases for these engines differ slightly, and since they are generally representative of the small motor field they can be used as guides for the fitting of any other motors in the group.

While building models from these plans and instructions, some sharp-eyed modeler may note slight differences between the plans and the accompanying photographs. The reason is that the model as shown in the picture was built from working drawings, then tested and photographed. Finally the finished drawings for Flying Aces reproduction were prepared to include any changes indicated by the tests. The rule, therefore, is to follow the photographs for general reference and the drawings for accuracy.

The model is surprisingly easy to build, and any modeler of fair experience should have no trouble. Remember that most sections of the model are covered in the plans in three different ways - top, sides, and front. Therefore if you don't see what you need on one plate, refer to one of the others and you'll find the answer.

Formers and ribs are given in full size on plates 3 and 4 respectively. Other features are of necessity reduced and must be enlarged to twice their size. Of course, only the outlines actually needed in shaping need be enlarged. To build the wing, for instance, the only 'blow-up' needed is the main outline on Plate 6.

When the enlargements have been made, fasten the sheets down to a suitable work-board or table top on which they can safely be left between working periods. Cover them with heavy waxed paper to protect them from cement, for much of the assembly work is done directly over the drawing.

And now if you'll take the Bill of Materials down to your nearest dealer and get the necessary supplies, you'll be all set to start work..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Note it seems this plan was published in Flying Models 1938 under the misprinted title of "Douglas O-41A", despite the fact such an aircraft did not exist. This plan is a (mis-named) scale model of the Douglas O-43A, the 1930s parasol wing observation aircraft flown by the United States Army Air Corps.

Update 15/12/2017: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to DBHL, theshadow.

Scan from DBHL, cleanup by theshadow.

ref DBHL-6595.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to GTHunter.

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