Lockheed Orion (oz8442)

About this Plan

Lockheed Orion. Control line scale model, for .15 - .29 engines.

Quote: "Lockheed Orion, by DA Newell. Jimmy Doolittle's famous Shell plane was fastest transport in service back in '32. Build this three-quarter-inch scale replica for engines from .23 to .49 cu in.

THE large petroleum corporations of the United States have, for the past two decades, sponsored some of our finest pilots in their attempts at record-breaking flights and others aeronautical accomplish-ment. Wiley Post, Frank Hawks, Al Williams and many other notables have attributed their success to this sponsorship.

General James H Doolittle (then Major Doolittle) of the Tokyo bombing fame and world-famous speed record breaker was sponsored by the Shell Oil Company on a very memorable flight on July 25, 1932. That year marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. The flight traced the entire route, in one day, that George Washingten had covered in his lifetime! With two passengers, Jimmy Doolittle took off at dawn and flew the 2,610 miles by dusk.

The flight was made in a beautiful Lockheed Orion, which was the fastest transport plane in the world at that time. Domestic and foreign airlines were proud to use this plane in their fast express routes. Powered by a Wright Cyclone of 575 hp, the ship attained a top speed of around 220 mph. Provisions were made for six passengers and pilot. The completely retractable landing gear got considerable attention from the public at airfields. '

Any engine from .23 to .49 displacement can be used in this model. Glow plug is suggested. Anyone who can follow plans and handle a razor blade and knife can build this trim monoplane.

Cut the plywood wing joiner and cement the leading edge blocks to it. While this is drying cut the ribs and bottom covering from plywood and sheet balsa. Now, building one wing panel at a time, pin the bottom wing covering to the workbench and cement the leading edge and ribs to it. When the second panel is completed, insert the center-section leading edge, bottom covering, and slide the plywood landing strut support in place. Apply the cement generously. The landing struts are carefully bent to shape as shown. Bind joints with fine copper wire and solder well. Attach the landing gear assemblies to the wing joiner and support, using strong thread and plenty of cement. Sand the trailing edge of the bottom covering to a sharp edge as shown and cover the top of the wing. Cement the solid balsa wing tips in place. When thoroughly dry, the entire unit can be sandpapered smooth.

The body outline is traced onto two balsa blocks that have been cemented together very lightly. When the top and side views have been sawed to shape, cut out the bottom of the body to fit the wing center section. Now the body can be carved to shape, using a sharp knife. Consult the sections on the plan in order to obtain the proper contours. Sandpaper smooth and split apart along the cemented seam. Hollow the body to about 3/16 in thickness or as the plans indicate (some portions are heavier). Clear-dope the inside of the body shells and install the engine mounts to fit the engine used. Cement the bellcrank support in place..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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