CHAPTER X DESIGNING THE SKIDSMuch more attention is paid to designing the skids for model aeroplanes in America than abroad. Since the American model usually rises from the ground under its own power, this detail of construction naturally has come to be of vital importance. By attacking the problems faced by the designers of large aeroplanes, our work is helpful in developing the science of aviation as a whole.Nothing has been found better for building skids than cane or bamboo. A chassis may be made of these materials which will weigh but a fraction of an ounce, so that even the most elaborate skids will add but little weight. They are, besides, exceedingly elastic, which makes them easy to work, while this quality enables them to take up the shock of a violent landing. The thinnest sizes are best for our purposes. The reed one-eighth of an inch in diameter will answer for all ordinary models. To prepare reed for working, soak it for an hour. Another plan is to heat it slightly over a flame, when it may be bent with little danger of breaking. In case of a bad smash during a meet such skids may be readily pieced out and repairs made so quickly that the model need not be kept long out of the contest.A model with limited plane area built by R. BarryA model with limited plane area built by R. BarryAn interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. FisherAn interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. FisherThe simplest skid is made by splitting a section of reed, or splicing it, to form a Y, and attaching the upper ends to the bottom of your motor base. The lower end is then bent into a half circle. Wrap the reed tightly at the crotch to keep it from splitting, and touch the wrapping with glue. To make such a skid stable, join the two pieces by a cross brace. The skid should slant backward at a slight angle to reduce the friction on starting. Several methods of bracing such a skid are suggested in the accompanying photographs of models.A stronger skid is formed by turning the reed to form ellipses and attaching them to the motor base. The curved parts will require bracing. Two diagonal braces will keep them in position. Some model builders prefer to shape the skids at the bottom, so that only a single point of the reed comes in contact with the floor. This plan makes it possible to shape the skids into several graceful forms which help to make the model attractive.Still another plan, followed by some of the most successful model builders, is to shape the skids like the runners of a sleigh. In some of the Percy Pierce models this year, about six inches of the rear skids come in contact with the ground. It might be supposed that the friction in this case would be considerable, but this particular model is one of the quickest to rise. This design has the great advantage of being extremely elastic and letting the rear of the model down gently after a considerable fall.Some model builders still retain the wheel skid in a much simpler and lighter form. The miniature bicycle wheels do very well for scale models, but since they are likely to add an ounce or two to the weight of the aeroplane, they are prohibitive. To avoid this weight, the wheels may be made of simple disks of wood cut very small. A wheel one-half an inch in diameter, cut from a board one-eighth of an inch thick, weighs practically nothing and affords sufficient support. These may be mounted very simply on axles made of bent wire attached to the feet of the skids. Sandpaper the rims to an edge in order to reduce the surface presented to the air. Since their surface is edgewise to the line of flight, they will offer very little resistance.The wheels on some of this year's models are formed of wire disks covered with silk. The weight of these wheels is practically nothing, and they add much to the appearance of a well-finished model. Wire disks which may be covered in this way may be bought from the supply houses. It requires rather a skilful hand to shape the wire into perfect circles which will run easily. The covering again is a very nice operation. The silk wheel is not recommended for the beginner; but for one who is anxious to finish his model to the last detail as attractively as possible, they form an interesting feature.Ping-pong balls make serviceable skids. Since they are carefully rounded, they will turn easily. To mount them, drill a hole for the wire shaft or axle, taking great care to have it pass through opposite points of the sphere. The wire may then be bent above it and attached to the skid. The celluloid turning on the wire axle produces practically no friction, and the ball offers very little resistance to the air. The balls are, of course, extremely light and add little to the weight of the model.By combining the skid and wheel form of support, your model will gain the advantage of both these devices. The general form of the Farman skid may be followed. The skid in this case should be fairly heavy, strong enough to hold its shape, although elastic enough to take up a considerable shock. The simplest plan is to connect the two skids by a cross piece, and use this as the axle for two small wheels, mounted on the outside of the skid. This plan enables the aeroplane to rise with the minimum amount of resistance and land at the end of a flight with protection.In the collapsible skid we find one of the most interesting novelties of the year. This ingenious mechanism, which is very easy to adjust, and which is placed under the front of the model on rising from the ground, is drawn into a horizontal position extending out before the machine and acts as a buffer, an aerial cow-catcher. Any simple form of skid may be adjusted in this way. The upper end or ends are merely fastened to the motor base so that they will swing easily back and forth. From a point half way down the skid, a rubber band is run to the front end of the motor base. When the model is set on the ground, after winding up, the skid is pulled back to form the forward support. It will be found necessary to adjust it to stand at a trifle less than the vertical. The rubber bands must be just strong enough to permit the skid to stand in this position when held down by the weight of the machine. As the machine rises, the skid is, of course, released and instantly snaps up to a horizontal position.A new interest is lent to model aeroplane building by mounting them on pontoons contrived to float them on the water. Several large men carrying machines have risen from the water, notably the Curtiss model. It is believed by some aviators that since the water offers less friction than the earth or than a wooden runway, it is easier to rise in this way.The builders of modern aeroplanes have been quick to adopt this idea. The models are mounted on miniature pontoons, and after winding up the motors are released in the usual way. An actual photograph of a model thus mounted in the very act of rising clear on the surface of the water is reproduced as a frontispiece of this volume. The pontoons, it will be noticed, consist of two small pieces of board, placed almost directly beneath the planes. The model is mounted on these pontoons by ordinary skids of reed. The angle of the planes with the surface of the water is the same as in the ordinary mounting. The pontoons are kept as small and light as possible.To start the machine, the propellers are wound up in the usual way. It has been found that a model would rise rather more quickly from the water than from the land or within a few feet. As our photograph shows, the pontoons leave a slight wake behind them in the water. Once started to rise, however, the machine rapidly gains its elevation. One advantage of the pontoon skid flying over the water is the safety it insures on landing. At the end of such a flight the model drops into the water, but with little danger of breaking any of its parts. It will be found interesting to experiment in mounting the model loosely on pontoons, so that when it rises it will leave them behind, thus doing away with the increased load.
CHAPTER X DESIGNING THE SKIDSMuch more attention is paid to designing the skids for model aeroplanes in America than abroad. Since the American model usually rises from the ground under its own power, this detail of construction naturally has come to be of vital importance. By attacking the problems faced by the designers of large aeroplanes, our work is helpful in developing the science of aviation as a whole.Nothing has been found better for building skids than cane or bamboo. A chassis may be made of these materials which will weigh but a fraction of an ounce, so that even the most elaborate skids will add but little weight. They are, besides, exceedingly elastic, which makes them easy to work, while this quality enables them to take up the shock of a violent landing. The thinnest sizes are best for our purposes. The reed one-eighth of an inch in diameter will answer for all ordinary models. To prepare reed for working, soak it for an hour. Another plan is to heat it slightly over a flame, when it may be bent with little danger of breaking. In case of a bad smash during a meet such skids may be readily pieced out and repairs made so quickly that the model need not be kept long out of the contest.A model with limited plane area built by R. BarryA model with limited plane area built by R. BarryAn interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. FisherAn interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. FisherThe simplest skid is made by splitting a section of reed, or splicing it, to form a Y, and attaching the upper ends to the bottom of your motor base. The lower end is then bent into a half circle. Wrap the reed tightly at the crotch to keep it from splitting, and touch the wrapping with glue. To make such a skid stable, join the two pieces by a cross brace. The skid should slant backward at a slight angle to reduce the friction on starting. Several methods of bracing such a skid are suggested in the accompanying photographs of models.A stronger skid is formed by turning the reed to form ellipses and attaching them to the motor base. The curved parts will require bracing. Two diagonal braces will keep them in position. Some model builders prefer to shape the skids at the bottom, so that only a single point of the reed comes in contact with the floor. This plan makes it possible to shape the skids into several graceful forms which help to make the model attractive.Still another plan, followed by some of the most successful model builders, is to shape the skids like the runners of a sleigh. In some of the Percy Pierce models this year, about six inches of the rear skids come in contact with the ground. It might be supposed that the friction in this case would be considerable, but this particular model is one of the quickest to rise. This design has the great advantage of being extremely elastic and letting the rear of the model down gently after a considerable fall.Some model builders still retain the wheel skid in a much simpler and lighter form. The miniature bicycle wheels do very well for scale models, but since they are likely to add an ounce or two to the weight of the aeroplane, they are prohibitive. To avoid this weight, the wheels may be made of simple disks of wood cut very small. A wheel one-half an inch in diameter, cut from a board one-eighth of an inch thick, weighs practically nothing and affords sufficient support. These may be mounted very simply on axles made of bent wire attached to the feet of the skids. Sandpaper the rims to an edge in order to reduce the surface presented to the air. Since their surface is edgewise to the line of flight, they will offer very little resistance.The wheels on some of this year's models are formed of wire disks covered with silk. The weight of these wheels is practically nothing, and they add much to the appearance of a well-finished model. Wire disks which may be covered in this way may be bought from the supply houses. It requires rather a skilful hand to shape the wire into perfect circles which will run easily. The covering again is a very nice operation. The silk wheel is not recommended for the beginner; but for one who is anxious to finish his model to the last detail as attractively as possible, they form an interesting feature.Ping-pong balls make serviceable skids. Since they are carefully rounded, they will turn easily. To mount them, drill a hole for the wire shaft or axle, taking great care to have it pass through opposite points of the sphere. The wire may then be bent above it and attached to the skid. The celluloid turning on the wire axle produces practically no friction, and the ball offers very little resistance to the air. The balls are, of course, extremely light and add little to the weight of the model.By combining the skid and wheel form of support, your model will gain the advantage of both these devices. The general form of the Farman skid may be followed. The skid in this case should be fairly heavy, strong enough to hold its shape, although elastic enough to take up a considerable shock. The simplest plan is to connect the two skids by a cross piece, and use this as the axle for two small wheels, mounted on the outside of the skid. This plan enables the aeroplane to rise with the minimum amount of resistance and land at the end of a flight with protection.In the collapsible skid we find one of the most interesting novelties of the year. This ingenious mechanism, which is very easy to adjust, and which is placed under the front of the model on rising from the ground, is drawn into a horizontal position extending out before the machine and acts as a buffer, an aerial cow-catcher. Any simple form of skid may be adjusted in this way. The upper end or ends are merely fastened to the motor base so that they will swing easily back and forth. From a point half way down the skid, a rubber band is run to the front end of the motor base. When the model is set on the ground, after winding up, the skid is pulled back to form the forward support. It will be found necessary to adjust it to stand at a trifle less than the vertical. The rubber bands must be just strong enough to permit the skid to stand in this position when held down by the weight of the machine. As the machine rises, the skid is, of course, released and instantly snaps up to a horizontal position.A new interest is lent to model aeroplane building by mounting them on pontoons contrived to float them on the water. Several large men carrying machines have risen from the water, notably the Curtiss model. It is believed by some aviators that since the water offers less friction than the earth or than a wooden runway, it is easier to rise in this way.The builders of modern aeroplanes have been quick to adopt this idea. The models are mounted on miniature pontoons, and after winding up the motors are released in the usual way. An actual photograph of a model thus mounted in the very act of rising clear on the surface of the water is reproduced as a frontispiece of this volume. The pontoons, it will be noticed, consist of two small pieces of board, placed almost directly beneath the planes. The model is mounted on these pontoons by ordinary skids of reed. The angle of the planes with the surface of the water is the same as in the ordinary mounting. The pontoons are kept as small and light as possible.To start the machine, the propellers are wound up in the usual way. It has been found that a model would rise rather more quickly from the water than from the land or within a few feet. As our photograph shows, the pontoons leave a slight wake behind them in the water. Once started to rise, however, the machine rapidly gains its elevation. One advantage of the pontoon skid flying over the water is the safety it insures on landing. At the end of such a flight the model drops into the water, but with little danger of breaking any of its parts. It will be found interesting to experiment in mounting the model loosely on pontoons, so that when it rises it will leave them behind, thus doing away with the increased load.
CHAPTER X DESIGNING THE SKIDSMuch more attention is paid to designing the skids for model aeroplanes in America than abroad. Since the American model usually rises from the ground under its own power, this detail of construction naturally has come to be of vital importance. By attacking the problems faced by the designers of large aeroplanes, our work is helpful in developing the science of aviation as a whole.Nothing has been found better for building skids than cane or bamboo. A chassis may be made of these materials which will weigh but a fraction of an ounce, so that even the most elaborate skids will add but little weight. They are, besides, exceedingly elastic, which makes them easy to work, while this quality enables them to take up the shock of a violent landing. The thinnest sizes are best for our purposes. The reed one-eighth of an inch in diameter will answer for all ordinary models. To prepare reed for working, soak it for an hour. Another plan is to heat it slightly over a flame, when it may be bent with little danger of breaking. In case of a bad smash during a meet such skids may be readily pieced out and repairs made so quickly that the model need not be kept long out of the contest.A model with limited plane area built by R. BarryA model with limited plane area built by R. BarryAn interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. FisherAn interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. FisherThe simplest skid is made by splitting a section of reed, or splicing it, to form a Y, and attaching the upper ends to the bottom of your motor base. The lower end is then bent into a half circle. Wrap the reed tightly at the crotch to keep it from splitting, and touch the wrapping with glue. To make such a skid stable, join the two pieces by a cross brace. The skid should slant backward at a slight angle to reduce the friction on starting. Several methods of bracing such a skid are suggested in the accompanying photographs of models.A stronger skid is formed by turning the reed to form ellipses and attaching them to the motor base. The curved parts will require bracing. Two diagonal braces will keep them in position. Some model builders prefer to shape the skids at the bottom, so that only a single point of the reed comes in contact with the floor. This plan makes it possible to shape the skids into several graceful forms which help to make the model attractive.Still another plan, followed by some of the most successful model builders, is to shape the skids like the runners of a sleigh. In some of the Percy Pierce models this year, about six inches of the rear skids come in contact with the ground. It might be supposed that the friction in this case would be considerable, but this particular model is one of the quickest to rise. This design has the great advantage of being extremely elastic and letting the rear of the model down gently after a considerable fall.Some model builders still retain the wheel skid in a much simpler and lighter form. The miniature bicycle wheels do very well for scale models, but since they are likely to add an ounce or two to the weight of the aeroplane, they are prohibitive. To avoid this weight, the wheels may be made of simple disks of wood cut very small. A wheel one-half an inch in diameter, cut from a board one-eighth of an inch thick, weighs practically nothing and affords sufficient support. These may be mounted very simply on axles made of bent wire attached to the feet of the skids. Sandpaper the rims to an edge in order to reduce the surface presented to the air. Since their surface is edgewise to the line of flight, they will offer very little resistance.The wheels on some of this year's models are formed of wire disks covered with silk. The weight of these wheels is practically nothing, and they add much to the appearance of a well-finished model. Wire disks which may be covered in this way may be bought from the supply houses. It requires rather a skilful hand to shape the wire into perfect circles which will run easily. The covering again is a very nice operation. The silk wheel is not recommended for the beginner; but for one who is anxious to finish his model to the last detail as attractively as possible, they form an interesting feature.Ping-pong balls make serviceable skids. Since they are carefully rounded, they will turn easily. To mount them, drill a hole for the wire shaft or axle, taking great care to have it pass through opposite points of the sphere. The wire may then be bent above it and attached to the skid. The celluloid turning on the wire axle produces practically no friction, and the ball offers very little resistance to the air. The balls are, of course, extremely light and add little to the weight of the model.By combining the skid and wheel form of support, your model will gain the advantage of both these devices. The general form of the Farman skid may be followed. The skid in this case should be fairly heavy, strong enough to hold its shape, although elastic enough to take up a considerable shock. The simplest plan is to connect the two skids by a cross piece, and use this as the axle for two small wheels, mounted on the outside of the skid. This plan enables the aeroplane to rise with the minimum amount of resistance and land at the end of a flight with protection.In the collapsible skid we find one of the most interesting novelties of the year. This ingenious mechanism, which is very easy to adjust, and which is placed under the front of the model on rising from the ground, is drawn into a horizontal position extending out before the machine and acts as a buffer, an aerial cow-catcher. Any simple form of skid may be adjusted in this way. The upper end or ends are merely fastened to the motor base so that they will swing easily back and forth. From a point half way down the skid, a rubber band is run to the front end of the motor base. When the model is set on the ground, after winding up, the skid is pulled back to form the forward support. It will be found necessary to adjust it to stand at a trifle less than the vertical. The rubber bands must be just strong enough to permit the skid to stand in this position when held down by the weight of the machine. As the machine rises, the skid is, of course, released and instantly snaps up to a horizontal position.A new interest is lent to model aeroplane building by mounting them on pontoons contrived to float them on the water. Several large men carrying machines have risen from the water, notably the Curtiss model. It is believed by some aviators that since the water offers less friction than the earth or than a wooden runway, it is easier to rise in this way.The builders of modern aeroplanes have been quick to adopt this idea. The models are mounted on miniature pontoons, and after winding up the motors are released in the usual way. An actual photograph of a model thus mounted in the very act of rising clear on the surface of the water is reproduced as a frontispiece of this volume. The pontoons, it will be noticed, consist of two small pieces of board, placed almost directly beneath the planes. The model is mounted on these pontoons by ordinary skids of reed. The angle of the planes with the surface of the water is the same as in the ordinary mounting. The pontoons are kept as small and light as possible.To start the machine, the propellers are wound up in the usual way. It has been found that a model would rise rather more quickly from the water than from the land or within a few feet. As our photograph shows, the pontoons leave a slight wake behind them in the water. Once started to rise, however, the machine rapidly gains its elevation. One advantage of the pontoon skid flying over the water is the safety it insures on landing. At the end of such a flight the model drops into the water, but with little danger of breaking any of its parts. It will be found interesting to experiment in mounting the model loosely on pontoons, so that when it rises it will leave them behind, thus doing away with the increased load.
Much more attention is paid to designing the skids for model aeroplanes in America than abroad. Since the American model usually rises from the ground under its own power, this detail of construction naturally has come to be of vital importance. By attacking the problems faced by the designers of large aeroplanes, our work is helpful in developing the science of aviation as a whole.
Nothing has been found better for building skids than cane or bamboo. A chassis may be made of these materials which will weigh but a fraction of an ounce, so that even the most elaborate skids will add but little weight. They are, besides, exceedingly elastic, which makes them easy to work, while this quality enables them to take up the shock of a violent landing. The thinnest sizes are best for our purposes. The reed one-eighth of an inch in diameter will answer for all ordinary models. To prepare reed for working, soak it for an hour. Another plan is to heat it slightly over a flame, when it may be bent with little danger of breaking. In case of a bad smash during a meet such skids may be readily pieced out and repairs made so quickly that the model need not be kept long out of the contest.
A model with limited plane area built by R. BarryA model with limited plane area built by R. Barry
A model with limited plane area built by R. Barry
An interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. FisherAn interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. Fisher
An interesting experiment in metal frame building by R. Fisher
The simplest skid is made by splitting a section of reed, or splicing it, to form a Y, and attaching the upper ends to the bottom of your motor base. The lower end is then bent into a half circle. Wrap the reed tightly at the crotch to keep it from splitting, and touch the wrapping with glue. To make such a skid stable, join the two pieces by a cross brace. The skid should slant backward at a slight angle to reduce the friction on starting. Several methods of bracing such a skid are suggested in the accompanying photographs of models.
A stronger skid is formed by turning the reed to form ellipses and attaching them to the motor base. The curved parts will require bracing. Two diagonal braces will keep them in position. Some model builders prefer to shape the skids at the bottom, so that only a single point of the reed comes in contact with the floor. This plan makes it possible to shape the skids into several graceful forms which help to make the model attractive.
Still another plan, followed by some of the most successful model builders, is to shape the skids like the runners of a sleigh. In some of the Percy Pierce models this year, about six inches of the rear skids come in contact with the ground. It might be supposed that the friction in this case would be considerable, but this particular model is one of the quickest to rise. This design has the great advantage of being extremely elastic and letting the rear of the model down gently after a considerable fall.
Some model builders still retain the wheel skid in a much simpler and lighter form. The miniature bicycle wheels do very well for scale models, but since they are likely to add an ounce or two to the weight of the aeroplane, they are prohibitive. To avoid this weight, the wheels may be made of simple disks of wood cut very small. A wheel one-half an inch in diameter, cut from a board one-eighth of an inch thick, weighs practically nothing and affords sufficient support. These may be mounted very simply on axles made of bent wire attached to the feet of the skids. Sandpaper the rims to an edge in order to reduce the surface presented to the air. Since their surface is edgewise to the line of flight, they will offer very little resistance.
The wheels on some of this year's models are formed of wire disks covered with silk. The weight of these wheels is practically nothing, and they add much to the appearance of a well-finished model. Wire disks which may be covered in this way may be bought from the supply houses. It requires rather a skilful hand to shape the wire into perfect circles which will run easily. The covering again is a very nice operation. The silk wheel is not recommended for the beginner; but for one who is anxious to finish his model to the last detail as attractively as possible, they form an interesting feature.
Ping-pong balls make serviceable skids. Since they are carefully rounded, they will turn easily. To mount them, drill a hole for the wire shaft or axle, taking great care to have it pass through opposite points of the sphere. The wire may then be bent above it and attached to the skid. The celluloid turning on the wire axle produces practically no friction, and the ball offers very little resistance to the air. The balls are, of course, extremely light and add little to the weight of the model.
By combining the skid and wheel form of support, your model will gain the advantage of both these devices. The general form of the Farman skid may be followed. The skid in this case should be fairly heavy, strong enough to hold its shape, although elastic enough to take up a considerable shock. The simplest plan is to connect the two skids by a cross piece, and use this as the axle for two small wheels, mounted on the outside of the skid. This plan enables the aeroplane to rise with the minimum amount of resistance and land at the end of a flight with protection.
In the collapsible skid we find one of the most interesting novelties of the year. This ingenious mechanism, which is very easy to adjust, and which is placed under the front of the model on rising from the ground, is drawn into a horizontal position extending out before the machine and acts as a buffer, an aerial cow-catcher. Any simple form of skid may be adjusted in this way. The upper end or ends are merely fastened to the motor base so that they will swing easily back and forth. From a point half way down the skid, a rubber band is run to the front end of the motor base. When the model is set on the ground, after winding up, the skid is pulled back to form the forward support. It will be found necessary to adjust it to stand at a trifle less than the vertical. The rubber bands must be just strong enough to permit the skid to stand in this position when held down by the weight of the machine. As the machine rises, the skid is, of course, released and instantly snaps up to a horizontal position.
A new interest is lent to model aeroplane building by mounting them on pontoons contrived to float them on the water. Several large men carrying machines have risen from the water, notably the Curtiss model. It is believed by some aviators that since the water offers less friction than the earth or than a wooden runway, it is easier to rise in this way.
The builders of modern aeroplanes have been quick to adopt this idea. The models are mounted on miniature pontoons, and after winding up the motors are released in the usual way. An actual photograph of a model thus mounted in the very act of rising clear on the surface of the water is reproduced as a frontispiece of this volume. The pontoons, it will be noticed, consist of two small pieces of board, placed almost directly beneath the planes. The model is mounted on these pontoons by ordinary skids of reed. The angle of the planes with the surface of the water is the same as in the ordinary mounting. The pontoons are kept as small and light as possible.
To start the machine, the propellers are wound up in the usual way. It has been found that a model would rise rather more quickly from the water than from the land or within a few feet. As our photograph shows, the pontoons leave a slight wake behind them in the water. Once started to rise, however, the machine rapidly gains its elevation. One advantage of the pontoon skid flying over the water is the safety it insures on landing. At the end of such a flight the model drops into the water, but with little danger of breaking any of its parts. It will be found interesting to experiment in mounting the model loosely on pontoons, so that when it rises it will leave them behind, thus doing away with the increased load.