Square Bird (oz7205)

About this Plan

Square Bird. Rubber sport model. High wing rubber model. 19in wingspan. Published in FM May 1956.

Quote: "If you're one of the many modellers that likes to fly for the fun of it, here's a model that can give many happy moments. Square Bird, by Sherman Gillespie.

The 'Square Bird' is a simple, inexpensive model with remarkable flying ability. It can turn in flights of from 40 to 50 seconds handwound in cool morning air. In thermal conditions it is capable of going OOS. Highest times clocked in warm air were a fine 3:32 and a tremendous 5:57!

Construction is easy but use care to keep the weight down. The finished ship, ready to fly, should weigh approximately 0.8 oz.

Study the full-size plans, photos, construction notes, and Bill of Materials thoroughly before setting to work. Make a tracing- of the plans or remove the pages and join at center line AA-BB. Cover plans with wax paper to protect from cement.

Fuselage: Select straight-grained, hard 1/16 in square balsa for the fuselage. Build the fuselage sides separately. Allow ample drying time. Trim excess cement away before assembly of the sides. Set the sides up over the top view, pinning and blocking carefully to assure accuracy. Put in the required cross-pieces and check for squareness. Square fuselage construction is essential for easy, proper alignment of wing and tail surfaces.

Cut the nose to block from medium-hard 1/2 in balsa stock. Drill the 3/8 diameter hole in the block to receive the nose plug shaft. Do not put on the wing mount until the fuselage is covered.

Form the landing gear from 1/32 diameter wire and cement it securely in place. Slip on the 1 in diameter wheels. Wheels may be used as received, but a bushing of 1/16 aluminum or copper tubing will give a truer-rolling wheel. A drop of cement on the axle ends will hold the wheels in place..."

Update 27/03/2021: Added complete article, thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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