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Aviation History
1920
1920 - 1137.PDF
OCTOBER 28, 1920 NOTE.—All communications should be addressed to the Model Editor. A stamp should be enclosed for a postal reply CONTINUING the series of machines (more difficult ones later) the accompanying drawings show a type of tractor monoplane sinple in design yet yielding satisfactory results. According to my records I obtained a duration of 58 seconds in 1912 with the machine represented by the drawings, and I have no doubt that with present experience more than this could easily be obtained. The side elevation indicates that the spar tapers in a fore and aft direction to impart strength at its otherwise weakest point. This is known as cantilever construction. The bottom member, which acts as a tie whilst also improving the general appearance, is bent to the form shown by means of steam. The bracketed brass bearing engages with the two members ; but if the bottom member is dispensed with the bearing sockets on, as shown in"detail. It is bound on with florist's tinned iron wire and lightly soldered with an iron sufficiently hot to cause the solder to run without burning the spar. If a hollow spar is used, as stated in one of the general annotations, extends over the leading and trailing edges to enable the sockets to clip the plane to the spar. The tail should be drawn full size upon a board, tacks being driven on each side of the outline and the wire spring between these. The cross ribs are next soldered into place with the wire in situ, thereafter removing the tacks. Sewing is better than glue to attach the fabric to the tail, as the latter is hygroscopic. Bind the tail to the fuselage with fine copper wire. The rudder, by the way, is soldered into place prior to covering the tail. A block of whitewood is used for the screw, which must be of the proportions indicated. Pass the spindle through the boss, and turn a portion of it back into the wood, using two cupped washers placed face to face and filled with grease to minimise friction on the bearing. Six strands of quarter strip elastic is the maximum the machine should need, five Q pOD0° CIS Q the channel should be packed for about an inch each end so that the fittings carried by the respective ends do not crush in the walls of the spar. The steel wire chassis is fixed by similar binding and soldering. The triangulated V side struts are rigidly attached by the lugs bent in them. It will be seen from the perspective sketch that the chassis follows round the end of the spar. The bracketing of the bearing is necessary to withstand the tension of the rubber. Disc wheels are soldered to the axle arms, and pieces of by-pass tubing are slipped over these latter to retain the wheel in place. A wooden kingpost is pinned and bound to the spar in the 1 position shown to brace the spar against the lateral distortion caused by the rubber when in torsion. Small wire hooks are attached to the vertical faces of each end of the top spar to receive the bracing wires passing from the kingpost extremities. The method of forming and attaching the tailskid and rear rubber-boot are shown in detail. They are both formed on the one piece of wire, and are bound and soldered into position. The plan view shows the approximate relative position of the components. The main plane is made from silver spruce, the ribs being cambered i in. maximum, with a gradual washout towards the tip. The dihedral angle is " flat," and imparted by steam. Bands of tin secure the planes in position in such a manner that adjustment to the centre of gravity and centre of pressure may be easily effected. The centre rib, being the amount used by the writer. It should be well lubricated. Valve tubing should be pushed over the spindle and tail-hook to lessen the possibility of the wire cutting through the rubber when the latter is fully wound. Only a few turns should be given to test the model, which should be launched down wind for the first flight The model should not weigh more than four ounces. K.M.A.A.—Please Note Now that the Kite and Model Aeroplane Association has been temporarily reformed, will all London and Provincial enthusiasts and club secretaries please communicate with Mr. W. H. Akehurst, 27, Victory Road, Wimbledon, S.W., without delay ? I understand that all of the cups and trophies have been recovered and will be placed for competition as soon as something definite can be arranged. Mean- while the Association is anxious to strengthen its hands and to recreate the enthusiasm of pre-War days. It is interesting to note that Messrs. Houlberg, Slatter, Louch, Groves, McBirnie, Stanger, etc., are willing to renew their activities, and one anticipates a recrudescence of enthusiasm. Replies to Correspondents A. S. G. (Sheffield).—Glad to have the description and photo.; please forward any other particulars of machines which you ha^e. L. B. (Hardwick).—The article given on the long-distance monoplane will no doubt have satisfied your requirements. I now intend dealing with a complete series of machines. 1139
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