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Model Aeroplanes and Their Engines: A Practical Book for Beginners

Chapter 11: CHASSIS
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About This Book

This practical guide introduces model aeroplane hobbyists to the history, materials, and step-by-step construction techniques needed to build and fly models. It explains propeller design and carving, wing and frame construction, assembly, launching methods, chassis and pontoon fabrication, and includes measured diagrams and photographs. Sections survey powerplants and propulsion — rubber, compressed-air, gasoline, steam, and carbonic gas engines — and offer simple engine plans and performance data. The work also presents notable record models and flight examples, practical advice on forming clubs and competitions, and a concise dictionary of aeronautical terms for beginners.

In preparation for launching, the model should be held above the head, one hand holding it at the center of the frame, the other in the center of the propeller brace in such a way as to prevent the propellers from revolving. When the model is cast into the air if it is properly adjusted it will fly straight ahead.

A precaution which is sometimes worthy of attention before the launching of the model under its full power is to test out the propellers to find out whether or not they are properly mounted and whether they revolve evenly and easily. To do this the rubber strands may be given a few turns, enough to revolve the propellers for a brief period, while the machine is held stationary. If the shafts have been properly inserted in the hubs of the propellers and have not been bent during the winding of the rubbers, the propellers will revolve evenly and readily. If the propellers revolve unsteadily it indicates that there is a bend in the propeller shafts or the propellers have not been properly balanced. If the trouble is a bend in the shaft, it must be removed before the model is launched on actual flight. If the propeller does not revolve freely the application of some lubrication (such as vaseline) to the shaft will eliminate this trouble. With these adjustments made satisfactorily, the model can be launched with the anticipation of good flying.

CHASSIS

The preceding instructions and discussions have dealt with different parts of a simple model to be used as a hand-launched type of model. The experience which will come as the result of flying this type of model for a period will undoubtedly tend toward a desire on the part of the constructor to make his model more nearly represent a large sized aëroplane and will make him want to have his model rise from the ground under its own power. Such a model is known as an R. O. G. type, that is, rises off the ground.