Fairchild PT-19 (oz9291)

About this Plan

Fairchild PT-19. Rubber scale model of the military primary trainer.

Quote: "A natural, either in the air or on, the ground, your PT19 model will be a standout. Fairchild PT-19, by Earl Stahl.

DESIGNED to meet the rigid requirements for training planes of the United States army air corps, the Fairchild PT-19 is of a design similar to the majority of combat planes, yet it possesses the flight and strength characteristics required of training aircraft.

This two-place, low-wing monoplane is powered by a Ranger engine of 175 hp which gives a speed of 135 mph. Construction is conventional, wood, metal and fabric being used; the cantilever wing is plywood covered. A high degree of visibility, an important factor in all training planes, is achieved by the use of the inverted, in-line engine and the open cockpits.

From the modeler's point of view the PT-19 affords a fine subject for a flying scale model. The test model was built to exact scale except for a slight modification of the stabilizer area and, of course, the enlarged propeller; it is capable of making flights of about one minute. Because of the plane's simple, efficient design, it is not difficult to construct an authentic, sturdy model from the full-size plans, which are presented here.

CONSTRUCTION: The fuselage under-frame is constructed first. Work directly over the plan and make two side frames. The longerons are 3/32 square, while the uprights are 1/16 x 3/32 balsa. When dry, the side frames are inverted over the top view of the fuselage and the cross pieces are cemented in place. Check frequently to assure proper alignment.

Formers are cut from soft grade 1/16 sheet balsa. It will be noticed that a number of the formers do not have notches for the stringers; where this is true, the stringers are to be attached directly to the sides, as shown. Cement the formers to their respective positions and then add the 1/16 square stringers. On the bottom of the fuselage between Sections 3-B and 6-B the stringers are omitted, since the wing is later placed in the recess. Stringers which run back the sides are cemented directly to the under-frame.

To represent effectively the metal engine cowling of the real Fairchild, the nose forward of Section 2 should be filled in with pieces of 1/16 sheet. Accurately cut the individual pieces so they will fit neatly within the space between the stringers and formers. The nose block is cut from a medium-grade piece; cut out the square hole, as shown, for the rubber motor to pass through. Cement the roughly cut block to the nose and then sandpaper the whole nose to a smooth, attractive shape. If desired, the nose can be covered with thin sheet balsa instead of the suggested method.

The top of the fuselage from 3-T to 6-T is covered with soft sheet. Space limitations prevented making a complete pattern of this part but the cockpit shape is indicated. A piece 1/32 x 2 x 4-9/16 in is required; check the plans for the exact position of the cockpits. Cement the covering in place, using pins to hold it fast until dry. Finish the section between 2-T and 3-T by filling in with sheet balsa as before.

It is necessary for the wing to be of sturdy construction since the landing gear is attached to it. Ribs are cut from 1/32 sheet with the exception of W-4 which is 1/16 thick; two of each are required. A full-size left wing plan must be made. The various parts are assembled directly over the plans. Sizes of the various spars, et cetera, are noted on the plan. The 1/16 x 1/4 hard balsa spar to which the landing struts are attached is not placed until the dihedral is added. Scale dihedral of 1-7/8 proved satisfactory on the original model, but to those not interested in exact scale we recommend an increase of about 1/4 in each wing for an added measure of stability. The wings must be joined together accurately and solidly. Attach the 1/4 deep spar and reinforce the junction necessitated by the dihedral. Trim and sandpaper the leading and trailing edges as well as the tips.

Any excess weight in the rear of the model must be balanced by additional weight in the nose, so exercise care to prevent any unnecessary weight in making the stabilizer and rudder. Both are constructed in a similar manner; the outlines are cut from 1/16 sheet and the spars and ribs are 1/16 square medium stock. Light strips are cemented to both sides of the ribs and when dry they are cut and sanded to the streamline shape indicated on the plan. Surfaces constructed in this manner are light yet they will not warp readily.

The landing-gear struts are fashioned from .040 music wire. The wire is bent in such a manner as to join the spar provided for that purpose and Rib No.3. Attach the struts in place with thread and plenty of cement; use a needle and sew right through the rib and about the wire. Be sure to make a right and left strut..."

Scan from GTHunter, cleanup by rchopper56.

For the original scan, see http://www.theplanpage.com/esp/pt19.htm

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to GTHunter.

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