Primer (oz7507)

About this Plan

Here ya' go. Steve, Jerry Nelson's 'Primer', from American Modeler magazine, May-June 1965. Intended as a trainer using multi-channel reed systems and a .45 engine.

Quote: "At last, someone's come up with a multi type radio controlled airplane not meant to win the National Championships, but, instead, make flight after flight. Gerald Nelson

Our Primer concept provides the beginner and sport flyer in R/C with an aircraft that is easy to build and fly. It is not intended for the needs of the ad-vanced contest flyer.

We don't claim this to be a completely new design. Consider it sort of an up-dated Smog Hog (oz671) or Live Wire Cruiser with the better parts of other favorites, too. No matter what you might come up with in a high wing cabin model, it's sure to resemble some previous design. Let's look at Primer as a modified high winger featuring easy construction, lots of wing area, full span ailerons, and a simple two-wheel gear.

Why not a trike landing gear like the experts use? Well, they employ three wheels to obtain maximum points for such ground maneuvers as touch-and-go and taxiing. We are not concerned with max points for any maneuver. Primer is for those who want to get their model into the air, then down in one piece without too much effort. If we can do some of the advanced ma-neuvers, fine. If not, let's not worry.

The two wheel gear shown permits excellent takeoffs into the wind. Cross-wind would be a different matter, so avoid it. We imagine many flights will be hand-launched, especially if you operate from a rough grass field. Because of its large wing Primer is quite stable so hand-launching is not difficult. Because of its sturdy 2-wheel gear Primer will be able to fly again immediately after most landings - and that's not always the case with trike gears. The model's fiberglass reinforced nose can take a lot of abuse - more than a nose gear can.

Tailor the amount of rudder action to your own taste. I suggest only a small amount of throw. While the plane won't be too lively, it will be much easier to control. If you must have snappy maneuvers then work with a high performance powerplant such as the ST 51 or 56, or a Merco 49 or 60. With a good engine and the full span ailerons you have control for advanced maneuvers. If it becomes too much for you then throttle down a bit and go back to the rudder for steering.

Elevator action can also be adjusted as desired. More throw, more fun, but also, more work. Again, I suggest as little throw as possible. Full-up elevator should give a medium size loop. And about the same amount of down travel as up.

Should the Primer be your first at-tempt at a multi channel job, don't use an engine over 45. Even a 40 will do. While you won't get a VTO takeoff with a 40 or 45, the climb will be more than adequate. Landings are easy.

All right, you stunt-happy types: With an ST 56 or a Merco 61 and a full house radio system, either proportional or reeds, you can have a delightful time with this design and do all the AMA stunts. By moving the CG aft some you get the maneuvers by cutting down on stability. Snap rolls, inverted spins, for instance.

Yes, you could install a trike gear. If you do I would recommend deBolt's unit. It will fit into the nose easily. Relocate the main landing gear to 50% of the wing chord. Set length of landing gear wires for least amount of prop clearance you can get by with. This because a high wing model on tricycle gear has a tendency to tip over in cross winds due to its high center of gravity.

The Primer as shown weighs 4.5 lb with a Lee 51, but without any radio equipment. With a 10 channel Orbit Superhet and Bonner Transmite servos and associated parts, she weighs 6.5 lb ready to go.

Our prototype Primer was made of very hard balsa, had lots of fiberglass and enough paint for any two such models. As a result it weighed almost 8 pounds, including a half-pound nose weight. It flew fine with a Dean 10 channel and ST 51 engine. Even that heavy the model did recognizable verti-cal eights. Its glide was very flat and amazingly slow. So if you want to throw in some extra plywood braces or use hard & heavy wood - go right ahead.

Note: For data on Primer plans and/ or kit, contact Gerald Nelson at 8638 Patterson Pass Rd, Livermore, Calif 04550."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 06/03/2016: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to theshadow.

Quote: "The magazine had dropped the Aircraft from the title by 1965 so it's really American Modeler. Steve - FYI I have included the plan with darkened up lines and a bit of spot removal. I used the 'photo copy' filter to enhance the original, very light, plan. This thickens the line work slightly, but if followed with a 'threshold' adjustment is not objectionable. This not really a replacement unless you choose to use it as such."

Supplementary file notes

Article pages thanks to RFJ. Also, previous scan version.

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