Wanderer 10 (oz4956)

About this Plan

Wanderer 10 (Wanderer 12?). Towline glider.

Quote: "THIS is the 12th in a series of A2 gliders, the first of which was a 6 ft. long freak that came into existence in November, 1953. The models have gradually become more normal in the course of years but still retain an air of unorthodoxy, viz. the 4-1/2 oz of airframe, plus 10 oz of ballast (of which 6 oz. is to bring it up to weight!).

Wanderer 12 could, therefore, be flown as a lightweight of 8 oz, but this is not advisable, as the best flying weight works out at around 12-13 oz. The main ideas on which this model is based are:

(1) For quick stall recovery and 'in a groove' flight pattern (laterally), an under-cambered rather extreme tail section and weight concentrated about the CG are used.

(2) For 'wandering' trim or directional instability and a safe straight tow, a minimum of side area coupled with moderate dihedral is used, also the tow hook in the extended position is very near to the CG, which helps towing.

(3) Everything to be made simple with a pronounced lack of gadgetry so that all is reliable.

After earlier versions had been flown through most of the 1955 season, gaining 20th place in the Nationals (Thurston) and 27th place in the Trials, which is not too brilliant, some months were spent in thinking up this model. It was subsequently tested, and after very little trimming was timed in calm evening conditions for flights of between 2 min 10 sec and 2 min 40 sec on a full line length.

Assuming constant 'lift' of up to 1/4 ft sec, still air time can be taken as around 2 min, which it is suspected is only generally bettered by 'extreme' continental A2's. The actual contest average for all versions of the Wanderer flown in 1955 and 1956 is 1 min 57 sec.

Wings. Try to keep the tips light and use harder, stronger wood for the centre section. Firstly, cut out the ribs using a ply template, and then put them together in a block to saw out the spar slots. Next, build the centre section, leaving off the LE sheeting. Now block the centre section up to the required dihedral angle and build a tip on to it, and likewise for the other tip..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 11/08/2017: added article, thanks to RFJ. (NB: the article is headed 'Wanderer 12', but this seems to be a MA typo, as the plan on the next page was definitely printed as the 'Wanderer 10' - see more pics 003).

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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