Thor (oz7827)

About this Plan

Thor. Radio control sport model.

Quote: "Lots of two channel radios around these days. Here's a plane for them, it's a fun flyer. Thor, by Monte Finley.

Ever had your flying day interrupted by an overly exhuberant individual? Sure you have, but here's one that turned out to be challenging over the months that followed. While at the flying field with my new grown-up toy, a fellow named Terry Aldrich came rushing up to me. Smiling, he slowed his rushing approach only to break the silence with these profound words: I have a new McCoy engine and a two-channel radio, but no wings to fly.

After long sadness, I took pity and burned some late hours, coming up with a design to suit Terry. Then it was off the drawing board and into the builder's hands. He looked and started drooling; this made me happy. But I had to leave when balsa chips started flying, for he became reckless with that X-acto knife, and besides I had some gluing to do on my own plane.

Next day I got an excited phone call with a complete rundown on progress and a name for the plane - 'Thor.' After quieting my laughter, I realized it made sense. Both of us work on Vandenberg Air Force Base and that includes a lot of missiles. (Also, Terry's name starts with a 'T'.)

Three weeks later, we weekenders saw a new bird sitting on the field. Thor in her glory was ready for a test flight. We were all keyed up about what to expect, and a silent prayer was in order. I kept my cool, because a designer must have confidence, but it's funny how my knees kept knocking.

Deciding on a hand launch due to the rough cow pasture field, the plane was christened by filling the tank. One prop-bitten finger later the engine roared into life. Lifting it up in the long-admired stance of hand launch, I kept my fingers crossed. Adding full throttle, Thor lifted out of the hand and flew straight and true, seeking more altitude. It was a pleasant sight, and happy with the handling we settled down to some serious flying. Thor does a good job of that, leaving maneuverability to the man at the controls.

Let's hope you are interested, if so, get the plans and let's start the simple construction. It's a good plane and can take rough treatment - lots of easy flying in this little bird.

Get out a good sharp blade and start cutting ribs and spar. The flat bottom airfoil is a help in building.

Build the wing in two sections - one left and one right panel please, don't do as I have done. Pin leading and trailing 1/6 sheeting down on board, glue 1/4 square leading edge on top of sheeting. Install main spar; now is the time to position and glue those wing ribs. Next come the 1/8 ply dihedral braces. Cover leading, trailing and center sections of wing..."

Attached is Monte Finley's Thor from American Aircraft Modeler magazine issue 04-73.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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