wonwinglo
SMF Supporter
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 6,754
- Points
- 113
- First Name
- Barry
Todays subject is a bit of self indulgence,the Wright biplane series to me eptomises the very roots of the aeromodelling hobby,here we have the first successful powered flying machine which started life as a kite,then a basic model right through to the successful but flustrating development of the Wright Flyer.
Despite its looks the Wright Flyers make good graceful flying machines and glide beautifully in still air,the small one in the picture will float across my lounge nicely,these are models for just enjoying the sheer grace of flight and must only be flown in still air.
The secret lies in setting up the front foreplane to the correct angle of incidence,best to make it moveable until you do the test flying,once set it can be locked into position.
Despite the lack of dihedral they are reasonably stable laterally in still air,but these are short hop models ideal to demonstrate the way the airplanes flew in the hands of the Wright brothers.
All you need is an handful of strip balsa,a couple of strips of basswood for the bit that holds the foreplanes and some lightweight tissue to cover the wings ( although difficult top & bottom surfaces works best)
Powered versions work well with motor sticks ( see the picture) to extend the flight duration,dont forget to carve opposite handed props to counteract the torque effect.
Have fun !
View attachment 7039
/monthly_2004_10/Wrights.jpg.cda3fc1e4827fd40fce7c3ea30344c41.jpg
View attachment 11684
View attachment 12334
Despite its looks the Wright Flyers make good graceful flying machines and glide beautifully in still air,the small one in the picture will float across my lounge nicely,these are models for just enjoying the sheer grace of flight and must only be flown in still air.
The secret lies in setting up the front foreplane to the correct angle of incidence,best to make it moveable until you do the test flying,once set it can be locked into position.
Despite the lack of dihedral they are reasonably stable laterally in still air,but these are short hop models ideal to demonstrate the way the airplanes flew in the hands of the Wright brothers.
All you need is an handful of strip balsa,a couple of strips of basswood for the bit that holds the foreplanes and some lightweight tissue to cover the wings ( although difficult top & bottom surfaces works best)
Powered versions work well with motor sticks ( see the picture) to extend the flight duration,dont forget to carve opposite handed props to counteract the torque effect.
Have fun !
View attachment 7039
/monthly_2004_10/Wrights.jpg.cda3fc1e4827fd40fce7c3ea30344c41.jpg
View attachment 11684
View attachment 12334