Republic SeaBee (oz946)

About this Plan

Republic SeaBee. Radio control sport-scale amphibian model for .23 - .35 engines.

Quote: "The Seabee was a fine idea with a strong attraction to almost anyone interested in the ultimate airplane. The design has a certain amount of sex appeal not found in the average airplane. There was an old rumor that the Seabee was underpowered and it can now be told that, indeed, it was too much airplane for the size engine available at the time. Today, the original 210hp Franklin has. more than likely, been replaced with engines varying from 265hp up to 350hp. The Bee would true out at around 90mph low cruise, 115 at high; this, and patience, would get you anywhere!

It has been the author's experience that most model builders are constantly on the lookout for a challenge. Let me assure you, before going any further, that the Seabee RC has all the basic requirements necessary to make it a prime candidate for anyone on a challenge search. It is a true marriage of the airplane and the boat, known as an amphibian. All of this pushed ahead with a power plant located behind the CG - and therein lies the real challenge.

The two problems most associated with an RC configuration of the Seabee type are:

1. tail heaviness.
2. cooling the engine on a pusher installation.

Cooling is no problem in the air, but on the ground you will want to hold engine runs to a minimum (particularly on a hot day). This is not an unbearable situation: it's just one you must be aware of and exercise the necessary caution.

The fuselage construction is unique. As you can see by studying the plans, it is quite different from the normal. Remember that you are building an amphibian so there are some unusual curves involved. As in all boat construction, the keel is laid first. Make the forward section of the keel from 1/8 plywood sheet (no warp allowed) and the aft sections from 1/8 hard balsa.

To keep the tail light, lightening holes are recommended as shown on the plans. I used an X-Acto hole cutter in my hand drill motor which does a neat job if the blade is sharp. Practice on a piece of scrap first..."

Update 21/01/2014: Replaced this plan with a much clearer version also article pages, thanks to JJ.

Update 19/02/2016: Added CAD file thanks to bmutlugil.

Quote: "I just remembered that I had traced into Autocad the wonderful Seabee plans by Tom Mountjoy from one of the RCM 1977 issues; it is attached for those that might be interested... I intend to build one of these sometime, so I traced them. The plan has separate layers for the original engine and an electric motor - besides other layers - these have to be turned on or off as needed. The electric motor suggestion should not be taken seriously, there may be more suitable ones."

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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