Convictor (oz7983)

About this Plan

Convictor. Delta canard pusher model for single channel radio control, from December 1970 RM.

Quote: "Something different for single-channel LW Lambert's Canard delta for .049 power.

I HAD for some time been toying with the idea of building something a little different from the normal type of model aircraft seen on any flying field on a Sunday afternoon, and set myself the following parameters. The main features of the design had to be ultra stability, and with the engine at the rear for protection - and cleanliness. Also, the aircraft had to have what I call 'buildability' (ie be easy to build, for the comparative novice, and for the chap who likes to spend plenty of time flying and as little as possible on building). I chose the Cox .049 QZ glow motor because of its willingness to run either way - a necessity for a pusher model, unless you can obtain 'pusher' props easily.

The Convictor performs very well, and the ability to turn very tightly may be found exciting. Recovery from a turn is nice and quick, so that some very interesting flying may be done, provided you are adept with the Tx button. On the other hand, it is very stable and forgiving, even in the hands of the novice, when rudder movement is restricted. The landing approach is rather steep, however, as is generally the case with this configuration, and takes some little getting used to.

It pays, therefore, to keep the .model as light as possible, so select your wood carefully with this end in mind, and also go easy on the finish, to keep the weight down.

Construction: Wing and foreplanes.The mainplane is made up from six lengths of 4 inch wide 3/32 sheet. Mark out the rough length of each piece, using the plan and, with a square, mark a line through each piece in the centre. Pin down the largest piece and use PVA on one edge to glue the next largest piece to it, pinning the assembly down well. Progress with the remaining pieces until the mainplane is com-plete, and leave to set overnight.

When thoroughly dry, remove the wing from the building board and place it under the plan. Line it up, marking the centre-line and, using carbon-paper, mark out the exact outline of the mainplane. Now do the final shaping, to the out-line, sand over all and cover with heavy-weight Modelspan tissue. I find it best to cover the mainplane prior to fitting to the fuselage, as it is much easier this way, due to its shape.

Make the foreplanes from 1/8 in hard balsa and cover them with lightweight Modelspan tissue, giving them one coat of sanding sealer and rubbing down well when thoroughly dry. Mark out the fin..."

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