Vagabond (oz8196)

About this Plan

Vagabond. Free flight sport model.

The original drawing and construction article for the 1945 Vagabond by Bill Winter. From Air Trails, Aug 1945.

Quote: "THE Vagabond was designed to fill an increasing need for a reliable cabin-type Class C model. Somehow, most of us have concentrated too much on the smaller A and B class ships. Though our Vagabond was powered with a good old Brown - a reliable engine if there ever was one - there is no reason why an Ohlsson, OK, or Super Cyke cannot be used. Because of the numbers of engines of various makes that are in operation, the plans have been drawn for one of them, the Ohlsson. The Brown, if you have one, requires relocation of the bearers at the bottom-of-the-window line.

Outstanding aerodynamic feature of the ship is the high aspect ratio wing. It is a fact that high aspect ratio wings have better performance both for climb and in the glide. However, Vagabond's wing is of a slightly lower aspect ratio than the one used on Wog (oz2325) in the February issue. Wing construction is conventional, calling for polyhedral and a sheeted leading edge. Two auxiliary spars besides the sturdy main spars, are sufficient insurance that the wing is strong enough for rough usage.

The force diagram is approximately the same as we used on Wog, a high thrust line to reduce looping tendencies, a high center of gravity position in relation to a low center of lateral area, this latter characteristic having a great deal to do with the elimination of power spiral dives, the bane of so many otherwise good ships. The fixed landing gear has an important effect on the flight characteristics of this ship so we urge you not to replace it with a retractable one.

Construction is conventional. The fuselage is a box, rounded with sheet balsa formers and stringers on the bottom. The nose is made from soft blocks as shown in the detail on the plan. The top part of the block slides forward for removal. Simply take off the prop and pull the top block forward. Two plywood formers support the motor mount and the landing gear, which is held in place by glued hardwood blocks. Note the location of the battery box above the motor bearers and, directly below the batteries..."

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics. OCR text.

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