Bellanca C-27A Aircruiser (oz458)

About this Plan

Bellanca Aircruiser. Scale rubber powered model, originally published in Popular Aviation, May 1934. This is a later reprint by Golden Age Reproductions. Improved quality version of this plan was submitted direct by JPM.

Quote: "A Bellanca Aircruiser Model, by Paul W Lindberg.

THE Bellanca Aircruiser makes a fine flying scale model. It has been accurately designed to scale and our laboratory tests show this high wing monoplane has plenty of pep and takes the air like its prototype.

The landing gear struts have been cleverly worked into a streamline air-foil section which stabilizes the ship while in flight. Flights of over 300 feet are easily obtained and another beauty of the Bellanca Aircruiser is that you can adjust your controls (for they have aluminum hinges) so that your model will perform exactly as you wish. It can be made to fly a straight course or in a large circle. You will thrill at the sight when she comes in for that three-point landing after the rubber motor has become exhausted.

In the building of the Bellanca Aircruiser all dimensions can be quickly and accurately determined, by placing a ruler on the part to be measured, for the plan is printed full size. If you wish a larger model, multiply this measurement by the amount of increase. The color scheme can be obtained from the cover of the April issue of Popular Aviation.

CONSTRUCTION OF FUSELAGE The fuselage sides are built from 1/16 inch square balsa. The longerons, verticals, diagonal braces, etc are held in place until securely cemented by inserting straight pins on either side of the strips wherever needed.

After the two sides are completed, they are pinned to the top of the plan in such a manner that the top longerons face down and so that the sides form right-angles with the surface of the plan. The cross-members are now cemented in their proper locations. Cut formers from 1/32 inch sheet balsa and cement in their respective positions as shown on plan. These are necessary only at the front of the fuselage, as the rest of the body is more or less square in shape, tapering off to the rear.

A solid balsa block is carved to shape and fitted to front of body. It not only makes a neater model but is also neces-sary to add the required amount of weight to the nose. Stiff paper is used from solid balsa nose over former one and along sides of cockpit enclosure to receive wind shield. See plan.

DUMMY MOTOR The motor is built up entirely of balsa, using 1/32 inch square strips for rocker arms and push-rods. These are cemented into position after the fuse-lage has been completely covered and doped. Paint each cylinder black.

LANDING-GEAR This portion of the ship is built piece by piece. The two struts are built di-rectly upon the plan and it's absolutely necessary that the ribs are cemented at their proper angles as specified. After the parts have become thoroughly dry, remove from plan and cement ribs (C) and (C) at the center so that the proper angle is obtained.

The streamline wheel covering should now be built into the strut. A little patience is required here, but your ef-forts will be well repaid if this part of the job is given a greater amount of time and attention. Having finished the struts with their streamline wheel coverings, the wheels are now placed in position..."

Update 07/01/2016: Checked and have re-scaled this plan to correct full size at 20.2in wingspan (scaling up from the dimensioned 1inch main wheel) thanks to ArtHoltzman.

Update 26/07/2016: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to JJ.

Update 25/02/2019: Added article, from scans found online at https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Flying_Magazine.html?id=iRqI-1xucWgC.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

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