Longster (oz6961)

About this Plan

Henderson Longster. Free flight scale model. Scale is 1/6.

Quote: "This big free-flight model is scale in dimensions, construction, and detail features. Even has shock-absorbing landing gear. Longster, by Robert Harrah.

This 1933 design has the look of the thirties that is now considered old, but truly 'classic.' Known as the Henderson Longster, it was powered by the Henderson motorcycle engine. Les Long may have designed a ship similar in all outward appearance to the Aeronca of the same period, but close study shows some outstanding and unique features that should be credited as 'originally Les.' Every effort was made during the development of this scratch-built scale to maintain much of the inner design features, rather than end up with a scale model by outer measurements only.

A comparison of the vital statistics of a plane of the thirties and the flying machines of the seventies is almost enough to make me want to go back. The data and specifications necessary to build a modern plane would probably outweigh the gross weight of the 575 lb Longster. The 363 ft high Saturn moon rocket, laid on its side, would be more than enough to handle the 200 ft takeoff run required by the Longster. This same rocket will send the astronauts flying to the moon at speeds in excess of 75 miles per min, while Les listed the high speed of the Longster as 75 mph. To consider the 6,000,000 lb Saturn as a comparison may seem unfair to some, but it is spectacular - as were the barnstorming pilots, like Les, flying these classics of the thirties. Fifty years ago radio was just being used; now we see astronauts via color television barnstorming the moon.

So, you may ask, why build? To me, it gives those few hours to remember when - and to wonder what the next forty years will bring. Man may be beyond the early dreams to fly like a bird, but I am hopeful that sharing this heritage with our mind and hands now and in the future will never change. So let us get to building a classic of old, and have some fun.

Construction. A flat surface topped with a piece of Celotex (minimum size 24 x 36 in), rubber bands, X-acto saw, sharp blades and pins are my standbys. I like to save my plans, so a bit of waxed paper, MonoKote backing or an old polyethelene bag spread wrinkle-free over the plans preserves them and saves sanding the plans off of the plane. So my family can't claim glue-sniffing, I use white or Titebond-type glues. I found that a fifty percent solution of these water-base glues, diluted with water and then brushed over all surfaces after final sanding, increases the strength considerably with the addition of little weight.

Glue is a subject in itself, and I would like to share some thoughts and findings in this direction for your scrutiny...."

From AAM issue 11-71, Robert Harrah's Longster.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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