Cessna 172 (oz683)

About this Plan

Cessna 172. 54in CL FF RC Scale .09-.19, by Don McGovern, Berkeley kit. Scale is 1/8.

Planfile includes full build instructions.

Quote: "This exact scale replica of the Cessna 172 has been designed for Radio Control, Free-Flight, and Controline, with the slight modifications necessary for each detailed on the plans. Decide at this time which type you you'd like to build. Study the die-cut sheets, and read the information pertaining to them on the plans.

Begin construction with the tail surfaces, Cement the parts together on a flat surface, and allow to dry well. For Controline work, hinge elevator sections as shown, and Offset the rudder 3/16 in to the right. For RC hinge the rudder and the elevators (if desired) for trim.

Now focus your attention on the wing. There are two main panels, center-section, two flap, and two aileron sections. The main panels are never joined in the usual manner. Instead, they are keyed to fit into the center-section which in constructed as part of the fuselage, and held together under rubber tension. Wing struts hold the proper dihedral, and support the wing in all attitudes. Dihedral is therefore adjustable in the construction stage.

Those desiring to make a one piece wing may so modify the structure if they wish, but it should be pointed out that the windshield should then be terminated at the leading edge, rather than continuing up to the spar. A one piece wing wotld otherwise smash the windshield in a rough landing.

A one piece wing would also make it feasible to reach radio equipment through the cabin roof, allowing doors to be built as an integral part of the structure. You may also make one door removable or hinged, and the other cemented in place.

Start construction with the main panels. Study the detail drawings before beginning. Note the ribs are capstripped top and bottom. The leading edge is a 1/4 in sq, set on edge. The spars are 1/8 x 1/4, and the rear edges are 1/8-die-cut, capstripped top and bottom with 1/16 x 11/16 and 1/16 x 1/4 respectively. The first rib is 1/8 ply, the next two are balsa, notched in like manner. Each wing tip is constructed from die-cut sheet balsa parts. The building sequence is as follows:

All wing spars, leading edge etc. are broken at W-5. Spars are gusseted with 1/8- x 1/4 as detailed on the Wing Detail Drawings. Use scrap balsa to gusset the breaks in the wing sheeting at W-5, taking special precautions along this line if the model is to be used for Radio or Controline flying. Cement W-11 to W-12, and then cement rib ends of W-1 to W-5 to the face of W-11, positioning as indicated on the plan. When dry enough to move, the assembly should be pinned in place over the plan, cementing to the lower 1/8 x 1/4 spars. Cement the leading edge in place. Join lower spars with gussets and block up over plan until the upper camber of the tip rib W-10 is the same height as W-1 through W-5 ribs..."

Update 25/09/2017: Added alternate scan, thanks to JJ.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Alternate scan version.

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