AEROPLANE MODELS.
=Aeroplane Models= are small sized aeroplanes. They may be divided into
four classes:
A. Small models of large machines, made for the purposes of
construction.
B. Small models of large machines made for the purpose of flying as
kites.
C. Gliders.
D. Self-propelling models.
It will be seen at a glance that this chapter should be expanded into a
book by itself. Mr. Collins has written an excellent book, “The Second
Book of Model Aeroplanes”, on the subject, and I hope the readers of
this book will look it up, as it will be worth while. In dealing with
the subject in this chapter we can not go into it very deeply and not
many plans can be given, but we will try to touch here and there some
of the important features of construction.
I have grouped the model aeroplanes into four divisions, but before
we proceed it will be well to notice the various classes of large
machines. There is the monoplane or one plane type; the biplane or
two planes, one above the other; and the multiplanes in which several
planes are used. The first two have survived, and form the very large
percentage of all that are attempted these days. I should like to make
clear that I do not recommend, even discourage, any attempt at gliders
large enough to carry the maker, and the aeroplane in which a motor
engine is to be placed. There is too much danger connected with them,
and our lives and limbs are too precious a gift to be trifled with in
such unnecessary ventures. The little models, however, are harmless
and yet are very fascinating, even when there is no thought of their
embodiment in a large machine.
=In group A=, where the worker seeks to imitate a large machine in
miniature, the joy of the undertaking lies in the processes involving
very accurate work and nicety of finish. There is a fascination for
young people in the making of things in miniature. The models made
in group A are usually larger than in group D, as the pieces of the
framework need a little more material to work to advantage, while in D,
the parts must be kept light. Weight is not so much of an item in group
A.
[Illustration: FIG. 207.]
[Illustration: FIG. 208.]
The photograph of the Curtis model, Fig. 207, has a clock spring works
in it, but it is of no service. This is a very fine piece of work and
has been admired by many. Outside of the clock works the model is all
handmade. Little turn buckles for tightening the guy wires were made,
as well as the little metal attachments to which the ends of the guy
wires are attached. The silk covering was stretched and oiled on the
frame.
An equally well made model is shown in Fig. 208. In this monoplane all
the curving of ribs and trussing of frame were very accurately done.
It will be recognized that this is a very excellent piece of work and
the outlines of the planes are very beautiful and well proportioned.
The planes are supported at the outer ends by careful adjustment of
wires above and below the wings. Notice the two little braces above
the center of the framework to which the guy wires are attached.
Turn-buckles are used on this model also. The horizontal and vertical
planes to the rear of the model, but to the front in the picture, were
ideas original with the maker, altho I have seen pictures similar to
this since.
Some make up these models in good shape for the purpose of using them
as attractions in show windows. Merchants will sometimes give a rental
for a good model. Very often when used as a display, an electric motor
is installed in them so as to run the propellers.
=In group B=, the models are made to fly as kites. It is possible to
gain much knowledge about the motor driven models by patient study on
the aeroplane kite. The kite flying side will not help so much as the
gliding. When the aeroplane kite is well up, if the string is allowed
considerable slack, the model will glide if well balanced and if the
planes are tilted properly. Balance will be necessary both to right
and left and fore and aft. It is very interesting to get such a model
pulled well up in the air and have a release that will cut the kite
line. The punk method is good, only that we would like to have better
control of just the time for cutting loose. The punk has this advantage
however that not knowing just when it will cut loose you are held in
happy suspense, just as you wait for a bite on your fish line.
Another simple releasing device can be used: hooks are placed on the
kite at each point of attachment of the bridle, and on the end of each
string of the bridle is tied a small ring, which is to be hooked on
the hook of the kite. The hooks must bend back and downward and must
be stiff enough not to bend. Of course the kite line will have to be
kept quite taut until time for release, when, if the line is slackened
suddenly, the rings drop off, thus releasing the kite line. If it
glides well some interesting things will develop. There will be swoops
and glides, and loop the loops and all sorts of gyrations before it
reaches the ground. If one is going to make a model just to fly in the
air without the maneuvering, but to look like an aeroplane in the air,
it should have the bridle placed so as to cause the kite to stay as
near the horizontal as possible. In order to do this, the upper loop
of the bridle should be shortened or the lower one lengthened as on
a tailless or any other kite. On the tailless kite one can shift the
bridle so as to make the kite stay nearly over head, in fact I have
had them pass the zenith and dive over to the other side, and that
well up in the air. A propeller that is turned by the breeze will help
considerably in giving it a realistic touch. Fig. 99 is very good for
aeroplane kites. The side wings can be extended and modified, as in
Fig. 209, or the cross-pieces can be bowed up, as in Fig. 210. The
bridle should be attached only in two places.
[Illustration: FIGS. 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215.]
=A biplane= is shown in Fig. 211, one with bowed cross-pieces in Fig.
212, and one with bent up tips on the upper plane in Fig. 213. The
folded paper glider made by the children soars excellently; try an
aeroplane kite on that plan, Fig. 214. Another modification of Fig. 214
is the bird aeroplane kite, Fig. 215. In this a plane is placed about
half way from front to back. The ends of the wings get their curve from
the back stick, a piece of heavy reed, and the outline of the bird is
also of reed. By drawing the shape on a board the reed can be bent to
the shape. The reed should be wet and tacks should be driven at each
side to keep the shape until dry. This kite, if well made, should glide
for a very long distance.
It would take too much space to go into details with each design, but
the drawings I think will be sufficient for most readers who may be
planning these models, especially where framework and finished kite are
both given.