Samba (oz8006)

About this Plan

Samba (Victory Tailless). Free flight tailless pusher gas model, for Atom engine.

Quote: "The Samba - outstanding flying-wing gas model.

DESIGNED for those modelers who are tired of building planes that look and fly like a darning needle with a 'hot foot' the Samba makes its debut.

Contrary to what a great many model builders think, a tailless-pusher or flying-wing compares in endurance, stability and all around performance, with the more conservative type that employs a tail-assembly. Admittedly, the Samba is not a contest plane, but she is just right for sport flying, giving the builder constant and steady flights. It is practically impossible to damage her; the original dove in from about 70 feet when the rubber bands holding the wing to the fuselage broke, and only the windshield was smashed. In over 50 flights including tests, not a propeller has been broken.

First step in building the Samba is enlarge plates 1 and 2. Some paper, a pencil, ruler and pair of dividers is all that is needed. Start with the fuselage by drawing a line representing the top of the hardwood crutch. Now lay off positions of the formers and draw lines perpendicular to the former stations. Measure the distance from top of the crutch to bottom of the fuselage, double it, and with the dividers mark it on the perpendicular line that represents the particular former you are enlarging. Now measure from the fuselage top to the crutch, and after doubling it, lay it off on the per-pendicular line. Repeat this process for all the formers and any other stations that warrant it. Use the above method also for enlarging the top view and wing plan.

After plans have been enlarged actual construction is started.

Fuselage: First build the crutch. Assemble on the top view and be sure to use plenty of cement between crosspieces and longerons. Allow the whole assembly to dry for about four hours. While the crutch is drying follow instructions on plate 3 for making the formers. Sheet balsa is usually sold in 2 in widths, and this is just the right size for making the Samba's formers, as they are made in halves, glued together over the crutch. When cementing the formers to the crutch he sure they are at right angles to it. This can be done by using a small 90 degree triangle which can be bought at any stationers.

Make the battery box and solder the ignition wires to it; be sure to use enough wire to reach the timer and other parts of the ignition system. Now mount the coil as shown on the side and top views. Use
plenty of glue, as the coil will do untold damage if it ever breaks loose from its mounting.

Carve the nose block from a piece of soft balsa and then sand it down to remove the fuzz and smooth it off. Drill a hole through it so that the tinier will slip through. Install the timer and be generous with the glue. Drill a 1/16 hole, as shown on the side view, for the passage of the ignition wires to the timer. Small holes for wires will also have to be drilled through the formers, but this will not weaken them.

Build the wing mount and wing saddle at the same time. Cement the wing mount to the top of formers 3 and 4 and against 2 and 5. This is shown on the side view. Cut out the gussets..."

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