Midas (oz8760)

About this Plan

Midas. Sport model. Convertible between high wing and low wing configuration.

Quote: "Having designed my own models for many years and thoroughly enjoyed myself I am always searching for new ideas and like to vary design layouts. This plane falls into my experimental category having been de-veloped from two previous models, learning by trial and error, to produce Midas. Simply by relocating the wings in its alternative box fixings which takes a few seconds, it can be flown either high wing or low wing, making a pleasant change. As the fuselage is rather unusual, let us start there.

FUSELAGE: Mark the side views onto 3/32 balsa sheet I use standard 3 in wide stock, allowing the spare cut off under the tail to be cemented back on top for the cabin. Cut to shape and slot for wing boxes ensuring both sides are identical. Cut out 3/8 balsa nose doubler and glue 5/16 square beech bearers one to each, noting 3° downthrust built in. Remember one is left and one right and glue to sides. Cut out all formers, wing box parts and 2 in wide tongue from 1/16 ply.

Assemble wing boxes from 1/16 ply and 1/8 square spruce, check inside is free from excess glue to allow tongue to fit. Glue 1/8 sheet dihedral supports to F3 and F4 - accuracy here is important. Bend 14 swg undercarriage leg to shape and sew to F2 with thread and glue. Next, cut the wing boxes in half to allow them to fit into angled slots in F3 and F4 and glue this sub assembly together; stand assembly over plan and check squareness. Now add side assemblies. Wing boxes will project into slots in fuselage sides, add Fl between bearers. Pin or weigh to keep fuselage base fiat on plan.

When dry, pull together at rear, sight along to check fuselage is not bent, gluing to balsa wedge. Add F5, tail support and 1/8 square cross pieces to give fuselage shape. Glue F2 with wire legs in place and sheet top and bottom with 1/16 balsa cross grain; slight overhang can be trimmed off and sanded flush when dry.

WINGS: These are fairly straightforward; start by cutting out all ribs, skewing template to obtain shorter ribs. Cut 2 in wide strip of 1/8 ply to shape for wing tongue. Build both wings simultaneously joined by the 1/8 ply wing tongue. which being still in one piece accurately aligns both wings. Pin LE and TE to plan, slide slotted balsa ribs onto tongue, space out and glue assembly in place in one operation. Add other ribs, tips and finally spars..."

Midas, Aeromodeller, December 1978.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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