Model Aeroplanes and Their Engines: A Practical Book for Beginners

Chapter 5: CONSTRUCTION

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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.

CONSTRUCTION

PROPELLERS

Propellers may be cut from various kinds of wood, but the most suitable, from every standpoint, is white pine. The advantage of using this wood lies in the fact that the propellers may be cut more rapidly and when cut are lighter than those made from most other kinds of wood. When coated with the proper kind of varnish they are sufficiently strong for ordinary flying. Wood selected for propellers should be free from knots, holes and other imperfections and it is very desirable that it should be of perfectly straight grain.

A piece of such clear white pine 8″ long, 1″ wide and ³⁄₄″ thick should be selected and on one side marked Top. A tracing of the propeller similar in design to Figure 1, should be laid on this piece of wood and an imprint of the propeller design drawn on the Top side.