Gloster Meteor F Mk8 (oz5436)

About this Plan

Gloster Meteor. Scale twin IC ducted fan model for control line. The original used two K&B .40 engines.

Quote: "Ducted fans fascinate many modelers, and soon there will be commercially available fan systems. Here's one of the best aircraft for DF propulsion and a practical model for you to build. Takes two strong 40s

The model presented here was scaled from original drawings kindly supplied by Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd, with additional information and details from Profile Publications No.12 and The Gloster Meteor, a Macdonald Aircraft Monograph by Edward Shacklady. The only deviation from scale outline con­cerns the jet pipe diameter which has been enlarged.

Experiments carried out on a Mig 17 using restrictors in the tail pipe to cut down the effective diameter proved that with this power unit setup 3-1/4 in. dia. was the smallest allowable without en­countering a serious loss of thrust. A tail pipe diameter which is the same as the fan would be ideal, but would rule out 99% of possible subjects. By the same ruling, the intake area should be greater than that of the fan. Again, this is not practical, so additional intake area must be incorporated by providing cutouts forward of the fan covered with mesh to make them less conspicuous.

Construction: It is assumed that only the experienced modeler will tackle a model of this type. Although the structure is more or less conventional, a more than usual amount of time and patience is required.

Special construction techniques described on the plans apply mainly to the nacelle and fan construction. I am convinced that the thought of having to make a fan propulsion is the reason most modelers are reluctant to try ducted fan propulsion. It is a great pity because the fans are very easy to construct, and both fans plus a spare can be completed in a couple of evenings' work. Who knows? If you persevere, you may even come to enjoy building them. In fact, it can be fascinating to experiment with different blade shapes, numbers of blades, pitch, etc.

Although the plans describe fan construction, it may help if the material used for the blades is described more fully. It is a laminated, cotton fabric, phenolic resin-based, plastic sheet called Tufnol. The grade I use is Carp brand. It is available in the US, but queries about your local engineers' sources of supplies should unearth a homegrown equivalent in other countries. Try asking for Conolite, Phenolite or Tayloron to specifications NEMA LI 1-1965 LE.

To bend the curve into the blade, grip the short edge in a vice about 1/8 in. Apply gentle pressure to the top edge. At the same time, heat the bottom half of the blade with a butane torch keeping the flame moving..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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