Fairchild PT-19 Cornell (oz9959)

About this Plan

Fairchild PT-19 Cornell. Control line scale model.

Quote: "Many readers will remember seeing Peter Wheldon's immaculate model at the 1964 Nats. He was unfortunately unable to make a qualifying flight in the Knokke Trophy event due to fuel-line trouble, but those who witnessed the short hops it made will testify to the obviously excellent flying qualities of this delightful model.

Peter Wheldon's CONTROL-LINE SCALE MODEL for 1 - 1.5 cc engines. FAIRCHILD PT-19 CORNELL.

THE Fairchild 'Cornell' series of primary trainers were perhaps the most widely used monoplane trainers of World War II. It was decided to use the Fairchild as a prototype for a scale model as being particularly colourful with plenty of detail and likely to be a good, reliable flyer. This latter point is, I feel, rather important with a flying scale model, as contests are nearly always flown in the worst of weather and a scale model that is dodgy to fly is a waste of time and effort building.

One may think that this model is rather small for scale work but it can, in fact, carry as much detail as is available, while still retaining the low cost and ruggedness associated with small models. The original is fitted with an AM.15 diesel turning a 7 x 5 in wooden airserew and due to its inherent stability is a dream to fly on 35/40 f. lines - even in windy conditions.

Construction. General. The construction of the model, while not difficult, requires patience and care and is not recommended for the novice. It is based on the same 'unit' method of construction used on my previous models, the central (key) unit on this particular model being the cockpit floor and associated formers. This part of the model should be built especially carefully and accurately.

PVA adhesive was used for all joints (except as noted below) as this gives a strong, clean joint, without shrinkage and allows plenty of time to adjust components before setting. Araldite was used on all metal/wood joints and, although initially expensive, is far quicker and neater than other methods of making such joints.

Fuselage. Commence construction by cutting out the cockpit floor and making up formers (A), (B1) and (B2). Note that due to the backward slope of (A) all holes and slots have to be cut 'on the slant' - this is best carried out after the former has been laminated. When formers are dry, (B1) and (B2) should be cleaned up and cemented to the cockpit floor, together with the control plate mount and control plate.

Carefully mark out engine bearer brackets from 1/16 in ply and Araldite to the bearers. In one operation Araidite bearers to (A), fit fuel tank, bearer distance piece, and mount the engine. Check that the assembly is true, particularly the angle of the engine bearers to former (A). Remove the engine and cement this unit to the cockpit floor. Again check that the angle of former (A) is correct - engine bearers should be parallel to cockpit floor. Cement formers (B) and (C) in place. Add the keel and, when dry, cement the remaining formers in place adding rear fuselage backbone..."

Fairchild Cornell, Model Aircraft, March 1965.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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