Pinocchio x2 (oz8102)

About this Plan

Pinocchio x 2. Radio control sport biplane model. For .20 four-stroke and 3 function RC. This is a twice-size RC version of the original FF 23in Pinocchio II (oz2410) design by Gabriel Martin published in Aeromodeller 1949.

Quote: "This model is a twice-sized adaptation of a small free flight model designed by G Martin of Paris, circa 1949 and published as an Aeromodeler plan. The 'Pinocchio' is a typical example of simple balsa, ply and wire construction; it's quite strong enough, so leave, well alone and don't beef it up. Just don't overpower it. I use an O.S. 20 four-stroke anti it's quite adequate.

The outline, rib spacing and general construction follows the original closely, but I have taken liberties with the various attachment methods which were not suitable for a larger, heavier R/C version. The liberal use of elastic bands on the original has been reduced to two! However, if you are a purist you may still hold your engine on with elastic - I'm an impoverished realist and cannot afford the occasional freefall fourstroke - or aerotowing by a throttle linkage!

Incidentally, do not be put off by the wirework; it's not difficult if tackled in the correct manner. The following brief constructional notes I hope will be of some assistance.

Construction: Commence by cutting out all ply parts. The lower wing facing ribs act as a template for the balsa ones. You just have to trim nose and tail and enlarge the mainspar slot where required on your balsa outlines. Do fret out the holes in the two bulkheads; it saves weight and makes the-fuel tank accessible as well as giving access between the first two fuselage bays. Using a small drill, make the holes for stitching the various tubes or wires to the formers. I use old control line wire finished off with epoxy for my stitching - I've never had a fitting break or loosen. You might as Well do this now as it's easy at this stage.

For tubing I used an old snake outer and 14 gauge wire for struts and lower wing dowels. When binding the snake outer, do use a wire insert to prevent distortion - flat outers are not much use with round wire to go in them. A word about the undercarriage of 10 gauge wire. If you are an expert wire bender it can be made in three pieces and stitched straight on to the ply. However, if you are anything like me, it is easier to make individual legs to be inserted into tubes (of the correct gauge) and all eventually held together by the spreader. I compromised by having individual rear legs and a one piece front leg..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 11/10/2016: article pages, text & pics added, thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text & pics.

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