Tourmaline (oz9040)

 

Tourmaline (oz9040) by Trevor Faulkner 1972 - plan thumbnail

About this Plan

Tourmaline. Slope or thermal soaring glider, for single channel or 2 function RC.

Quote: "An attractive 85-1/2 in wingspan slope or thermal soaring glider for single channel or up to two function radio control. Tourmaline, by Trevor Faulkner.

IN THE FEBRUARY issue, the designer described how he, an ardent free-flight enthusiast, tried his hand at minimal cost radio control hying. Approaching the subject with perhaps a little trepidation after so many years of 'pure' flying he found that there was indeed a great deal of pleasure and relaxation in flying a radio controlled soarer and that his free-flight experience made the transition to controlled flying considerably easier. The photographs of Trevor's elegant soarer and his accompanying text inspired many readers to request plans of his design - hence the Tourmaline!

This model is the direct descendant of a series of proven free-flight designs and has proved sufficiently docile to be used as a trainer if the flier has a basic knowledge of practical trimming, and can build soundly. The design is something of a reaction against what its originator considers the rather stark 'first models' usually flown by beginners. It has numerous advantages which commend it; namely it will soar in very light winds, even if built quite sturdily beginners will find it easier to accustom themselves to a rather less demanding wind-speed for earlier flights, the Tourmaline flying when most 'trainers' and multi jobs are grounded for lack of lift.

Secondly, it can be trimmed over a wide range of CG positions to give higher flying speeds when experience is gained, and although quite a large model, it will take a lot of punishment, and need not be considered as a disposable step to something better. Finally, and perhaps one of its chief attractions, is that it can be used in either 1 or 2 channel form, making it a design capable of accommodating a wide range of equipment (single channel, single channel plus trim, single function propel. plus trim, and of course, two function proportional).

Except for the fuselage, this model is entirely conventional, although it is fair to say that it is more of a builder's model than a beginners 'quick and easy' design. Formers F4, 5 & 6, are very simple but must be built accurately using a tri-square, to achieve this. File the slots for the alignment strips with a small flat (1/16 in) file to ensure a snug fit. Rough cut the side components, join them and then cut to the final finished shape, using the hardest 1/8 in stock for the forward section with straight-grained medium sheet aft. The bottom is treated in the same way, but here the scarfed area which marries with the 1/2 in sheet must be marked and sanded tou.

Plot the position of the spruce (1/16 in sq) strips, checking with a long true straight edge. Use this edge again after gluing, as thin section spruce tends to be a little inclined to 'wave'. Mark the positions of all formers on the inside faces of the sides, noting that they are perpendicular to the datum line, not the base. Assemble formers F2, 4, 5, 6 & 7 between the sides, using P.V.A. glue throughout except where specified, and leave the rig to dry overnight. Next, add the bottom and top pieces, also former F1. Check that the latter is symmetrically disposed, and that the curves of the sides are equal. Finally, add the 1/2 in sheet, remembering to fret out the slot for the nose profile first.

Now to deal with the unusual bit: remove the protruding corners of formers F4-7, and with a long sanding block chamfer the edges of the sides, top and bottom. Check progress frequently, as the accuracy of this simple process will aid the ease of assembly in the next stage. The width of the oblique corner pieces is taken from the job itself, cutting them 'nose to tail' fashion from hard straight balsa, 3/32 in thick. Glue the two lower strips in place first...."

Tourmaline, Aeromodeller, December 1972.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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Tourmaline (oz9040) by Trevor Faulkner 1972 - model pic

Datafile:
  • (oz9040)
    Tourmaline
    by Trevor Faulkner
    from Aeromodeller
    December 1972 
    86in span
    Glider R/C
    clean :)
    all formers complete :)
    got article :)
  • Submitted: 02/08/2017
    Filesize: 620KB
    Format: • PDFbitmap
    Credit*: Circlip, RFJ
    Downloads: 798

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Notes

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Scaling

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