Northrop Delta (oz4960)

About this Plan

Northrop Delta. Scale control line model, with .19 engine shown.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 18/05/2021: Added article, thanks to theshadow.

Quote: "Northrop Delta, by Walter Musciano. Out of the colorful past, a famous mail-passenger model for scale builders.

Always a favorite with scale fans, the Northrop Delta makes a beautiful control-line model. This version can be powered by any .14-.29 engine. The entire model is sheet-balsa covered for strength.

WING: The wing is constructed in three panels. No leading or trailing edge is used, only a strong spar and ribs hold the sheet covering in place.

Begin by cutting all ribs from the proper size balsa sheet as shown on the plan. The spars are shaped next. Note that the centersection spar is made from hardwood. Cement the ribs to the spar in the usual fashion being sure the root ribs on the outer panels are tilted to provide the dihedral. Cover the outer panels by cementing the rib and spar assembly to the lower covering. Hold this in place with pins until dry. Bevel this covering, and add the upper cover, starting at the spar and working toward the leading and trailing edge. Add the wing tips and sand the entire structure.

The center-section is made in the same fashion. Butt join two 1/8 x 3 in medium balsa sheets in order to form the center-section covering. When dry, cut this piece to shape following the plan outline. Cement the hardwood spar to this covering and add the ribs. Add the landing gear struts next. They are formed from 1/8 music wire. Using plenty of cement, sandwich the struts between the two pieces of plywood and add them to the wing center-section at the location shown.

Attach the wire-leadout lines to the bellcrank and then bolt the bellcrank to the hardwood spar which should be slotted for this purpose. The slot should be just large enough to accommodate the bellcrank. Add the control rod next, leaving the rear portion unfinished but long enough to connect to the control horn later on. Finally, add the top covering to the centersection following the same method used on the outer panels.

FUSELAGE: Cut the keel and all formers from 1/8 sheet balsa. Make sure a cut-out for the stabilizer is made in the keel. Cement the formers to the keel, and the keel to the centersection of the wing. Check the alignment carefully and slip the control rod through the bulkheads at this time..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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