Macchi 308 (oz717)

About this Plan

Macchi 308. Scale model. April 1951, Flying Models Magazine. This plan was also printed in Flying Models Decade of Designs (1), published 1960. Also appeared in the UK in the pages of Model Aviation, 1950.

Quote: "Glancing through a foreign aviation magazine recently, I chanced across some photographs and data of an interesting-looking Italian light-plane - the Macchi 308. The proportions seemed ideal for a F/F scale model, so I got out the drawing board and started work. The problem of translating the information on the real aircraft was solved by enlisting the aid of the proprietor of the local Italian restaurant.

Briefly, the Macchi 308 is a side by side two seater - fitted with dual control. The power unit is either a 65 or 85 hp Continental. The tricycle undercarriage is non-retractable, with a steerable front wheel. Flaps are provided for low speed stability and as air brakes when landing. The main framework is of wood, with ply covering.

The model presented here has been especially designed to suit the reliable little ED Bee. Other diesels of similar capacity may be used if desired, but anything more powerful will create trimming problems. The drawings on the adjoining page are one-quarter full size. Either draw them up or send off to the publishers for a print of the original plan. Full-size patterns for most of the sheet parts are given at the back of the book. Build the model in the following sequence.

Fuselage. Commence by building the two side frames of 1/8 in square balsa - minus the F14 pieces. Remove from the plan when dry, slice apart with a razor blade, and join together in the usual way to form a box frame. Now add the F14 pieces and the front formers (P1, FI and F2). The front undercarriage leg should of course be attached to F1, before the latter is cemented in place. Attach the remaining formers to the upper and lower sides of the basic framework.

Now add the main undercarriage frame and fill in the space between formers F4 and F4a with 1/16 sheet as shown in the front view of the U/C installation. Use plenty of cement for this fixture. The 1/8 X 1/16 stringers come next. Sight along each one and correct any 'waves' due to slight errors in the position of the former notches. The reason for the scalloped formers is simply to prevent the tissue from touching at these points. Nothing spoils the appearance of a scale model more than former 'ridges'.

Now bolt the engine to the aluminium mounts and install a free flight tank. Sheet cover (in between the stringers) back to F4. Carve the top cowling from soft block and make it detachable for access to the fuel tank. The front cowling is also carved from block and hollowed out as indicated. This latter component is located on two bamboo pegs (glued into Pl). On the original model, the cowlings are held on with dabs of cement and the joints broken when required. Alternatively, Sellotape may be used.

Cover the entire cabin top with medium soft 1/8 sheet. This strengthens the fuselage and provides a good seating for the detachable wing. Build up the wheel spats from four pieces of 1/4 in sheet and sand to a streamline shape. Drill for the axle and fit each spat by holding the wheels inside and threading on to the wire. Build up the fairings and fillets from scrap balsa..."

The Macchi MB.308 (later aka Aermacchi MB-308) was a very beautiful wooden light aircraft made in Italy in the late 1940s. A 2 seater with the pilot and passenger/instructor sat side by side, later models had a third rear seat.

Update 02/05/2018: Added article pages (OCR version) thanks to JamesParry, grabbed from S&T issue 137.

Supplementary file notes

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