FULL-SIZE PLA NS—A Balanced Wing Model and a Clark Cabin Model

^ Trans-Atlantic Planes
In Rcviezo

Wartime Plane— 3-View

Layout

More on Engines, Radio,

Designing y

FEBRUARY, 1932
A COURSE IN AVIATION FOR FIFTEEN CENTS A M O N T H !"
 To The Model Airplane
Builders of America
Λ
$> „ V E v ery th in g
to com plete a
V y s \V -^ea^ Model G lider
V Λ ) w ith a purchase of A G A IN ! MADISON MODEL AIRPLANES, Inc OFFERS
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 MODEL AIRPLANE HEWS 1

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 K » · >--r.v ^ ^ iÍhr^ r Í í á Í ^ i s S ^ v ě i h S i ^ ^ i ^ J ^ )ÍI^^ S íÉtíí&SiéÍifi ^ Í^ ^ ' t ^ & f ^ t > ·

r n iĚ m m m m tiš m ííím
1
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a n d J U N IO R M E C H A N IC S Vol. VI No.

P ublished by H arold H er se y In O u r N e x t Issu e

E d ite d by Chas. H am pson G rant There has been a crying need in the past
for some practical system that will enable
a boy to design his model plane correctly
without many trials and unsuccessful at'
tempts. We are therefore pleased to an-
CONTEXTS nounce that in this issue and those to fol·
low you will find a series of articles by Mr.
Charles Hampson Grant that covers the
subject of model design in every detail.
These articles will give you practical “rules
FEBRUARY, 1932 of thumb” for designing your model and ex-
tensive tables as well as a simple and dc'
tailed description of the theory involved.
There has been so much published regard'
The Aerodynamic Design of Model Planes ing the construction of planes that we feel
By Chas. Hampson Grant 4 these articles on the principles of design
will be very serviceable to you.
> t
By H. J. Heindcll 1
There are plans for a novel model glider
by Mr. Stockton Ferris. This glider may
The Airplane Engine—Chapter 9 be built either as a “tail first” glider or as
By Lt. (jg.) Η. B. Miller 10 one of usual design, namely tail in the
rear. In the April issue further description
will be given as to how this glider may be
The Clark Cabin Model By Jack Clark 14 motorized. This should prove a very in-
tcresting craft to build. Upon tests this
machine has made a glide in still air of
Frank Luke, Jr., “The Balloon Terror” By J. Noble 23 15 to 1.

Special Course in Aerial Radio—Chapter 9 The month of March ushers in another

By Capt. L. S. Potter 24 interesting issue of MODEL AIRPLANE
NEWS. You cannot afford, as a model
builder, to be without this publication
A Balanced Wing Model By Edward Waldron 28 every month. Make your reservation now.
Our regular “ Courses” continue.

Air-Ways, “Here and There” and

American Sky Cadets 32
A nnouncem ent by the P u b lish er
The Mississippi Valley Model Airplane Contest I take pleasure in introducing Mr.
The Kansas State Mode! Aircraft Contest Grant as the new editor of your maga­
zine Model Airplane News. Mr.
Grant has given many years to en­
The Nieuport XVILC. I. ThreeWiew Layout 35 thusiastic work for aviation. He has
built models and flown them ever since
boyhood. Way back in 1909 he started
A Course in Airplane Designing By Ken Sinclair 36 his pioneer efforts. Today he stands
The Mechanics of Forces alone as an authority. Feel free at any
time to ask him questions. Write him
about your problems. He knows model
The Aviation Advisory Board 38 building inside out. He has attended
hundreds of competitions. He knows
many of the leading aviators and will
Sperry Automatic Pilot 39 have much to tell you in future issues
of flying and fliers.

Pub lish ed M onthly by M O D E L A IR P L A N E N E W S P U B L IS H IN G C O R P ., M yrick B ldg., S pringfield, M ass.

E ditorial and G eneral Offices, 1926 B roadw ay, N ew Y ork C ity.
S. W . H en n essey , P resid e n t. Irene T . K ennedy, T re a s u re r. W esley F. Pape, S ecretary.
J . W . L cB aron, A d v ertisin g M anager, 1926 B roadw ay, New Y ork, N . Y.
E n te re d a s second-class m a tte r Ju n e 5, 1929, a t the P ost Office a t Springfield M ass., under the A ct of M arch 3, 1879.
C o p y rig h t, 1931, by M O D E L A IR P L A N E N E W S P U B L IS H IN G C O R P.
P rice ISc a copy in U . S. an d in C anada. Subscription price $1.50 a y ear in the U n ited S ta te s and its possessions; also C anada,
Cuba, Mexico and P anam a.
All other countries $2.00 per year.
C hicago A d v ertisin g Office: 333 N orth M ichigan A ve., C. H . S h a ttu c k , M anager.
London A g e n ts: A tla s P u b lishing & D istrib u tin g Co., L td ., 18 B ride L ane, London. E. C.
Contributors are especially advised to be sure to retain copies of their contributions, otherwise they are taking unnecessary risk. Every possible effort will be made in our
organization to return unai ailable manuscripts, photographs and drawings, (if accompanied by postage), but we svili not be responsible for any loss of such matter contributed.
 MODEL A l RPL A X E HEWS 3

REAL VALUE
IN NATIONAL KITS
TEXACO13

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The quality of material, accurately sized
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21
 The Aerodynamic Design
of the Model Plane
B y C h a r le s H a m p s o n G r a n t

T h is is t h e f ir s t o f a se r ie s o f a r t ic le s b y a p r a c t ic a l d e s ig n e r
o f m o d e l p la n e s w i t h a lif e t im e e x p e r ie n c e p u t a t y o u r s e r v ic e .
In t h e s e a r t ic le s in f o r m a t io n w ill b e g iv e n w h ic h h a s ta k e n
t w e n t y y e a r s t o c o lle c t . H e r e y o u w ill fin d a n s w e r s t o m a n y o f
t h e p u z z lin g p r o b le m s t h a t h a v e m y s tifie d t h e m o d e l b u ild e r s .

O MANY of my model-build-

S ing friends have requested

information regarding the
design of model planes that I have decided
to present the important facts of model de-
sign in printed form.
Much has been written about the “build­
ing” of model planes, but very little con­
cerning the proper procedure, of “design.”
Naturally a machine must be properly de­
signed aerodynamically if it is to fly well
when constructed. It rather appears, that
heretofore we have tried to “build our
house,” before laying in the foundation
upon which it is to rest. How is it possible
to build a model plane that will perform
properly, before we understand how to
proportion it correctly? It simply cannot be
done, and I believe most of the unsuccess­
ful models that have been built, have failed
to perform in a proper manner because of
the builder’s lack of knowledge concerning
the correct position and proportioning of
surfaces and weights.
It is true that the model-builder has re­
course to many excellent books on aero­
dynamics, but such books “leave the reader
in mid air,” so to speak, without giving him any hint as to suppose that we know nothing about an airplane and ask
how to apply the theory practically, in the model that he ourselves this question. “W hat basic factors or qualities
builds. It has been necessary for him to work out this must a flying machine possess in order that it will fly
for himself. It is a difficult task and one worthy of those successfully, then, when we determine what these qualities
advanced in aeronautic theory. are, how are we going to build them into our model
However, in the pages to follow, practical and simple planes?” This really states the whole problem.
methods, or “rules of thumb,” will be presented which
will enable the average model enthusiast to apply “theory” Factors N os. 1 and 2. “Lift,” Propulsion
successfully. If questions arise in your mind which you The first necessary factor or quality is obvious. It is
would like to have me answer, write them out and send “lift.” Our plane must be able to rise from the ground into
them to me in care of this magazine. I shall try to answer the air. However, after the plane is off the ground it must
them to your satisfaction. travel forward, somewhere. In fact, in order that our plane
lift, it must be able to move forward at a sufficient speed.
N ecessary Factors for Flight In other words, a flying machine should have a means of
propulsion. This is our second necessary factor.
The flight of a model plane is a wonderful thing when Now that we have our machine off the ground and
one pauses to think about it. A machine heavier than air, travelling somewhere, we are not sure that it will remain
rising from the ground with apparently nothing supporting on level keel. It must not turn over, nose dive, stall or
it, just floating in space, meanwhile balancing and con­ do other startling antics that many of our machines ex­
trolling itself automatically as if a real pilot were at the ecute on the slightest provocation.
controls. It is a thing of mystery. This, in fact, is why
model building is so interesting. There is always some new Stability. Factor N o. 3
mystery to solve, always some new record to break. So It must he stable and remain in its true course of flight,
now, here we are out to “bag” some ideas on the subject. or if upset, or turned over on its side from this position,
In order that we may get a clear picture of the problem it must automatically return to the proper flight attitude
of design we must start at the very beginning, so let us as quickly as possible if a crash is not to result. It must

4
 THE A ER O D Y N AM IC DESIGN OF THE MODEL PLANE 5

overcome wind currents and other disturbing influences. Now our task becomes more difficult. Many of the
Many of our models can rise from the ground, but not all experimenters and scientists working on the problem of
of them have this last quality, that of stability, our third flight knew what factors were necessary. But, what
factor of flight. The secret lies in the proper arrangement mechanical means were they to use in order to have their
of the various “surfaces,” (wings, tail, body, etc., and machines operate properly? How could they build a ma­
weights), not necessarily in supplying a particular chine that would be able to rise from the ground, move
mechanical factor or part to the structure of the machine. forward, hold its true course and land on the ground
again safely? Also to reasonably control the course of flight
Factor N o. 4—The Landing Gear while in the air? This was the problem that took cen­
So far, we have our model off the ground, travelling turies to solve, and is now the one that we must solve. It is
forward through the air, and flying in stable flight, but a much easier one for us, however, as we have the informa­
now comes the end of the flight. It must land safely with' tion and facts to use that have been established by thou­
out damage. It must be either strong enough to drop down sands of experiments made since the “day” of the early
on the ground or else have suitable landing gear, similar pioneers.
to the landing gear of large planes. W e may call this Our task is to devise some mechanical apparatus that
factor number four. That is, a means of landing. will embody all of these six qualities, so let us go over
the problem of each factor separately and find out some of
Factor N o. S—The Frame the principles of their operation.
We now have considered nearly all the factors neces-
sary for flight, but they are of no use unless they are all Lift— (H ow It Is Obtained)
held together in their proper position, relative to one am Factor No. 1 is Lift. In the case of airplanes, “lift” is
other. So we find that a structure or framework of some secured in sufficient amount to cause the machine to rise
kind is necessary to accomplish this. W e will call this from the ground by drawing a wing or “surface” forward
factor number five. It is the framewor\ or body. through the air with the front edge raised slightly so the
air may strike the under side. This angle that the wing
Factor N o. 6—The Control
presents to the flow of the air is called the angle of attack.
In the case of a large, full-sized machine, a means of Diagram No. 1 shows a flat surface in the position described
control is supplied, in order to direct the machine while with the air passing around it, as it does under these con­
in flight, which is operated by the pilot from his seat in ditions.
the cockpit of the plane. However, there can be no pilot The surface A-B is moving from right to left. The air
in a model to do this in a direct manner. It must be de­ flows around it as shown by the heavy lines.
signed to automatically control itself and hold to a pre­ Through the action of the air as it flows over and under
determined course in response to an arrangement of the the wing surface, enough upward pull is generated to lift
surfaces and weights that are established before the start the airplane from the earth.
of the flight. W e can demonstrate this fact with a piece of cardboard
Do not confuse control with stability. “Control” refers about three inches wide and twelve inches long. Hold it
to the ability to govern the course or path of the model's extended out in the air by one end without moving it for­
flight. That is, its turning to the right or left, its altitude, ward, and the air has no effect upon it. However, if we
climb, glide or landing on or near a predetermined spot. should move it quickly through the air with the long front
It requires a thorough understanding of the theory of flight edge tilted or raised slightly, we find it has a tendency to
and design to be able to “control” or govern the flight of a lift. The air strikes the under side and bounces or is forced
model in this manner, so we will take up the study of this downward, causing a push upward against the cardboard.
sixth factor last of all. If we can build a machine that em­ Also a slight vacuum is created on the topside of the card­
bodies all of these six factors to a reasonable degree, we board. (V), Fig. No. 1. It is the combination of these
can operate it successfully from a mechanical standpoint. two effects that gives lift to the wing. It has been found
 6 MODEL AIRPLAHE NEWS

that the vacuum over the wing causes about three-quarters qualities of our models depend a great deal upon what
of the lift while the added pressure under the wing causes shape we give to the wing section, or aerofoil, as we call it.
the remaining one-quarter of the lift. Proper A erofoil Shape
In Diagram No. 2, an arrow (A) indicates the direction
and amount of pressure that the air creates on the surface. In Fig. No. 3, you will notice that the curve of the wing
This force (A) is a combination of a lift (L) and a drag is not a perfect arc of a circle but that the highest point
or resistance (L-A) or (D), because the force (A) pulls comes nearer the front edge (X) than the rear edge (Y).
upward, yet slightly backward. So we have not only lift This is what we call a parabolic wing. It is the best form
(L) but a resistance to the forward motion of the wing. to use.
This resistance which is called the “drag” of the wing must The highest point (C) of the curve, Fig. No. 4 should
be overcome by applying power to push the wing forward. be located back of the front edge (X) about one-third
of the distance from (X) to (Y). The distance, (ΧΎ)
Curved Wings we call the chord of the wing. In other words, (X-C)
should be equal to one-third of the chord (ΧΎ ).
The air does not flow smoothly but instead, fairly
“boils” over this flat wing, (V ), Fig. No. 1 and causes Double Surface Wings
a great deal of resistance or drag, but if the wing is curved, Up to this point we have been talking about wings of
as shown in Fig. No. 3, we find that it has a greater one single curve, the upper and lower side of the wing
tendency to lift with less pushing effort. In other words, being the same shape. This type of wing section is called
it gives more “lift” with less “drag.” This is due to the a single surface wing and is the simplest type to build.
fact that the air flows smoothly over this surface without Most of the early gliders and power planes had wings of
boiling or eddying as shown by the heavy lines represent­ this type.
ing air flow in Fig. No. 3. However, through constant experiment to develop a more
We know, therefore, that it is best to use curved, or efficient style of section, the so-called double surface wing
what we call cambered wings, on our models. was evolved. Fig. No. 5 shows a single surface wing, (A),
and a double surface one, (B).
This later developed wing section was found to be very
Wing Efficiency efficient. It not only gives greater lift, but the drag is
This relation between the lift and the drag, we call the greatly decreased, so much so, in fact, that some of the sec­
“lift-drag ratio.” It is the lift divided by the di'ag, is, L/D. tions that have been developed have given L /D (lift-drag
This ratio is important in telling us how efficient our wing ratio) of 23. That is, the lift is 23 times as much as the
drag. The increase in efficiency is partly due to the elimina­
is. If the lift is large and the drag is small, then we say tion of the slight vacuum which formed back of the leading
our wing is efficient. The L /D ratio of a flat wing in edge of a single surface wing' as shown at (M ), Fig. No.
flight is about five, that is, the lift is five times as great as 5. Also, the wing spars may be enclosed within the wing
the drag. The L/D ratio of a properly curved wing as in the case of a double-surface wing, while they were
shown in Fig. No. 3 is from 10 to 15. That is, the lift on exposed to the air in the old type, thus causing unneces­
such a wing is ten to fifteen times as great as the drag or sary drag.
its resistance to forward motion. So we see that the flying The curve of the upper (Continued on page 44)
 The Trans-Atlantic Navy Curtiss (N. C. 4)

Trans-Atlantic Planes
S o m e in t e r e s t i n g c o m m e n ts o n e a r ly a t t e m p t s t o s p a n t h e
A t l a n t ic b y a ir ; h o w t h e s e a t t e m p t s fo r m e d t h e b a s is f o r
s u c h s e n s a t io n a l a c h ie v e m e n t s a s t h a t o f t h e DO -X. in t h e
p resen t day

B y H . J . H e in d e ll

N PRACTICALLY every line of achievement having a true boat hull as its passenger and crew carrying

I and with each new discovery there have been

those who have blazed the trail and have just
fallen short of the goal. Stilt* their sacrifices in money, and
in some cases their lives have not been without their effect.
quarters. This small ship could travel but one mile a min­
ute, and was of limited cruising range; but we must remem­
ber that its further development bore fruit in the shape of
the multi-engine ships of today.
In human make-up there is the desire to accomplish some­ W ith the successful Trans-Atlantic flights of 1927-28
thing new, whether it may be a mountain peak to climb aeronautical interest began to return to the design of large
or new countries to explore. type flying boats capable of crossing large bodies of water
Crossing the Atlantic by air had its inception many years with sizeable payloads, and with large degree of safety.
ago. Aviation personalities in 1912 ventured the opinion The result of this renewed interest in 1927 is seen in such
that ocean crossing by aircraft in time to come would be the modern craft as the DO-X and the giant Sikorsky S40.
accepted mode of travel to Europe. Statements in that year Present day accomplishment is only the result of again
by the late Glenn H. Curtiss told us that sometime we taking up and finishing large flying boat projects started
would see the Flying Boat developed along the lines of a as early as 1914, and incorporating new developments here
palatial yacht with sleeping quarters for owner, guests and and there.
crew. Mr. Curtiss predicted that these large flying yachts First Flying Boats
would be sea-worthy, comfortable and fast, but we cannot
help wondering if even his inventive genius forsaw the high
rate of speed and mammoth proportions to which Flying The forerunner of the now familiar flying boat was,
Boats would grow. as we know, developed by Curtiss, and had a very limited
By 1912 it seemed that the land aircraft had accom­ range of activity, but with this first effort once made, de­
velopment went constantly forward until the further pos­
plished all that could be reasonably expected of this type.
Blériot had flown across the English Channel, Robinson had sibilities of the flying boat were soon no longer questioned.
flown the length of the Mississippi River, from its source to Rodman Wanamaker was among the first to be impressed
its mouth, the American continent had been spanned and by the possibilities of an ocean crossing, and authorized
Chavez in Europe had flown over the Alps. the construction of the first enclosed cabin flying boat to be
At this time pontoons or floats were not new, for air­ built, the “AMERICA.” This was the first multi-engine
craft operation over water, but it was Mr. Curtiss, carry­ flying boat carrying two pusher type engines mounted be­
ing out his prediction, who brought out the first flying boat tween the wings. Successful tests were made, and all sped-

7
S MODEL AIRPLAHE HEWS

fications met. Preparation was being made

for the crossing of the Atlantic when a
mishap occurred to the propeller on one of
the motors. By the time a new propeller
had been procured, the World W ar had
started. Regretfully, Wanamaker decided
to postpone the attempt to span the Atlan­
tic, thereby depriving the “AMERICA” of
honors that might have been hers. Yet many
ships of this type later found themselves do­
ing patrol work over the English Channel.
Built for War Purposes
During the war (1915 and 1916) a
multi-engine flying boat, as large as the
DO-X, was built, about which little has
ever been made known. This large aircraft
was designated the model “T .” It was de­
signed by the late Glenn H. Curtiss, and
built by the Curtiss Aeroplane Company.
Much interest has been displayed in the Glenn Curtiss and Henry Ford look over early Curtiss Flying Boat
gigantic size of the DO-X since its arrival a t Hammondsport, 1913
in this country, but until the advent of the
DO-X this country’s own 1916 model “T ” was the largest and in plans came often, and it was one of these last minute
heavier-than-air aircraft ever built. This airplane was de­ changes in plans, that is, the decision to install Rolls-Royce
signed for war purposes and was constructed under the motors in England, that robbed this early bird of being the
necessary war restrictions and secrecy. Because of the first to make the ocean crossing by air.
hasards of ocean travel by boat it was intended to fly the
model “T ” ship to the scene of conflict. But this monster N C -4 Crossing Remarkable Undertaking
was built for the British Admiralty, and a last minute The NC-4 in May, 1919, was the first aircraft to success­
decision to install English engines in this craft made neces­ fully cross the Atlantic, and in this undertaking Mr. G.
sary the abandonment of the ocean hop. H. Curtiss again played an important part. “N C ” implies
The model “T ” hull, or passenger carrying unit, was a combination of effort by the Navy and Curtiss.
built of wood, the accepted type of construction of that The year 1917 saw aeronautical designing moving along
day. Very carefully laid out light members, securely at a rapid rate, with the war calling for bigger and better
braced and engineered, made up the hull structure. The aircraft. Naturally the question was again raised regard­
outside and bottom parts were covered with several layers ing the transportation of implements of war by boat, to
of thin mahogany, between which was inserted a water­ avoid the danger of loss through the enemy’s submarine
proofing material. Such was the ship’s size that it was warfare, then being waged very intensely. The Navy De­
necessary to transport the hull and wings from the factory partment reached a decision to construct four large flying
at Buffalo to the point of departure overseas by the boats and actually send them to France under their own
water route of the Erie Canal and Hudson River. Railway power. Drawings were made, and hull lines laid down in
cars could not accommodate the huge boxes containing the fall of 1917. Construction started in winter and spring
various parts of the ship. of 1918 at the new Curtiss plant at Garden City, L. I.,
D etails of Construction N. Y. This undertaking required the services of many
trained men. The co-operation of many engineering minds,
The wing construction of this mighty plane was of the both in and out of the industry, greatly assisted in the
three wing, or tri-plane type, one wing being mounted over design and constx*uction of the various units, such as gaso­
the other like three shelves. The power plant consisted of line tanks, radiators, propellers, armament, and the produc­
four motors in the center wing, tractor fashion. tion of all special parts.
The model “T ’s” empennage or tail grouping consisted
of triple rudders, with only one fin coming up from the H ow Model “T ” and the N C -4 Differed
boat hull to meet the sternpost. One long horizontal The “N C ” type of construction departed radically from
stabilizer, and two elevators with the full width of the the “DO-X” and the “T,” in that it used outrigger booms
stabilizer completed the tail group. This arrangement was or spars for the tail erection. This construction is the same
unique, as the top horizontal surface or elevator was hinged as is now used on all Sikorsky ships. The NC-4 type had
to the top of the rudder posts, and not to a fixed surface, an overall width of 126 feet, with a length of 55 feet.
as is the generally accepted design arrangement. The width Height from keel to top of wing was twenty-two feet,
of the tail group was much larger in span than the span while the boat hull was 12 feet wide. The large hull con­
of the main wings of the average commercial plane. The tained six gasoline tanks with capacities of three hundred
span of the wings, of tri-plane arrangement, was 137 feet. gallons each. Supplementing these six was an overhead
This mammoth boat was capable of carrying in its cabin wing gravity tank of 100 gallons. The original layout for
nearly one hundred persons. The control compartment for military work called for a Davis non-recoil gun, mounted
two pilots occupied the forward end of the boat and was on the gunner’s cockpit ring at the extreme nose of the
entirely enclosed, yet gave unobstructed vision to pilot and ship. In addition, a machine gunner’s nest was mounted
navigator. atop the center wing and reached by a steel ladder.
In reality, the model “T ” in size and outline was the
forerunner of the DO-X type of today, except that in the Arm istice Intervenes and Prevents Crossing
DO-X we have the one monoplane wing doing the work of as Man of War
the “T ’s” three. The first of the “N C ” group was completed in Novem­
During the construction of this craft changes in design ber, 1918, just after the signing of the armistice. This first
 T RAKIS'AT LA N T IC PLACES 9

plane was designated the NC-I, and mounted three Liberty Tanks for fuel on this Vimy-Vickers Bomber displaced
motors. In view of the fact that the NC-I transported the bombs and bombing apparatus to such an extent that in
fifty-one "Navy “Gobs” from the Air Station at Rocka way, skeleton, while being assembled, the machine looked like a
L. I., to Atlantic City and return, the reader will get some collection of cylinders or tanks. The nose of the ship
idea of the immense carrying capacity of the NC type of formed one tank, the center section of the upper wing
craft. On the NC-I a pusher motor was later mounted aft, another, and, running back from the cockpit, were six other
and in line with the center motor. This change was also tanks holding about 100 gallons each. The life raft tank
followed on the balance of the ships. was carried in much the same manner as Hawker carried
Preparation went forward in the spring of 1919 for the the emergency boat on his Sopwith.
ocean crossing of the NC ships under the leadership of The flyers had scant room in their cockpit. Alcock acted
Commander A. C. Read, U. S. Naval Air Station. After as pilot separated only by inches from the wheel with
various trial, load and which he controlled the
radio, tests, the three ships machine. He was com­
made their first hop to St. pletely surrounded by in­
r Johns, where they awaited struments, valves for the
good weather for the sec­ operation of the ship, and
ond leg of thet.journey to control valves for trim­
the Azores. Ships of the ming the gasoline tanks,
surface fleet of the U. S for it must be remem bered
Navy were stationed at that in order to have
intervals of fifty miles proper balance around the
along the route to relay center of gravity fuel had
radio calls or go to the to be drawn proportion­
assistance of any of the ally from all tanks at the
flyers in case of necessity. same time. Brown, how­
The NC-4 made the cross­ ever, got a better deal, and
ing of this second lap had more room. This was
without mishap, landing necessary for his observa­
at Horta in the Azores. tions, only three of which
But the remaining two were made, due to bad
planes were forced down weather.
en route. The NC-3 came The successful conclu­
down close to the surface sion of the flight was due
for observation and even to the great determination
made contact with the of these men. They never
water, but due to the wavered, though follow­
heavy sea running at the ing closely the ill-fated at­
time she was unable to tempt of Hawker and
attain flying speed and Greive. The elapsed fly­
could not get off again. Alcock and Brown after their flight. Capt. Alcock, a model ing time for negotiating
enthusiast, and L t. Brown holding the first Trans-Atlantic
After drifting helplessly air mail bag this water hop was sixteen
in the sea she was for­ hours and twelve minutes.
tunately picked up by one
of the surface fleet. D O -X Embodies Old and N e w Principles
The NC-4, however, after an interval at Horta, con­ of Design
tinued on to Lisbon, Portugal and then to England, thus The Dornier DO-X flying boat which but recently com­
connecting the United States and England by air for the pleted a delayed Trans-Atlantic flight is in reality a “bring­
first time. ing together or summing up,” as it might be called, of
old principles, added to the pioneer Claude Dornier’s re­
Alcock and Brown M ake Successful Attem pt
searches in metal hull and wing construction.
Those intrepid airmen Sir John Alcock and Sir Arthur In 1916 we had the model “T ” with a boat hull of the
Whitten Brown, flying a Vimy-Vickers Bi-plane took off DO-X type, except that sponsons were employed in place of
from St. Johns, Newfoundland, on their memorable at­ lateral fins or stub wings, as are used on the DO-X. The
tempt to span the Atlantic, on June 14th, 1919. Their adoption of steel and duralumin for wood is an advance
Vimy-Vickers was of the type built in England for bomb­ in keeping with current developments, and in the matter
ing work over the front and with its ability for transport­ of supporting surfaces we find the monoplane wing re­
ing heavy loads, the Alcock-Brown ship was well suited placing the multi-wings of years gone by. No change is
to their purpose. These two men vJere the first to make noticeable in tail grouping or water rudder control. Usual
a non-stop flight across the Atlantic. Their remarkable feat flying boat practice is to construct water tight bulkheads
followed, only by a matter of days, the successful spanning across the hull at different intervals, with watertight doors
of the Atlantic by the NC-4. inter-connecting. The displacement of any two compart­
At the time of the flight there was much anxious waiting ments being such that they would sustain flotation of
for word from these two flyers. Their plane was equipped the ship.
with radio and their silence caused some anxious moments The interior of the DO-X is divided longitudinally by
among those who followed their undertaking with interest. decks of which there are three, the uppermost one con­
Ships in the Trans-Atlantic shipping lane were asked by taining the pilots’ quarters and other compartments neces­
the British Air Ministry to be on the lookout for their sary to the proper navigation of the ship, and is located
plane or for signals from their radio, but no word came just forward of the leading edge of the wing. The hull of
until Alcock and Brown landed in Ireland. It was then the DO-X is deep enough from keel to top of wing to allow
learned that a broken drag wire had carried away the the ship to ride out a fairly heavy sea and the whole ship
propeller blade of their radio generator. is not only seaworthy (Continued on page 41)
 The Airplane Engine
The Diesel Engine
B y L t . (jg ) Η . B . M ille r , U . S . N .

I T IS a startling fact
that not many years
ago, gasoline was thrown
away in open fields and poured into rivers
F
urther , increased efficiency
^
pression ratio. The more a charge is
compressed the greater will be the per­
results fro

in an effort to get rid of this dangerous by­ centage of expansion of the gases before the
product of crude petroleum. A t that time, the exhaust valve opens. Thus, more useful work is
most highly desired distillate of crude oil was kerosene, extracted from the gases before they are emitted to
which could be used for illuminating purposes. the atmosphere.
Gasoline, being explosive could not safely be used in On the other hand, we know that by compressing a gas
wick-lamps. Thus, when the automobile came into use, at we increase its temperature. If the mixture gets too hot
the beginning of the Twentieth Century, there was a sur­ auto-ignition will occur, that is, it will be ignited by the
plus of excellent fuel in the country. Since then, progress heat of compression. Thus, ignition will take place before
in the design of the internal combustion engine has closely the desired point and the maximum pressure will be built
followed the development of fuels suitable for use in those up before the piston reaches top dead center. This back
powerplants. pressure pushing downward on the piston results in loss
The advent of the automobiles formed a profitable market of power.
for this heretofore useless oil. Since there were but few In an effort to obtain increased power and better effi­
cars throughout the country they were naturally supplied ciency the compression ratio of airplane engines has been
with the highest grade of gasoline. increased to well over that of those used in automobiles.
This condition lasted until the close of the World W ar From 4.0 and 4.5 the compression ratio has gradually gone
when the huge numbers of automobiles began to create a up to 5.5 and 6.0 for normal uses. The average airplane
shortage in the gasoline supply. The result of this increased powerplant can operate satisfactorily under these compres­
demand for fuel caused the refineries to extract not only sion ratios, but above these figures auto-ignition and detona­
the true gasoline from the crude, but also to carry the tion begin to take place resulting in loss of power, loss of
process further and take out some of the lower grades of ignition control, and may eventually result, if continued in
oils. a badly damaged engine.
The result of this inferior fuel which flooded the market By using a blended fuel with non-detonating qualities,
was to cause a multitude of automotive difficulties. The however, even high compression ratios may be used success­
engines could not burn the heavier oils properly. Enormous fully and increased powers will be obtained. The addition
heat was developed which soon burned out bearings and of tetraethyl lead, more commonly known as ethyl fluid to
pistons. Starting difficulties in cold weather combined to the fuel will reduce the detonating qualities and permit
create confusion throughout the industry. higher compressions.
Conferences were held between the officials of the oil A mixture of benzol, a distillate of coal, and gasoline
and the automobile ůidustries and steps were taken to will also prevent detonation. It is this blend which is gen­
remedy the situation. The discovery of new erally used in racing
oil fields and better methods of refining al­ and high speed en­
leviated the unsatisfactory state of affairs. gines. The compres­
Ever since that time the two sion ratio of engines
dustries have worked used in events such as
hand. the Schneider Cup
Increased power can be ob­ Races frequently goes
tained from a gasoline engine up as high as 8.0. If
by increasing the compres­ special fuels were not
sion ratio within certain used these powerplants would
limits. As the compression is literally blow themselves to
increased the minute mole­ pieces. A compression ratio of
cules of the explosive mixture, 10.0 has been successfully used
are forced into closer contact. in an internal combustion en­
Consequently, when ignition gine but that is not practical
takes place the time for general usage. Alcohol
of burning the com­ also makes a splendid non-
plete charge is re­ detonating fuel.
duced. The sudden While increased power may be
burning results in obtained by the use of high com­
the building up of a pressions we have seen that spe­
higher pressure with­ cial fuels must be used. Thus,
in the cylinder which in performance is gained at a greatly
turn delivers more power increased cost. Other factors also
to the downward moving Cam Mechanism of “Packard-Diesel” enter into that problem. For in­
piston. stance, high compression engines

10
 THE AIRPLANE E?{CI7s[E 11

operate at a very high temperature. This offers cooling of the true Diesel cycle sufficiently to permit the attainment
difficulties that frequently lead to trouble. In a previous of a rotating speed of 1950 revolutions per minute.
article we have seen that a sparkplug can be designed to The engine is of the nine cylinder radial type of con­
operate well in either a hot or a cold engine, but one plug struction. A t a distance it might be mistaken for a normal
will not satisfy both conditions. Consequently, if the spark' radial internal combustion engine. A closer inspection,
plug operates successfully under the hot conditions of an however, will disclose that the Packard-Diesel is a cleaner
engine, it will foul up badly when that engine is idling. engine. While it has the normal cooling fins they are
It is thus seen that the high limit of compression ratio smaller and less apparent. Also, there is but one rocker
for the gasoline engine has been reached so far as practical arm mechanism and pushrod housing, instead of the two
purposes are concerned. For racing and special purposes, that clutter up the average engine. A coil of copper tubing
of course, cost does not influence the design so closely. will be observed around the forward end of the engine
behind the shutters. This is merely the lubricating oil
wo courses are left open to those seeking increased en- cooler.
T gine performance. One is to develop fuel to a point
where it will burn satisfactorily under the severe conditions
It is to be noted that each cylinder has but one valve.
This serves for both intake of air and exhaust for the burnt
high compression imposes upon it. The second is to design gases of combustion. Since the cool incoming air alternates
an engine that will successfully bum the with the hot outgoing gases it is easily
fuels that are already available. _ seen that the warping and distorting of
Peculiarly, the second solution of the iprob- the valve will seldom occur because it
lem has been in existence for years in will never reach high
the form of the Diesel engine. It temperatures.
takes advantage of the high heat of A compression ratio
of 14 to 1 is used on
this engine in order to
gain the highest pos­
sible efficiency and,
also, to create a suf­
ficiently high tem­
perature to ignite
the heavy oil fuel.
Since it is desired to

compression to pro'
vide ignition for the
fuel. This automati­
cally eliminates the need of
a separate ignition system
with its added weight,
complexity, and many extra
parts which might fail. More-
over, extremely high efficiency P a c k a r d-Diesel,
is gained because of the high per- Propeller Mounted
centage of expansion permitted the
gases before being exhausted from
the cylinders.
This type of engine was first
proposed by an eminent German
engineer, Dr. Rudolph Diesel, in
1892. Up to comparatively re .
cently the extremely high pressures developed
within the engine of this type have demanded that
it be constructed of very heavy and strong ma­
terial. Moreover, burning quite heavy fuel oil, its operat­
ing speed has always been low. As used on stationary control the exact point of
power plants the weight of the Diesel engine has been as ignition, the fuel is in-
high as one hundred pounds per horsepower. The newly jected into the cylinder
launched German “pocket battleship” uses Diesels which only after a certain compression of
have a weight of eleven pounds per horsepower. air has taken place. A t this point
Considering the above figures it is seen what a remark­ the temperature of the compressed air will be such that
able feat of engineering was done by Captain L. M. Wool- the incoming atomised fuel will burn immediately.
son of the Packard Motor Car Company in designing the
Packard-Diesel aircraft engine. This was the first engine HE strokes of the cycle arc as follows: Intake stroke,
of this type to be successfully applied to aircraft and was
made possible by the solution of two difficult problems.
T the valve is open and the piston travels downward
drawing in a charge of pure air. The valve remains open
The first was the reduction of weight. So ingenious is until the piston is 25 degrees after bottom dead center.
the design that this engine weighs but 2.31 pounds per We have seen that the inertia of the inrushing air will
brake horsepower—an heretofore unheard of figure. The keep a flow of air into the cylinder for some time in spite
second problem which was overcome was the modification of the piston’s change of direction. This will increase the
12 M ODEL A1RPLAHE HEWS

The cylinders are forged from chrome-molybdenum steel.

The steel cooling fins are machined from the same stock
as the barrel. The head is integral with the rest of the
cylinder and the entire construction is exceedingly strong.
As only one valve opening need be made in the head this
also lends to the strength of the structure. On the ex­
terior head is bolted an aluminum foundation for the
single rocker arm and the valve housing.

he crankcase is a single casting of magnesium which

T weighs but thirty-four pounds complete. A peculiar
feature of this metal is its ability to stand enormous com­
pression, and at the same time lacking tensile, or pulling
strength. Taking this fact into consideration, it certainly
would be unwise to bolt the individual cylinders to the
crankcase by studs as is ordinarily done.
Each explosion within the cylinder would be a tremen­
dous strain upon the thin walls of the crankcase which
would eventually rupture and break apart. The cylinders
would tend to blow off from the crankcase at each ex­
plosion.
Captain Woolson forged a hold down lug on the for­
ward and after side of each cylinder. The nine cylinders
are set in place and a three-quarter inch steel hoop passed
around the hold down lugs on the front of the engine. A
second hoop is passed around the lugs aft. Each hoop is
made in three sections joined together by turnbuckles.
Starter Mechanism
By means of long handled wrenches the turnbuckles are
volumetric efficiency considerably. placed under a heavy strain. Thus, all nine cylinders are
As the piston continues to travel upward on the com­ held to the circular crankcase by means of the tightened
pression stroke the entrapped air is compressed. When 45 steel rings. The crankcase is placed under so much com­
degrees before top dead center the pressure will be about pression that even the high pressures of combustion cannot
600 pounds and the temperature of the air will have been place a tensile strain upon it.
raised to approximately 1000 degrees F. A t this point the Another factor which enters into the crankcase construc­
fuel oil is injected into the cylinder under a pressure of tion can best be compared with the wire spoked automobile
about 400 pounds per square inch. Forced through a tiny wheel. Here the hub is kept from touching the ground b4y
nozzle the oil is completely atomized. It now mixes thor­ the tensile stresses set up in the spokes in the upper sector
oughly with the turbulent compressed air and combustion of the wheel. These spokes are secured to the rim which
takes place at once. The oil is not forced into the cylinder in turn keeps the entire wheel oif the ground.
all at once. Instead, it continues to be sprayed in until Likewise, in the Packard-Diesel engine, as the explosion
just after the piston goes over top dead center on the takes place in one cylinder the steel hoops transmit the
power stroke. tensile load to the opposite side of the crankcase where it
As the fuel burns it creates a pressure in addition to is converted into compression between the hoops and the
the further compression built up by the piston as it con­ bearing anchorages. This type of stress can be easily with-
tinues upward. Thus, as the piston begins its power stroke
a maximum effective pressure of 1200 pounds is reached.
Compare this to the 550 pounds peak pressure of the Otto
cycle engine.
Because of the high compression ratio the gases of the
Diesel engine will have expanded a greater percentage by
the time the valve opens for exhaust than those of the
gasoline engine. The exhaust point is set at 45 degrees
before bottom dead center.
The piston continues on to the end of its stroke and
then returns upward, driving the burnt gases out of the
valve. Since this valve is also the intake valve it does not
close at the end of this stroke, but remains open and the
down traveling piston again draws in a fresh charge of
air. It is to be observed that the valve movement has been
reduced materially thus again reducing the possibilities of
troubles.
It was essential for Captain Woolson to reduce the
weight of the Diesel engine if it were to compete with the
light Otto cycle engines. In spite of this difficult require­
ment he had to design his engine to take care of the
tremendous peak pressure of 1200 pounds. To do this he
used magnesium liberally. This metal is but one-half the
weight of steel and has approximately the same strength.
In addition to light materials, skillful methods were de­
vised for constructing the engine. Particularly is this trug
of the means used for securing the cylinders to the crank­
Crank Case Housing; Propeller End
case.
 THE AIRPLANE EMGIME 13

stood. for combustion. As the throttle is

A single fuel pressure pump is used closed the flapper valves are auto­
For each cylinder. This is a small piston matically closed in the proper propor­
plunger pump the length of tion. It is obvious that idling
stroke of which determines the speed is uneconomical.
amount of fuel that is forced To insure complete burning
to enter the cylinder. Since and its resulting efficiency it is
the amount of fuel is the necessary to have a sur­
factor determining the plus of air. The Packard-
speed and consequently Diesel provides twenty-five
the power the engine will per cent excess amount of
develop, the pump stroke air at sea level. Of course,
must be controlled by the as the plane climbs and
throttle. Actually, the the air density decreases,
throttle rotates a control this surplus will be re­
ring to which is linked duced.
up arms which regulate As a matter of fact the
the length of the pump altitude at which the
stroke. amount of oxygen equals
The pump pistons are the combustible need of
actuated by a revolving the fuel is 8000 feet. It
cam geared directly onto is thus seen that the en­
the crankshaft. As a lobe of gine retains its sea level power
the cam reaches the pump unit up to this height. This factor
it raises a cam follower which gives a certain degree of super­
in turn pushes up the piston charger benefits.
inside the small pump cylin­ This piston is of normal
der. The pump unit will de- shape except it has an indenta­
liver the fuel oil into the Diesel, showing Cil CoolingCoil of Copper Tubing tion on one side. Because of
cylinder under a pressure of the high compression ratio
from four to five thousand pounds. This insures good there is very little clearance volume. Consequently, it is
atomization and a resulting complete and quick combustion. necessary to provide this depression in order to permit the
The fuel is fed into the individual pumps by means of a valve to open.
fuel line which encircles the rear of the engine. A pressure Besides, this construction provides the maximum tur­
of ten pounds is maintained in this ring by means of an bulence to the compressed air. In addition, the air is ad­
ordinary gear fuel pump. mitted tangentially in order to further obtain turbulence
which results in quick and complete combustion.
he external inlet of the single valve opens into a ven­ Because of the high peak pressure this engine might be
T turi. The intake air goes to the cylinder through the rough in its operation except for two ingenious schemes
forward end of the tube while the exhaust gases escapeFirst, the counterweight of the crankshaft is mounted on a
through the after end. An air shutter or flapper valve is pivot and rides against two large springs. As the peak
inserted in the forward end of the venturi in order to pressure begins to move the piston at a rapid acceleration,
restrict the air when using idling speeds. the springs permit the counterweight to lag behind. When
This is necessary because it is difficult to inject the minute the piston pressure is reduced further along in the cycle
amount of fuel that would be necessary to give idling the compressed springs return the counterweights to their
speeds. Idling can be accomplished, however, by limiting original position. This tends to equalize the crankshaft
the amount of oxygen in the cylinder which is available speed. (Continued on page 31)

A few of the parts th a t make up the assembly of the Packard-Diesel

The Clark Cabin Model
Instructions and Plans for Building
an Unusual Flying Plane

B y J a c k C la rk “ O ut of th e W est”
The Clark Model in full flight a t P o rt­
land, Oregon

I
N THIS article we shall describe the construe' 1 piece pine, 1/16 x 1/8 x 2. Axle guide.
tion of a very light and rugged model that has One ounce bottle of colorless airplane cement.
good altitude and distant qualities as well as One ounce bottle of wing dope (50% nitrate dope, 50%
easy landing ability. acetone).
Its features are sheet balsa wheel pants, demountable nose 2 sheets “Superfine Japanese tissue,” 18 x 21.
and tail plugs instead of a motoťstick, three'unit wing 1 sheet, medium weight rice paper. (About 5 x 9 . ) For
construction, and a split'axlc landing gear that spreads nose 40 inches of No. 10 music wire (.024"). For all wire
when the plane lands. parts except “e” small piece of No. 8 music wire (.020").
You will require the following material for this model: For hanger brace “e” only, on nose plug. (Drawing No.
Material. Where Used. 1·)
1 piece balsa, 1/32 x 1/16 x 12. Window molding, tail 6 / i " diameter washers. To fit No. 10 wire for wheels
bracing. and propeller shaft.
2 pieces balsa, 1/16 x 1/16 x 24. Fuselage bracing, tail 2 thrust bearings, steel. (Refer to Drawing No. 1 for
and rudder. sizes.)
1 piece balsa, 1/16 x 3/32 x 30. Front fuselage bracing, 1 thin piece of tin or brass, J/4 x 1 1/16. Bearing plate
rudder. for rear or propeller hub (Drawing No. 6).
3 pieces balsa, 1/16 x 1/8 x 36. Wing spars and edges, 1 piece of 3/32 outside diameter brass tubing. For
tail, rudder, etc. propeller shaft (Drawing No. 6.)
1 piece balsa, 1 /1 6 x 3 /1 6 x 3 0 . Wing main spar, tail 2 No. 3Ό “Wilsnap” dress snaps. For snapping nose
center rib. plug to fuselage (Drawing No. 1.)
5 pieces balsa, 3/32 x 3/32 x 36. Fuselage longerons, 90 inches (7J/2 feet) /$ flat rubber motor. For 3 loops
cross'bracing, etc. (6 strands), 15 inches long.
1 piece balsa, 1/8 x 1/8 x 2J/2- Landing gear strut hinge 1 piece of cellophane, 9/16 x 1 15/16. Front cabin win'
blocks. dow. (W 'l on Drawing No. 1.)
1 piece balsa, 1/8 x 1/4 x 4. Hanger support, cabin edge,
2 pieces of cellophane, 7/$ x 5. For the four side win'
tail skid. dows on each side of fuselage. (W on Drawing No. 1.)
1 piece balsa, 3 / 1 6 x 3 / 8 x 2 . Wheel pant sides spacers.
Fine silk thread. For binding where specified.
1 piece balsa, 1/4 x 1/4 x 13/16. (Tail plug.)
1 piece balsa, 3/8 x 7/16 x 1. (Tail plug.) Many dimensions are omitted from the drawings as they
1 piece balsa, 1/4 x 1 1/16 x lJ/4. (Nose plug.) are fulbsize. Measurement with a ruler will determine any
1 piece balsa, 1/8 x 1 1/16 x 1 9/32. (Nose plate.) desired dimension.
1 piece balsa, 5/8 x 1 x Ί /z- (Propeller block.) As most of the parts of the model are of balsa wood,
1 piece balsa, 1/16 x lJ/2 x 30. All parts specified 1/16 all parts referred to in either the article or on the plans
sheet. are understood to be of balsa (mediunvhard), unless other'
1 piece balsa, 1/32 x 3 x 24. All parts specified 1/32 wise specified.
sheet. The original model was finished with yellow dope on
2 pieces bamboo, 1/16 x 1/4 x 15. All parts specified body, landing gear struts, surfaces and pants, with black
bamboo. trim around strut edges, pant sides and cabin. The nose

The Fuselage skeleton, ready to cover Wing, Stabilizer and Fin framework finished
“Pro p ”

14
 THE CLARK CABIK MODEL 15

and propeller was silver.

Finish, of course, is optional with the individual builder.
W e shall start first with the fuselage.
Fuselage
The fuselage, like the other parts of the plane, is shown
full-size, and so the plans or tracings of them can be used
directly as assembly patterns.
Pin drawings No. 1 and No. 2 or their tracings together
upon a smooth board so that the top and side views of the
fuselage are shown as one continuous layout. W ith a
razor blade, cut to the sizes and angles the balsa pieces for
the body sides and for the top and bottom cross-pieces. Lay
wax paper over the plans to prevent glue sticking to them
and then form a jig by driving pins or small finishing nails
around the side and top views to hold the parts in place.
Set all the pieces for one side in the form except the with a ruler. Now glue in the diagonals marked “assemble
diagonal marked “assemble last.” Cement all joints and last.” Cut out and notch the cowl formers a, b and c and
allow 30 minutes to set, then lift out frames and build the cowl stringer d and cement in place as shown. (Note:
up other side. Do not overlook cementing in the four 1/16 x Y q sheet
Next make the nose plate g, nose plug h and hanger sup­ balsa pieces all around the nose right back of the nose
port h-1. (The hanger support is cut from the / s x j/4 x 4 plate as these greatly aid in resisting headon shocks in
piece given in the material list). The rest of this 4-inch piece flight.)
is cut and sanded to size for the 3/32 x J/4 x2 top front Form the can f for the rubber motor and glue and bind
cabin edge, and the 3/32 x 3/16 tail-skid base. See Draw­ it to the 3/32 square x 2 piece as shown. Cement this
ings (No. 1 and No. .2) unit to fuselage at the point indicated. This “can” will
Bind and glue two steel hangers or thrust bearings of the prevent undue vibration by keeping the rubber from
dimensions shown, to the support h-1. A t this point in the thrashing around while unwinding.
construction form the U-shaped hanger-brace e of No. 8 Our next step on the body is to make the landing gear
music wire and imbed into, and cement to, the front of the fittings of No. 10 music wire. After bending to shape,
nose plug h in the position shown on Drawing No.-1. This cement and bind with fine silk thread to the bottom
will prevent the front hanger from bending back into the longerons in the exact position shown on the drawing.
slot under an impact on the nose. The thread binding is very important at these joints. Be
Now insert and glue the support h-1 into the slot in the careful to get all four fittings evenly located from the
nose plug. (Note: The rear hanger is made longer than front end of the body.
the front one so that the propeller shaft will set at a Make the wing-rubber grips of No. 10 music wire
negative or downward angle. The line of thrust being and cement to the fuselage at the points shown. The rear
down slightly will prevent the plane from stalling under grips should be bound with thread about the bottom cross­
power with the wing ahead in a good gliding position. If bar at which they are located.
the model stalls on the glide, the rear hanger can be bent Cut a piece of cellophane to fit over the front window
slightly back to a lower position, thus reducing the shaft space marked “W -l” on the plan or top view, and cement
angle.) in place. When dry, glue on over the cellophane a molding
Cement halves of two No. 3-0 “Wilsnap” dress snaps of 1/32 X 1/16 strips.
onto the nose plate, and cement the other halves to the Referring now to Drawing No. 2, make up the tail plug
nose plug as shown. A neater fit and its wire fittings as shown:
can be made if you cut out slight also the tail-skid which is ce­
circular depressions in the balsa mented to the 3/32 x 3/16 base
to receive the snap halves. on the bottom of the fuselage.
Cut two pieces of cellophane
(see material list) to fit the four
An Interesting Before covering the fuselage,
glue in place the landing gear
window sections at the top of the axle guide (see Drawing No. 3
body sides, marked “W ,” and
cement to the sides so that the Model to Build, and text on landing gear). When
ready to cover body proceed as
cellophane will be on the inside follows: Cover both sides of the
of both body sides when the
fuselage is assembled.
and One Which fuselage from the nose plate to
the door outline with a medium
Set the two side frames in the weight rice paper: also cover the
top view form and glue in place Will Reward You top from the nose plate to the
the middle bottom cross-pieces. window with the same weight
Push the back of the structure
down against the drawing, and
W ith Excellent paper. Cover the first three panels
of the bottom with rice paper,
glue in place the rear braces. carefully sealing the space around
Then reverse the frame on the Flights the protruding pine pieces of the
plan and glue in the middle and axle guide. (See landing gear
rear top pieces in the same man­ details, Drawing No. 3.) Using a
ner, including the 3/32 x heavier paper on the nose helps
cabin edging which is sanded off to a smooth rounded edge, strengthen the front of the plane. Heavy—that is,
after taking from form. “straight”—wing dope makes a fine paper cement and
Next cement the front ends of the longerons into the produces a neat job. However, straight dope thinned with
grooves in the nose plate and wrap with thread to hold 50% of acetone works very well if you apply the paper
in place until dry. When set, remove the thread and insert to the frame a section at a time and work quickly.
upper and lower front cross-pieces, checking their position Cover the rest of fche fuselage with “Superfine” tissue
16 MODEL AIRPLANE HEWS

and apply a coat of light cement one to each pant

dope to all body surfaces (opposite respective sides,
after trimming the paper of course) exactly 7/ q" in
edges oif with a razor from the front end of the
blade. A coat of silver pant and 7/32 down from
dope on the nose and the top of the pant. Cut
black trimming around the out the 1/16 X X ^8
windows adds a great deal pants-to-strut braces and
to the appearance of the bevel their ends to match
fuselage. the front end view of the
Finally cement four pant assembly on the
(1/16 square x 2) “wing drawing. Cement them to
strip” pieces to the top of the pants and lay away
the body just back of the to dry.
front w i n d o w . These Glue a small Za ' di­
strips are shown on the ameter washer to each
side elevation of Drawing side of each wheel at the
No. 1, but not on the top hub. ( 1|4 " is the proper
view. Space these pieces wheel diameter for this
3/32" apart. The angle pant size.) Apply two
of incidence piece on the coats of wing dope to the
leading edge of the wing wheels to strengthen them
(Drawing No. 5) fits between them and they keep the and then slip one of the wheels into a pant and run the
wing from sliding back along the body during flight. pant and wheel onto the axle together. Now glue the
beveled projecting end of the pant-to-strut brace to the land­
Landing Gear and Pants ing gear strut snug under the 1/16 x Ζδ x Za piece on the
With a razor blade cut out the struts from 1/32 sheet. strut as shown in the front pant assembly view. Bq^sure
Cut so the grain runs parallel with the front edge of the the pant assembly lines up squarely with the strut. Proceed
strut. The strut is notched out at its bottom so the thread likewise with the other wheel and pant and then glue on
binding of the axle will not slip. Drawing No. 3. the bottom pieces of the pants.
Next cut out the thin bamboo braces and the small Our next step is making the axle guide and support.
balsa strut pieces and glue them to the struts. Have the Cut from 1/16 sheet balsa the web and triangle horizontal
glossy side of the bamboo away from the balsa. As one braces shown in the detail of the axle guide and glue them
strut will be left and one right, the braces must be glued together to form the support. Prepare the pine pieces for
to the opposite side of one strut with respect to the the guide from the (1/16 x / s x 2) pine piece given in
other strut. W ith a very sharp razor blade cut to size from the general material list and glue the two 7/δ " long pieces
Ζδ square balsa the hinge blocks shown on the plan at the to the support; the bottom piece is cemented on the last
top of the strut. thing after assembling the axle in the guide.
Bend the No. 10 music wire hinges and insert into the Take the fuselage and carefully locating the guide sup­
blocks. Cement the hinges to the blocks and bind with fine port in its proper position in the bottom of the body, cement
silk thread; then cement the blocks to the struts, locating it in place. See Drawing No. 1.
them very carefully in their proper positions. Now bend the hinging pins and then carefully pin in
Form the No. 10 music wire axle, and glue and bind place the struts to the fuselage. Slip the center of the
to each strut as shown. Note how the center part is bent axle between the two guide pieces and spread the wheels
to slide in the axle guide— form this part accurately to with the fingers to test the spring in the axle. Last, glue on
the plan so it will not bind or be too loose when assembled the small long pine piece onto the bottom of the guide.
in the guide. Cover the inside of each strut with “Super­ This completes the landing gear.
fine” tissue to streamline, and dope lightly.
Stabilizer and Rudder
We shall now make the pants. From 1/32 sheet cut out
four pant sides to the inside outline on the side view on The plans of the tail and rudder are shown full-size on
Drawing No. 3. Punch a hole for the axle with a piece Drawing No. 4. Notch and assemble the ribs and ends to
of No. 10 wire through each side piece at the point shown the spar first. Then splice the leading edge, and glue that
on the drawing. Cut to size the side spacers (a) , ( b), (c), and the trailing edge in place. True up and allow to set.
(d) and (e), two of each. Glue each (a) piece between Next sand the ribs and spar ends to a taper and then glue
two pant sides in the front position shown. After the in place the diagonals and small blocks shown.
cement has set, glue in the rear spacers (e) and hold in The small (1/16 x Ζδ x Za ) pieces at the center rib
place with thread lashing until dry. When the rear pieces make a more solid foundation for glueing the stabilizer to
have set, remove the thread and insert in place and cement the body, while the (1/16 square x Za ) pieces form a
the spacers (b), (c) and (d). place to receive the ends of the 1/32 round bamboo rudder
Now prepare the covers for the pants by cutting out braces without weakening the spar. The diagonals reduce
pieces (g) from 1/32 sheet, making them slightly wider warping tendency when the tail is doped or later subjected
than the size required as indicated on the drawing. Cut to weather changes.
them out so the grain runs crosswise, that is, at right The stabilizer is covered on both sides with “Superfine”
angles to the pant sides. Although you will probably have tissue and treated with a coat of light dope. Black India
to use more than one piece to cover the top this way, ink lines drawn on the top and bottom of the tail along
it will enable you to bend and glue the pieces around the the spar line improve the appearance by representing the
curve of the pant much more easily and smoothly. flippers or elevators.
After glueing on the cover pieces, trim flush to the sides The rudder is built up in a manner similar to the tail;
with a razor blade and then sand all edges smooth with however, in making the rudder it is better to drive pins
fine sandpaper. (Note: You will have to glue on the bot­ around the drawing or its tracing and insert the parts in
tom pieces after the wheels have been assembled.) the form before cementing them together, as was done with
Now cut out two (1/16 x Ζδ x Za) pant pieces and the fuselage. The middle (Continued on page 22)
THE CLARK C A B l l s[ M O D E L 17
MODEL AIRPLANE HEWS
THE CLARK CABIN MODEL 19
20 M ODEL AIRPLANE HEWS
THE CLARK CABIN MODEL 21.
22 MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS

(Continued from page 16)

vertical spar is notched at one end to receive the top edge
piece, after which the spar is tapered from the top
out to the end. The middle horizontal rib is made of two
pieces butted against each side of the spar and notched at
their ends for the leading and trailing edges. After the
complete rudder assembly they and the bottom rib pieces
are tapered with sandpaper from the vertical spar out
to the leading and trailing edges. The bottom pieces are
notched and assembled the same as the center rib pieces.
Cover the rudder in the same manner as the stabilizer
and paint or ink the spar line “black,” on each side for the
rudder hinge line.
Sand away carefully the paper on top of the center rib
of the stabilizer and cement the rudder to the tail, off­
setting it 3/32" as shown on the drawing.
Shave and sand to size the bamboo rudder braces. Drill
a small hole in the rudder spar on each side where the
middle rib comes and drill holes in the small blocks on the
tail by the middle ribs. Cement the bamboo braces into
these holes, being careful to have the rudder as near per­
pendicular to the tail as possible.
Sand away lightly the covering on the bottom of the
spar where it joins to the body and glue the tail and rudder
unit to the fuselage, butting the leading edge of the
stabilizer flush against the 1/16 square piece on top of the
body. See Drawing No. 2. Be sure the stabilizer is square
with the body.

Wing
The wing consists of three parts: The center section,
the right half and the left half. The high-lift ribs are
cut from 1/32 and 1/16 sheet and the spars and edges
are notched into them. Drawing No. 5.
The spars of the center section are cut at an angle at
their ends and the two outer ribs cemented on at an angle
so that when the halves of the wing are glued to the center
part they will form with each other the necessary dihedral
for stability.
After building up the two halves and center section of
the wing, apply a liberal coat of cement to the inner rib of
one of the halves and cement and bind with strong linen
thread to the center section. Run pins into the ribs so they
will not slip out of line while being wrapped. Do the same
with the other wing half, and when the cement has set
remove the pins and thread.
Cover the top of one wing with “Superfine” tissue, using
wing dope to stick the paper to the frame. Work from the
inner rib out, doping each rib one at a time and rubbing
the paper down until it sticks. After the paper has been
stuck to all ribs and the tip, dope the outside of the edges
a section at a time and stick down the paper. Trim with
a razor blade and apply one coat of light dope. Weight
down around the edges for 30 minutes while the dope is
drying. Then proceed likewise with the top of the other
half of the wing and the top of the center section. Next
cover one side on the bottom, dope and weight down, and
then cover the other bottom side and center section, and
dope. (Note: While the under surfaces are drying they
should be raised up on books or boards so the air will
circulate under the wing.)
After covering, cement on the (3/32 x 3/16 x 3 eleva­
tion or angle of incidence piece to the under side of the
center section leading edge. Sand away lightly the paper
so the cement will hold to the wood of the leading edge.
You can use two pieces of 3/32 square glued together to
form this elevation piece.
Paint a black line, top and bottom, around the line of
the rear spar, trailing edge and rear portion of the end rib,
and the rib second from the end one, on both wing halves.
This marking represents the (Continued on page 47)
 game with collar bone broken, and right arm dangling help­
lessly at his side.
Frank Luke, Jr. hough Frank Luke was to become America’s second
T greatest W ar Ace and the only flier in the war to re­
ceive the Congressional Medal of Valor, he showed no in­
terest in aviation up to the time of America’s entry into the
TheBalloonTerror World War. In fact, so little did Luke know of, or care
for, the principles of aeronautics that once he tried to jump
from the cupola of his high school building, using only a
wagon umbrella for a parachute.
•*0 *®** It is easy to see that a man of Luke’s restless, battle-lov­
ing character would be among the first to enlist in those
stirring days of September, 1917, when the first call for
volunteers went out from Washington. Following his enlist­
The Miner of Arizona ment Luke received an immediate assignment for active
duty at the Ground School in Austin, Texas. Joining his
class late, he nevertheless graduated with the others, and
Who Became was ordered to Rockwell Field in San Diego, Calif., for
actual flight instruction. Yet, three months of army disci­
pline had done little to break Luke’s spirit of independence,
America’ s Second W ar Ace for, upon being sent up for his first solo flight, Luke was
seen to execute a “Falling leaf” and “double loop.” His
success with these maneuvers did not soften his instructor’s
anger, and he was grounded for three days. Luckily, he
B y J . N o b le was forgiven in time to sail for France with his unit as a
Second Lieutenant, on March 18th, 1918.
As though fate were following his every footstep, the
eager Luke was again balked in his desire to get into im­
AVE you ever wondered what would happen if mediate action. From the time of landing in early April,

H the famous “bad men” of the Wild West had

lived at the time of the Great War? Here is the
story of a modern Jesse James and Buffalo Bill rolled into
one death-defying airman.
until his assignment to the First Pursuit Squadron in July,
Luke was either kept on the ground, or used for such tame,
but to him tantalizing, service as ferrying planes to the
battle front and leading practice formations far behind the
Frank Luke, Jr., born in Prescott, Arizona, went almost lines.
directly from the football gridiron to the battle fields of Once he found himself within hearing of German guns,
France. Three months after he landed at Brest as a rookie Luke lost little time in distinguishing himself as a fighter.
pilot in the A. E. F., he died, far behind the German lines, On his first flight with the 27th Aero Squadron, of which
in the riddled cock-pit of his bullet-shattered plane. he was a part, Luke deserted his formation and reconnoitered
Yet thrilling as are the adventures of this modern “Bad alone. The following day, despite the stern warning of his
Man” of the West, who rode a Spad instead of a broncho, commander he deserted again, and sped far afield over the
the history of his boyhood and early youth in the wild German lines. This time upon returning to the official re­
desert regions of Arizona and Texas is almost equally ex­ primand which he knew awaited (Continued on page 41)
citing: Luke’s German parents emigrat­
ed to Arizona shortly after the Civil
W ar, and there, among the wild scenes
of mining boom towns, in the last flar­
ing days of the Open Range, Frank Luke
spent his earlier years. Straddling a
horse almost as soon as he could walk,
Luke found in his favorite diversion of
hunting, the gun practice which was
later to enable him to shoot down 14
balloons and 4 planes in the space of
only 17 days.
From earliest childhood this future ace
carried the hearty respect of both friends
and foes, and even among the hard-boil­
ed denizens of the Arizona Bad Lands he
was early known for the quality of his
unflinching bravery and blazing inde­
pendence. A t the age of 16, Luke’s fight­
ing fame had already spread throughout
his own town of Prescott. Soon it was
to cover the entire state of Arizona,
when as “the copper mining kid” he
knocked out the professional pugilist,
Battling Haney, in the first round of an
exhibition fight. Only a few weeks after
this exploit he won further praise for his
Indian-like grit, by playing through the
last quarter of a high school football
Special Course in
Aerial Radio
The Battery—Shielding

B y C a p t. L . S . P o t t e r

( C H APTER 9)
Figure 1—6 Volt Radio B attery

AST month we discussed storage batteries from many the battery carefully wiped. It is then ready for service

L angles. It was impossible, however, in the space though better results will be obtained if it is given a six
available, to cover all the points. Such matters as to eight hour charge first.
putting batteries into service—repairs, were left untouched,
and these we will deal with before continuing further.
An unfilled battery is one that has been assembled with
damp treated separators, without electrolyte having been
W hat must be done by the operator on receipt of a new added, and with plates that require an initial charge. A
battery from the makers? This will depend upon the con' storage battery received in this condition requires about
dition in which it is received. A few batteries are sent out five days to put into service because the plates here have
containing electrolyte, but not many. The majority arc not been charged as in the case of a dry'charged battery.
sent empty, and these may be dispatched in either of two The process of putting into service is precisely the same
ways, “dry'charged,” or “unfilled.” A tag attached to each as with the dry'charged battery so far as filling with elec'
battery will indicate its respective condition. trolyte is concerned, but it must be allowed to stand for
A dry'charged battery is one that has been assembled at least twelve hours before more solution is added, and
with dry separators and plates, without electrolyte ever the level to which this must be filled and its specific gravity
having been added, but with the plates in a charged condi' will be slightly different. Reference to the tag on the bat'
tion. A battery re- tery will supply this
ceived in this condi' information and also
tion may be stored in the s h o p charging
any clean, dry place rate. The b a t t e r y
provided the temper' must then be put on
ature does not exceed charge for eighty-four
110 degrees Fahren' hours at half the shop
heit, and will require rate. Vent plugs must
no further attention be removed from time
during the first twelve to time to see that the
months. The v e n t electrolyte is being
plugs and temporary kept at its proper
seals for the holes level. If necessary,
must be kept tightly more should be added.
in position during this It is most important
time. Figure 2 shows that the charge is ab'
a cross section of a solutcly complete be'
storage battery and fore the battery is put
will make clear the into service, its future
names of the various serviceability will de'
parts. pend on this.
When the battery
is required for ser' H ow to Know
vice, remove the tern' When a Battery
porary seals and dis' Figure 2—Sectional view of battery showing construction details is Completely
Charged
card them. T h e y
must never be used again. Fill each cell with electrolyte, F EACH cell has shown its maximum during the last ten
allow them to stand for an hour and then add sufficient
electrolyte to restore to the proper level. The required
I hours of charging, it may safely be considered to be
fully charged. If, at the completion of the charging period
specific gravity of the electrolyte and the level of the bat' the specific gravity remains still too low, the solution
tery to which it should be filled, will be given in the in­ should be drained from the battery and fresh electrolyte
structions that accompany the battery. Vent plugs must added and allowed to stand for ten minutes. Another
now be replaced (make sure the vent holes are open), and hour’s charge should then be given to mix the solution

24
 SPECIAL COURSE IN AERIAL RADIO 25

thoroughly, and then a further reading taken. If necessary though in batteries

the charge must be continued. of other types this
Readings of specific gravity are taken with a hydrometer may not be needed
as explained last month. as the plates can
If the battery has been allowed to stand beyond the time be e x a m i n e d
limit as shown on the tag, it will be necessary, before com- roughly without
mencing the operations just detailed, to open up each cell being taken apart
to make sure the separators are not cracked, warped or split. and are more easily
assembled. To re-
H ow is a Battery Opened U p ?
move the cover,
his is an operation which is generally best left with a the seal nut (Fig'
T reliable service station, but it may fall to the lot of a ures 2 and 4),
radio operator, and a knowledge of the steps necessarymust be unscrewed
should form a part of his stock in trade. His ability to take with a p r o p e r
complete charge of his batteries will certainly be an addi­ w r e n c h . T h e
tional asset to his employers. makers of Exide
The following are the steps, given in their proper order, batteries provide a seal nut wrench as shown in Figure 7.
necessary in taking a battery apart: It is almost essential that the proper wrench is used be­
1. Remove cell connectors. cause the thread on both the nut and the post is of lead
2. Unseal cells. and very easily damaged with rough handling.
3. Remove elements.
4. Remove covers. Taking Elements Apart
5. Take elements apart.
Figure 3 shows two types of cell connectors, which with I T has already been mentioned that the plates and
separators composing the elements of an aircraft bat­
most batteries may be removed by holding a flame to the tery are necessarily very thin for reasons of bulk and
joints and pulling the connectors loose with a pair of weight, and for this reason the life of an aircraft battery
pliers. Connectors will generally is generally shorter than those of
be damaged in this way and fresh other types. The elements of an
ones will be necessary in reas- aircraft battery can rarely be
sembling the battery. 'S e a l N u t taken apart and assembled with
/■ P ost G a sk e t
Unsealing cells. The plates of s ' .'■Cell Cover. any success. It will save both
a cell, usually called the element, .'C 'S e a h n q Compound time and money if the entire ele­
^p u b b er Jar
are secured to the cell cover by a ment is renewed. W ith storage
seal nut and inserted in the jar. batteries of more rugged calibre
The top of the cell cover is then the elements may be taken apart
held firmly in position by the use successfully. Lay them on edge,
of a sealing compound as shown M ethod o f Sealing Cover Around Cell Term inal separate the plates slightly with
in Figure 4. Some types of cells a knife, and, commencing with
have a double flange cover as " Figure 4 the outside plates, remove the
shown in Figure 5. In the firs£ separators one at a time. The
case, by heating a putty knife positive and negative groups can
and running it round the outside of the sealing compound, then be taken apart. If they arc to be used again they
this will be removed without difficulty. W ith the double- should be kept completely immersed in water.
flange the same purpose is accomplished by passing a W ith a new cell that has been left beyond the maker’s
moderate flame round the underneath of the flange, until time limit, the element can be examined before the cover
this has been warmed sufficiently to loosen the compound. is removed. Any flaws in the separators will then gener­
Probably an easier method in either case is to place the ally be obvious, and unless they appear to be cracked or
whole jar in hot water and wait for the compound to loosen. warped the element need not be taken apart. If the bat­
The element, see Figure 6, is removed by holding the tery is one that has been abused—over-discharged for con­
two posts with siderable periods, not correctly serviced, and the specific
g a s pliers and gravity of the different cells is not even up to within a
pulling. It may range of fifty points after recharging, the trouble probably
be a good plan to lies in the cells, assuming, of course, that the connections
leave the jar in are good and the jars are not leaking.
hot water as this Trouble will be found more often in the positive plates
causes it to ex­ than elsewhere since the negative plates are less easily
pand and pre­ affected by abuse. An examination will show whether the
vents the ele­ active material of the plates has been washed out. The
ments from stick­ state of the plates will speedily reveal this. In this case,
ing. See that any and also if any of the plates are badly buckled (warped),
solution in the they must be replaced.
elements drains If the positive plates are buckled, the negative plates
back into the jar will be in a similar condition, and provided the buckling
before removing is only slight they may be straightened by placing them
them completely. in a vise with boards of suitable thickness between each
It is necessary plate and outside the outer plates. Separators will always
with aircraft bat­ have to be replaced once the elements have been taken
teries to remove apart, and only the proper separators issued by the makers
Figure 5—Applying sealing com­ the cover in order should be used. Commence inserting them from the bot­
pound to double flanges cover.
to assure correct tom up between each positive and negative plate, starting
reassembly, with the middle of the group and seeing that the flat side
26 U odel airplahe a jfw s

of the separator rests against the negative plate. The porcelain. W hen mixing, pour acid into water, not water
grooves should run vertically when the element is in the into acid.
jar to allow a free passage for the electrolyte. When rub' Keep the top of the battery clean. Smear joints only
ber separators arc used, these must be inserted side by side with pure vaseline. W ipe clean with solution of baking
with the wood separators so that the rubber is against soda and water before smearing.
the positive plate, and the flat side of the wood against Do not allow cells to gas when charging. Reduce charg'
the negative plate. Figure 9 shows a method of insert' ing rate when this commences. See that proper connec'
ing separators. tions have b e e n
made.
Reassembly M aintain solu'
N reassembling tion always at its
I a cell it is ah
ways a good plan
proper level. Use
o n l y approved
to stand both the water for this.
covers and jars in Do not try to
hot water for a charge with alter'
time. It makes nating current.
them more pliable If plates have
and easier to work been taken apart
in. The sealing of and are to be used
a cell is a simple again, see that they
matter. The cover are k e p t coni'
must first be re' pletcly immersed
placed, the sealing Figure 8—Copper housings for shielding of standard spark plugs and not allowed to
nut tightened, and touch.
the elements put
back in the jar before the time is come for sealing. See Aircraft Radio
that all traces of old compound are scraped off and the T I T h i l e radio for aircraft purposes does not differ in
surfaces washed with a solution of common baking soda ▼V principle from any other type of radio, it has sev'
and water (proportions approximately 1:8), to remove eral problems of its own which demand the special atten'
traces of acid, and then wipe dry. The compound and the tion of the man who is to specialise in aerial radio. The
surfaces to be sealed must be heated slowly, and when the chief among these is undoubtedly ignition interference.
compound is thin enough to pour it should be poured on When you remember the care and forethought that is used
carefully. Providing it is not too thick or lumpy it will in selecting a site for a radio station so that outside inter'
present an even surface when fercnce may be reduced to a
dry. The last step is to re' minimum, and then consider the
place the connectors, and these case of an airplane where a
being of lead, must be burned on γ.... ..........τη ·χ '· —.... -- . motor, a few feet distant, is
by melting the lead parts to be sending out sparks from 18 to
joined so that they become 72 spark plugs across a minia'
welded together. To do this Seal N u t W rench ture antenna formed by the
the operator will need a carbon high and low tension systems,
burning outfit. The method of at a rate of several hundred
burning is as follows: sparks a minute, you will under'
Figure 7
Connect a cable to a six volt stand the importance of igni'
battery, and by means of the tion interference in aerial radio.
clamp on the carbon burning outfit, connect the other end This has been further demonstrated with a receiving set
of the cable to the connector that is to be burned on. Next which was installed in a plane in which no protection had
connect the cable of the carbon burning outfit to the other been made for ignition interference. The reception range
terminal of the battery. Holding the carbon rod to the in this case was between 25 and 50 miles. The same set,
joint to be welded will cause it rapidly to become white installed in a plane in which proper shielding has been pro'
hot. The lead of the joint and the base of the connector vided, had a range of 125 to 250 miles. Since continuous
will melt, and by moving the carbon rod continually round communication from air to ground along the recognised
and puddling the lead, a fair welding can be made. It is airways of this country today, demands a range of at
sometimes necessary to use a lead strip to supply extra lead least 125 miles, it becomes obvious that adequate shielding
to fill the joint, but the operation remains the same. The against all sources of ignition is essential if aerial radio
carbon holder will need to be dipped in water from time is to be used to the best advantage. Partial shielding is of
to time to prevent it becoming too hot to little or no use. Unless the work is done
hold, and also, after frequent use it may thoroughly there will be no marked improve'
need to be scaled with a sharp knife to rid ment. The obvious place for this work to
it of a film that often forms and prevents be done is in the factory, but in these days
proper heating. of reducing manufacturing costs to a mini'
mum, there are few manufacturers who are
Storage Battery H ints assembling their planes with anything like
O NOT bring any flame or naked light adequate shielding.
D (this includes lighted cigarettes, cigars,
etc.) near a battery without first opening
H ow Gan An Ignition System
Be Shielded?
vent plugs and blowing into the tubes to re'
move any gas, and then replacing vent plugs. h i s question is best considered by divid'

Do not use a metal spoon or container

in mixing or filling electrolyte. Use glass or
Figure 6—Element
T ing the shielding needed into two parts
—that for the High Tension system, includ'
 SPECIAL COURSE I7\[ AERIAL RADIO 27

ing spark plugs, magnetos, boosters with their appropriate will eliminate all ignition interference.
switches and wiring, and that for the low tension system If the same precautions are taken with the low tension
including starter, battery, generator and the appropriate system, that is, all the wiring from the battery metal
switches and wiring. braided and grounded at frequent intervals, all terminals
So far as the spark plugs are concerned, there are several properly enclosed and no portion of the wiring left un­
today which are provided by the makers with proper covered, the ignition shielding will be practically complete.
shielding. Alternatively it is possible to buy small caps for I say “practically” because there may be such points as
fitting over each plug. Figure 8 shows shielding caps for worn or dirty brushes in the generator, sparking perhaps
standard types of spark plugs, and Figure 11 shows a high all the time which will cause considerable interference.
tension ignition shielding on a wasp engine. Brushes must be cleaned, and, if necessary, replaced. These
From the plugs the high ten' are sources of trouble which the
sion wires to the magnetos must be intelligent operator will track
enclosed in metal sheaths which down down for himself.
should be grounded about every In the future, perhaps, planes
twelve inches. Obviously there will be built with properly
can be no hard and fast rule laid shielded ignition systems, but in
down for shielding installations; the meantime it is not too difficult
they will vary with every type of a task. An aluminum conduit for
plane. The important points to the wiring to pass through will
consider are stoutness of construc­ generally give better results than
tion, lightness of weight and acces­ metal braiding. It must fit snugly
sibility. It is no use having shield­ at the terminals and properly
ing that is not easily removable for grounded.
inspection or that easily becomes
broken. 7^[ext month ive ivill deal with
Magnetos must be provided with radio installation in aircraft.
a sheath fitting completely over The author is indebted to The
the housing blocks, and particular Figure 9—Inserting separators Electric Storage Battery Co. for
care must be taken to completely permission to reproduce copies of
shield all the wires from the mag­ illustrations relating to battery
netos to the pilot’s switches and booster coil. A portion parts prepared by them, and to the Aircraft Radio
of these left uncovered may easily negative- all the care Corporation for permission to reproduce Figures 8, 10
given to the rest of the system. Well insulated, metal and 11.
braided wire is easily obtainable, and if properly grounded If you like this “Course,” write us.

Figure 11—High Tension Ignition Shielding Figure 10—Radio T est plane No. 2. Fokker Super-Uni­
on a Wasp Engine versal

COURAGE! “I t W on’t Be Long N ow ” COURAGE!

NAMES OF W INNERS Yo u M a y W in
—O F T H E — F ir s t—A te n -h o u r flying course.
Second—A com plete ground course.
“SCRAMBLED” PICTURE T hird—A 200-mile c ro ss-c o u n try flig h t w ith M r. C. S . (C asey)
Jones.
CONTEST The courses will be ta k e n a t schools conducted by th e C u rtiss-
W IL L B E P U B L IS H E D IN T H E M A R C H IS S U E W rig h t F ly in g Service.

D O N ’T M IS S T H E M A R C H IS S U E
 A Balanced Wing Model
S o m e t h in g t h a t is d iff e r e n t —A r e m a r k a b ly s t a b le
p la n e t h a t w ill p r o v id e a b a s is f o r m a n y
in t e r e s t i n g e x p e r im e n ts

B y E. F. W A L D R O N

HIS type of model airplane will prove ex' brass washers may then be added to the ends of these

T ceedingly interesting to make. W e may call

it The Balanced Wing Model. The idea in'
volved is that, as a plane flies, the natural lift of the wing in
a horizontal position maintains stable flight. However, as
bamboo rods until a very nearly perfect balance of the
wing is established. The wing must be just barely tail·
heavy.

the plane slows down, the angle of the wing if changed is

/“jpHE next step is to make the motor stick, the dimensions
of direct assistance to prevent diving. This little plane
when properly made and assembled will always land per' of which are given. This should preferably be of cedar.
fectly. It always flies level. The construction is simple, It may be built of balsa wood, but in that case it must be
particularly for the experienced builder. The plane itself heavier. One “can” in the middle will allow one to maintain
is not a fast flyer and is designed with a high lift wing, a fairly light stick. It must, however, be strong enough to
inasmuch as the purpose of the original design was experl· carry twelve strands of /g" elastic. To this motor stick
glue the tail and separate elevator. These should be made
mental.
of 1/32" balsa wood. The landing gear is made of 3/32"
I / ach wing is 15" long from the wing balance support round reed tied together with thread to the motor stick.
The wheels are preferably balsa wood or celluloid. The
except for the tips. These tips are Ί / ι long inclined propeller which is 9" in diameter, is of relatively shallow
at an angle of 45 degrees, and are made of 1/16" sq. pitch. It may be made from a (Ij/ 4 " x %" ) piece of balsa
bamboo. The leading edges of the wings are /g" by 14"· wood. When the motor stick, tail, landing gear, propeller,
The trailing edges are 1/16" by 3/16". Inasmuch as it is and motor are completely assembled, you are now ready to
a straight wing, the one cross'section of the wing shown mount the wing. This is the most critical part of the whole
gives the exact size for all ribs, of which there are 12. The task. You must find the exact center of balance of this
automatic wing control is comprised of 2 ribs the same size assembly, and over this point glue the wing assembly so
as the others except that they are made /&" thick, and that the center of support of the wing and center of bal·
mounted on 2 (j/4 " x / z " ) balsa supports. These in turn ance of the motor stick assembly coincide. When dry, glue
are mounted on a motor stick support as per the diagram. on the wing motion stops; these are simply pieces of 1/16"
sq. bamboo attached to the center wing support as shown
npHE two wings are attached through the exact center of in the diagram in dotted lines. The stops are so attached
balance of the first two ribs through the wing support that when the plane is resting on its wheels, the wing tails
and thence to the other wing with a single (9" x Yg") will not quite touch the table surface. The front stop
round wooden dowel. This must be carefully done so that allows the same forward tilt as the back stop allows back
there is absolutely no difference in angle between the two tilt.
wings. After these are thoroughly glued and covered, at'
tach the two tails to the wings. These tails will throw the
wings off balance, and in order to re-establish the balance, y o u will enjoy the many flights that this sturdy little
a piece of 3/32" reed or 1/16" sq. bamboo is attached to plane will make. It will take off and land. It always
the third rib of each wing leading forward. These lead lands right. It may be hand-launched at almost any angle,
forward beyond the wing approximately 6 inches. Small and will straighten up into level flight.

LOOK FOR DETAILS OF OUR NEXT

BIG CONTEST
In F o l l o w in g I ssu e
of
MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS

28
BALANCED WIMG MODEL
to
Ό
 or
Ο

TOT VIFW

MOTOR ÓTICK
/#
f£yz. 'X >3

MODEL
TOP
AUTOMATIC WINS
CONTROL

AIRPLAHE
/ FLAT WASHERS

HEWS
LANDING GEAR
C O N 6 7 R UCTION
A BALANCED WIXG MODEL 31

A ir p la n e E n g in e s
(Continued from page 13)
Secondly, the propeller is not splined
directly to the crankshaft. It rides idly on
the hub and is driven by a driving arm
placed in the rear of the propeller. This
arm is keyed to the shaft and is secured to
the blades by rings and interposed between
the blades and the driving arm are rubber
blocks.
Thus, as the maximum piston pressure
is applied to the propeller the rubber blocks
absorb the initial shock before the crank'
shaft delivers its load to the propeller.
These two devices make this engine as
smooth as the normal radial Otto type
powcrplant.
The complete economy of the Diesel en-
gine needs little comment. We all re'
member the singledlight endurance record
set up by Lees and Brossy at Jacksonville.
They landed their plane after over eighty'
four hours in the air and then had fuel
for another three hours.
Although the fuel oil used by this cm
gine weighs slightly more per gallon than
gasoline, the economy of operation is such
that with an equal load the Diesebengined
plane has a twenty-five per cent greater
range and will travel this distance for one'
fifth the cost.
It is well known that the one hazard of
the airplane that has not been overcome to
any degree is that of fire in the air. Gaso-
line is probably the most dangerous of
fuels. One gallon of gasoline has a heat
value equivalent to ninety'six pounds of
dynamite.
Even though the fire should be compara-
tivcly remote from the pilot, it might
destroy the controls and cause the plane to
crash. As long as open exhaust flames and
hot engines arc in the proximity of .the
volatile fumes of gasoline this danger will
exist.
The Diesel engine offers the best solu'
tion to this problem. The hydrocarbons
used as a fuel will not burn except under
a high degree of atomization and heat. As
a matter of fact this fuel will actually ex'
tinguish a fire if poured on it. As if in
tribute to his inventive genius the Diesel'
powered plane which carried Captain Wool'
son to his death in a blinding snowstorm
did not catch fire.
The elimination of the ignition and the
carburction systems have removed many
sensitive parts from the normal powerplant.
The carburetor in particular requires to be
finely adjusted and any variation of the
ideal setting will cause the pilot trouble.
Further than that, cold, moist weather will
often cause the carburetor to gather ice and
become inoperative.
The ordinary engine must not be allowed
to get cold when gliding the plane or else
the sparkplugs will become fouled and the
engine may not pick up, once the throttle
is opened. Not so with the Diesel. The
ignition is automatic and the heat of the
cylinder is retained because of the com'
pression every time the propeller turns the
engine over. It will respond to the throttle
at any instant.
If an airplane carries a radio set, much
interference is set up in the receiving
set every time the sparkplugs arc. The arc
(Continued on page 44)
 A IR —W A YS
H ER E and T H E R E
G et b u sy and “A ir ” y o u r “W a y s” o f b u ild in g and fly in g
m o d el planes. In each issu e o f M odel A irp lan e N e w s ,
space w ill be d e v o te d to th e a c tiv itie s o f our readers.

L et O T H E R S k n o w w h a t Y O U are d o in g

ir s t of ail, i wish to

F say “hello,” to all of

my old friends inter­
ested in Model Aeronautics, and to
new friends as well.
This is Charlie Grant speaking
over Station M.A.N.
Probably most of our readers do
not know that Model Airplane News
has honored me with the title of
“Editor.” Yes, it is true. Here I am,
at your service, and asking for your
cooperation in making “our” maga­
zine a real representative of all
model builders throughout the coun­
try. It cannot be done without your
help. In order to have you feel that
it is your magazine, we wish you to
participate in making it worthwhile.
Therefore you are going to have a
chance to see your ideas in print; to
tell others about your activities in
the model airplane “Game.”
If you would like to make this
space more interesting to others,
send in pictures of your models, with
general specifications as to Wing A GROUP OF P R IZ E W IN N ER S FRO M M ISSOURI
Span, Wing Chord, “Prop,” Tail, Though some of these young men are from St. Louis, M o., they do not
etc., or any story of your model- “have to be shown” how to build Model planes. They showed others a
flying experiences that you think “ trick or two” a t the Mississippi Valley contest, sponsored by Stix, Baer
and Fuller D ry Goods Company, of St. Louis, Mo.
might be interesting reading. These
should be short. It will be possible,
then, to have a number of our readers represented in each contest at Parks Airport November 1, with an average
issue. If your story should be too long, we will be unable duration of flight of 2 minutes and 15 seconds. His model
to publish many other interesting news items. Don't hesi­ plane was entered in three events. His model glider flight
tate, tell us your story now, and help us to help you to of 3 minutes and 43 seconds is believed to have established
help others. a national record.
A t your service always, Originally scheduled as a one-day event, the contest
C harles H. Grant, started October 31 and did not end until late the next
(Editor.) evening. There was a total of 1000 flights. The contest,
sponsored by the Stix, Baer 6? Fuller Model Airplane Club,
The M ississippi V alley M odel Plane Contest attracted 110 entrants from St. Louis and surrounding
Some interesting information about the Mississippi Val­ cities. In addition to the trophy awarded by the club,
ley Model Airplane Contest has been sent in by Mr. Westerfield won an airplane trip to Oklahoma City and
Thomas W . Parry, Jr., of 511 Locust St., St. Louis, Mo. return. More than twenty cups were awarded.
Here “tis” :—W alter Westěrfield, Jr., age 17, 1500 North Other winners were: glider contest, Junior division—
Thirty-sixth Street, East St. Louis, 111., took the grand Donald Lueke, first; Alphonso Wellhausen, second; Rus­
award in the first annual Mississippi Valley model airplane sell Hofmeister, third, and Herman Plegge, fourth. Senior

32
 A I R W A Y S —H E R E AHD THERE

Contestants and their Model Ships a t the Mississippi Valley Model Airplane Contest, Parks Air­
port, St, Louis, Mo.

division—Walter Westerfield, Jr., first; Charles Herr, Jr., grand prizes, two trips
second; Neal Compton, third, and William Eichhorn, to the national A.M.-
fourth. L.A. contest at Dayton,
Outdoor fuselage contest, Junior division—George E. Ohio, next spring, and a
Bounds, Jr., first; Russell Yungbluth, second; Alphonso set of Compton’s Pic­
Wellhausen, third, and Carl Sandvoss, fourth. Senior divi­ tured Encyclopedia. The
sion—William Barrett, first; Ralph Kummer, second; trips were donated by
Robert Shackelford, third, and Bruce Boucher, fourth. Senator Arthur Capper
Twin pusher contest, Junior division—Alphonso Well- to be awarded to the two
hausen, first; Oliver Volk, second; Russell Yungbluth, third, highest r a n k i n g con­
and Carl Sandvoss, fourth. Senior division—William T. testants, regardless of
Pascoe, first; William Barrett, second; William Enner, class ranking. O’Dono­
third, and Carl Fries, fourth. van and Loper were
Amateur sweepstakes contest, Junior division—Russell awarded the trips, and
Yungbluth, first; Alphonso Wellhausen, second; William Butrum, as Junior cham­
Sprotte, third; Oliver Volk, fourth, and George E. Bounds, pion, received the ency­
Jr., fifth. Senior division—Raymond Volk, first; Owen clopedia. In addition
Heitmeyer, second; Pete Sturm, third; Oliver Volk, fourth, there were cash prizes,
and George E. Bounds, Jr., fifth. magazine subscriptions,
and other prizes awarded
to winning contestants.
T h e t w o outdoor
Bob Loper of 1400 Boswell Avenue, Topeka, Kansas, events were marred by
sends us the following interesting account of The Kansas cold, windy weather,
State Model Aircraft Tournament: Bob Loper “On the and the longest flight,
Air”— four minutes, was made by Robert Loper’s tractor model.
However, the contestants showed improvement in the in­
race for honors in all divisions marked the door events, four boys passing the five-minute mark, a
A close
Kansas State Model Aircraft tournament, held by the
Kansas Free Fair, at
good record for the low-ceilinged city auditorium. Edwin
O’Donovan’s tractor model set the high mark of six min­
Topeka, from September utes and forty-five seconds.
15 to 19. Edwin O’­ Many beautiful models were entered in the fuselage
Donovan and Robert events, and O’Donovan made the fine indoor fuselage time
Loper, both of Topeka, of three minutes and fifty seconds.
tied for the Senior State L. P. Dittemore, director of the contest, says:—“This
championship. Each had was one of the best contests we have ever held, and I want
eighteen p o i n t s . Joe to compliment the boys on their fine initiative and good
Butrum, of Holton, won sportsmanship in building and flying their models.”
the Junior championship
with nineteen points. Results of the contest:
The contestants were Indoor duration. mins. secs.
competing f o r t h r e e
Juniors. 1. Joe Butrum ................................. 5 47.8
2. Leonard Hollis ............................ 5 28.3
3. Bruce Yanson ............................. 3 13.7
4. Ward Hollis ............................... 3 8.5
The Senior Champions. 5. George Loper............................ 2 35.6
Edward O’Donovan,
(Left) Robert Loper Seniors. 1. Edwin O ’Donovan ..................... 6 45.5
2. Robert L oper............................... 5 45
3. Clifford Messenheimer ............... 2 39.5
34 MODEL AIRPLANE HEWS

Standings for Senator Capper prize trips.

1. Edwin O'Donovan, 18 points.
2. Robert Loper, 17 points.
3. Joe Butrum, 12 points.
4. George Cookingham, 5 points.
5. Leonard Hollis, 4 points.
Well, from these foregoing accounts it looks as if the
L. P. Dittemore, City boys from the “W est” were “steppin' out a bit.” W hat has
Playground Director happened to the rest of you model builders? Come on out
and director of the in the open where we can see what you are doing. Don't
Kansas State Minia­
ture Aircraft Contest hide your genius; send in the pictures of that new ship you
Topeka, Kansas. have built so that other boys may see how “good you are.”
Or if you have a story to tell of an unsual flight, or a
contest, let us have it. All such data helps the science of
aviation to grow, so “do your bit.”
W HEN YOU SEND IN MATERIAL FOR US TO
CONSIDER, BE SURE TO M ENTION WHETHER
OR NOT, YOU ARE A N AMERICAN SKY CADET.

Indoor fuselage duration. mins. secs.

Juniors. 1. Joe Butrum ....................... ....... 1 55.5
2. George Cookingham ......... ....... 0 56.8
Seniors. 1. Edwin O'Donovan ........... ....... 3 50.5
2. Robert Loper ................... Ί 10.4
Outdoor duration.
The
Juniors. 1. George Cookingham ......... Ί 57.8
2. foe Butrum ....................... Ί 15 American Sky Cadets
3. Elva Jean Dittemore ......... ....... 1 48.8
4. Tom K ing........................... ....... 1 0.4
5. George Loper..................... ....... 0 45.2 $5.00 P r iz e G iv e n f o r B e s t
Seniors. 1. Robert Loper..................... ....... 4 00
2. Edwin O'Donovan ........... ....... 3 56.7 P ic t u r e
3. Robert Meier ................... ....... 1 26.6
4. Clifford Messenheimer ..... ___ 1 4.9
Outdoor fuselage duration. •
OST of the members of the American Sky
Juniors. 1. Joe Butrum ....................... ....... 0
2. Leonard Hollis................... ....... 0
Seniors. 1. Robert Loper..................... ....... 1
2. Edwin O'Donovan ........... ....... 1
36.4
29.4
36.2
28.7
M Cadets were very busy during the Christ­
mas Holidays. A t least, I assume this is
true, for no news of their activities was sent in to publish
under this column. But as the old saying goes, I suppose
Standings for Senior state title. “no news is good news.” However, we arc hoping that you
1. Robert Loper, 18 points. fellows will not have “writer’s cramp” next month, and
Edwin O’Donovan, 18 points. that you do not take a job as night watchman. It is diffi­
2. Clifford Messenheimer, 5 points. cult to take good photographs at night, and our next issue
3. Robert Meier, 3 points. will not be complete without your contributions.
Standings for Junior state title. In order to make it interesting and worthwhile for you,
1. Joe Butrum, 19 points. Model Airplane News offers a prize of $5.00 for the best
2. George Cookingham, 9 points. picture of a model plane built by an American Sky Cadet,
3. Leonard Hollis, 8 points. enrolled previous to the publication of this “Issue." The
picture will be judged on the following points:

1. Its likeness to a full size airplane.

2. The quality of the picture in respect to photographic
detail shown.
3. Photographs of planes in flight shall have precedence,
the other two points being equal.
4. Two pictures may be submitted, one to show detail
and likeness to full size planes, and one in flight to
show flying quality. Such pictures will be considered
as one entry and will have precedence provided no
one else obtains equally fine results in one photo­
graph, namely, photographic detail, and flying quality
demonstrated.
5. In case of a “tie,” a prize will be awarded to each
Boys from Holton, Kansas. Ward Hollis, (Left), Joe tieing contestant.
Butrum , Billy W hitty, Leonard Hollis and Harold
Hollis All pictures, to be eligible for a prize award must be
mailed to this office before M arch 10t h , 1932.
HIEUPORT XVII C.l 35
A Course in Airplane Designing
B y M a s te r in g T h is V a lu a b le C o u r se , t h e M o d e l B u ild e r o f
T o d a y L a y s t h e C o r n e r s to n e f o r H is C a r e e r a s t h e
A e r o n a u t ic a l E n g in e e r a n d D e s ig n e r o f T o m o r r o w

A R T IC L E 27

By Ken Sinclair

N THE last instalment of this course I told you to show just why everything is in equilibrium at all times,

I that “Everything is in equilibrium.” Let us

determine the significance of this statement.
W hat, we say, is equilibrium? From the first part of the
word, equl·, we see that it has something to do with equal·
even if it happens to be moving; but that introduces some­
thing else that we must talk over first—Motion.
What is motion? W e might say that it is the process of
getting from one place to another. A t any rate, we all
ity. It has. Equilibrium is a balance between two equal know just what motion is. Now we must have a way of
forces. There may be more than two forces—any number, handling motion and representing it on our drawings so
in fact—but for the present we will consider two only. that we may work with it.
Now if we cut the string in Figure 1, what would hap- If a plane is taxiing at such a speed that it covers ten
pen? Well, if someone’s toe were under the weight, the feet in one second without changing speed, we say that it
toe would be damaged because the weight would drop. is moving at the rate of ten feet per second. That is our
Why? Newton reasoned that out, and decided that, rate of motion. W e can indicate that velocity by an arrow
since the five-pound weight—or any other weight—drops on paper, making the length of the arrow represent, to any
when the string is cut, there must be a force in the string convenient scale (provided we stick to that same scale all
before it is cut which is equal and opposite to the weight through our drawing) a velocity of ten feet per second.
of the object. The head of the arrow will indicate the direction of motion.
That is equilibrium. The weight pulls down, or rather is If we used á scale of ten feet per second equal to one inch,
pulled by gravitation, with a force of five pounds. There­ then, the arrow would be one inch long. That is how we
fore the string must exert an upward force of five pounds indicate motion.
to hold the weight. If the weight is twice as heavy the The same thing works for forces. Here again we choose
force in the string must be ten pounds. If the weight is a suitable scale, being careful to keep our lines on the
twenty pounds the string must supply that upward force paper exactly in the directions of action of the various
to hold it—and if it cannot supply that force it will break. forces; and the arrow heads indicate the direction in which
Everything is in equilibrium. A book, resting on a table, the forces are acting. To indicate a force of five hundred
pushes down on that table with, say, a force of one pound. pounds, using a scale of one hundred pounds to the inch,
Then the table must push up against the book with a force we would use an arrow five inches long, pointing in the
precisely equal and opposite to that weight. An airplane, proper direction.
weighing a ton, is flying through the air in level flight. So much for the indication of motion and force. Now-
The wings must, by means of the air action, supply an let us get back to the matter of motion itself.
upward force of exactly one ton. If an object moves at the rate of ten feet per second
All engineering is based on that principle. Learn it. Get and covers ten feet in one second we know that its motion
it clearly in mind now. It is always true, whether the body is uniform. That is, its velocity in a straight line does not
in question is rising or falling or sliding or moving along change, being ten feet per second at the beginning of the
a curved line. A t any instant any object, or any part of second and precisely the same at the end of that time.
any object, is in equilibrium. There is no gain or loss of speed in uniform motion.
If I push on a wall with a force of ten pounds, the wall Now for equilibrium in uniform motion. Look at Fig­
must push back against my hand with an equal and opposite ure 3. The block is being pushed along by the force at
force. If the wall is not strong enough to exert that force, a rate of one foot per second. Where does our idea of
it will collapse. If I have a wing-bracing strut, as shown equilibrium come in? W e all know that when any object
in Figure 2, pushing against a fuselage longeron with a moves against another, friction objects. Friction bucks all
force of a hundred pounds, I know that the longeron must motions, even that of a pendulum which suffers from air
be capable of supplying a force of at least a hundred resistance. In the example shown, the block may be sliding
pounds in precisely the opposite direction. on a board; there will therefore be friction between the
Do you see how this works out for the engineer? If I block and the board. It takes a force to overcome this
have a force acting on a structure I can tell instantly that friction—and, in uniform motion on the level, the pushing
the structure must be strong enough to supply an equal force must be exactly equal and opposite to the frictioji
force which acts opposite to the force applied. force.
Now someone might say, “You're crazy. If everything This is another case where equilibrium comes in handy
is in equilibrium at all times, how can we move a car or to the engineer. Knowing the friction force, he can imme­
a book or a watch? How can we start a train?” diately decide just what pushing force is necessary to keep
A question like that is a good sign because it shows the the block moving at a uniform rate of speed.
person is using his head and thinking for himself. I'll try Why, if the friction force and the pushing force are

36
 A COURSE IN AIRPLANE DESIGNING 37

equal, doesn't the block come

to rest? W e’ll answer that
by asking another question.
Why should it? W c can’t
have friction without motion,
and if the block should come
to rest we would have no
force opposing the pushing
force. However, the block,
as shown in motion, is in
equilibrium. We accept that
fact as obvious, since the two
forces are now equal. To
stop the block we will need
another force to help the fric-
tion force work against the
pushing force.
In the present state, then,
there is no reason for the
block to stop. Newton real·
ized that, and stated another
of his laws of motion: Every
body remains in its state of
rest or of uniform motion in
a straight line until a new
force is brought to bear upon
it to change that state.
Some sharp-witted reader
now says; “All right. I can
see how the block is in equilibrium while it moves at uni- That is quite easy to understand. If I try to speed up
form speed, but you said that another force, added to the that bank door very rapidly I find my task impossible.
friction force, would stop the block. Well, that destroys Why? The inertia is so great that I cannot exert an ac­
the equilibrium. You’ve got more force on one end of the celerating force proportional to the acceleration I wish to
block than you have on the other.” produce. The balance of forces holds, remember, because
That question brings in two very important matters: inertia comes from acceleration and acceleration from the
Acceleration and inertia. accelerating force.
We all know what acceleration is. If I push a book If I push with a force of twenty pounds greater than
across a table, starting with the book moving at a speed the friction force the door speeds up at a certain rate; and
of one foot per second and ending up one second later this speeding-up brings an inertia force of twenty pounds.
with a speed of five feet per second, we have an accelera- If I exert forty pounds the door accelerates more rapidly,
tion. The book has been accelerated from one foot per and this increase in acceleration brings an inertia force of
second to five feet per second, and its acceleration is there' forty pounds.
fore four feet per second, meaning that, in each second, These last laws come in handy to the engineer, too. Their
it gains four feet per second speed. Acceleration, then, application in everyday work, though, is a little more
is the rate of change of velocity. It may be positive, if the complicated than that of the equilibrium law; and we will
body is speeding up, or negative (sometimes called decelera- deal with them in detail later. For the present we’ll stick
tion) if the body is losing speed and slowing down. to the application of one idea and remember that every-
However, by Newton’s law a body will remain in its thing, whether at rest or in motion, is always in equilibrium.
state of rest of uniform motion until acted on by some As we have said before, nearly every move in engineer­
outside force; and, by the equilibrium law, all forces are ing design makes use of that fact. Get this “tool” at your
balanced. For every action there is an equal and opposite finger-tips.
reaction.
To accelerate the block shown in Figure 3, then, we E h a v e now got hold of some very valuable “tools”
must add a force, as shown. However, by the equilibrium
law, our forces will still be equal.
W for use in airplane designing and other branches
of engineering work. It was necessary in this and
Inertia steps in. Suppose I push open a heavy bank vault last month’s article to cover quite a bit of ground; but
door. I’m in a hurry. I know that, when I push the door now we’re going to take those principles, one by one,
slowly, it resists only with a small force due to friction and apply them to practical work, introducing a few new
in its hinges. However, the door is very heavy, and as I topics as we go along. By doing this we will find out
try to speed it up rapidly—accelerate it, in other words—I just how valuable they are to the engineer and further­
am amazed at the force I must apply. Certainly the fric- more we'll get a much clearer idea of what they really
tion is no greater. W hat has happened? mean when we start to use them.
Inertia force has opposed the rapid speeding-up of the The most important of them all, to us, is equilibrium.
door, and this inertia force, which did not exist until actual As we have just said, everything is in equilibrium. To
acceleration too\ place, is equal and opposite to the force I every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. If
apply beyond that used to overcome mere friction and air a man can push on a wall with a force of fifty pounds the
resistance. That is a practical, everyday example which wall must resist with a force of fifty pounds directly in
illustrates another of Newton’s laws: Any acceleration in opposition to the applied force; if the wall is not strong
the motion of a body is proportional to the accelerating enough to do that it will collapse before the man has been
force acting, and ta\es place along the line of action of able to exert the full force of which he is capable.
that force. That principle is fundamental (Continued on page 40)
 ANY of our readers, lately, have asked ques- the information requested about propellers will not be

M tions of a technical nature. There seems to

be a great need for a simple explanation of
basic rules for model design.
taken up for some time in these articles, I will sketch
here a few brief points of importance for your immediate
use. First, the diameter of your propeller should be ap-
It is quite true that the young men in the model “Game” proximately from 1/3 to 3/5 of the wing span. If the
thoroughly understand the construction of planes, but the propeller were less in diameter it would be impossible to
very basis of the whole art, (the understanding of the dc- give its blades sufficient area to propel the machine prop*
sign or proportioning of the structure from an aerodynamic erly. If it is more than 3/5ths in diameter the turning
standpoint), has been lacking. So, hereafter, I shall devote moment or torque of the propeller reacts against the ma­
most of the space of our advisory columns to answering chine so that it will have a tendency to turn over sideways.
basic technical questions on the aerodynamic design of the The longer the propeller the greater this tendency will be.
model. I therefore cordially invite you “to do your worst,” This problem does not exist in the case of twin-propeller
and if you will forbear with me I shall try to answer you models, for where there are two propellers, either pushing
to your satisfaction. or pulling the plane, each one turning in an opposite
One of my young readers has written to me requesting direction to the other. The torque of one propeller is
information about the design of the propeller. He tells me then neutralized by the torque of the other.
that he and his O n e boy has
friends have more written to me sug­
trouble with this gesting that it is
one factor than necessary to know
with any other. the weights of the
It is true that it is machine in order
the most difficult to design your
part of the plane propeller. This is
to design correctly. a m isunderstand­
Probably anyone ing . The problem
can build a pro- o f w eight h a s
peller, but to build nothing w hatever
a propeller that to do with model
will properly oper^ p ro p e lle r design.
ate with any par' The relationship
ticular machine re' which determines
quires an undgr- the correct size for
standing of the the propeller al­
technical design of w ays exists be-
the model. It is too tween the propel­
involved a question ler and the lifting
to take up in de/ surface. That is, in
tail here. However regard to the wing
I can refer you to area, the liftin g
the articles which surface, the cam­
will appear each ber, the angle of
month in M odel incidence and the
A irplane N ews shape of the air­
on the a e ro d y ' T H E N E W C U R T IS S A-8 A T T A C K P L A N E foil. For the de­
namic design of “T erro r of th e Skies” tails w hich will
T h is is one of an ord er of thirteen, built for th e A rm y A ir Corps.
the model. This I t is characterized as the m ost form idable air w eapon ever devised show this relation­
series of articles fo r use against ground troops. I t is said to have a speed of about ship very carefully
will take up every 200 miles an hour and carries six m achine guns as well as a bom b and thoroughly I
problem that will betw een the landing wheels. T h e claim is m ade th a t it is equal to refer you to the
th e artillery and m achine gun fire of a full in fan try divison.
probably arise. The W h a t a ship!!! series of articles
first article appears (Continued on
in this issue. As page 48)

38
 The Automatic Pilot
E n g in e e r s P r e p a r e f o r U . S . T e s t o f R o b o t A i r P ilo t
o n B ig P a s s e n g e r P la n e s

B y J . A . F it z

OBOT pilots may soon be flying passengers Mr. Gillmor said today it is not intended that the Sperry

R on big air transport liners from city to city

if tests now being conducted by engineers of
the Sperry Gyroscope Company, Brooklyn, receive the ap­
proval of officials of the Aeronautics Branch of the United
pilot shall entirely displace the human pilot in commer­
cial aviation. He said the robot is to be installed only as an
aid and auxiliary and that the installation is such that
control of the plane can be given to the mechanical pilot or
States Department of Commerce, it was announced here returned to the human aviator in a fraction of a second and
today (Wednesday, October 7). without the slightest interruption of flight. A special point
After successful experiments conducted by the army and was made of the additional fact that the robot, by keeping
navy air services for several years, the Sperry Company, the plane under control, frees the pilot so that he can
manufacturer of the robot pilot, has now received permis­ devote himself to the important task of checking the course
sion to introduce the device to civil aviation and is engaged and analyzing weather reports.
in a series of tests with one of the big 18-passenger Curtiss The greatest value of the Sperry pilot, Mr. Gillmor and
Condors such as are flown by Eastern Air Transport be­ his engineers believe, lies in its unfailing precision and
tween Newark and Jacksonville. The plane will arrive at accuracy, and its ability, therefore, to fly an airplane with
Newark Airport today (Wednesday) on a test flight from greater skill than a human pilot. The human pilot, at the
the plant of the B-J Aircraft Corporation at Baltimore, outset of a trip, they explained, can make about 50 correc­
•where installation of the pilot was made. tions per minute but as the flight continues over a long
According to R. E. Gillmor, vice-president and general period, fatigue reduces his ability to as low as 20 correc­
manager of the Sperry Company, the present tests are being tions per minute. The robot, however, never tires.
conducted preliminary to official flights soon to be made for Similarly, flight is smoother with the mechanical man at the
inspectors of the Department of Commerce. He said that as controls; when a wing dips with the human pilot the mo­
soon as the department has given its approval, the Sperry tion is already well under way before he can detect and
pilot will be made part of the regular safety equipment of correct it, but the robot, being gyroscopic, begins correction
Eastern Air Transport’s planes. of the variation at the instant it begins.
The present installation of the pilot is the first ever made W ith the installation now being tested, human hands, as
on a commercial airplane, it was said, the device having a matter of fact, are required only on the take-off and
been developed by the Sperry engineers for use by the mili­ landing, the engineers said. Once the plane is in the air
tary forces of the nation in guiding heavy bombing planes the human pilot sets it on its (Continued on page 45)
on long night raids over enemy territory.
Although the engineers consider intro- ^
duction of the Sperry pilot to civil aviation
of great importance in the development of
the nation’s air industries, they attached
greater significance to the military aspects
of the civil adaptation. They pointed out
that the practical everyday use of this and
other new devices is invaluable to American
military aviation because of the constant
testing and proving of the instruments in all
kinds of weather and under all flying condi­
tions. It was pointed out that the Curtiss
Condors on which the commercial tests are
now being made are sister ships of the great
Curtiss Condor bombers employed by the
army and on which the Sperry pilots have
been tested, and that, consequently, what­
ever practical knowledge results from every
day use of the pilots by Eastern Air Trans­
port is in effect valuable military informa­
tion. In other words, they saw civil avia­
tion, through its tests of such instruments,
working hand in hand with the war and
navy departments and adding to military The Sperry Automatic Pilot
aviation a great emergency reserve strength. “ The Machine With a M in d Of Its Own”

39
40 MODEL A l RP L A K E KE WS

Solid W ood · C o u r se in A ir p la n e
D e s ig n
R eplicas ( Continued from page 37)
T H E H A W K — an to all engineering work. Now, to get a
a u th e n tic re p ro d u c ­
tion of th e fam ous
Exact Scale better understanding of it, we will apply it
A rm y p u rsu it plane to a few practical, everyday cases.
b u ilt by C u rtiss.
Its ra k ish lines, s e t­ P e d e sta l M o d e ls We often apply the idea of equilibrium
back w ing and d is ­ without realising, consciously, that we arc
tin ctiv e nose sh ap e
a re fa m ilia r to doing so. If, for example, I have a barrel
av iatio n e n th u sia sts weighing one hundred pounds, which is to
everyw here. $1.75.
f j . 7 5 be lifted into a truck. I ask someone how
T H E H E L L D IV E R
Postpaid
much force I will have to exert to lift that
—an a c c u ra te m odel EACH weight vertically. He says, almost instantly,
of th a t N av y b om b­
in g fig h ter b u ilt by “A hundred pounds.”
C u rtiss. A ll its d istin c tiv e fe a tu re s a re
re ta in e d in th is m in ia tu re . $1.75. P o sta g e In that case we have a certain thing
25c e x tra on th is K it. to be accomplished. W e know that the
T h ese replicas of fam ous C u rtis s-W rig h t 12 IN C H W IN G SPA M
lifting force must work against the attrac-
planes in co rp o rate th e h ig h e st ty p e of p ro ­
fessional model d esigning. T h ey m ak e in ­ tion of the earth for a one hundred pound
te re stin g C h ristm a s g ifts for d eco ratin g mass; hence, knowing that action and re-
dens, and w ill la st a lifetim e.
E v e ry model is com plete w ith full-sized action are always equal and opposite, we
co n stru ctio n plans, clearly show ing all d e ­ say that a force of one hundred pounds
tails. T h e fuselage, w ings, ru d d e r and
stab ilizer a re cu t to e x ac t size from the must be exerted in a direction opposite to
b e st g rad e of balsa wood. A special die- the pull of gravity.
c a st, highly polished p ropeller, com plete
w ith sh aft, bu sh in g and wooden plug, sm all But now suppose we are pulling a weight
alum inum disc ru b b er tire d w heels, ru d d e r up the side of a building which is under
and w ing in sig n ias, colored lacq u ers, cem ent T H E FALCON—the orig­
and all m a te ria ls a rc included in these inal sm art lines of th a t construction, as shown in Figure 1. The
famous Curtiss ship are
rem ark ab le k its. retained in tills replica wall is vertical, but it is necessary to have
P L A N S A L O N E .......................................... 25c model. $1.75.
Send I Or for new Illustrated catalog of latest
the weight touch on the wall because our
models and the largest assortment of accessories P E D E S T A L B A SE , especially designed m etal derrick boom is not long enough to swing
in the world. Just off the press. base, com plete w ith fittin g for m ounting fin ­ it free. We want to know what force we
M a n u f a c t u r e r s o f O f f ic ia l C u r t i s s - W r i g h t ished model. F inished in black la c q u e r.............
M o d e ls 75c p ostpaid must exert to move the weight steadily up­
SELLEY M FG . GO., I nc . 1 3 7 3 -A Gates Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. ward.
Here we have two forces working against
us. We have the weight of the body. We
S END NO M O N EV
W E TR U ST have also a friction force arising from the
YO U sliding contact between the weight and the
D A T U S IM P L Y S E N D N A M E & A D D R E S S . <
^ B O Y S '& M E N 'S »lx J e w e l le v e r m o v e-
r i l / C K l m e n t S T R A P W A T C H w ith m e tn i lin k b r a c e le t O R 22
wall of the building and opposing the direc-
V L i l č a l . R e p e a te r R IF L E h o ld in g fro m tw e lv e to fifte e n c a r-
r id g e » , a n d m a n y o th e r v n lu n b lo p re m iu m s n c c o rd ln g t o w o n d e rfu l s u g ­ tion of motion.
g e s tio n » In r e g u l a r p re m iu m c n ta lo g b y sim p ly s e llin g W H IT E C L O V BRINE
S A L V E a t 25c p e r b o x (g iv in g b e a u tif u l a r t p ic tu r e F R E E ). S e n d T o d n v fo r O n e D o ze n Friction will be discussed more in detail
i . C L O V E R IN E u s e d l o r c u t a , b u r n s , s o r e s , e h n p s . e tc . U se d In m o s t e v e ry h o m e .
..................... W IL S O N C H E M . C O ., D e p t. H - 5 5 T Y R O N E , P A . just a little later. For the present we’ll say
that it is, in this case, a force of one hun­
dred pounds. The weight of the body, let
W IN T H I S P L A N E W IT H O U T CO ST! us say, is one thousand pounds.
We have two forces working against one;
Curtiss Robin, low- but the equilibrium must be there all the
wing F airchild. S pirit same or else the weight will not move with
of St. Louis, and
other famous models
cod be yours without
uniform velocity. Therefore the stun of the
costing a ccntl upward forces must equal the sum of the
Oh. boy! Win this beautiful Curtiss
downward forces, no matter how many of
Robin. Comes complete, ready to fly. cither there may be.
Demountable silk covered wings, ru d ­
der. and ta il. Thirty-inch wing span. We have a total downward force of one
Rubber tires. Triicolored fuselage. A
beauty! It can easily be yours w ithout thousand plus one hundred pounds, or
cost. Join tho Crowell Club and deliver
three well-known magazines to regular eleven hundred pounds. Hence the upward
customers. Act now! W rite to: force supplied by the rope or cable must
This " Curtiss Robin”
Can Easily Be Yours! be exactly eleven hundred pounds. If a man
MR. JIM THAYER, Dept. 241 is hanging onto the block, his weight must
Write Today!
The Crowell Publishing Co., Springfield, Ohio be added in, and the tension in the rope
increased by the amount of his weight.
All that may sound rather simple and
Flying Scale Model o f Curtiss-Army A8 Attack 1 5 0 elementary; but get it well in mind. If you
grasp the true meaning of equilibrium you
r.n m n le tn u/lfh
Complete with -— ™ - Pos t pai d
Postpaid arc off to a flying start. Remember that
all battlo equip­
ment, six machine guns, bomb re­
everything is balanced. If the applied forces
leasing in flight, official U.S. Army arc unbalanced— that is, if there is a thou­
insignia and colored dopes, making
a life-like duplication of the origi­ sand pounds total force acting in one dircc'
nal 650 h.p. Conqueror Powered tion and only five hundred acting in the
Terror of tho Skies.
Also featuring the:
opposite direction—there will be accelerat­
— C U R T IS S -N A V Y ed motion in the direction toward the weak­
F8CS H E L L D IV E R er forces, with the amount of the accelera­
— COL. L IN D B E R G H ’S tion such, that it supplies an inertia force
L O C K H E E D S IR IU S
— L O C K H E E D S IR IU S CO M ­
large enough to balance things up.
M A N D IN G O F F IC E R S H IP Just above we were speaking of a square
Junior sizes, 2θ inch wing span..$1.50 n n
A ll ships carefully designed for flying quail- body with the force acting upward and
* ■» *
ties. K its contain accurately colored dopes, downward. Now consider the wing spar
Senior sizes, 24 inch wing span_ 2.10 p η
official insignia, full size layouts, instruction
Remit by money order or chock. No extras out-
sheets, drag rings, motors, aluminum cowl-
ings, adjustable stabilizers. Easy to build.
shown in Figure 2. Here we have the ver­
side of IT. S. Send !><· fur illustrated catalogue. ___________Rounded fuselages. No motor sticks._______ tical forces spread out along a horizontal
Montgomery Model Aircraft, 732 W. Broadway, Woodmere, L. I. distance. The lift forces are trying to push
(Continued on page 42)
 MODEL A I RP L ANE HEWS 41

T r a n s - A t la n t ic P la n e s ment has seen a change from a 90 horse- flight of German war birds which constant­
power motor weighing 425 pounds, to a ly guarded each of these precious “eyes of
(Continued from page 9) present day product weighing 375 pounds the artillery,” the German observation bal­
but has good air performance. and developing 300 horsepower. Develop- loons? The answer is Frank Luke, Jr.
Two very important design factors are ments in new and light metals, as well as On September 12th, 1918, Luke, cheated
responsible for recent advances in speed improved designs, have done much to bring of his prey, namely three enemy airplanes,
and lift, as exemplified in recent designs. this important end of the Aeronautical In­ which he had lost sight of in the sun, turn­
First, the high lift wing or Aerofoil sec- dustry abreast of the advances in other ed toward the village Marieulles, behind the
tion; second, the low weight per horse' branches. German lines. Almost before he saw the
power of the motor. These two develop' balloon which was anchored there, his plane
ments are the very wings of progress, on F ra n k L uke, Jr. was sighted by its enemy aircraft guns or
which aviation has made such rapid strides. “Archies.” Rookie though he was, Luke
The timely development of the high lift (Continued from page 23)
knew what to do. Climbing to a height of
wing has had the effect of giving more lift' him, Luke had his reply ready. Interrupting 5,000 feet he threw his Spad into a power
ing pounds per square foot of wing area, the stinging words of his superior, he said dive. At the rate of 160 miles an hour he
thereby eliminating the necessity of using calmly, “At any rate I got a Boche.” The hurtled himself straight at the balloon be­
several wings, such as we find used on the laughter which this statement brought from low. Swooping to within yards of the belch­
early types. his more experienced comrades was silenced ing Archies below the blimp he sent burst of
Γη the early type of plane a square foot to shamed admiration when his confirmation phosphorous bullets at its thick side. This
of wing surface was required to support arrived from an American Balloon observer. taking no effect, he spiraled quickly, and
only a five or six pound load, while in Astounding as Luke’s ability at downing looked down again to send a second burst.
recent successes such as Lindbergh’s Spirit enemy planes proved to be, this was not the Again with no result. Before he could re­
of St. Louis, and the Pathfinder of Wil- branch of aerial combat which won him the turn for a third onslaught, Luke’s machine
liams and Yancey, we find that the wing lasting fame which is his today. Enemy bal­ guns jammed. While the winch crews on
load was as high as eighteen pounds a loons anchored to trucks and filled with in­ the anchoring trucks frantically pulled the
square foot at the start of their trip, and flammable gases were this Arizona airman’s machine to earth, Luke calmly withdrew.
diminishing fromi that maximum as the target. Few were the fliers who cared to W ith shells, bombs and machine gun bul­
gasoline is consumed. tackle these defenseless-looking monsters of lets whirring around him, he carefully £ut
the air. To approach within a radius of into condition one of his machine guns.
Effect of Low Weight P er H orse 100 yards of German observation balloons With a turn and swoop he was back again,
Power of the Motor was considered, even by such fliers as Rick- to find the balloon only a few feet from
The continual advances in motor design, enbacker, Lufbcrry, and Ball, almost certain the ground. Wheels almost touching the
and the application of newly thought out death. W hat pilot was skillful enough even balloon, he raked its entire length with
principles, have done much to advance avia- in those days of heroes to brave a blimp’s incendiary bullets. His reward was a hot
tion. Each year brings out new records of massed defenses of anti-aircraft artillery, belch of blue flame and a smothering cloudy
dependability of power plants, and today long range machine guns and bomb throw­ black smoke from the exploding balloon.
engine failures are few and far between. ing cannons? W hat ace, even of the days
Fifteen years of expensive motor develop' of 1914-18 dared try to pass the hovering (Continued on page 46)

GIVEN! FLIES 2640 Feet!

The Comet Dart flies \'z mile, is easily worth
$2.25 yet costs you only $1 Post-paid! How you’ll
thrill flying this speed demon—how your friends
will envy you! Build this beautiful big plane
now! Glider comes Free with Dart. See list of
Kit contents. Colored box containing everything
needed to build and fly Comet Dart—$1 post-paid.
Order!

COMET DART
Span: 22"
NEW
C -l P u rs u it
Length: 16«/2"
C -I-P U R S U IT
75c
Jur > Post-paid
S pan: 15" New K it of­
fered for first
L e n g th : 12Í4" tim e! Looks
like re a l arm y
fig h ter w i t h
brow n fuselage, o ra n g e w ings. A nd can she fly? M an
alive! T ak es off gro u n d , sp ira ls gracefully, glides to
COM PLETE KITS! perfect 3-point landing. H u rry —bc first in y o u r n e igh­
Nothing Left Out! borhood to fly this re m a rk a b le model. K it is com ­
p lete a s a rc all C om et k its . F re e G lider com es w ith k it.
DART: P rinted bal. parts, wing- See k it c o n te n ts listed a t left. C om plete K it in b e a u ti­
body insignia, sandpaper, reed,
bal. body strips, strip bamboo, ful box, S pecial: 75c p o st-p a id . O rd e r Q uick!
bal. wing spar, all wire parts,
bal. headrest and nosepiccc. bal.
YES! Three Different Kits in 3 Big Boxes! prop blank, cellu, wheels, co-
F o r a s h o r t tim e o n ly w e m a k e th is special 3 -K it
inent, ban. oil. full-size draw ­
ing. instructions, Jap. tissue,
DIPPER FLIES 600 FEET!
offer: Send $2 a n d w e’ll ship you p rep aid D a rt, rubber motor.
P u rsu it, D ipper K its, each p ack ed in a big s tu rd y
box. A lso 3 F R E E S L IN G S H O T G L ID E R S !
PU R SU IT: Stampod ribs and
bulkheads, spec. bal. noseblock,
Full Kit 50c Postpaid
These C om et K its g iv e e x tra o rd in a ry v alu e for cellu, wheels, sized bal. stripe, T h is a m a zin g D ipper S p a n : 12V&"
the money. W e g u a ra n te e it. So h u rry ! O rd er strip bamboo, all wire parts. Army w eighs less th a n J4 oz.,
colors Jap. tissue, body insignia, L e n g th :
now. Send 2c stam p for F re e C atalo g . A lso see sandpaper, ban. oil, cement, bal. y e t flies 600 feet . . also
P age 46 for Special P rice s on D u m m y M otors. prop block, full-size drawing, in ­ ta k e s off gro u n d ! T h o u ­
No C.O .D. O rd e rs accepted. structions, rubber motor. sands sold a n d b u ilt a nd
D IPP E R : Jap. Ussue. strip bluo flown p a s t few m onths.
ORDER NO W ! QUICK! tissue, printed bal. ribs, formers, B ig g est k it value you
bal. prop block, spec. bal. nose- ever saw a t 50c! G lider
COMET M ODEL A IR PL A N E & piece, tailblnck, insignia, sand­ included free. Sec list of
paper, wheels, bamboo strips, k it c o n te n ts a t left. C om ­
SUPPLY COM PANY cement, ban. oil. all wire parts, plete in s tu rd y yellow
rubber motor, full-sizo drawings,
3114 W. H arrison St., Dept. M-22, Chicago instructions. box. . . 50c post-p aid .
B uild it! F ly it! O rd e r
now !
42 MODEL AIRPLAHE HEWS

B A L SA P R O P E LLER S (Continued from page 40) other falls into neither classification. W hat
the spar upward. The two vertical reaction then?
forces are such that they balance the lift That question brings us to a very inv
forces and maintain equilibrium. This case, portant principle. Composition and resolw
by the way, is a practical one. The spar tion of forces.
shown is that of a monoplane wing. The Taking the inclined force from Figure 3
numerous one hundred pound forces repre' (A ) and shutting it up by itself in Figure
sent the lift, split up so that we can handle 3 (B), we scheme around and try to figure
it conveniently. The large upward force out a way to handle the ungainly thing.
in the center of the wing, shown by a dash' Let’s go back to our everyday experience.
cd line, also represents the lift force, this If I push down vertically on a block of
time concentrated in the center for easier wood, the block will not move, will it? It
calculations. We can thus concentrate or will merely' push harder against the table
divide forces whenever we find it handy, or whatever it may be resting upon. But if
provided we keep their amounts and loca' I incline the force the block starts to move.
Machine cut Raisa Propellers Perm anently Shaped, tions right. W hat has happened? The force I apply is
Center hole drilled, ready for final sanding.
Six-Inch Prop ..............................................................$0.09 The reaction at the right is the vertical still the same. But its angle of inclination
Seven-Inch P r o p ............................................................... 11
E ight-Inch P r o p ............................................................... 12 force that must be supplied by the bracing' has been changed. It is the same force, but
N ine-Inch Prop ............................................................... 14
Ten-Inch P r o p ...................................................................15 wire. That at the left is the vertical force its total effect is no longer pushing down
Twelve-Inch Prop ........................................................... 18
NO O R D ER FOR LES S T H A N 50o contidcred and supplied by the fuselage through the pin on the table. It now has some effect hori'
So postage must he added. joint where the wing is attached to the up' zontally, although it is not yet a horizontal
S C A L E W O R LD W AR P R IN T S
From Official Drawings per longeron or to the center section. The force itself. The more we cut down the
BRISTOL· SCOUT ..................................... - .....» 0 .3 5
POK K ER D. 7 .................................................................25 horizontal reaction at the pin joint does not angle between the force and the table the
SPAD 220 ...........................................................................25
come from the applied forces, which are all less becomes its vertical effect and the more
po kker t r i p l a ň e ’ ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 11!!! ! ! .’ ! I Ms vertical and can therefore have only vertical
PFALZ (D 12) .................................................................25 becomes its horizontal effect.
CURTISS JN . 4 .............................................................25
ITALIAN ANSALDO (S.V.A .) ...................................25
reactions: it comes from the fact that the W e know that from experience. But just
SOPW ITII CAMEL· ....................................................... 25 actual force in the bracing wire is at an what have we been doing? W e’ve been con'
SOPWITFI TRIPLA N E .................................................25
GUN BUS .......................................................................25 angle and therefore causes a horizontal com» sidering our force as really split up into two
NIEUPORT ....................................................................... 25
SOPW ITII S N IPE .........................................................25 pression in the spar. effects, one vertical and the other horizontal.
ALBATROSS C. 5 .......................................................25 As the inclination of the force becomes flat'
GOTHA BOMBER .........................................................25 Suppose, in this case, we knew that the
F L Y IN G M O D E L B L U E P R IN T S (Scale— 24")
Super Army Hawk ..................................................$0.40 vertical reaction at the left end of the spar ter and flatter, its horizontal effect becomes
Hawker· F ury ............................................................... 40 was four hundred and fifty pounds. The larger and larger, tending to push the block
S.E.5.A.................................................................................. 40
Inland Sport ...................................................................40 lift force, being one hundred pounds per along with a greater force all the time until,
Supermarine S.G.B............................................................. 80
W AR P L A N E P IC T U R E S F R E E foot for eighteen feet of spar length, is when the force itself becomes horizontal,
W ith each order of $1.00 or more we will give the whole effect is acting parallel to the
F R E E 20 pictures of world war planes In action. eighteen hundred pounds. Then we have
S C A L E N O N -F L Y IN G
Scale N on-Flying Sikorsky 10 P I..................... $0.25
four hundred and fifty pounds acting down' table.
Super Army H a w k ...........................................................25 ward against a force of one thousand eight Now, going back to our inclined force in
Lockheed (W innie Mao) .............................................25
N. C. 4 .............................................................................. 40 hundred pounds acting upward. We will Figure 3, we can’t change its angle of im
H A W K M ODEL AER O PLAN ES
4944 Irving Park Blvd., Department R-9 have to increase the sum of the downward clination. T hat is fixed. But we can deter'
Chicago, lllin o li, U .S .A . mine what effects it will have vertically and
forces by enough to make an even eighteen
hundred pounds. The force necessary is horizontally and thus solve our problem.
CO M PLETE O U TFIT found easily by subtracting four fifty from W e have been talking about these effects.
FOR M ODEL PLAN E B U IL D IN G
Includes 50 ploces of balsa, cement, tissue, rubber, eighteen hundred, which gives us a ver' Now we’re going to call them components,
and all other necessary m aterial. Including plans
end Instructions. Sufficient for several models. deal force of thirteen hundred fifty pounds one vertical and the other horizontal. Every
Packed in heavy 18 Inch cardboard caae. $1.50 as the vertical reaction supplied by the strut force may be split up into two components,
postpaid—or send 2c stamp for full inform ation.
Also special package of balsa, 45 pieces, various at its point of attachment to the spar. one vertical and the other horizontal, if
sizes, all 2 feet long. 50c potpald.
S W IF T A IR -M O D E L S U P P L IE S That’s simple enough, isn’t it? And no necessary for simplicity and accuracy, by
363 Brittain Road, Akron, O.
one can say it isn’t practical. Such a case merely drawing lines vertically and horizon'
pops up every day in a designing office. tally from each end, making a triangle with
The general problem is to design a suitable one right angle as shown in Figure 3 (B).
World’s Lowest Prices strut for a wing of a certain size, having The force itself is still the same, acting at
5Ve Cut Down Prices on a certain lift force, without making the strut its previous angle; the components measure
its effect in horizontal and vertical dircc'
too weak or unduly heavy. Knowing the
Supplies vertical force supplied by the strut—which tions.
If every model builder knew of our new we have just found—we can find the force Notice that this brings us right back to
prices we could not supply the demand. in the strut parallel to its length and hence our equilibrium of forces in vertical and
Stinson Detroiter Kit 75c find what size of strut must be used. horizontal planes. Hence we can, if we
Kit contains everything: neceasary to malco a W e will do that in just a moment. But have a force inclined at a troublesome angle,
2 ft. flying model. W ill fly 500 ft. easily. first we must point out that this business of split it up into components by drawing it
Complete Material Kit 51.00 equilibrium is true not only for vertical to scale and making the triangle, and go
See December issue of th is m agazine for con­ forces—it holds for all forces. The sum of right ahead.
ten ts of Kit. the horizontal forces must equal zero, with Notice too, that the sum of the com'
B alsa Wood 1/16 x 2 x 20, 5 for 10c: M aq. x 20, 16
for 5c. Music Wire any else up to 18. 10 ft. 3c.
Japanese Hawkone (Genuine) 2 sheets 5c, colors:
forces acting to the right generally consider' ponents, in themselves, is not the value of
red, white, blue, green, brown, orange. 28o doz. sheets, ed positive and forces acting to the left the original force. They arc acting at dif'
b I zq 22" X 25"
Dope (Clear N itrate) 2 oz. 7c: 8 nz. 25c; 1 qt. 75c. as negative. The sum of the vertical forces ferent angles. If their effect is to be the
Colored dope any color. 1 oz. 6c; 2 oz. l i e ; 8 oz. 40c. must equal zero. The sum of the forces same as that of the original force their sum
Colurlees Cement, strongest and quickest drying, 2 oz.
11c: 4 oz. 21c: 1 pt. 75c.
Fresh Rubber, 1/32 sq.. 4 ft. lc ; 100 ft. 14c; 1/32 x
acting in any plane must equal zero. must be larger than the original force.
% . 3 ft. lc : 225 ft. 60c; 5764 flat.4 ft.l c ; 225 ft. 45c;
1/16 flat. 3 ft. lc : 225 ft. 55c;?/16 flat, 2 ft. lc ;
225 ft. 8Be. X T o w suppose we look at Figure 3. Here /T ' ha t last may be a little hard to grasp.
Celluloid Wheels. In. di.. 2 pairs 9c: 1 in. dl. each ’ we have a block acted upon by two
374c; 1% In. dl. 474c each: 17s in. ill. 7c each. Dummy ■*· Look at it this way: If I want a stub'
Motors. 1% In. dl. 9 cyl. 17c each: 3 in. ill. 33c each. forces, one vertical and one inclined at such born mule to go forward I would push him
Cowlings, 22c each; P ants, 28c P air. Lots of other re­
ductions. an angle that it is neither horizontal nor forward, provided he were not of the kick'
IM P O R T A N T O R D E R IN G IN S T R U C T IO N S vertical. ing variety. But if he were too handy with
No stamps or foreign coin accepted, also orders under
50c. Add 15c to orders under $1.50 for packing. Orders
over $1.50 add 10 per cent. 10c extra to above charges Looking back over the preceding para' his hoofs I’d stand at one side and push
for orders West of M ississippi. C anadian and foreign graph, we see that the sum of the vertical at an angle. Pushing in this way, however,
orders ailili 20c extra on orders up to $1.50. Over $1.50
add 15 per cent extra. No less th a n 25c worth of wood forces must equal zero and that the sum of I’d have to apply a much larger force than
sold with each order. If you w ant wood in 40 in. I would if I could push directly forward to
length, the price Is 274 tim es 20 in. lengths cost. Send the horizontal forces must equal zero, if the
2c Btamp for Catalogue containing world’s lowest prices.
Dealers, clubs write fur discounts. block is to be in equilibrium. get the same effect.
W OBURN MODEL A IR PL A N E SHOP But in the present case we’re stumped Given a force, then, we can always re'
19 Belmont Street, Woburn, Mass. because, while one force is vertical, the solve it into components so that we can
 MODEL AIRPLANE HEWS 43

handle things nicely on a drawing-board.

SEE W A R N IN G BELOW
Above we found the values of the two
components by drawing the force and the
A v o id B e in g F o o l e d
components to scale and reading the values
of the components also to scale. But we
have a right triangle, and if you’ve studied
geometry you’ll know that, in a right tri­
angle, the sum of the squares of the two
sides is equal to the square of the hypot­
enuse, or the longest side. Thus, knowing
the value of any two sides of our triangle,
we can find the third.
The block shown in Figure 3 (A ), then,
will have two components of the inclined
force acting upon it, in addition to the ver­
tical force shown. If the block is in equilib­
rium, which it must be, the table must
supply an upward force equal to the orig­
inal vertical force plus the vertical com­
ponent of the inclined force. A horizontal
force must also be present, either obtained
from an outside source or from friction be­
tween the table and the block as the block
moves to the left. This force must be equal
to the horizontal component of the inclined
force.
So much, then, for the matter of finding
components of a given force. Now, revers­
ing the process, we can find the effect of The talk of the Hour is la IK D S U P E R -S O L U T IO N
any number of forces.- That is, we can find th is C leveland-D esigned
a single force that will have the same effect I t ’s tho real th in e—anil many model builders have thought th is picture was ” .Timmy’* Doo­
little 's ship itself. B u t it's the Cleveland-Designed model—.superimposed on a Held background
as any combination of given forces acting for realism. In every detail Cleveland engineers have done a m asterful job—that flics a t 35 m .p.h.,
at any angles. and regularly covers 500 feet or more. True scale; span \W~"\ length 13'4" ; weight. 1.7 oz.
Colored yellow wings, stabilizer and elevators; green fuselage, tin. rudder and stru ts; black details.
We will start with a simple case of two Wheel shoes characteristically touched with the yellow design. Comes complete with turned balsa
cowl front and a t a price everyone can afford. Complete K it SF-5, only $2.50 postfree. (Special
forces, F and V, shown in Figure 4. Both Delivery. 15c extra).
are acting on the point P, and the system
is at rest. For simplicity, we’ll just slide
force F over so that it is in the position
shown by the dashed line F. Now we have
two forces, one horizontal and one vertical.
We can consider these two as components
of a single force, and draw in the line B,
which is the single force having the same
effect as V and F acting together, when the
dotted head indicated its direction. W e POLISH P.6. FIG H TER NEW BOEING FIG H T ER
A uthentic % " scale of Capt. O rlinski’s famous
can, of course, slide this resultant hack un­ gull-winged Polish warblrd. High speed and A real ? í" scalo of the new U. S. A ir Services
keen beauty. Span 25% "; length 17>i"; weight Ship, sometimes called Boeing’s Helldivcr. Span.
til its point will touch the point P, where 2.3 oz. Colored yellow, red. black and white. - 2 % " ; length 14’4 " : weight 2.0 oz. Colored yel­
Complete K it SF-6, only S2.95 postfreo. (Special low, green and black. Complete K it SF-8. only
it is really acting. Delivery, 15c extra). $2.95 postfree. (Special Delivery, l i e extra).
That method determines the resultant by a t once for new colored Jumbo
using just the triangle of the forces given. S e n d 5 c Folder showing 30 Cleveland-De­
We slid force F over because, when looking
signed models, many in large size
—and Cleveland's engineered m aterials and supplies.
Many men and boys aro hanging this great Jumbo in
WARNING!
at the two given forces, we can see that the their workshop, den. or room. Present supply is limited. It lias been reported to us th a t some u n ­
resultant (single force with same effect) will Send only a nickel for your copy today—s it down and scrupulous dealers are using the authentic
do it right now and wo'll rush your ” Jum bo" right back Cleveland models as decoys to get men and
act at an angle downward to the right and to you. li s t s models for beginners as well us "old -tim ers." boys into their stores, and then endeavoring
to sell these customers substitutes. lie on
not to the left. A better way of finding
the resultant is by drawing the parallelo* CLEVELAND your guard! Once the sale is made it's too
late to decide your purchase isn 't "Just as
good." We say to you—go to your dealer's
gram of forces, F-V-F”-V’. M o d e l & S u p p l y C o. firs t: if he cannot supply you with the Cleve­
M o d e l E n g i n e e r s S i n c e 1919 land-Designed model you want—order from
This is done by drawing F” parallel to F us direct. Immcdi.Tlo shipment!
and V’ parallel to V. These two lines in­ 1866N-2 West 57th St., Cleveland, Ohio.
tersect at a point O, and the resultant is
the line drawn from O to P. The force BOYS 9 GET T H IS W A T C H
MJØ ° j, *" r p ir u la r '' m a n '· w a tc h . C om ­ ASSEM BLED
p le te ly n o w . S ta n d a r d m o d e l, im p ro v e d m o v e m e n t. Ready to Fly and
found here is precisely the same as was G u a r a n te e d tim o k e e p e r . G iv en f o r n ellinir o n ly 20
p a e k e t a o f G a r d e n S e e d a a tlO c p e r p a c k e t. /'o a tíir e íy Guaranteed to Fly
found previously; but this method has the n o e r t r a money. S e n d f o r n e e d s to d a y . W e T r u s t Y o u .
.L A N C A S T E R C O U N T Y S E E D C O M P A N Y
Distance* up to
1000 ft. Formed
advantage that it can be used for two forces S T A T IO N I O u P A R A D IS E . P E N N S Y L V A N IA
balsa fuselage.
Dummy radial en­
which are not at right angles to each other, gine. Celluloid
while, in this last case, the geometrical wheels. P ilot's
methods of squares wouldn’t work. The
graphic method—usually the best and sim­
Moskito Plans eookpit. Adjust-
controls. Wing
20 Inches,
oz.
plest—would, however.
Try this method. Draw several pairs of
or Kits TROLS. You can make it CIRCLE. STEEP
forces and find the resultants. It’s good MOSKITO FLY ER L ayout Sheets CLIMB, or LOOP the LOOP. Strongly b u ilt with
shook absorbing features, good for hundreds of
practice. BABY MOSKITO P ost flights without breakage. Special F R E E offer to In­
Now, suppose we have two forces and MOSKITO SKI PLANE P a id troduce our models to cur new friends and custom­
ers. Order one of our REA D Y-BU ILT and GUAR­
want to find a single force that will balance ANTEED to fly planes, and we will include A B­
Baby Moskito Kit___ ____40c Postpaid SOLUTELY F R EE, postpaid, a complete kit, parts
those two and establish equilibrium. This Moskito Flyer Kit___ ___ 65c Postpaid cut to size, rubber, wheels, balsa, covering, etc., to
build an exact duplicate of the model you order.
we will call the balancing force. Moskito Ski Plane___ ___ 65c Postpaid J u st think. 2 planes for the price of one. one that
you may fly Immediately, and one th a t you may
T Tow shall we find it? That shouldn’t be 48 h o u r service hare the pleasure of building yourself, using the
ASSEMBLED model as your pattern. The altové
■*--*· hard. We know that the resultant of model together with F R E E K IT $2.75 postpaid in
MOSKITO FLYER CO., U.S. Canada $.50 extra, money order preferred.
a system of forces is a single force that has 11 West 42nd St., New York City
Photos an d price list of other models 5 cents.
SILVER FLASH MODELS. Box 88. Portland. Penn.
(Continued on page 45)
44 MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS

Build the Curtiss- Wright K1

A e r o d y n a m ic D e s ig n 1/3 K = K 3 Cu, or — = C U or Cu= l / 9
K9
* FALCON (Continued from page 6)
surface of the double-surface wing is similar
to the single-surface curve, but the lower is
Otherwise, the upper curve of our wing
section should be (1 /9 ) the chord if the
lower camber is (O ) or is flat.
usually comparatively flat, as shown in the To design a double-surface wing section
diagram. with a flat lower surface that will have the
Amount of Camber same lifting capacity as a given single-sur­
Now that we know how our wing curve face one, multiply the camber of the single
is to be shaped, we should know how high surface section by 4/3, as, 1/12 x 4/3 = 1/9.
the curve or camber should be and how You have probably noticed that the cam­
the height of the curve effects the flying ber of the upper surface is multiplied by
qualities of our wing. (3 ). The reason for this lies in the fact
Postpaid As a general rule, the higher the curve that the upper curve causes three times the
18" Wingspan
the more the lift at any given speed. Or, amount of lift as the lower curve or surface.
the higher the curve, the slower the plane
Hen's an actual photograph o f a Flying
•cale model o f the F a lc o n —approved by C u r tis s - is able to fly with any given weight. From
W r i g h t, builders of tlie plane itself. this we can see that a comparatively low or
Flying performance. 400 feet.
K it contains: Completo full sized plans, selected
materials, dupe, cement, colored Insignias, special
flat curve will give speed to our model. In T h e A ir p la n e E n g in e
parts. Many now and original features In model this case the greatest lift is produced at (Continued from page 31)
construction aro found In this exceptional kit. high speed.
Got your FLYING FALCON by return mall, $1.73 is a miniature spark transmitting set, the
postpaid. West of M ississippi or Canada 15c extra. The proper height of curve for a speed waves of which intercept the receiving
P lans alone 30c.
Send 10c for new illustrated catalog o f latest mo­ wing should be about 1/16 the chord of antenna.
dels and the largest assortment of accessories in the wing. That is, if the chord is four
the world. Just off the press. This interference may be such that radio
M a n u f a c t u r e r s o f O f f ic ia l C u r t i s s - W r i g h t inches, the curve should be about 1/4 inch telephones may not be used successfully.
M o d e ls high at its highest point. For an average,
SELLEY MFG. CO., INC. Since the Diesel has no ignition system,
every day model, the height of the wing there can be no interference. Consequently,
1373-A Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. curve should be about 1/12th the chord, i.e., it is an ideal powcrplant from a communi­
Y4 inch high, if the chord is three inches. cation point of view.
H E W .S C IE N T IF IC W O N D E R For a slow flying or endurance plane, the This engine operates in any position as
curve height may be Vs the chord or V2 it does not depend upon gravity to obtain
inch high if the chord is four inches. In its fuel as docs the carburetor equipped
giving these figures, we are referring to engine. Because of the greater expansion
singlc'surface wings. For double-surface ratio the gases of combustion have a lower
3 for 23c B I G FL, wings, the height of the upper surface curve pressure when they are exhausted. As a
Yon apparently see Utru
fO T 9 Stone, any objoct. Sco Bones should he about l/3 rd greater. result the exhaust gases do not expand so
F R EE Pkg. radio picture films, takes pictures w ithout In other w.ords, if you have a single sur- violently and the waves do not make such
camera. " Y o u ’ll like ’em." I pkg. with each 25c order.
M arv el M fg. Co., D ep t. 93, N ew H a v e n , Conn. face wing with a curve % inches high and an impression on one’s ears. Thus, the
you wish to make a double-surface wing engine operates more quietly.
with the same lifting capacity, at the same Because of the complete combustion
speed of travel, you would then make it within the cylinder the exhaust gases are
S w eet T oned
with a top curve one-half inch high, instead not flaming as are those leaving the gaso­
VIOLIN of three-eighths inches. line powerplant. The Diesel engine there­
Ila n d e o m o fin la h .h ifrh ly p o U a h e d .
S e t o f n t r in if e a n d b o w in c lu d e d . S E N D
. N O M O N E Y · J u s t o s m o a n d u d d ren n . W E The following formula shows approxi­ fore makes an ideal engine for night flying
T R U S T Y O U w ith 20 p a c k n o f CJnrdcn Seede
to Boll a t 10c a p a c k e t. W h e n Bold Bond 12 c o lle c te d mately how the “lift” changes at any speed as there are no flames to interfere with the
a n d w e w ill B end V io lin O u tf it a n d I n u tr a c tio n B o o k . L e a rn to p in y
i n 6 m in u te s . N o m o r o m o n e y t o p a y . . . . E X T R A -* $ 1 5 0 0 in B IG
P R IZ E S . Y o u m a y w in . W r i t e f o r se e d s to d a y ,
with the height of the wing curve. In the pilot’s vision. The exhaust stacks of the
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T Y S E E D C O . S ta tio n 3 1 6 P A R A D IS E » P A . formula, L=Lift; Cu= ( height of upper gasoline engine require special shapes and
curve); CB= ( height of lower or bottom manifolds in order not to blind the operator.
AMAZING VALUES! curve). This adds weight and constructional dif­
Hero are a fow
2 OZ. ACETONE.............................. 08
The values you get for (L) arc not the ficulties.
2 OZ. BANANA O il..................... 08 actual amounts of lift but merely show pro­ The heavy oil used for Diesel engine
2 OZ. COLORED D O P E ..............10
W RITE for the lowest prices in America, also portion. Wc therefore put in (K) that re­ fuel does not detonate. Consequently, the
for our SPECIA L F R E E OFFER. presents a figure which wc need not know,
DEALERS AND CLUBS writo for real money maximum pressure of approximately 1200
making line.
MODEL AIRPLAN E SUPPLY
but which, if its value at any given speed pounds which the Diesel engine is built to
1140 - 53rd S treet Brooklyn, N. Y. were known, and this value were put into withstand can not be exceeded. Opposed
the formula, would give the actual value for to this is the gasoline engine which is con­
the lift (L) in any case. structed to withstand the normal pressures
BUILD AND FLY THESE L = K (3 0 + C B) within the cylinder of around 600 pounds.
or in other words (L) is proportional to Since detonation will build this pressure
NEW MODELS! (3CU+ C B). up to as high as 1500 pounds it is easily
The Lawrence FLED G ELIN G This applies to both single and double seen that serious damage to the engine will
An A ll-B alsa Training Model th a t will fly several
hundred feet. surface wings. If we had a wing of single occur if detonation is permitted to continue.
K it contains all m aterials cut to size, maehino
carved propeller, cement, all fittings finished, cellu­ surface whose curve height is 1/12th the
loid wheels, rubber and complete drawings and in ­ chord, wc would proceed as follows: ' T ' h istype of powerplant at present has
structions. Furnished in two sizes.
12" Fledgeling Kit, 45c. |8 " Fledgeling Kit, 60c L = K (3 (1/12) + (1 /1 2 )= 4 /1 2 = 1/3 K ·■■ two difficulties although these are not
The Lawrence LOW W ING JU N IO R That is, the upper camber is 1/12 the sufficient to restrict its use. The first is a
Λ 20-lnch Indoor Cabin Model th a t will fly from
one to two minutes. chord and the lower camber is 1/12 as both low Mean Effective Pressure. Although a
K it contains more than 26 feet of balsa sticks, cambers are the same in a single-surface high peak pressure is built up within the
machine carved propoller, model cement and paper
cement, dap tissue, machined nose and tail pieces,
rubber, all fittings finished and completo drawings
wing. The height of the curve is always cylinder this pressure falls off rapidly. The
and instrurtions. measured from the chord which passes result is that the Μ. E. P. is lower than
20" Low Wing Junior Kit, 50c
Also 25" Balsa Autogiro K it, 80c, and 19" Balsa through the leading and trailing (rear) that of a corresponding sized gasoline en­
Sesquiplane Kit. 00c. edges of the wing. gine. Consequently, the power is not so
No charge for packing or postage on the above kits.
Machine Carved Balsa Propellers! Now, if we wish to design a double'Sur' great for similar size.
These propellers are true pitch and will not warp faced wing with the same lifting capacity as The second point which will eventually
out of shape like bent wood propellers. Tlicy are
ready for use except for sanding and are the most the above single-surface one, we would pro­ be overcome is that of idling speed. It is
efllelont propellers on the market. Specify soft, ceed as follows: rather difficult to control the fuel pumps
medium or bard balsa. M ade rigid hand only.
5"—.04c. C"—,05c, 7"—,07c. 8"—.0!)c. S T - ll c , L = l/3 K therefore 1/3 K =K (3 Cll+ C B) so closely that the engine will turn over at
10"—-.14«
But in the double-surface wing we have a desired minimum speed of about 250
LAW RENCE A IRPLA N E MODELS
1319 Hood Avenue, Chicago. chosen, the lower curve is straight with no revolutions. Thus, as a plane comes in for
camber, so (CB) is equal to (O ). So, a landing the fast idling engine will keep
 MODEL AIRPLANE HEWS 45

the craft in the air resulting in the need his tail around in a cage. That is a char­
for a longer landing held than should be acteristic of systems of forces that are in
necessary. equilibrium, or balanced. If the triangle—
The many advantages of the Diesel type or polygon— of forces is a closed figure, with
engine outweigh the few disadvantages the arrowheads chasing each other around
many times over. Because of its weight that figure, the system is in equilibrium.
this engine does not offer much to the mili­ Now for some more practical work.
tary services. However, its increased econ­ Suppose we have a force acting vertically
omy should make it a favorite with the at the end of a strut, as that in Figure 2,
transport operators. Its superior reliability and we wish to find the force needed paral­
will make it practical to operate single lel to that strut to supply the vertical force.
engined passenger ships with complete W e know that we have the vertical com­
safety. The elimination of the multiple en­ ponent and the angle of inclination of the
gines on a plane will remove much re­ force in the strut, since the force in the
sistance and increase the speed of our aerial strut must be parallel to the strut and
transportation. hence have the same slope.
We know the slope of the strut: it is 1:2,
The succeeding article will tell some of or one foot (or inch or centimeter) ver­
the points to be observed during overhaul tical to two similar units horizontally. N ew Curtiss A-8 Attack Plane
of an engine. It will discuss the importance W e draw what we call a space diagram, Six m achine guns, a load of bombs, a high speed of
190 m.p.h. I A squadron of 18 planes aro equivalent
of carefully running in and mounting an making it a right triangle with the vertical to the lire of the artillery and machine guns of a
division of 80,(100 inoi:. Model is absolutely to scalo,
engine and how the life of an airplane side one unit long and the horizontal side beaul iful flyer, 26" wing span, vvt. 1.6 oz.. d u ra ­
powerplant can be prolonged by sensible tion 90 seconds. Kit. includes all m aterial to d i­
two units. Its hypotenuse is then parallel mension. full size layouts, prop, cowlings and panta
operation. to the slope of the strut. Its vertical side ” blanked” out, celluloid wheels and ta il wheels, in ­
signia, cement, dopes, bombs, etc., everything to
is parallel to the vertical force that we al­ build tills new U.S. super lighter. (TO ΛΛ
Complete kit postpaid ............................... Ψ“ · " ν
ready have.
Now we draw also a force diagram.
S p e r r y A u t o m a t ic W e have only one line to draw definitely;
P ilo t the vertical force of four hundred and fifty
pounds in this case, to scale. We draw
(Continued from page 39) that.
proper course and throws a switch which Now we know that, since the inclined
places the Sperry pilot in operation, taking force must be in the strut, it must be paral­
his hands from the regular controls at the lel to the strut. Therefore it must have
same time. If at any time the human pilot the same slope as the strut or the hypot­
wishes to alter the position of the plane enuse of the space diagram; so we draw
he has only to touch the proper buttons, to a line from the top of the vertical force D oolittle’s Super-Solution
turn the plane to the left, to the right, up parallel to the hypotenuse of the space dia­ D on't bo fooled by low priced kits—compare size,
completeness, realism am i the reputation of the
or down. It is significant that the plane gram. We know that the force in the strut company behind them. Our Laird-400 kit Is a 24"
model, with a hand carved propeller (not tlbre
loses no altitude in the turns. is represented by this line, but we do not paddles), all difficult pieces shaped, all material to
The instrument not only maintains the know how long it is to be. dimension, full size layouts and Instructions. tYt.
1.9 oz. Celling 103 ft. (Indoors), dura- (TO ΠΑ
plane in level flight but also keeps it on the We do know, however, that the inclined Γιλ seconds. Complete kit. nostnaid «DJ.VJU
desired course. The control is established force will have the same effect as a vertical
by means of small gyroscopes, tiny models component and a horizontal component. So
of the big rotors now used to steady some we draw a horizontal line from the bottom
of the largest ocean liners, yachts, and of the vertical force until it strikes the in­
foreign naval vessels. The gyroscopes serve clined line. That point determines the
to control a clutch relay which in turn length of the horizontal component and the
operates the controls in much the same inclined force.
manner as the human pilot. The entire ap- We have found the inclined force graph­
paratus is inclosed in a small box under ically. We can also do it mathematically.
the pilot’s seat. It weighs about 100 pounds.
According to its designers, the instru­ g e o m e t r y , you have probably heard of
ment will prove invaluable in rough weather
Tn W orld’s Fastest Land Plane
similar triangles without having the U ndisputed king of land piano speed records. Lo­
and blind flying. faintest idea of what they were good for. well Ilayles’ own <1B So. 4, "C ity of Springfield.”
Wing span of model, 21% ", wt. 1.6, rate of speed
Well, they come in handy right here. W e 1000 ft. per min. F u ll size plans, ample Instructions,
hand carved prop, celluloid pants an d wheels and cowl
know that, since their sides are parallel collar, all m aterial to dimension. One of the most
each to each, the space diagram and the popular kits in Uto Pioneer line. Com-
plete, postpaid ...............................................
CO 9C
«ρίι.Ο Ο
C o u r se in A ir p la n e force diagram arc similar triangles.
Therefore, knowing the vertical force, we
D e s ig n can set up a proportion:
(Continued from page 43) 1350:1 :: Inclined force:2.24
precisely the same effect as the original the last term being, in round numbers, the
system. Then, using the law of equilibrium, proportional length of the hypotenuse of the
we can balance any system by finding the space diagram. (It is found by finding the
resultant and then applying an equal and square root of two squared plus one
opposite force, which amounts to the same squared.)
thing as taking the resultant and turning it The proportion is read like this, “Thir­
cnd'for'cnd. teen-fifty is to one as the inclined force is The P et Plane of Thousands
Figure 4 shows this. The resultant of to two-point-two-four.” Wo bollcvo more boys have successfully b u ilt th is
flying scalo model of the Howard Itacer than any
forces F and V is force B, pointing in the The product of the means of a propor­ Other kit offered by anyone. Our files are filled with
hundreds of enthusiastic letters about th is model.
direction of the dotted arrow. The balanc­ tion is always equal to the product of the D uration 87 sec. K it includes fu ll size layouts, all
extremes. That is, the outside terms, (1350 m aterial to dimension, prop, "b la n k ed " out. cellu­
ing force is therefore the same force B, loid wheels, etc. NX17 Howard Racer C l ΓΛ
pointing in the opposite direction, as shown and 2.24) when multiplied together, will k it, postpaid ................................................... « p l.O U
by the heavy arrow at the top. give the same number as the two inside SEND 5c C O IN FOR CATALO G M-2
terms, multiplied together. One of the in­ Showing record breaking scientific models, highest
Look at those arrowheads in the triangle grade supplies, and a flue collection of modern fly­
at the right. Notice anything queer about side terms is missing. To find it we mul­ ing scalo models. Ask for M-2, 5c coin.
tiply the outside terms together and divide P io n e e r M odel A irplane S upply Co.
them? They are all chasing each other C ham paign, Illinois
around the triangle, like a squirrel chasing (Continued on page 47)
46 MODEL A I KP L A K E 1S f E W S

( Continued from page 41) peared in the sky and they knew that Luke
3" M O T O R S 2 5 C had carried out one third of his apparently
Γ ) υ τ , even in this moment of triumph, the unfulfillable promise. Eleven minutes later
9 CYLINDERS ■^jeering laughter of his comrades stilt rang a second flame to the right of the first one
R ig 3" dia.. 9-cyl. dummy
in his cars. With the fusilage covering of lighted the skies momentarily and the watch-
motors 25c while they Insti his Spad flying in tatters and his wing fab' ing war birds knew that Luke had produced
You s/ivo at least 50c. Order!
P E R F E C T SCALE
ric in shreds, Luke refused to turn his nose this second installment of his deadly con-
toward the home aerodrome. Sighting an tract. Fifteen minutes later the third red
American observation balloon he landed in emblem of death appeared against the black
BLUE 5 ° PRINTS
the pasture lot below it, and obtained con- horizon. W ith hearts beating fast the First
Λ11 under 12" n in e span, firmation from its two observation officers.
5c ca.: Curtiss H ank—Waco Taper Wing—P itcairn Pursuant Group waited now with straining
M all-W ing—Booing Army F ighter—G reat I.akcs Trainer Confirmation in hand he climbed then into cars for the hum of Luke’s motors. Soon
—Sikorsky Amphibian. (Big tube cement, 10c.)
the cockpit of his shattered Spad and at' the faint drumming of the Spad’s pistons
Ä ULi°J/V W H EELS a i o c tempted to fly home. So badly damaged was reverberated above the field and Luke, his
3" Celluloid C o w lin g s 3 5 c the plane, however, that he could not take ship hit in several places by shells of the
L A R G E D R A W I N G S : Travel Air
off, and reluctantly he was forced to return American Anti-Aircraft Artillery lighted
Mystery Ship 20c. Curtiss Hawk to his headquarters by a lowly motorcyle. as lightly and smoothly as a bird.
30c, Ford Trimotor (Supersize)
50c, Boeing Army F ighter 30c. So began the last two and one half weeks The efforts of Luke and the hundreds of
Order now a t special low prices! of life for this desert'brcd American Eagle.
We pay postage on orders for $1 thousands of other brave men on the days
or more, otherwise send 10c for
mailing. 2c stam p for big catalog.
Two days later Luke escaped from a flight of Sept. 16th and 17th were not in vain,
Comet Model Airplano & Supply of eight Fokkers to bring down a second and the St. Michel’s push was pronounced
Co., 3114 W. Harrison St., Chicago
Dept. M9-2-2 German blimp. A third victory followed successful. Yet this Arizona cowboy did not
DEALERS! W rite for Discount 1 next day. But this time, Luke, aflame with feel that his work was done. On Sept. 18th,
the brave man’s joy in defying death, not
MODEL AIRPLANE only brought down the balloon, but swooped
two more balloons were added to his record,
one of which he accounted for at a distance
MATERIAL within 100 feet of the belching Archies of only 90 feet from the ground. As the
Big bundlo of satnplo stock containing various sizes below and scattered their crew with his last hot belch of the burning blimp scorched his
of balsa, rubber strands, music wire, Japanese tissue,
reeds, round wood, bamboo and our low prices on model
seventy rounds of ammunition. face, Luke glanced skyward to see a fellow
airplane supplies. Sent postpaid for 25c, flvo bundles Yet this unheard of feat, must, in the pilot pursued by a formation of eight Fok­
for $1.00. light of Luke’s later triumphs be counted kers. Stabbing at the belly of the lowest
A ER O SHOP
__________3050 Hurlbut Avenue. Detroit, Mich.__________ only as “shadow boxing” for this greatest Boche, Luke sent him diving in flames to­
of all “ Balloon Busters.” On September ward the ground. With a turn he was on
F L Y IN G C L U B P IN S ■ 35c 15th Luke brought down two well-pro- the tail of a second, and his tracer bullets
FREE CATALOG tected German balloons in the morning, only sent that one too, hurtling to the earth. But
Design shewn silver plato 35 conts to fly out again in the afternoon and get
each, $3.50 doz. Gold plato or Luke himself had not escaped unharmed.
No. «os
sterling silver 50 cents each, $5.00
doz. Any one or two colors enamel
the third. His plane was seriously hit, and pausing
... - - an j any three letters. Morning patrol on Sept, 16th, and Luke long enough to note that the plane which
BASTIATN BROS. CO. searching the skies for his monster victims, he had first come to protect was no longer
25 B A S T I A N B UILDING R O C H E S T E R , N. Y. found his prey grown wary. Upon the very in sight, he turned his nose toward the home
approach of his fast flying Spad the blimps’ field and left his pursuers far behind.
Mill Importers of crews invariably pulled down their charges, Upon returning to headquarters he found
M odel Airplane and Luke, daring as he was, found it im' confirmations had arrived from general head­
Japanese T issue possible to penetrate the hail of shells, bombs quarters which pronounced him the chief
and machine gun bullets which crowded the ace of the Army Air forces. Yet this news
Paper air above the balloons.
for the trade was accompanied by information which took
made in 32 colors
W HITFIELD PAPER from him all its joy. He learned that the
WORKS. INC. Tt WAS, therefore, with a new and daring
12 Vestry S t., New York City pilot friend whom he had risked his life
Est. lStiD
plan that this Arizona miner approached to protect had fallen.
his superior after luncheon that day. To
GIVEN^A^WRIST WATCH his commander’s amazement Luke asked per' T t is strange to think that this greatest of
mission to make a night raid, and stated that -*■ killers should be so deeply shaken by
G u a ra n tee d
tim ek eep er. it would be possible for him to bring down the death of a single man. Friendship be­
L atest.style. at least three “drachens” in the period be' ing what it is, such however was the case,
J o w e 1 o (1
m o v e m e n t. tween the setting of the sun and complete and Luke’s superiors thought it best to send
L a te st mesh darkness. That this feat would mean a re'
b r n c e l e t , am i him on leave to Paris; that among the gay
WIN b o n u ti fu i r ib b o n turn in the dark, his plane a target for crowds he might forget, and return to his
BIG s t r a p . S e ll 3 0 p k ts . American Archies as well as German, did cruel but necessary work with a steadier
Vcgctablc& flowerseeds
EXTR A 10c! p k t„ rem it per plan in not deter this most daring of all aviators. nerve and a keener heart.
PRIZES ____'o u r catalog. Wo tru s t you. And daring alone Luke knew would not be
A m erican Seed C o ., D e p t. C -H L an caster, P a . Such measures were soon found unavail­
enough. The landing speed of a Spad is 75 ing, for Luke was back at the front before
SCALE MODEL miles an hour, and landing even in daylight his leave was over. On the very day of his
ACCESSORIES on a rough army field, was a feat many a return yet another friend flew into the skies
For Flying or Non-Flying Modols pilot shrank from. Yet if Luke was to be and did not return. In his sorrow Luke
Aluminum A nti-D rag Ring (S p li t ) . . ,25c. Postage 5r successful in his night raid, a landing forgot all discipline. Seeking solace in the
Slotted Cowl Plato wltti Bustling........ 15c. Postage ic would be necessary on a darkened field with'
Above p arts tit 3" Celluloid Motor. clean air which he apparently could not
Spoeial Aluminum N. A. C. A. Cowls—with Bushings.
Open Faced. Closed Face. A nti-D rag.
out a guiding light of any kind. find on the grave packed earth, Luke went
' Dia.
lVs" .. But in the days of the St. Michel push, on an unauthorized flight, during which he
.............. 35 ........... ___ 35 ......... ........ 30
2*6* .......... 40 ........... ___ 40 ........ the knockout blow which was to crush the relieved his feelings by blowing up his
3" . . 50 .......... . . . . 50 ........ last defenses of the Fatherland, command'
314" . . . . . 60 ........ eleventh balloon.
4" _______ 65 _____ ___ 65 ........ ing officers were little concerned about the Upon being reprimanded and grounded
10r. Parking and Pot!axe.
DIE CAST DUMMY MOTORS personal safety of their men. Yet because by his superior Luke again took off. While
V.Y’ (Ua. 7-cyl. with p rop.. Poitage 3r of Luke’s value to the American Air Corps, he was in the air his commander telephoned
I" din. 0 cylinders................ Postage 3c
.005—6" Wide—Alii mlnum·—Brass— German Silver he was given permission to make this un- instructions to the next flying field to place
Corrugated, per ft........ 25c 30c ?5c heard of attempt only if he would consent
F lat, per (t.................... 25c 25c 30c him under arrest, with the intention of
3-PLY VENEER to the protective presence of a second plane, bringing him back by motorcycle for im­
.020, 10x15". 10c — 20x15", 20c — 20x.70". 30c
1/32", 35c sn. ft.—1/lC " 30c eq. ft.—? /3 2 ", 35c sq. ft. to be piloted by a Lt. Wehner. mediate court martial. Yet to men such as
Special Model Hinges for Ailerons and Controls. Reluctantly accepting this proviso, Luke
Double Hinge or T pin. H inge.................... 25c doz. pr. Luke even Army rules are light bonds. Noti­
Tubular Fitting.·] ...................................................... 25c doz.
Guy W ire Terminals, two holes...........................15c dor..
took off on the night of Sept. 16th, at fied of his arrest, Luke walked silently to
Send 10c for New Catalogue. >ust off the press, of 6:45 and turned toward Verdun. His corn- his plane, although darkness was already
Largest Assortment Models and Supplies in the World.
rades on the field knew where to watch, and
Selley Mfg. Co., Inc., S £ a‘eN at exactly 7:10 the first bloody flame ap' (Continued on page 47)
 MODEL AIRPLANE HEWS 47

C o u r se in A ir p la n e sanding with (O O ) paper between each

coat and after the last one. Check again
CURTISS-HELL DIVER
D e s ig n for balance.
(Continued from page 45) Prepare the propeller shaft to plan and
by the present inside term, and get: cut off the brass tubing bearing piece. Take
1350x 2.24=3024 pounds, which is the the nose plug and run the shaft through
from the back. Slip on the washers and
1 force in the strut. tubing piece in the position shown. Fit on
If you have not yet had experience with the propeller, and after carefully bending
proportion and similar triangles, don't back the front end of the shaft, sink it
worry. Pick up a little as you go along by back part way into the hub. Cut a piece
trying; and do a few examples of this sort of No. 10 music wire V a " long, and insert
graphically to get the idea of that method. it under the bend in the shaft, across the
That’s quite a bit for one article. Now front face of the hub, so that the shaft will
we’ll look at a few examples and try to get straddle it. Now push the hook of the shaft
18" wingspan. ounce Crescent Flying Scale
things straightened out a bit. all the way into the hub, tight against the Model. Flies 300 f t., w ith new special balsa non-
V a " wire piece and apply a coat of cement. air-resistlng propeller. Easy to build, strong, and
Example 1. A barrel is to be rolled up snappy in appearance.
an incline. The slope of the incline is one The shaft straddling the wire will be un-
able to rip through the soft balsa under the [É l f e f i
in three. (One vertical in three horizontal.)
The barrel weighs one hundred pounds. pull of the rubber. The propeller may be
Neglecting friction, find the force neces- finished with a coat of silver dope.
sary to push the barrel up the incline at The motive power is supplied by six
uniform speed. strands of */8 flat rubber, which, if lubricat'
Solution: We will draw two triangles, ed with glycerine, will stand about 600 turns
one for space and one for forces. In given through a 5 to 1 winder. The rub'
the space triangle we know two sides. ber can be stretched out the back of the
By squaring these, adding the squares, fuselage by means» of the tail plug and
winding hook.
and extracting the square root we find
the proportional hypotenuse to be 3.16. The usual course is followed in making H ell-Diver Kit p . P.

In our force triangle we know the hy' flying adjustments, namely, moving the Study kit shown above. M ost complete on market.
Set contains absolutely everything needed. All
potenuse, which is one hundred pounds. wing ahead if the plane dives and moving p arts entirely <»r partly finished. Propeller needs
sandpapering only. F v ll size plans and complete
By similar triangles, then, it back if the ship stalls. Also some adjust­ instructions.
ment can be made by means of the rear B O Y S : Show th is k it to your friends. Then let
100:3.16::F:1 them fly tho finished model! H undreds already
F = 3 1.6 pounds. (100=31.6) propeller hanger as noted in the description sold a t D epartm ent Stores. Other Crescent K its:
Fledgling. $1.95 P .P ., Falcon, $1.50. Flying Glory,
of the fuselage construction. $1.95. P lan s for F lying Glory only; 10c.
3.16 The model takes off very nicely and with y Send 5c for Catalogue.

Example 2. In building an elevated han- proper setting, it should fly about 500 feet. Crescent Model Aircraft Supply
gar, it is necessary to determine the slope 1805 BENSON AVENUE. BROOKLYN. N. Y.

of the ramp up which the planes are to WORLD’S LOWEST PRICES

taxi. The type of plane used has an effective F ran k L u k e, Jr. ” 1 HOUR SUPPLY SERV ICE”
Model A irplane Engineers Recommend Our Merchandise.
thrust, when on the ground, of one thou- Guaranteed to be of the finest Quality.
(Continued from page 46) All orders postpaid anywhere on the globe.
sand pounds, parallel to the ramp and The following are some of our prices:
weighs ten thousand pounds. Find the approaching, and with a shout to the amaz­ Cement .................. 4 oz. .25 Insignias, H ull’s Eye (Τ '
ed officer took off; his comrades never saw Dopo ...................... C oz. .23 d la .) 12 .........................15
greatest possible slope of the ramp. Music Wire, .014, .020, S tar (194" d l a . ) . .12 .15
Solution next month. Have it worked him again, dead or alive. .028, ,03'4.......... 20 ft. .05 W ashers 94 o /d . .6 doz. .05
RUBBER
out and see if your answer checks. Fifteen minutes after his Spad’s wheels .045 ...................... 75 ft. .10 % flat ...................35 ft. .10
3/32 flat................. 50 ft. .10 ?/lG fla t.................25 ft. .10
left the ground, Luke accounted for his first CELLULOID W HEELS
balloon. Turning in a westerly direction Black, red, blue, yellow, green, and white.
94" dla. p r ..........................05 196" dia. p r........................09
lie sped to his second victim. On the way, 1" dla. p r ...........................07 1% " dla. p r........................13
No orders tinder 50c accepted.
a flight of German planes dove on him and Send for our price list on all supplies.
T h e C la rk C a b in M o d e l Luke, from the blood spattering on his in­ PARAGON MODEL AIRCRAFT
1479-70 Street, Brooklyn, N, Y.
(Continued from page 22) strument board, must have realized that he
ailerons.
had been wounded. Was there a pilot in OH B O Y S-G IR L S CREAI
France that day, who severely wounded, un­
The wing is held onto the fuselage by der arrest, and awaiting disgrace, would
THROW
means of two 1/8 flat rubber loops about YOUR
have continued his flight? Yes, there was
3Vi inches long. (Not given in material
list.) A loop is used on each side of the
one, Luke! Diving in a clever simulation V O IC E
with CLAXOPHONE under
of death, he escaped the Fokkers. His plane, table, into .. trunk, school
body. Each band is hooked around the two now skimming the tree tops could not gain desk or any place. Itlg Fun
fooling Peddlers, Friends.
wing hooks on one side of the fuselage and altitude. Reaching the balloon, he lunged Claxophouc lays on your ©
•tongue unseen, ready for 1019
then stretched with the fingers above the from beneath, and with twin machine guns in sta n t use. Im itate birds,
fuselage and the wing is slipped through etc. W ith full instructions, set of secret writing
spitting fiery death Luke wreaked his ven­ tricks, all for 10c: 3 for 25c (no stam ps). Λ su r­
the loop and across the top of the body. geance on the monster drachcn. Banking prise package of tricks free with 25c order.
C LA X O T R IC K CO. 1 ftr
Propeller sharply he turned toward the town of Nuicl- D ept. 322, N ew H av en , Conn. IU L
ly and with a single swoop accounted for
' I ' he propeller is carved from a Langley his third balloon.
type true-pitch blank, (Ys x 1x71/2·) . N E W
As he wheeled away from the scene of
“ Coping saw” cuts, made in the block in ruin he had produced, it must have come W HEELS
to the “boss,” will make it easier to cut the to him that his last victory had been won, T h e I^argeat S e l e c t i o n in t h e W o r ld
blank out. Carve the blades to about Vs" for the gallant Spad beneath him could go Alum. Disc Rubber Tired T a i l W h e e lt
thickness at the hub, tapering to 1/16" but little further. It was for that reason, 94" dia. 10c each — 91"dia. 10c
% " dia.10c each — % " dia. 10c eacli
each
thickness at the tips. Drawing No. 6. we believe, that Luke made no attempt-to 1" dla, 25c pr. —1% " dia. 25c pr.
194" dia. 25c pr.
Drill a 1/32 hole for £he propeller shaft. reach the friendly landing fields far behind Alum. Disc Rubber Tired A ir W h e e ls
l"D o u g h n u t type. 25cpr.—194" dia.,30epr.
Round off the tips of the blades and sand' his rudder. Soon his motor coughed for the Goodrich Tread Balloon Tired Alum. Disc
paper to a smooth finish with (O O ) sand' 194" dia. 30c p r.— 194" dla. 40c pr.—2” dia. 50c pr.
last time, and his prop revolved no more. Full Balloon Rubber Tired Alum. Disc Wheels
paper, carefully balancing the propeller. Going into a deceptively gentle glide, Luke 194" dla. 25c pr. — 194" dia. 30c pr. — 2 " dia. 40c pr.
Full Balloon Rubber Tired Celluloid Disc
Make the bearing plate as shown in Draw' floated over a small village, the streets of 194" dla. ?0c p r.—194" dia. 35c pr.—2” dia. 50c pr.
ing No. 6 and cement to the back of the which were filled with German troops. Celluloid Untired Wheels {Featherweight)
94" dia. 10c pr. — 1" dla. 12c pr. — 194” dia. 15c pr.
hub. This prevents the washers’ wearing But if Luke’s Air Broncho had lost its 1% " dla. 20c pr. — 3" dia. 50c. pr.
Postage on ltnhlter Tired Wheels 4c pr.—Iln tlrcd 3c pr.
into the wood. power, his guns had not. As he planed Send lOe for New Catalog of Models and Supplies.
Selley Mfg. Co., Inc., I373A Gates Ave„ Brooklyn, N. Y.
Give the propeller two coats of dope, (Continued on page 48)
48 MODEL AIRPLANE HEWS

flight of the model. If wc should have too

NOW
PROPELLERS F ran k L uke, Jr. little area the propeller would start to chum
2" D. 0 X . Propeller W ith Spinner
(Continued from page 47) the air as soon as the ship began to climb
2 blailctl 10c each $1.00 doz.
4 hi ailed 10c cadi $1.00 duz. slowly to the ground Luke's twin Luis guns up the air grade. (A good example of this
P o s ta g e ic on one or J o z.
A L U M IN U M A D J U S T A B L E P IT C H spat death to six fleeing Germans. At last is an automobile climbing a slippery hill.
Propellers for Flying or Scalo Models
8" dia. 35c 10" dia. 50c. his wheels touched ground. Getting out of As soon as it becomes necessary for the car
S h a ft h e a r in g a m i h a n g e r fo r a b o v e 2 S c his cockpit he found himself surrounded by to exert great power the rear wheels slip,
3 Bladed A d j. Props with Shaft and Bearing
8" dia. 85c 10" dia. S I.00 hundreds of gray clad enemies. Though and cease to push the car along). That is
Scale Model Die-Cast Propellers with shaft and bushing: Í generous cries of “Surrender” filled the air, just what happens with the propeller. The
dia. (Hawk Type) with spinner.............................35c i
r>*4" dia. (llaw k Type) with spinner............................. 75c evidently they did not reach this hero’s ears. •propeller should have enough area, so that
3 hi" dia. Standard Steel type...........................................35c
6 ii" dia. S tandard Steel type.......................................... 75c Without a word he drew his automatic from when turning and . pulling the machine
5" dia. 3-bladed with spinner .........................................75c
P o s ta g e on any above p ro p e lle r s ic . each his holster and shot cooly at the mass until through the air, the blades will pass through
Standard Carved
0"
Propellers.
7" 8"
Balance
9" 10"
Guaranteed.
11"
his ammunition was exhausted. For a mo­ the air at an angle of about 4 degrees. At
B alsaw ood.. . . . 15c 52c COc 6Sc 75c 83c 90c ment, then, his hand rested as if in an af- this angle they exert the greatest thrust for
Basswood... . . . 3Cc 42c 48c 54c 60c 66c 72c
Rcdlcut Propeller Blanks. Standard Type. fectionatc caress on the fusilage of his tiny the least power applied. Too little blade
B asswood.... . . . 6c 7c 8c 9c 10c lie 12c
B alsaw ood.. . . . 8c 10c 12c 14c 16c 18c 20c plane. Outlined in the dusk his frame made area will cause the propeller blades to act at
Sond 10c for New Catalogue of Models
S E L L E Y MFG.. Inc.. I373A Gates Avc..
and Supplies.
Brooklyn. N .Y .
a perfect target. A dull crack from the a greater angle of attack. For instance 8
woods before him was heard. Upright, he degrees. A t this angle, the blades are not
remained for a split second, then dead on efficient, and you arc therefore wasting your
SPEED MODELS his feet, Luke slumped slowly to the ground. power. Here is a simple rule which will
n ic h speed racing model kits. All snappy looking 8 In. Glorious as was his death, no official word always give you satisfactory results. The
non-flying scalo models. Ju st the plane for your radio
or desk. It gives your room that speedy racing atmos­ of it reached the A. E. F., till Jan. 3, 1919. propeller blade area should be equal approx­
phere. Let your friends exam ine your smooth, trim When the full story of his last combat be* imately to 1/10th the wing area of your
SPEED MODELS w ithout fear of breakage. In these
kits the wings arc cut to size, the N. A. C. A. cowl­ came known, from German war records, the model. Of course, the camber, the type of
ing and wheels finished. The rudder, stabilizer and all
other parts are stamped and marked. Aluminum pro­ Congress of the . United States in full ses­ wing and certain other factors will make it
pellers and hub. Postago paid In U. S. A. sion, rated Frank Luke, Jr., the highest
Gee-Bee Super-Sportster ......................................................75 necessary to vary the area at times, but
1W N.A.C.A. cowl, short stubby fuselage.
Laird Super-Solution ............................................................. 75
award in its power— the Congressional Me­ this quantity of 10% will operate satis­
N.A.C.A. cowl, wheels, pants, celluloid w ind­ dal. No other flier before or since has so factorily in about 99 cases out of 100. For
shield, plans, glue. etc.
The Army Boeing Fighter P -I 2 -B .......................................50 been honored. That is fitting, no pilot, instance, if wc should have a wing on our
New A nti-D rag cowl, full size, plans and Instructions. living or dead so deserved it, as this Arizona model of 100 sq. inches, the area of the
Tho Travel A ir Mystery Ship ............................................50
N.A.C.A. cowl, full size, plans and Instructions.
Lockheed Sirius ........................................................................50
miner, America’s Second Ace. propeller blade should be 10 sq. inches, when
N.A.C.A. cowl, wheels, pants, celluloid windshield, otc. the pitch is l l/> times the diameter. In or­
Winnie Mae Lockheed ..........................................................50
N.A.C.A. cowl, wheels, pants, 8"tnpered wing, plans. der to be able to make a propeller of 10
Bowlus Soarer, 24 in. (tying model ............................... 50
Mfg. by G O LD E N A R R O W M O D ELS, A d v is o r y B o a r d sq. inches I will give you a formula which
___________ 53 vlnewood Ave., Pontiac, Mich,___________
( Continued from page 38) takes into account the length, depth and
"JE Γ Λ Γ Λ Π J M T N c w l Uscftil ereryw hcrel E x tra width of the block. The formula is as
w W vJ L i ΙΛ larg e , handsome flashlight. Throe which I have mentioned before. follows:
P I AQHI I f l H T A J r separato bulbs flesh stro n g red,
L 1· - - - _ _ _ green or w hite lights. After considering the diameter of our
Send Now—Win Big propeller and determining its correct value, y j ( d ) 2 + (w )2 + d
J#llf B P V EXTRA
the next problem to solve is the amount of a = ----------------------------- (0.8) D
pitch to give it. As a general rule to fol­ 2
pkts.Vegetable and
J FlowerSeeds.IOcplct..remit per planin low, the amount of pitch should be equal In the formula— (a) is equal to the area
catalog. Get seeds today. We trust you. to U/2 times the diameter. That is, if the of two propeller blades.
AMERICANSEEDCD. DcDt. S-1I L ancaster. P»·
propeller is 8" in diameter, the pitch should (d) is equal to the depth of the block.
be approximately 12". This is for the aver­ (w) is equal to the width of the block.
age model. For racing planes I would sug­ (D ) is equal to the diameter of the pro­
gest that the pitch be equal to about 1.8 peller or length of the block.
times the diameter. Many of my friends From this formula you may determine
15
B«IUr Moulds Thao Q u e«a. mould· a* low a·
8 To C u t91.50cxch. confuse the angle of the propeller blades
oMi*r·. Indians, llun let a. Wild and Farm Animal«. Wondoriwfc
“Tme To Life Model·.7' Kiiy and inexpontivo to maka. å the dimensions of the block that will give
TT - . ngf^åaanr . znaterial -iadudinx EnameL Scad » 0 with pitch. Always remember that the pitch you a propeller of the proper area.
Stamp f o r ’illu strated Catalogue. of the propeller is the distance that the
D. S C H IE R C K E . G H E N T . N E W YORK I hope my readers will take advantage of
propeller will screw itself through the air this new service which we are rendering to
Build a real
D O R N IE R D O -X in one complete revolution. This is called increase their knowledge of these very im­
model of the
G erm an A ll-M e ta l F ly in g B o at
the actual pitch. In order to make a pro­ portant principles of design. It will cut
peller with a pitch equal to U/2 times the your work to about one quarter of what it
diameter, the block from which the propeller is at the present time, in order to produce
is cut, should be twice as wide as its depth. a successful model plane. By the cut and
For instance, if you wish to make a 10" try method it is a long and tedious task.
propeller with a 15" pitch, the block from By this method, a flight may be obtained
Complcto 100 percent TRU E SCALE, accurately which we would cut it should be 10" long, upon the first attempt every time—if you
detailed drawings and instructions; for "014"
span, 30" length and 7V4" height. Kits also.
S/*" deep by IV 2 " wide. It may also be 1" have been accurate.
NOW 50c — WAS $1.00 deep and 2" wide. The important point is
that the width should be twice the depth.
New 1932 Catalogue 15c— W ith Photos 25c. TV /T a n y of our readers lately, have asked
M O D E L (3) A IR C R A F T Whitewater, Wis. Now we come to the most important
phase of propeller designing, the significance questions of a technical nature. There
of which very few boys understand. We seems to be a great need for a simple ex­
might state as an axiom, that in any given planation of basic rules for model design.
N e w L o w P rices machine the possible angle of climb will be It is quite true that the young men in
the Model “Game” thoroughly understand
ON M O D E L A IR P L A N E S U P P L IE S . proportional to the area of the propeller
S E N D 2c S T A M P F O R O U R blades, the pitch and diameter remaining the construction of planes, but the very basis
constant. In other words, the area of the of the whole art, “the understanding of the
design or proportioning of the structure
B argain P rice L ist propeller blades really governs the whole
from an aerodynamic standpoint,” has been
DEALERS—CLUBS write C A B IN A IR E —2 Minutes lacking.
for AMAZING Discounts A popular cabin model with 21" wing spread, and l ’i So, hereafter I shall devote most of the
U N IV E R S A L M O D E L A IR P L A N E S to 2 min. endurance. It is an Indoor anil outdoor flyer space of our advisory columns to answering
1526 S t. Jo h n s Place and can bo flown from tlic ground or hand launched.
Complete kit. Including semi-finished prop, Instructions basic technical questions on the aerodynamic
B rooklyn, N ew Y ork and full size plans. Postpaid $1. design of the model. Wc, therefore, cor­
(I quarters.
N
NOTE: We have moved to larger
mi Our former address being
head­
4015-
A G E N T S W A N T E D . To sell model supplies on com­
mission. Send 10 cents (coin) for price list, agent's dially invite you “to do your worst,” and if
Vis
15'th Avo., Brooklyn. N. Y. certificate and instructions. you will fore-bare with me, I shall try to
Send 2 2-ccnt stamps for price list. answer you to vour satisfaction.
The Model Aero Shop, Bay Crest, Huntington, N. Y.
Attracting Friends with th e WORLD’S LOWEST PRICES
in MODEL AIRPLANE KITS and SUPPLIES
Elim inate g u ess-w o rk , be safe an d su re from th e s t a r t by
buying a Scientific M odel K it a n d u sin g p e rfe c t p a rts to Headquarters of
build y o u r flying scale m odel.
EVERYTHING GUARANTEED !
3-IIO UR SERVICE AS USUAL ] i Scientific Model Airplane Co.
at 277 Halsey St., Newark, N. J.

M o d el A ir p la n e s built ivith SCIENTIFIC KITS are

G U A R A N T E E D T O FLY!
L L S C IE N T IF IC K IT S come com plete w ith full
A size plans, stam ped ribs and bulkheads on balsa,
hollowed balsa cowling, w ire, b an an a oil,
tissu e , glues, all balsa s trip s and blocks, and e v e ry ­
th in g needed to build these S C IE N T IF IC M odels.
T h ey a re easy to build and will provide num erous
th rills. T hese k its a re by far die b e st model a irp la n e
v alu es offered anyw here today because of th e ir te sted
scientific design, flying perform ance, an d low price.

C o m p le te w ith
S .P .A .D .— Chasoiur— 15" Wing Span $1.25 Plans
F u ll S iz e P la n s Fokker Amphibian, Lock­
heed Vega. S. E. 5
Scientific Balsa Wooil British Pursuit Plane,
30- nrh Strips Stinson City of Chicago.
1/10 X 1/10 $.01 G for 05
1/10 X 1/8 .01 c for .05
A L L O N E P R IC E Itocket P I a n e. Cant.
Hawks Mystery Ship No.
1/10 X 3/10 .01 0 for .0 5 13. Fokker Triplane,
1/10 X 1/4 .01 G for ."5 Xietiport-Itnby Scout, S.

.25
1/10 X 1 .04 8 for .so I’. A. D.-Chnseiur. A l­
3/32 X 3/32 .02 G for .10 b a tro ss-D ill, C a m e 1-
3/32 X 1 .05 8 for .35 Ellglish.
1/8 X /8 .01 Γ» for .05 .10 Each .......... 3 for .25
I /8 X /I .02 G for .10
ι /s X :78 .02 G for .10 A. M. L. A. Plåns
3/10 X 1/4 .02 G for .10
3/10 X 1 .00 0 for .33 Lockheed Sirius— With retractable landing C t 2 5 .20 Each. Size 31
1/4 X 1/4 .03 G for .15 gear— 15" W ing Span P o sta g e X 44-inch Vonght Cor­
.07 Λ for .20
1/4 X 1
1/2 X 1/2 .07 ;; for .20 1 10c E x tra s a ir; Fokker F-10; S tin ­
son Lycoming; Waco
1 X 1 .18 3 for .50 Taper W ing; Lockheed
Sirius, Boeing.
Sheet Balsa S cientific M odel Add 5c when ordering
36-Inch Lengths Reinforced Heavy Duty plans separately.
1 /3 2 x 2 . . . . .05 Winders A irplane K i t s
1/32 x ? . . . . .10 Each .............................. 35 h a v e m ade an
1/10 X 2 ___ .00 Light W in d e rs .............. 25 enviable re p u ta - Compressed Knockdown
1/10 X 3 ___ .H
.07
' Aluminum Tubing t i cn. F lying Motor K it
1/8 X 2 . . . .
1/8 X 3 ___ .12 1/8 Outside D lam ., Scale M odels
1 Set Complete . . . ;9!)
1/1 X 2 . . . . .11 Per F t...........................07 built w ith these
1/1 X o .... .10 ?/10 Outside D lani.,
l’cr F t...........................11
com plete c c n - Clear Dope
s tru c tio n k i t s
Propeller Blocks 1/1 Outside D lani., a re in stru c tiv e , Large 2-oz. Can .14
3/8 X 1/2 X 5 ............. 01 % Per F t...........................13 P er P in t . . . . . . 1.00
5/8 X 3/1 x 7 % . . . .02 educational a nd
1/2 X 5 / 8 x 0 ............ 02 Washers provide g r e a t Colored Dope
1/2 X 3 / 1 x 5 ............ 01 >,0 % D lani.. Per Doz. .01% p leasu re. E n te r
5 /8 x 1 X 8 2 for .05 P er Gross ............15 a S cientific M o­
3/1 X 1 1/8 X 10 . . .01 % Diam.. Per Doz. .01% P er P in t ................ 1-00
7/8 X 1 1/2 X 11 . . .00 P er Gross ............15 del in the n ext
1 X 1 3 /8 X 12 ........... OS local contest. Acctono
Bamboo
^ J ^ ^ ^ r i t i s l ^ ^ u r s u i ^ - 1 5" Wing Span $1.25 T h e y ’re w inners.
Plank Balsa 1 /3 2 x 1 /1 x 8 .......... 00% Large 2-oz. Can . .
3 0 -inch Lengths Per Doz...................05 P e r P in t
1 x 1 % ............................... 31 1/10 X 1/1 X 12 . . . .01
1x2 35 P er Doz...................08
lx ? ................................ 10 1/10 X 1/1 X 15 . . . .01 Shredded Bamboo
1x0 70 Per Doz...................0!) 1/10 X 1/10 X 8, 2 doz. .05
2x3 70 1/10 X 1/1 X IS . . . .01% 1/1 0 X 1/10 X 10
2x0 1.10 Per Doz...................13 1 doz.............................03
1/1 0 X 1/10 X 12
1 doz.............................05
IMPORTANT! Japanese Tissue
F o r tlie Commercial Ship
Instructions How To Order Sheet 20% X 24 .. .03
Scale Model Tissue
Orders cannot be filled unless you comply with Sheet X 25 . . 2 for .05 21
instructions below: Sheet Aluminum
1— Orders under 25c will not be accepted.
2—Add 15c for packing ami postage on orders up to 12-lnch Wide
81.50. Over $1.50 add 10 per cent. .005, P er ft................... 13
3— Add lOe extra to above charges or orders west .010,
of Per ft................... 20
the Mississippi.
4— Orders am ounting to $4.00 and over are sent, post­ Music Wire
paid and Insured except balsa planks. Sizes .014. .020, .02S, 034
Canadian Charges
5— Add 25c for packing and postage on orders up to Super-fine red tissue
$1.50. Over $1.50 add 15 per cent. Celluloid Wheels
6— Postage stamps. Canadian or Foreign Coin not Thrust Bearings
accepted as payment. Dlam.. P air . . . . .07
7— Item it by check, postal or express money order. 1 Diuin.. P a ir . . . . .0 8 Large Size .035 . . .
Make payment to Scientific Model A irplane Co., 1% Dlam.. Pair ___ .12 P er Doz...................
277 Halsey Street, Newark, N. .1. 1 fs 1»lain.. Bair . . . . I S Small Size .025 . . .
3 D lam ., P a ir ___ .35 P er Doz...................
Scientific Expert Rubber
.015 :< Ft. for .......... .0 1 225-ft. Skein
Send 2c stam p fo r la te st catalog 1/10 Flat. 2 F t ........... .01 225-ft. Skein
3/32 F lat, ? F t........... .01 225-ft. Skein
co n tain in g w o rld ’s lo w est m odel 1/8 F lat, 3 F t........... .01 225-ft. Skein
3/10 F lat, 2 F t........... .01 225-ft. Skein
a irp la n e p rice s. ing Span $ 1 .2 5

S c ie n tific M o d e l A ir p la n e Co. 2 7 7 H a ls e y St. ( dnp5t ) N e w a r k ,N .J .

Dealers and Clubs: Write for Special Price List
» ·Triple Value
f o r One P r i c e !
Three Big, 15-in. Models of
W orld-known Planes, all in
ID E A L S P A D
A w onderful rep ro d u ctio n of a F ren c h
W a r-tim e P la n e .
One Construction Kit for
OOK a t th ese actual photographs of $ J .5 0

t
these fine Models of w orld-fam ous
planes — don’t they look like th e
. real th in g ? They a re th e n ea te st B Y M A IL , 15c E X T R A
w jobs you ever saw ; p erfect in every
detail and w ith full-cabin fu se­
lages an d larg e enough to make building
easy. You can fly them w onderfully, and
th ey ’ll m ake dandy exhibition Models to
show your w orkm anship.
Get busy and build them . I t ’s easy, th e
ID E A L V O U G H T CO RSA IR ID E A L 3 -in -l Combination K its contain
Y ou’ll be tickled w ith th is M odel of th e everything required to build T H R E E
p o p u lar N av y P lan e. M odels: B alsa, Bamboo, J a p Tissue, S tam p­
ed Ribs, F re sh Rubber, F inished W ire F it­
tings, Propellers, Cement, Dope — every­
thing, including F u ll Size P lan s and In ­ ID E A L L O C K H E E D V EG A
structions fo r each Model., B iggest value T h e Speed-dem on P lane in a
we ever offered; if p u t up sep arately these beautiful M odel.
Models would cost a t least one dollar each.
You save th e cost of e x tra K its.
T hree different K its to select fro m — all
th ree a re illu strated here. Pick yours rig h t
aw ay—rem em ber, you g et th re e Models fo r
w h at one usually costs!
ID E A L L O C K H E E D S IR IU S
E v e ry B u ild er w a n ts th is one!
L in d b erg h ’s C ro ss-P acific P lan e.
Order Yours Now!
Re sure to mention which Kit you want.
K it N o . 3 C ontain s ID E A L F O K K E R D-7
C om plete p a rts , m a te ria l, fittin g s, P la n s T he G erm an B iplane so popular
I deal A eroplane & S u p p l y C o ., I n c . w ith B uilders.
a nd In s tru c tio n s for B uilding th e th ree
M odels show n above. A ll for $1.50. P L E A S IN G M O D E L B U IL D E R S S IN C E 1911
(P o sta g e 15c E x tra ) 20-24 W est 19th St., N ew York City
Send C anadian M ail O rder to
CANADIAN MODEL AIRCRAFT
47 Hawarden Ave. Montreal
(C anadian P rices a re 40% H igher
to cover C ustom s D uty)

K it N o . 1 C ontains ID E A L W A C O T A P E R -W IN G
A n in te re stin g M odel to build and fly.
Com plete p a rts , m aterials, fittings,
P la n s a nd In stru c tio n s for B uilding the
ID E A L B O E IN G
A s m a rt B iplane M odel th a t flies
th re e M odels shown in this com er. A ll
for $1.50. (P o stag e 15c E x tra ).
K it N o . 2 C o n tain s
C om plete p a rts , m a te ria ls, fittin g s,
b eau tifu lly . P la n s a nd In stru c tio n s for B uilding the
th re e M odels show n above. All for $1.50.
(P o sta g e 15c E x tra )

The Modern W a y to
ID E A L A R M Y FA L C O N
A n o th er popular B iplane M odel y o u ’ll
Buy M odel Planes!
w a n t to build. “ M y ste ry ” Plane.