Simple Simon (oz7369)

About this Plan

Simple Simon. Rubber cabin sport/competition model. Plan also shows alternate nose design for small glow engine installation.

Quote: "This 'Sport Model' can Win prizes too! See photo of rubber version. Simple Simon, by by DA Newell.

EASE of construction and contest-winning ability are the attractive features of this rubber powered Class C cabin job. Three similar models have been built and all have flown beautifully. The first was lost during test flights the day before a contest and the second was built that evening in six working hours! After two test flights it was clocked at 8 min 12 sec for the first flight and over 22 min out-of-sight for the second flight to take first place.

The model has a box-type body with no formers or stringers at all. A cabin adds realism to the appearance. Two spars take the main wing stresses. Although the leading surfaces are not sheet covered no loss in wing efficiency was noted, this is partially due to the comparatively thick airfoil (Eiffel 400). The stabilizer is also of two-spar design and incorporates a lifting airfoil. Single wheel landing gear was used on ships one and two, and a retractable undercarriage was installed on the latest model. So far we fail to detect any marked improvement in the performance.

The first step is to enlarge the plans either by redrawing them, following the dimensions; or, if you have some extra dollars, have them photostated to size. In this latter procedure only photostat the side view and wingtip, the remainder of the wing is made up of straight lines and the plan view of the fuselage is only used for the crossbrace dimensions.

Select fairly hard balsa for the fuselage. Pin the side frames in place and when the cement is thoroughly dry they can be removed from the workbench. Apply cement to both sides of the joints, and while this is drying the crossbraces can be cut to size. Cement the two sides together at the rear and fit the widest crossbrace. Hold in place with modelling pins until the cement is dry. Now install the remainder of the cross-braces. Sand smooth when dry and cement the celluloid to the cabin. Add the undercarriage (either retractable or fixed) then cover the entire fuselage with Jap tissue. Water spray and set aside.

Carve the propeller from medium balsa. First, saw the blank to shape, then carve the pitch and camber with a sharp knife. Sand well, and dope until glossy. The hinge for folding shown on the drawing is not original, having appeared on models in the past, but it is simple and efficient, which is what counts. Metal from a tin can will do the trick. Do not use aluminum or any other unsolderable material because the counterbalance arm must be soldered to the hinge hub. Lead weight is used to balance the propeller. Be sure to sweepback the counterbalance arm in order to eliminate vibration. The propeller shaft is bent as shown, after the nose block has been completed. Use a ball-bearing washer for efficiency.

Cut the wing and stabilizer ribs from medium soft balsa and sand smooth. Both units have the same construction procedure except that no tips are required on the stabilizer. Pin the lower spar over the plan and cement the ribs in place followed by the upper spar..."

Note: DA Newell was a pseudonym used by Walt Musciano.

Supplementary file notes

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