Kapitan (oz871)

 

Kapitan (oz871) by B Pilar 1946 - plan thumbnail

About this Plan

Kapitan. Free flight power model, for 1 - 2cc diesel engines.

Quote: "Diesel Engines in General: The introduction of miniature compression ignition, or 'diesel' engines, to the British market has placed all the pleasures of motor-powered flight within reach without any of those disappointments commonly associated with the internal combustion engine, or rather with its accompanying electrical paraphernalia. Whether the builder decides to make his own engine or buy a ready-made commercial product he is assured of trouble-free flying from the start, provided he bears in mind a few simple basic principles. In the absence of any ignition accessories, all faults in starting must be in the engine. They can be due to :

(1) Poor compression. This fault will normally occur only in amateur-built engines, as all commercial types are tested before delivery—unless an old engine is acquired second-hand. The cure, of course, is to make a new piston, this time to finer limits.

(2) Incorrect mixture. If the maker's instructions have been followed this will probably be due to evaporation of the ether. Freshly-made mixture and a tightly-corked bottle will overcome this.

(3) Incorrect needle setting. C.I. engines are most sensitive and often need only a quarter turn adjustment between excellent running and failure to start. Having ascertained the optimum position by bench testing, note it carefully for the future.

(4) Incorrect adjustment of contra-piston. This is a trial and error procedure - and again the best position should be noted. Some continental engines have fixed compression and rely entirely on correct needle and mixture control.

If the engine is still obstinate, then enough mixture is not getting through, or conversely too much. Patient checking of these details will ensure a start. No matter how long this may take in the 'apprentice' stage, there will be no flat battery trouble!

A final word of warning. Beware of over-choking. Just enough to make sure the mixture is through should suffice.
Having disposed of any gremlins that may be lurking round the engine, let us consider the construction of 'Kapitan'. This model is a proved machine, developed over several years by a well-known Czech firm. Originally designed for all hardwood construction, it is even more attractive in balsa, as a monocoque fuselage may be employed.

While not exactly a beginner's model, it is one that may be attempted with confidence by any model-maker who has built a sailplane of equal span, as there is nothing tricky in assembly, wing fixing, or trim.

The Fuselage: Cut out formers of materials specified, notching for longerons with the side of a fine file. Fix top and bottom longerons first, holding them in place with rubber bands until cement is dry ; then add the remainder in twos to avoid distorting the shape. This can safely be judged by eye, though there will be some who prefer to build on a jig..."

Update 15/12/2017: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy thanks to Circlip, along with article thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

Previous scan version.
Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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Kapitan (oz871) by B Pilar 1946 - model pic

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  • Plan File Filesize: 522KB Filename: Kapitan_FF_49in_oz871.pdf
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Notes

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Scaling

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