Pink Panther (oz9349)

About this Plan

Pink Panther. Control line combat model. Wingspan 36 in, for 2.5 cc motors.

Quote: "1973 Nationals winner - the model with bite! ...THE 'NORMAL' procedure on occasions like this seems to be to write all about the model and the development thereof, whilst airing views on the general state of combat flying. Well, you'll all be glad to hear that I have absolutely no intention of trying to be different, so read on!

My first combat bout took place some two years ago, when I flew a very 'wide' Twister, which at the time was being pulled by a very tired arm and an even more tired Oliver Tiger. Also taking part in this extravanganza was a certain Richard Evans flying a very fast, very light model which shall remain nameless - Ironmonger (oz5602) if you must know - needless to say, my opponent won, but after that bout it became apparent that I needed to change my model design.

So all through the 1971 season I designed and built several models and eventually came across one that flew reasonably well. I stayed with this design for the greater part of the 1972 season, changing one or two features and trying new ideas. It was with one of these models that I came second in the Dutch International that year.

Then something else happened towards the end of that season that made me think very seriously about my design. While flying against a clubmate, Mick Tiernan, I flew a loop. Nothing wrong with that you may say, except that within that loop Mick managed to do an 'eight' and get two cuts into the bargain!

After that bout I had a long look at Mick's models and came to the conclusion that once again mine were ready for the scrap heap. After building four models vaguely like Mick's, I finally came up with the model drawn here and it was with this that I won the '73 Nationals and placed fourth at this year's Dutch International.

Before any model airplane is built something has to be found with which to build it. During the history of Aeromodelling many different materials have been tried, but none have enjoyed the same success as wood, and in particular balsa wood, but when choosing your balsa wood there are several points to bear in mind.

Firstly, it must be straight; it is no good having a really well-built model if it's the shape of a donkey's hind leg.

Secondly, the wood must also be light, this especially applies to the leading and trailing edges, although all the wood in the outboard wing can be a little heavier than the remainder.

If this model is built in the correct sequence it is possible to build one in a week. Everyone has their own favourite building pattern, but for anyone who hasn't built many combat models before, then this is the suggested sequence. If a great number of models are going to be built then it is worthwhile to 'mass produce' certain items before starting on an individual model.

The first operation is to cut out and epoxy together the trailing edge, ensuring that it is flat..."

Pink Panther, Aeromodeller, October 1973.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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