Argus (oz4885)

About this Plan

Argus. Classic control line stunt model, with Fox 35 power.

From August 1961 American Modeler.

Quote: "From its name to the tip of its tail wheel, Argus (Greek God of the Sky) represents the author's concept of a functional design combined with pleasing lines to help garner those appearance points so important in present-day contest flying. Argus was acclaimed as the 'most beautifully designed and finished' model at the World Championships in Hungary by participating contestants and all foreign publications.

Argos is a precision acrobatic model that has failed only twice since 1958 to bring home the hardware. Probably one of the smallest stunt designs flying today, Argus sports only 500 square inches of wing area and an all-up weight of 39 ounces. So a Fox 29 has no trouble at all in pulling it around, even in windy weather. A torsion bar landing gear guarantees perfect landings every time.

Construction is not as simple as a D-tube wing, but once tried, you will probably not want to use any other method, due to the accurate and fast construction routine.

A word about weight - build your model as light as you can, and don't worry about it being to light. Some months ago an Argus was finished that tipped the scales at only 34 ounces. This was one of the models that went to Budapest to participate in the 1960 International Control Line Meet. Light weight is the secret to good stuntability, but a 41 to 43 ounce model will fly quite well, provided it is properly balanced. Use as light a grade of balsa as you can, I prefer Sig Contest grade, and with gratifying results.

Begin construction by cutting fuselage sides from 3/16 in sheet balsa, Also cut out 1/16 plywood doublers, including all openings shown on the plan. Accurately! Assemble the doublers and sides carefully, matching up the edges as best you can. When the cement is dry, cut through all spar and other wing member openings in the balsa sheet sides. The 3/8 x 1/2 in hard maple motor mounts are cemented and bolted on. Lay down the fuselage sides for the time being, as the wing must be started now.

Select light, firm 1/4 x 2 x 48 in balsa for the spar. If 48 in lengths are not available, a splice as shown on the plan will be necessary. Do the cutting of the tapers as accurately as you can, as the ribs will not fit too well otherwise. Add the 1/16 plywood doublers and reinforcements shown, then allow the cement 24 hours drying time so that the assembled parts do not slip out of place in later handling. This is the time for those 'simple' parts that still need to be made. The rudder, stab, elevators and flaps are blanked out, cut and shaped..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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