Sopwith Camel (oz5493)

About this Plan

Sopwith Camel. PE Norman's 42 inch wingspan free flight scale model with pendulum control. From Model Aircraft October 1951.

Quote: "THE CAMEL makes an interesting model in that it has most of the flight characteristics of the full sized machine. It is quick and positive in its movements and it is also extremely sensitive to rudder movement and to trim generally. When well trimmed and in full flight it is as thrilling as any model you could wish to build of the early fighter biplane.

Fuselage: Make the two sides on the plan. Cut out former No.1 from 5-plywood and former Nos.2 and 3 from 1/16 plywood. Reinforce the longerons as far back as the cockpit with 3/16 x 1/16 cane, bound and glued to the longerons.

Cement and pin sides to former No.1. Cement and bind formers Nos.2 and 3 in position. Bring longerons together and cement and bind sternpost. Bind and cement two short lengths of dural tube to top longerons to receive tail prongs.

Tap 8 BA internally a piece of dural tube and cement and bind to stern post. Form centre section struts from 1/16 piano wire and cement and bind securely in position on to top longerons.

Add 1/16 sheet balsa super structure on top of fuselage and make cockpit edge from 3/16 cane. Add 1/16 x 3/16 balsa turtle back stringers. Make lower wing box from 1/32 sheet fibre bent double and sewn along the edge. Cement and sew this securely to bottom longerons checking with the plan that the angle is correct. Add the reinforcing longeron above the box and glue and bind securely from former No.1 to leading edge of box. Glue and bind tail skid to stern post and fair with balsa wrapped with silk. Add gussets for pendulum pivot rod. Make pendulum arm control rod as shown and fit into position.

Undercarriage: The front legs of the V and stub axles are bent from one piece of 1/8 dia piano wire. Cut two pieces of dural tubing about 4 in long and file notches on the outside. Make two right angle bends in the piano wire, leaving..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction