Styro-Mite (oz7103)

About this Plan

Styro-Mite. Single channel design by Aubrey Kochman, from August 1961 AAM.

Quote: "The fantastic power of the new Cox .010 glow plug engine and the lightness of the new Citizen-Ship LT-3 relayless tone receiver provide a combination that is hard to beat for limited-area R/C flying. Experience gained with .010 F/F models proved that this smallest of engines is capable of lifting much more than we all first anticipated.

To determine if an .010 powered R/C job was possible, the powerplant was first fitted to a free flight model designed for the larger .020 Cox. No difference in climb was discernable. Weight was gradually added until the model was still climbing with a 10 ounce payload. From these tests it became evident that an .010 R/C model was indeed possible.

The next logical step was to design a model limited to an all-up weight of under 10 ounces. Styro-Mite is the result. Through use of Styrofoam and sheet balsa construction, this compact and exceptionally rugged little craft will take much more abuse than many larger models.

Before starting construction, bear in mind the ultimate goal of under 10 ounces. Chose the lightest balsa you can find for the wing and stabilizer sheets. The rudder stock should be preferably of the quarter-grain variety. The 1/32in fuselage sheets should also be light but have some quarter-grain mottling. The added stiffness of this cut is important especially for the triangular section aft of the cabin area.

Start construction by cutting the Styrofoam to outline shape..."

Update 24/11/2017: Added article, thanks to RFJ.

Update 26/3/2024: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, scanned at 400 dpi from fullsize, thanks to dfritzke.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

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