MODEL AEROPLANES

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1935, Page 11

MODEL AEROPLANES

TARANAKI CLUB ACTIVITIES. ADVICE TO PLANE BUILDERS. (By “Slipstream.”) Last week I told you how to begin your model aeroplane activities and mentioned that I would tell you this week your next step after your all-balsa spar model is doing great flights. The next step will, of course, be harder, and I advise you to still stay in the spar section, but purchase this time a kitset with a built-up wing—that is, one in which the ribs are made of balsa and covered with tissue paper. In all makes of kitsets full instructions are given for building, but as mentioned in last week’s notes you must follow the instructions and plans most carefully; if not you will come to grief. These built-up wing spar models are better fliers than an all-balsa model, but are not as sturdy, and you have to be most particular in fitting the ribs and wing-spars properly to get. correct balance and incidence. You may not understand the meaning of such words as “incidence” and “dihedral,” so I will explain them to you. “Incidence” means the slope up from back to front of a wing, and the amount of incidence is measured by the height of the leading edge or front spar of

the wing above an imaginary line taken from the back spar. The dihedral is the amount the tips of the wings are lifted above the centre section. A cathedral on the wings gives exactly the same effect as a dihedral, but cathedral gives the impression as though the plane is too tired to hold up its wings and lets them just drop down. In building these planes follow the instructions. Do not think that you can improve on the design, for the designer has tested the , model and knows why he has designed the model the way he has. Now a tip or twc for the further advanced builder who wants longer flights from his plane. This is the desire of every builder, and if you do not really employ a free-wheeling propeller device I would advise you to adopt one. I give you two ideas here. First is the spring type. Instead of cementing the end of your propeller spindle into the propeller, fit a small busing into the prope ler shaft to take the end, and on the first sharp bend of the propeller where it passes through the centre solder a small washer. Now between this washer and the propeller fit the small spring. These can either be bought from your dealer, or cheaper still take an old car valve and remove the spring from that. Some builders use the springs in electric light fittings, but the first-mentioned are more common. When you wind up your rubber motor the spring will contract, and the end of the propeller spindle which is bent back

parallel to the spindle -s slipped into the bushing. This allows the propeller to turn and fly the plane. When the motor has run out the spring pushes the turned back end of the propeller out of the bushing and the propeller spins freely on the spindle. The second method is the rachet type, where~the end of the propeller spindle is just turned over once and slides against a notch on the propeller, and when free-wheeling slides over and down on the ratchet principle. However, for most planes I prefer the first idea. PAR AVION—AIR MAIL. We again mention that under this section questions relevant to model aeroplane building and flying will be answered. If you want a personal reply you will have to enclose a stamped and addressed envelope. Address all inquiries to “Slipstream,” c/o. Daily News Office, New Plymouth. Club Activities.

New Plymouth Model Aero Club reports that owing to wet weather the big event last Monday at the aerodrome was postponed. The next meeting is at the racecourse next Saturday. New Plymouth Model Flying Club reports that members entered for the display last Saturday, the occasion of the Round the Mountain Race, at the racecourse. No flights of merit were gained

on account of the very gusty weather. All planes flown- were smashed. The next meeting is to be on Saturday at Marsland Hill. The members will also be competing next Sunday at the racecourse at 4 p.m., wet or dry, for the Model Flying Club of Australasia’s trophies, conducted by the Taranaki Union of Model Flying Clubs. Stratford Model Flying Club sent one representative to the display last Saturday. Mr. Ron. Brown, whose flight of 355. was re/narkable considering the conditions.- Two other Stratford boys who intended cycling through refrained from coming on account of the weather.

Tarangki Union of Model Flying Clubs: The display arranged by the union for last Saturday was disappointing on account of the weather. Of the 18 planes flown not one came out whole, but this showed the sportsmanship of the fliers, who knowing that their planes would be smashed still were willing to fly them in order to keep faith with the crowd. Boys willingly lent salvaged parts such as propellers, wings and motors to the others whose similar parts were smashed, knowing that they would be smashed, just to keep the show moving as much as possible. The boys deserve much credit for this, and it shows their interest in model aeroplane flying. The union’s next flying meeting will be next Sunday at 4 p.m. at the racecourse, when the competitions for the Wakefield Cup, the Anthony Hordern Trophy and the Angus and Coote Cup will be held. All'

fliers whether members of clubs or not are invited by instruction from the Model Flying Club of Australasia to take part. This meeting must be held wet or dry according to instructions received.