Air Trails Sportster (oz7713)

About this Plan

Air Trails Sportster. Free flight gas model.

The original Air Trails Sportster (oz9197) was published in March 1939 Air Trails, this here is a later redrawing from the 1968 Aeromodeller.

Quote: "TWENTY-NINE years old this month, this design represents a true vintage sports model for 3.5cc to answer the innumerable requests we have had for vintage plans. Initially published in the American magazine Air Trails, of fond memory, the Sportster introduced a new classification in engine capacity and started a series of attractive cabin power models which were used for competition as well as fun flying through from 1939 to 1944.

Who could deny that the lines are attractive? The vertical fin shape, which was to become the trade mark of the many Ben Shereshaw designs subsequently kitted, the stringered fuselage, the large curving transparent cabin area and the robustness of the structure characterised a model of an era which many old timers hold in happy memory.

When it was introduced in Air Trails magazine, the Sportster was a small design for power, particularly when one considers that only spark ignition could be used and the model had to carry the payload of a coil, condenser and flight batteries. Ben Shereshaw had created what was then termed a 'small bore' engine which was to have been put out as a do-it-yourself magazine design. Named the 'Bantam', the engine proved to be so popular and successful that Ben put into production and for many, this new .19 (3.25 cc.) engine created a new engine capacity class and a new phase in model engine design. For the Bantam, in terms of power to weight ratio was an exceptional product by any standards. It was practically the first rear disc valve induction engine to go into mass production. It was extremely light in weight. It peaked very happily at high r.p.m. on small diameter airscrews and when subsequently employed for the 1945 period pylon model such as the Goldberg Intercepter, it was darned near invincible till the arrival of the Ardens and accompanying Glowplugs.

So, in many ways, this model was a trail blazer and we are sure that by using a diesel to take advantage of the short nose and to eliminate the weight of the batteries and coil, the Sportster will provide scintillating performance today.

The plan includes all the detail exactly as the original presented by Ben had in the March 1939 Air Trails. This means that installation of battery box, coil, and relevant formers and bulkheads as necessary, are provided for the vintage purists who believe in using nothing but the original material. For those using a diesel or a glow engine, such details can be omitted..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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