Alexander Bullet

8 Model Aviation British auth Alexander Ibotos urn aurnor irapoic uesign cy uarla runz author made punch die fashion Bullets cowl louvers AThe Bullet currently finished fictitious red-white-bl Laser 50 supplies powerModel sized fit Williams Bros Golden Age wheels has reproduced interesting rcraft Company design 1929 U Phillip Kent Editors note author Scale columnist British publication Radio Control Models Electronics USE OF OUR CLUB FLYING field dramatically reduced result having apply planning permission Electric models gliders exempt restrictions thoughts turned direction Electric power looking aircraft could used mount five-cylinder OS Sirius radial aircraft looked Alexander Bullet Now smaller version Electric power seemed good idea Plans drawn size allowed use some 45g diameter William Bros Golden Age wheels just happened stock model presented powered Laser 50 four-stroke simple answer cost could buy couple Laser SOs equivalent Electric motor charger battery packs would required quality Electric flight Laser 50 chosen because shortest four-stroke around its capacity have always very pleased other engines manufacturer As turned out feel model could have built 1/6 scale 72-inch wingspan using same engine Ior scheme original model based mysterious one-off X771H full size aircraft model built rather huny since wanted have ready Old Warden Scale Weekend reason choosing X771Hit November1995 9 very simple silver finish registration numbers letters added CONSTRUCTION managed build Bullet couple months including time draw plans structure pretty straightforward except outer wing panels Wing My first task draw plan view wing plotted shape ribs became smaller did plotting reducing original rib section length required photocopying machine Once required rib shapes simple task work out shape wing spar positions Since quite lot curvature underside wing spar positions soon became clear would little use try use strip balsa spars solution use fulldepth sheet balsa spars slotted accept wing ribs did underside wing curve up spar positions also curved up trailing edge fact aileron aileron leading edge obviously followed shape rear spar could see problems curved trailing edge eventually decided make bottom aileron 1A6 balsa sheet use ribs upper surface hold place model larger would have used sheet balsa core fitted ribs side sheet pre-bent stroking balsa piece one-inch-diameter aluminum tubing pushed tube along top surface sheet effect making sheet curl upward built outer panels decided use packing pieces rib station spars trailing edge ailerons built integral structure provision made cut out later possible trial dry run panels since whole stmcture slotted together packing pieces set up outer panels went together little trouble center section used normal spars vertical webbing pieces suitable strengthening pieces undercarriage legs fitted leading edge became D-box section sheeted used false leading edge carry sheeting think best method use constructing 10 Model Aviation y Wright J5 engine uses Williams Bros 1/e-scale cylinders modified change inlet exhaust manifolds Original model outfitted rounded fin rudder after crash converted version shown plans X771H version chosen its simple silver finish Wing ribs notched accept full-depth sheet balsa spars model would ready its first contest made necessary Bullets unusual wing shape sheeted wing sheeted leading edge anyone familiar technique perhaps few words would help using sheet balsa leading edge sheeting usually joins onto spar rear has fitted some way leading edge some designs can simple butt joint up against leading edge sometimes sheet wrapped over leading edge Both methods have disadvantages butt-joint method requires fit between sheeting leading good quite easy push sheeting out line causing wavy fits up against leading edge Another undesirable feature glue line could show sheet wraps around leading edge strip again have problem glue line showing after sanding Using false leading edge gets over problems wing using system built normal sheet going spars over false leading edge dry overhanging sheet cut away sanded leaving flat nose section ready final balsa leading-edge capping always use balsa cement fixing capping piece since glue have found does give glue bump required final shaping razor plane sanding correct leading-edge profile Bullets outer panels used two laminations 1/ sheet balsa form leading edge easier bend 1/8 sheet e leading edge curved thought best way center section normal re spars D-box sheeted leading edge trailing edge hard 1/i6 balsa ribs capped undercarriage bolts plywood panels center section using standard commercial nylon clamps final length legs determined after fixing Brass tube axle brackets soft soldered place wheels position can correctly aligned undercarriage fairings built up using /I6 sheet top bottom /64 plywood used rear part litho plate rounded front full-size aircraft employed both fixed version trousers simple rearward retracting unit November1995 11 Aileron bottom 1/i6 sheet balsa has stroked burnished side give proper upward curl Wing center panels utilize D-box construction Note landing gear mount aileron linkage routing Cabin parts cut /ie balsa portion fuselage covered 1k4 plywood fuselage simple box filled out stringers Removable-front cowl built-up layers 1/8 sheet balsa Fuselage The fuselage simple box filled out stringers notched stringers /I6 square uprights rear fuselage keep reasonable size difficult area forward windscreen portion sides have partially sawed through get correct plan shape cabin area covered 1/64 plywood used lots masking tape glue cowl built up /s sheet balsa model split centerline give access tank removable front part housed dummy engine dummy Wright J5 engine big feature model would recommend using 1/6-scale Williams Bros Wright Whirlwind plastic cylinders modified change inlet exhaust manifolds too difficult using car-body filler saw file decided early stage make punch die punch out louvers cowl would think 40 50 fourstrokes would suitable model Laser 50 shorter does present too much problem hiding away four-ounce tank mounted sideways cowl have mounted six-ounce tank fuselage rebuilt model instrument console does cover tank within cockpit area visible Tailpiane Fin Rudder tailplane little unusual made halves butted onto fuselage sides aluminum tubes hold halves place elevator fitted after operation through slot rear fuselage simple litho-plate cover made gap model tail surfaces use popular practical core method construction cores 1/16 soft balsa 3A6 spars 1/ sheet ribs fill out airfoil shape Covering Finishing used Sig Koverall covering wings fuselage Solartex tail surfaces ailerons rebuilt model have used new silver Solartex wings fuselage have paint over though has lost advantage material suppose Suffice say whole model covered silver Solartex wouldnt have silver paint work Silver very common color full-size aircraft presents problems modelers have used cellulose-based paint local paint store didnt have Ford Silver Fox wanted As alternative After few flights servo failure caused crash Bullet rebuilt model X309V decided try silver spray can has proved satisfactory model clear-doped after covering rib tapes cut lightweight tissue added wings tail surfaces Since model built relatively small scale didnt bother simulated stitching Since using cellulose finish decided white primer would best days primers used automotive trade high-build varietynot suitable fabric-covered model aircraft did manage find spray can white primer has worked well first silver used silver wheel paint looked unrealistic very bright tried normal Wingspan 621/2 inches Engine size/type 40-50 four-stroke Functions Rudder elevator throttle ailerons Construction Built-up Covering/finish Koverall Solartex 12 Model Aviation RC Sport Scale 310 SO BALSA NOTE FB IS BUILT OF IUB BALSACONTROLMOVEMENTSLS 1V4 BALSA EACA SIDEBOTH SIDED SREET TO FIT INSIDE OF FUSELOOC RUDDERI UN fitOF I/N BALSA COREFIN AND RACOEB SHOOTS ABE VIA BALSABHR FLY COBINVFDSELUOE DOODLERELEVATOR02 UP N 04FOB SV AIRCRAFT MADE UP FROM WILLIAMS lOB_SCALE ETLINDERS AME MODIFIED TO FITn O 01/BRALSA SBEETFUSELAGE SIDE VIEVVSCRAFI/lB BALSA SHEET COWL FROST IS REMOVABLE3/SD BALSA SOEFT RIBS FOR ESOINE ACCESSPANEL BALSA BLVCEELEAhOR ______ S/S BALSA SHEET I/OH I/SD SPRINO STEEL LS FLVWOODI MADE FROM FIT IN FRONT OF COLLECTOR I ER ADE WREELS ____________1 STABILIZER ELEV BALSA BLOCECl BUDDER TORN COSTROLN RUDDER AITH CABLESCD -o i I [III B/SIC WIRE ELEVATOR JOINER T/IE SO HOLSA CACO SIDE OF VIE F-S I/B FLY TOT N BDTTVRNVTE IS SPORT SCALE MODELCD z VIE PLOWOOD-/WITH EZ ID NINA SF50 oF-3DS/IS FLVWUCDBAOE2 OF CAVE FUN F DAl FOOMIkE FLOAVOD CRIB FOHRERSPOWERED RT 40- 50 FRUR MODEL AVIATION TO SUIT ENSINEOVELE ENGINE CD 2 -CD ALEXANDER BULLET CUT DOT TOF4BI111VDESIORED BY PHILLIF E RENT SUIT FJE TUSM IEPLOWOVOF-zF-2AdIrINBEDPLASRSUOEDEMAHEO CHBVLVCRZEO OIVOS HIDYSIO OLE RISES SRBET CD BEBREDEDLORD F-4F-3F-3A Cr -L -L cD S/iN OW CUBUWOCO 010. BALSA L N BOEETUA WING PLAN \ CENTER SECTION US PLYWOOD OBOES I/IN BALSA CENTER AU BALSA STENO C E / / 7iii IL1L11 -~- -IV Iii pm2U T- -H- rn L -3/ ATSUBLSA Vf1 PLOI SPABS ITO CA TI IIWEBABALSA P LL BOLTF K NV ODRTI ____ /2 L4 I HB 1 II AMPLY PLATE - S LAMISATIUNT UP I/S BALSA SOBOT 4-I 13/PLO N 5033/ MALT BALSA SATEDI -L-i~L/AIBALSIEOT M 4ET-- CLAILERON 1 TOSAOUOU 0005 INl/PLT TI MOUNTSUBOP IfIABBALSABALNA CT BATEBISON B-IB-52MICEB-aMS BS1MHj TALSZ -I--LS BALSA SMEET --JMINAEOILNRWA L N WING PLAN RIGHT TIP WING RIB TEMPLATES WINO RB STS/SD BALSA SCENT BALSA SOENTSABE BARN B/5 BALSA SONET 332 ROSA SHEETBAUC USBALSO BiDETMADE 10 SUB LEADINO BUADI/IN PLHUOOD R-23/SABALSA NOENTRUEB 2 I- i- AIDMOS OURS AM 5 3/3/ CAPs R-3 IiAW 13/BALSA3/SO BALSA STENO CAPS OH WINOMARE JOINT-- --ThTA SO BALSA CEURSPOW- BI BIll AOL 53/ BALSA BOTTOM UNLO AILERON DETAIL ____________ANN ROBURT SNUES T,E PEON 4---- 5/52 BALSA SRENT R-7 CONSTS/CTIUN- MORN 0 RB OR IC B BALSATIP PANEL TO TAb CAP STRIPS TOPANGLE DUB UIQCSAL WING DIHEDRAL DETAIL UNCLE ON TOE JRDESRNA SURFACE L4 BALSA S5EEH WING SPAR PATTERNS ITUTNA SC IH\ VA ROSA - SHEET TEAT rOESy1 I/S AlA MUSIC LANDING GEAR PATTERNS CIBA RIO MUSIC WIRE 7 II --U - I TN PATTERS TOP VIEW WING DETAILS PLAUL B--OS SOWN LA CLIP S/lB BALSA BRASS TUBE-A DOLL FOR BALE/ 7MODEL AVIATION ALEXANDER BULLET 0-S/B RIO WIULIASS BRUERENAMED MT PRILLIP S RENT GOLDEN ACE WHEELS • I UBMOHBISMI7UI1 AOROUITOI/CU OI /700TRTOISSOSAEBEBAEBMATBI5flr 0 0 CD 0 -I LLNTBA silver spray can again finish looked too bright too much could about unless started again decided spray over matte Aerokote fuel proofer quite fantasticwhat looked awful now looked just about right problem small hobby airbrush good enough job resulting patchy finish Simulated metal framing lettering cut Solartrim sheet after positioning sprayed matte Aerokote dummy engine painted Humbrol matte enamel silver spray can final job before fitting radio glazing cockpit cabin area rush get model ready time used silver painted masking tape framework looked right did make litho-plate replacements return Old Warden full size aircraft balanced 28% wing chord made model balance same place engine quite heavy battery can easily moved within large cabin rudder elevator servos mounted back cabin get correct balance position internal cabin fittings consisted instrument console seats console made card thin plywood seats balsa Flying doors door working door wing bolts could hidden within model first flight door managed detach itself model lost new door uses Du-Bro latch reliable Flying fin rudder looked rather small model finished quite few experts expressed view might have trouble directional stability fears unfounded model flew straight off board models second outing Liverpool took part Kings Cup air race meeting great fun model handled very well gaining joint second place Landings takeoffs particularly easy grass field Phillip Kent 32 Moorbottom Cleckheaton West Yorkshire BDJ9 6AD England Alexander Aircraft Company Colorado Springs Colorado produced 900 aircraft during late 1920s early 1930s Eaglerock biplane produced large numbers technically interesting Alexander designs Bullet Bullet cantilever low-wing monoplane capable transporting four people cruising speed 150 mph least 15 years ahead its time Another advanced feature retracting undercarriage no doubt helped excellent performance figures design Bullet introduced public 1929 Detroit American Aviation Show orders 86 aircraft placed show future company looked secure problems Bullet made its first flight January 12 1929 pilot Ted Haneter reported flies like dream During test program Bullet made flight over summit Pikes Peak 14110 ft four people board 17000 ft fuel pump drive sheared causing engine fail Pilot Lee Brusse glided Bullet back airfield 15 miles away made safe dead-stick landing close call just beginning series events nearly caused demise company another test flight violent elevator flutter encountered Pilot Frank Niswander decided land immediately As flying speed reduced flutter ceased went well until aircraft flared out landing Niswander pulled stick way back Bullet touched down tail up would have run off airfield fortuitous ground loop flutter stretched elevator cables 1/2 inch up could achieved Commercial aircraft pass CAA certification tests before could operate tests spin testsix spins direction before recovery Bullet proved very stable aircraft would spin Modifications made design spin test could completed design team finally got Bullet spin critical full-aft center gravity CG position spin flat practically impossible get out Four Alexander Bullets crashed during spin tests two pilots killed Another redesign airframe its certification test form aircraft used both fixed retracting undercarriage fixed-undercarriage version used trouser fairings much convenient model model originally designed Electric power due high initial cost normal internal combustion engine used model based test aircraft X77 1 H inherited some bad luck full-size design its sixth flight aileron servo failed model severely damaged resulting crash During rebuild more-attractive fin rudder shape aircraft X309V fitted new paint scheme forest green silver used model has wingspan just over five feet very easy fly under radio control able perform maneuvers would encouraged real aircraft will spin November 1995 15 Bullet Won t Spi Chipley three-quarter view see page 19 Phillip Kent N x N N Xx N N 16 SHT5ILSR TOP&5OTVOM CRPTRIP WILUOM RJS WRIGHT WMIRLWIND CYLINtERE 4L5R 3HTD tILIUXfiIIDE1I BULLET 50 SPRUCE jjJ FILL WIl{ 8RLSP1 // - &IT 5QLSfl 5PR 4 b/ILSP Sxr V-COlIL FROM UTIAO PlATE LIThO PlATE t4gr REALLY Li K AcQT r77IIZZ7fl1R/5RANEACEAjOj I4ATSPATS t YTHE 1JlJI VIIIE 5AT5 OL EUDDY. 71U5 /S CLASS AY T WE FALLY SHOULCt4 r FORCED 1 NPtJR TNOSE KPJEE5 WILLhqM3 flL5fl 3PPRN -7 VV -NV~- /7 VV V~ 4 i SQ EILSR SPLSR SHT EL5I SHT 11 / siir 5x 16RUC -tE z 0 CD 0 CD 0 0 01 -L 0

8 Model Aviation British auth Alexander Ibotos urn aurnor irapoic uesign cy uarla runz author made punch die fashion Bullets cowl louvers AThe Bullet currently finished fictitious red-white-bl Laser 50 supplies powerModel sized fit Williams Bros Golden Age wheels has reproduced interesting rcraft Company design 1929 U Phillip Kent Editors note author Scale columnist British publication Radio Control Models Electronics USE OF OUR CLUB FLYING field dramatically reduced result having apply planning permission Electric models gliders exempt restrictions thoughts turned direction Electric power looking aircraft could used mount five-cylinder OS Sirius radial aircraft looked Alexander Bullet Now smaller version Electric power seemed good idea Plans drawn size allowed use some 45g diameter William Bros Golden Age wheels just happened stock model presented powered Laser 50 four-stroke simple answer cost could buy couple Laser SOs equivalent Electric motor charger battery packs would required quality Electric flight Laser 50 chosen because shortest four-stroke around its capacity have always very pleased other engines manufacturer As turned out feel model could have built 1/6 scale 72-inch wingspan using same engine Ior scheme original model based mysterious one-off X771H full size aircraft model built rather huny since wanted have ready Old Warden Scale Weekend reason choosing X771Hit November1995 9 very simple silver finish registration numbers letters added CONSTRUCTION managed build Bullet couple months including time draw plans structure pretty straightforward except outer wing panels Wing My first task draw plan view wing plotted shape ribs became smaller did plotting reducing original rib section length required photocopying machine Once required rib shapes simple task work out shape wing spar positions Since quite lot curvature underside wing spar positions soon became clear would little use try use strip balsa spars solution use fulldepth sheet balsa spars slotted accept wing ribs did underside wing curve up spar positions also curved up trailing edge fact aileron aileron leading edge obviously followed shape rear spar could see problems curved trailing edge eventually decided make bottom aileron 1A6 balsa sheet use ribs upper surface hold place model larger would have used sheet balsa core fitted ribs side sheet pre-bent stroking balsa piece one-inch-diameter aluminum tubing pushed tube along top surface sheet effect making sheet curl upward built outer panels decided use packing pieces rib station spars trailing edge ailerons built integral structure provision made cut out later possible trial dry run panels since whole stmcture slotted together packing pieces set up outer panels went together little trouble center section used normal spars vertical webbing pieces suitable strengthening pieces undercarriage legs fitted leading edge became D-box section sheeted used false leading edge carry sheeting think best method use constructing 10 Model Aviation y Wright J5 engine uses Williams Bros 1/e-scale cylinders modified change inlet exhaust manifolds Original model outfitted rounded fin rudder after crash converted version shown plans X771H version chosen its simple silver finish Wing ribs notched accept full-depth sheet balsa spars model would ready its first contest made necessary Bullets unusual wing shape sheeted wing sheeted leading edge anyone familiar technique perhaps few words would help using sheet balsa leading edge sheeting usually joins onto spar rear has fitted some way leading edge some designs can simple butt joint up against leading edge sometimes sheet wrapped over leading edge Both methods have disadvantages butt-joint method requires fit between sheeting leading good quite easy push sheeting out line causing wavy fits up against leading edge Another undesirable feature glue line could show sheet wraps around leading edge strip again have problem glue line showing after sanding Using false leading edge gets over problems wing using system built normal sheet going spars over false leading edge dry overhanging sheet cut away sanded leaving flat nose section ready final balsa leading-edge capping always use balsa cement fixing capping piece since glue have found does give glue bump required final shaping razor plane sanding correct leading-edge profile Bullets outer panels used two laminations 1/ sheet balsa form leading edge easier bend 1/8 sheet e leading edge curved thought best way center section normal re spars D-box sheeted leading edge trailing edge hard 1/i6 balsa ribs capped undercarriage bolts plywood panels center section using standard commercial nylon clamps final length legs determined after fixing Brass tube axle brackets soft soldered place wheels position can correctly aligned undercarriage fairings built up using /I6 sheet top bottom /64 plywood used rear part litho plate rounded front full-size aircraft employed both fixed version trousers simple rearward retracting unit November1995 11 Aileron bottom 1/i6 sheet balsa has stroked burnished side give proper upward curl Wing center panels utilize D-box construction Note landing gear mount aileron linkage routing Cabin parts cut /ie balsa portion fuselage covered 1k4 plywood fuselage simple box filled out stringers Removable-front cowl built-up layers 1/8 sheet balsa Fuselage The fuselage simple box filled out stringers notched stringers /I6 square uprights rear fuselage keep reasonable size difficult area forward windscreen portion sides have partially sawed through get correct plan shape cabin area covered 1/64 plywood used lots masking tape glue cowl built up /s sheet balsa model split centerline give access tank removable front part housed dummy engine dummy Wright J5 engine big feature model would recommend using 1/6-scale Williams Bros Wright Whirlwind plastic cylinders modified change inlet exhaust manifolds too difficult using car-body filler saw file decided early stage make punch die punch out louvers cowl would think 40 50 fourstrokes would suitable model Laser 50 shorter does present too much problem hiding away four-ounce tank mounted sideways cowl have mounted six-ounce tank fuselage rebuilt model instrument console does cover tank within cockpit area visible Tailpiane Fin Rudder tailplane little unusual made halves butted onto fuselage sides aluminum tubes hold halves place elevator fitted after operation through slot rear fuselage simple litho-plate cover made gap model tail surfaces use popular practical core method construction cores 1/16 soft balsa 3A6 spars 1/ sheet ribs fill out airfoil shape Covering Finishing used Sig Koverall covering wings fuselage Solartex tail surfaces ailerons rebuilt model have used new silver Solartex wings fuselage have paint over though has lost advantage material suppose Suffice say whole model covered silver Solartex wouldnt have silver paint work Silver very common color full-size aircraft presents problems modelers have used cellulose-based paint local paint store didnt have Ford Silver Fox wanted As alternative After few flights servo failure caused crash Bullet rebuilt model X309V decided try silver spray can has proved satisfactory model clear-doped after covering rib tapes cut lightweight tissue added wings tail surfaces Since model built relatively small scale didnt bother simulated stitching Since using cellulose finish decided white primer would best days primers used automotive trade high-build varietynot suitable fabric-covered model aircraft did manage find spray can white primer has worked well first silver used silver wheel paint looked unrealistic very bright tried normal Wingspan 621/2 inches Engine size/type 40-50 four-stroke Functions Rudder elevator throttle ailerons Construction Built-up Covering/finish Koverall Solartex 12 Model Aviation RC Sport Scale 310 SO BALSA NOTE FB IS BUILT OF IUB BALSACONTROLMOVEMENTSLS 1V4 BALSA EACA SIDEBOTH SIDED SREET TO FIT INSIDE OF FUSELOOC RUDDERI UN fitOF I/N BALSA COREFIN AND RACOEB SHOOTS ABE VIA BALSABHR FLY COBINVFDSELUOE DOODLERELEVATOR02 UP N 04FOB SV AIRCRAFT MADE UP FROM WILLIAMS lOB_SCALE ETLINDERS AME MODIFIED TO FITn O 01/BRALSA SBEETFUSELAGE SIDE VIEVVSCRAFI/lB BALSA SHEET COWL FROST IS REMOVABLE3/SD BALSA SOEFT RIBS FOR ESOINE ACCESSPANEL BALSA BLVCEELEAhOR ______ S/S BALSA SHEET I/OH I/SD SPRINO STEEL LS FLVWOODI MADE FROM FIT IN FRONT OF COLLECTOR I ER ADE WREELS ____________1 STABILIZER ELEV BALSA BLOCECl BUDDER TORN COSTROLN RUDDER AITH CABLESCD -o i I [III B/SIC WIRE ELEVATOR JOINER T/IE SO HOLSA CACO SIDE OF VIE F-S I/B FLY TOT N BDTTVRNVTE IS SPORT SCALE MODELCD z VIE PLOWOOD-/WITH EZ ID NINA SF50 oF-3DS/IS FLVWUCDBAOE2 OF CAVE FUN F DAl FOOMIkE FLOAVOD CRIB FOHRERSPOWERED RT 40- 50 FRUR MODEL AVIATION TO SUIT ENSINEOVELE ENGINE CD 2 -CD ALEXANDER BULLET CUT DOT TOF4BI111VDESIORED BY PHILLIF E RENT SUIT FJE TUSM IEPLOWOVOF-zF-2AdIrINBEDPLASRSUOEDEMAHEO CHBVLVCRZEO OIVOS HIDYSIO OLE RISES SRBET CD BEBREDEDLORD F-4F-3F-3A Cr -L -L cD S/iN OW CUBUWOCO 010. BALSA L N BOEETUA WING PLAN \ CENTER SECTION US PLYWOOD OBOES I/IN BALSA CENTER AU BALSA STENO C E / / 7iii IL1L11 -~- -IV Iii pm2U T- -H- rn L -3/ ATSUBLSA Vf1 PLOI SPABS ITO CA TI IIWEBABALSA P LL BOLTF K NV ODRTI ____ /2 L4 I HB 1 II AMPLY PLATE - S LAMISATIUNT UP I/S BALSA SOBOT 4-I 13/PLO N 5033/ MALT BALSA SATEDI -L-i~L/AIBALSIEOT M 4ET-- CLAILERON 1 TOSAOUOU 0005 INl/PLT TI MOUNTSUBOP IfIABBALSABALNA CT BATEBISON B-IB-52MICEB-aMS BS1MHj TALSZ -I--LS BALSA SMEET --JMINAEOILNRWA L N WING PLAN RIGHT TIP WING RIB TEMPLATES WINO RB STS/SD BALSA SCENT BALSA SOENTSABE BARN B/5 BALSA SONET 332 ROSA SHEETBAUC USBALSO BiDETMADE 10 SUB LEADINO BUADI/IN PLHUOOD R-23/SABALSA NOENTRUEB 2 I- i- AIDMOS OURS AM 5 3/3/ CAPs R-3 IiAW 13/BALSA3/SO BALSA STENO CAPS OH WINOMARE JOINT-- --ThTA SO BALSA CEURSPOW- BI BIll AOL 53/ BALSA BOTTOM UNLO AILERON DETAIL ____________ANN ROBURT SNUES T,E PEON 4---- 5/52 BALSA SRENT R-7 CONSTS/CTIUN- MORN 0 RB OR IC B BALSATIP PANEL TO TAb CAP STRIPS TOPANGLE DUB UIQCSAL WING DIHEDRAL DETAIL UNCLE ON TOE JRDESRNA SURFACE L4 BALSA S5EEH WING SPAR PATTERNS ITUTNA SC IH\ VA ROSA - SHEET TEAT rOESy1 I/S AlA MUSIC LANDING GEAR PATTERNS CIBA RIO MUSIC WIRE 7 II --U - I TN PATTERS TOP VIEW WING DETAILS PLAUL B--OS SOWN LA CLIP S/lB BALSA BRASS TUBE-A DOLL FOR BALE/ 7MODEL AVIATION ALEXANDER BULLET 0-S/B RIO WIULIASS BRUERENAMED MT PRILLIP S RENT GOLDEN ACE WHEELS • I UBMOHBISMI7UI1 AOROUITOI/CU OI /700TRTOISSOSAEBEBAEBMATBI5flr 0 0 CD 0 -I LLNTBA silver spray can again finish looked too bright too much could about unless started again decided spray over matte Aerokote fuel proofer quite fantasticwhat looked awful now looked just about right problem small hobby airbrush good enough job resulting patchy finish Simulated metal framing lettering cut Solartrim sheet after positioning sprayed matte Aerokote dummy engine painted Humbrol matte enamel silver spray can final job before fitting radio glazing cockpit cabin area rush get model ready time used silver painted masking tape framework looked right did make litho-plate replacements return Old Warden full size aircraft balanced 28% wing chord made model balance same place engine quite heavy battery can easily moved within large cabin rudder elevator servos mounted back cabin get correct balance position internal cabin fittings consisted instrument console seats console made card thin plywood seats balsa Flying doors door working door wing bolts could hidden within model first flight door managed detach itself model lost new door uses Du-Bro latch reliable Flying fin rudder looked rather small model finished quite few experts expressed view might have trouble directional stability fears unfounded model flew straight off board models second outing Liverpool took part Kings Cup air race meeting great fun model handled very well gaining joint second place Landings takeoffs particularly easy grass field Phillip Kent 32 Moorbottom Cleckheaton West Yorkshire BDJ9 6AD England Alexander Aircraft Company Colorado Springs Colorado produced 900 aircraft during late 1920s early 1930s Eaglerock biplane produced large numbers technically interesting Alexander designs Bullet Bullet cantilever low-wing monoplane capable transporting four people cruising speed 150 mph least 15 years ahead its time Another advanced feature retracting undercarriage no doubt helped excellent performance figures design Bullet introduced public 1929 Detroit American Aviation Show orders 86 aircraft placed show future company looked secure problems Bullet made its first flight January 12 1929 pilot Ted Haneter reported flies like dream During test program Bullet made flight over summit Pikes Peak 14110 ft four people board 17000 ft fuel pump drive sheared causing engine fail Pilot Lee Brusse glided Bullet back airfield 15 miles away made safe dead-stick landing close call just beginning series events nearly caused demise company another test flight violent elevator flutter encountered Pilot Frank Niswander decided land immediately As flying speed reduced flutter ceased went well until aircraft flared out landing Niswander pulled stick way back Bullet touched down tail up would have run off airfield fortuitous ground loop flutter stretched elevator cables 1/2 inch up could achieved Commercial aircraft pass CAA certification tests before could operate tests spin testsix spins direction before recovery Bullet proved very stable aircraft would spin Modifications made design spin test could completed design team finally got Bullet spin critical full-aft center gravity CG position spin flat practically impossible get out Four Alexander Bullets crashed during spin tests two pilots killed Another redesign airframe its certification test form aircraft used both fixed retracting undercarriage fixed-undercarriage version used trouser fairings much convenient model model originally designed Electric power due high initial cost normal internal combustion engine used model based test aircraft X77 1 H inherited some bad luck full-size design its sixth flight aileron servo failed model severely damaged resulting crash During rebuild more-attractive fin rudder shape aircraft X309V fitted new paint scheme forest green silver used model has wingspan just over five feet very easy fly under radio control able perform maneuvers would encouraged real aircraft will spin November 1995 15 Bullet Won t Spi Chipley three-quarter view see page 19 Phillip Kent N x N N Xx N N 16 SHT5ILSR TOP&5OTVOM CRPTRIP WILUOM RJS WRIGHT WMIRLWIND CYLINtERE 4L5R 3HTD tILIUXfiIIDE1I BULLET 50 SPRUCE jjJ FILL WIl{ 8RLSP1 // - &IT 5QLSfl 5PR 4 b/ILSP Sxr V-COlIL FROM UTIAO PlATE LIThO PlATE t4gr REALLY Li K AcQT r77IIZZ7fl1R/5RANEACEAjOj I4ATSPATS t YTHE 1JlJI VIIIE 5AT5 OL EUDDY. 71U5 /S CLASS AY T WE FALLY SHOULCt4 r FORCED 1 NPtJR TNOSE KPJEE5 WILLhqM3 flL5fl 3PPRN -7 VV -NV~- /7 VV V~ 4 i SQ EILSR SPLSR SHT EL5I SHT 11 / siir 5x 16RUC -tE z 0 CD 0 CD 0 0 01 -L 0

8 Model Aviation British auth Alexander Ibotos urn aurnor irapoic uesign cy uarla runz author made punch die fashion Bullets cowl louvers AThe Bullet currently finished fictitious red-white-bl Laser 50 supplies powerModel sized fit Williams Bros Golden Age wheels has reproduced interesting rcraft Company design 1929 U Phillip Kent Editors note author Scale columnist British publication Radio Control Models Electronics USE OF OUR CLUB FLYING field dramatically reduced result having apply planning permission Electric models gliders exempt restrictions thoughts turned direction Electric power looking aircraft could used mount five-cylinder OS Sirius radial aircraft looked Alexander Bullet Now smaller version Electric power seemed good idea Plans drawn size allowed use some 45g diameter William Bros Golden Age wheels just happened stock model presented powered Laser 50 four-stroke simple answer cost could buy couple Laser SOs equivalent Electric motor charger battery packs would required quality Electric flight Laser 50 chosen because shortest four-stroke around its capacity have always very pleased other engines manufacturer As turned out feel model could have built 1/6 scale 72-inch wingspan using same engine Ior scheme original model based mysterious one-off X771H full size aircraft model built rather huny since wanted have ready Old Warden Scale Weekend reason choosing X771Hit November1995 9 very simple silver finish registration numbers letters added CONSTRUCTION managed build Bullet couple months including time draw plans structure pretty straightforward except outer wing panels Wing My first task draw plan view wing plotted shape ribs became smaller did plotting reducing original rib section length required photocopying machine Once required rib shapes simple task work out shape wing spar positions Since quite lot curvature underside wing spar positions soon became clear would little use try use strip balsa spars solution use fulldepth sheet balsa spars slotted accept wing ribs did underside wing curve up spar positions also curved up trailing edge fact aileron aileron leading edge obviously followed shape rear spar could see problems curved trailing edge eventually decided make bottom aileron 1A6 balsa sheet use ribs upper surface hold place model larger would have used sheet balsa core fitted ribs side sheet pre-bent stroking balsa piece one-inch-diameter aluminum tubing pushed tube along top surface sheet effect making sheet curl upward built outer panels decided use packing pieces rib station spars trailing edge ailerons built integral structure provision made cut out later possible trial dry run panels since whole stmcture slotted together packing pieces set up outer panels went together little trouble center section used normal spars vertical webbing pieces suitable strengthening pieces undercarriage legs fitted leading edge became D-box section sheeted used false leading edge carry sheeting think best method use constructing 10 Model Aviation y Wright J5 engine uses Williams Bros 1/e-scale cylinders modified change inlet exhaust manifolds Original model outfitted rounded fin rudder after crash converted version shown plans X771H version chosen its simple silver finish Wing ribs notched accept full-depth sheet balsa spars model would ready its first contest made necessary Bullets unusual wing shape sheeted wing sheeted leading edge anyone familiar technique perhaps few words would help using sheet balsa leading edge sheeting usually joins onto spar rear has fitted some way leading edge some designs can simple butt joint up against leading edge sometimes sheet wrapped over leading edge Both methods have disadvantages butt-joint method requires fit between sheeting leading good quite easy push sheeting out line causing wavy fits up against leading edge Another undesirable feature glue line could show sheet wraps around leading edge strip again have problem glue line showing after sanding Using false leading edge gets over problems wing using system built normal sheet going spars over false leading edge dry overhanging sheet cut away sanded leaving flat nose section ready final balsa leading-edge capping always use balsa cement fixing capping piece since glue have found does give glue bump required final shaping razor plane sanding correct leading-edge profile Bullets outer panels used two laminations 1/ sheet balsa form leading edge easier bend 1/8 sheet e leading edge curved thought best way center section normal re spars D-box sheeted leading edge trailing edge hard 1/i6 balsa ribs capped undercarriage bolts plywood panels center section using standard commercial nylon clamps final length legs determined after fixing Brass tube axle brackets soft soldered place wheels position can correctly aligned undercarriage fairings built up using /I6 sheet top bottom /64 plywood used rear part litho plate rounded front full-size aircraft employed both fixed version trousers simple rearward retracting unit November1995 11 Aileron bottom 1/i6 sheet balsa has stroked burnished side give proper upward curl Wing center panels utilize D-box construction Note landing gear mount aileron linkage routing Cabin parts cut /ie balsa portion fuselage covered 1k4 plywood fuselage simple box filled out stringers Removable-front cowl built-up layers 1/8 sheet balsa Fuselage The fuselage simple box filled out stringers notched stringers /I6 square uprights rear fuselage keep reasonable size difficult area forward windscreen portion sides have partially sawed through get correct plan shape cabin area covered 1/64 plywood used lots masking tape glue cowl built up /s sheet balsa model split centerline give access tank removable front part housed dummy engine dummy Wright J5 engine big feature model would recommend using 1/6-scale Williams Bros Wright Whirlwind plastic cylinders modified change inlet exhaust manifolds too difficult using car-body filler saw file decided early stage make punch die punch out louvers cowl would think 40 50 fourstrokes would suitable model Laser 50 shorter does present too much problem hiding away four-ounce tank mounted sideways cowl have mounted six-ounce tank fuselage rebuilt model instrument console does cover tank within cockpit area visible Tailpiane Fin Rudder tailplane little unusual made halves butted onto fuselage sides aluminum tubes hold halves place elevator fitted after operation through slot rear fuselage simple litho-plate cover made gap model tail surfaces use popular practical core method construction cores 1/16 soft balsa 3A6 spars 1/ sheet ribs fill out airfoil shape Covering Finishing used Sig Koverall covering wings fuselage Solartex tail surfaces ailerons rebuilt model have used new silver Solartex wings fuselage have paint over though has lost advantage material suppose Suffice say whole model covered silver Solartex wouldnt have silver paint work Silver very common color full-size aircraft presents problems modelers have used cellulose-based paint local paint store didnt have Ford Silver Fox wanted As alternative After few flights servo failure caused crash Bullet rebuilt model X309V decided try silver spray can has proved satisfactory model clear-doped after covering rib tapes cut lightweight tissue added wings tail surfaces Since model built relatively small scale didnt bother simulated stitching Since using cellulose finish decided white primer would best days primers used automotive trade high-build varietynot suitable fabric-covered model aircraft did manage find spray can white primer has worked well first silver used silver wheel paint looked unrealistic very bright tried normal Wingspan 621/2 inches Engine size/type 40-50 four-stroke Functions Rudder elevator throttle ailerons Construction Built-up Covering/finish Koverall Solartex 12 Model Aviation RC Sport Scale 310 SO BALSA NOTE FB IS BUILT OF IUB BALSACONTROLMOVEMENTSLS 1V4 BALSA EACA SIDEBOTH SIDED SREET TO FIT INSIDE OF FUSELOOC RUDDERI UN fitOF I/N BALSA COREFIN AND RACOEB SHOOTS ABE VIA BALSABHR FLY COBINVFDSELUOE DOODLERELEVATOR02 UP N 04FOB SV AIRCRAFT MADE UP FROM WILLIAMS lOB_SCALE ETLINDERS AME MODIFIED TO FITn O 01/BRALSA SBEETFUSELAGE SIDE VIEVVSCRAFI/lB BALSA SHEET COWL FROST IS REMOVABLE3/SD BALSA SOEFT RIBS FOR ESOINE ACCESSPANEL BALSA BLVCEELEAhOR ______ S/S BALSA SHEET I/OH I/SD SPRINO STEEL LS FLVWOODI MADE FROM FIT IN FRONT OF COLLECTOR I ER ADE WREELS ____________1 STABILIZER ELEV BALSA BLOCECl BUDDER TORN COSTROLN RUDDER AITH CABLESCD -o i I [III B/SIC WIRE ELEVATOR JOINER T/IE SO HOLSA CACO SIDE OF VIE F-S I/B FLY TOT N BDTTVRNVTE IS SPORT SCALE MODELCD z VIE PLOWOOD-/WITH EZ ID NINA SF50 oF-3DS/IS FLVWUCDBAOE2 OF CAVE FUN F DAl FOOMIkE FLOAVOD CRIB FOHRERSPOWERED RT 40- 50 FRUR MODEL AVIATION TO SUIT ENSINEOVELE ENGINE CD 2 -CD ALEXANDER BULLET CUT DOT TOF4BI111VDESIORED BY PHILLIF E RENT SUIT FJE TUSM IEPLOWOVOF-zF-2AdIrINBEDPLASRSUOEDEMAHEO CHBVLVCRZEO OIVOS HIDYSIO OLE RISES SRBET CD BEBREDEDLORD F-4F-3F-3A Cr -L -L cD S/iN OW CUBUWOCO 010. BALSA L N BOEETUA WING PLAN \ CENTER SECTION US PLYWOOD OBOES I/IN BALSA CENTER AU BALSA STENO C E / / 7iii IL1L11 -~- -IV Iii pm2U T- -H- rn L -3/ ATSUBLSA Vf1 PLOI SPABS ITO CA TI IIWEBABALSA P LL BOLTF K NV ODRTI ____ /2 L4 I HB 1 II AMPLY PLATE - S LAMISATIUNT UP I/S BALSA SOBOT 4-I 13/PLO N 5033/ MALT BALSA SATEDI -L-i~L/AIBALSIEOT M 4ET-- CLAILERON 1 TOSAOUOU 0005 INl/PLT TI MOUNTSUBOP IfIABBALSABALNA CT BATEBISON B-IB-52MICEB-aMS BS1MHj TALSZ -I--LS BALSA SMEET --JMINAEOILNRWA L N WING PLAN RIGHT TIP WING RIB TEMPLATES WINO RB STS/SD BALSA SCENT BALSA SOENTSABE BARN B/5 BALSA SONET 332 ROSA SHEETBAUC USBALSO BiDETMADE 10 SUB LEADINO BUADI/IN PLHUOOD R-23/SABALSA NOENTRUEB 2 I- i- AIDMOS OURS AM 5 3/3/ CAPs R-3 IiAW 13/BALSA3/SO BALSA STENO CAPS OH WINOMARE JOINT-- --ThTA SO BALSA CEURSPOW- BI BIll AOL 53/ BALSA BOTTOM UNLO AILERON DETAIL ____________ANN ROBURT SNUES T,E PEON 4---- 5/52 BALSA SRENT R-7 CONSTS/CTIUN- MORN 0 RB OR IC B BALSATIP PANEL TO TAb CAP STRIPS TOPANGLE DUB UIQCSAL WING DIHEDRAL DETAIL UNCLE ON TOE JRDESRNA SURFACE L4 BALSA S5EEH WING SPAR PATTERNS ITUTNA SC IH\ VA ROSA - SHEET TEAT rOESy1 I/S AlA MUSIC LANDING GEAR PATTERNS CIBA RIO MUSIC WIRE 7 II --U - I TN PATTERS TOP VIEW WING DETAILS PLAUL B--OS SOWN LA CLIP S/lB BALSA BRASS TUBE-A DOLL FOR BALE/ 7MODEL AVIATION ALEXANDER BULLET 0-S/B RIO WIULIASS BRUERENAMED MT PRILLIP S RENT GOLDEN ACE WHEELS • I UBMOHBISMI7UI1 AOROUITOI/CU OI /700TRTOISSOSAEBEBAEBMATBI5flr 0 0 CD 0 -I LLNTBA silver spray can again finish looked too bright too much could about unless started again decided spray over matte Aerokote fuel proofer quite fantasticwhat looked awful now looked just about right problem small hobby airbrush good enough job resulting patchy finish Simulated metal framing lettering cut Solartrim sheet after positioning sprayed matte Aerokote dummy engine painted Humbrol matte enamel silver spray can final job before fitting radio glazing cockpit cabin area rush get model ready time used silver painted masking tape framework looked right did make litho-plate replacements return Old Warden full size aircraft balanced 28% wing chord made model balance same place engine quite heavy battery can easily moved within large cabin rudder elevator servos mounted back cabin get correct balance position internal cabin fittings consisted instrument console seats console made card thin plywood seats balsa Flying doors door working door wing bolts could hidden within model first flight door managed detach itself model lost new door uses Du-Bro latch reliable Flying fin rudder looked rather small model finished quite few experts expressed view might have trouble directional stability fears unfounded model flew straight off board models second outing Liverpool took part Kings Cup air race meeting great fun model handled very well gaining joint second place Landings takeoffs particularly easy grass field Phillip Kent 32 Moorbottom Cleckheaton West Yorkshire BDJ9 6AD England Alexander Aircraft Company Colorado Springs Colorado produced 900 aircraft during late 1920s early 1930s Eaglerock biplane produced large numbers technically interesting Alexander designs Bullet Bullet cantilever low-wing monoplane capable transporting four people cruising speed 150 mph least 15 years ahead its time Another advanced feature retracting undercarriage no doubt helped excellent performance figures design Bullet introduced public 1929 Detroit American Aviation Show orders 86 aircraft placed show future company looked secure problems Bullet made its first flight January 12 1929 pilot Ted Haneter reported flies like dream During test program Bullet made flight over summit Pikes Peak 14110 ft four people board 17000 ft fuel pump drive sheared causing engine fail Pilot Lee Brusse glided Bullet back airfield 15 miles away made safe dead-stick landing close call just beginning series events nearly caused demise company another test flight violent elevator flutter encountered Pilot Frank Niswander decided land immediately As flying speed reduced flutter ceased went well until aircraft flared out landing Niswander pulled stick way back Bullet touched down tail up would have run off airfield fortuitous ground loop flutter stretched elevator cables 1/2 inch up could achieved Commercial aircraft pass CAA certification tests before could operate tests spin testsix spins direction before recovery Bullet proved very stable aircraft would spin Modifications made design spin test could completed design team finally got Bullet spin critical full-aft center gravity CG position spin flat practically impossible get out Four Alexander Bullets crashed during spin tests two pilots killed Another redesign airframe its certification test form aircraft used both fixed retracting undercarriage fixed-undercarriage version used trouser fairings much convenient model model originally designed Electric power due high initial cost normal internal combustion engine used model based test aircraft X77 1 H inherited some bad luck full-size design its sixth flight aileron servo failed model severely damaged resulting crash During rebuild more-attractive fin rudder shape aircraft X309V fitted new paint scheme forest green silver used model has wingspan just over five feet very easy fly under radio control able perform maneuvers would encouraged real aircraft will spin November 1995 15 Bullet Won t Spi Chipley three-quarter view see page 19 Phillip Kent N x N N Xx N N 16 SHT5ILSR TOP&5OTVOM CRPTRIP WILUOM RJS WRIGHT WMIRLWIND CYLINtERE 4L5R 3HTD tILIUXfiIIDE1I BULLET 50 SPRUCE jjJ FILL WIl{ 8RLSP1 // - &IT 5QLSfl 5PR 4 b/ILSP Sxr V-COlIL FROM UTIAO PlATE LIThO PlATE t4gr REALLY Li K AcQT r77IIZZ7fl1R/5RANEACEAjOj I4ATSPATS t YTHE 1JlJI VIIIE 5AT5 OL EUDDY. 71U5 /S CLASS AY T WE FALLY SHOULCt4 r FORCED 1 NPtJR TNOSE KPJEE5 WILLhqM3 flL5fl 3PPRN -7 VV -NV~- /7 VV V~ 4 i SQ EILSR SPLSR SHT EL5I SHT 11 / siir 5x 16RUC -tE z 0 CD 0 CD 0 0 01 -L 0

8 Model Aviation British auth Alexander Ibotos urn aurnor irapoic uesign cy uarla runz author made punch die fashion Bullets cowl louvers AThe Bullet currently finished fictitious red-white-bl Laser 50 supplies powerModel sized fit Williams Bros Golden Age wheels has reproduced interesting rcraft Company design 1929 U Phillip Kent Editors note author Scale columnist British publication Radio Control Models Electronics USE OF OUR CLUB FLYING field dramatically reduced result having apply planning permission Electric models gliders exempt restrictions thoughts turned direction Electric power looking aircraft could used mount five-cylinder OS Sirius radial aircraft looked Alexander Bullet Now smaller version Electric power seemed good idea Plans drawn size allowed use some 45g diameter William Bros Golden Age wheels just happened stock model presented powered Laser 50 four-stroke simple answer cost could buy couple Laser SOs equivalent Electric motor charger battery packs would required quality Electric flight Laser 50 chosen because shortest four-stroke around its capacity have always very pleased other engines manufacturer As turned out feel model could have built 1/6 scale 72-inch wingspan using same engine Ior scheme original model based mysterious one-off X771H full size aircraft model built rather huny since wanted have ready Old Warden Scale Weekend reason choosing X771Hit November1995 9 very simple silver finish registration numbers letters added CONSTRUCTION managed build Bullet couple months including time draw plans structure pretty straightforward except outer wing panels Wing My first task draw plan view wing plotted shape ribs became smaller did plotting reducing original rib section length required photocopying machine Once required rib shapes simple task work out shape wing spar positions Since quite lot curvature underside wing spar positions soon became clear would little use try use strip balsa spars solution use fulldepth sheet balsa spars slotted accept wing ribs did underside wing curve up spar positions also curved up trailing edge fact aileron aileron leading edge obviously followed shape rear spar could see problems curved trailing edge eventually decided make bottom aileron 1A6 balsa sheet use ribs upper surface hold place model larger would have used sheet balsa core fitted ribs side sheet pre-bent stroking balsa piece one-inch-diameter aluminum tubing pushed tube along top surface sheet effect making sheet curl upward built outer panels decided use packing pieces rib station spars trailing edge ailerons built integral structure provision made cut out later possible trial dry run panels since whole stmcture slotted together packing pieces set up outer panels went together little trouble center section used normal spars vertical webbing pieces suitable strengthening pieces undercarriage legs fitted leading edge became D-box section sheeted used false leading edge carry sheeting think best method use constructing 10 Model Aviation y Wright J5 engine uses Williams Bros 1/e-scale cylinders modified change inlet exhaust manifolds Original model outfitted rounded fin rudder after crash converted version shown plans X771H version chosen its simple silver finish Wing ribs notched accept full-depth sheet balsa spars model would ready its first contest made necessary Bullets unusual wing shape sheeted wing sheeted leading edge anyone familiar technique perhaps few words would help using sheet balsa leading edge sheeting usually joins onto spar rear has fitted some way leading edge some designs can simple butt joint up against leading edge sometimes sheet wrapped over leading edge Both methods have disadvantages butt-joint method requires fit between sheeting leading good quite easy push sheeting out line causing wavy fits up against leading edge Another undesirable feature glue line could show sheet wraps around leading edge strip again have problem glue line showing after sanding Using false leading edge gets over problems wing using system built normal sheet going spars over false leading edge dry overhanging sheet cut away sanded leaving flat nose section ready final balsa leading-edge capping always use balsa cement fixing capping piece since glue have found does give glue bump required final shaping razor plane sanding correct leading-edge profile Bullets outer panels used two laminations 1/ sheet balsa form leading edge easier bend 1/8 sheet e leading edge curved thought best way center section normal re spars D-box sheeted leading edge trailing edge hard 1/i6 balsa ribs capped undercarriage bolts plywood panels center section using standard commercial nylon clamps final length legs determined after fixing Brass tube axle brackets soft soldered place wheels position can correctly aligned undercarriage fairings built up using /I6 sheet top bottom /64 plywood used rear part litho plate rounded front full-size aircraft employed both fixed version trousers simple rearward retracting unit November1995 11 Aileron bottom 1/i6 sheet balsa has stroked burnished side give proper upward curl Wing center panels utilize D-box construction Note landing gear mount aileron linkage routing Cabin parts cut /ie balsa portion fuselage covered 1k4 plywood fuselage simple box filled out stringers Removable-front cowl built-up layers 1/8 sheet balsa Fuselage The fuselage simple box filled out stringers notched stringers /I6 square uprights rear fuselage keep reasonable size difficult area forward windscreen portion sides have partially sawed through get correct plan shape cabin area covered 1/64 plywood used lots masking tape glue cowl built up /s sheet balsa model split centerline give access tank removable front part housed dummy engine dummy Wright J5 engine big feature model would recommend using 1/6-scale Williams Bros Wright Whirlwind plastic cylinders modified change inlet exhaust manifolds too difficult using car-body filler saw file decided early stage make punch die punch out louvers cowl would think 40 50 fourstrokes would suitable model Laser 50 shorter does present too much problem hiding away four-ounce tank mounted sideways cowl have mounted six-ounce tank fuselage rebuilt model instrument console does cover tank within cockpit area visible Tailpiane Fin Rudder tailplane little unusual made halves butted onto fuselage sides aluminum tubes hold halves place elevator fitted after operation through slot rear fuselage simple litho-plate cover made gap model tail surfaces use popular practical core method construction cores 1/16 soft balsa 3A6 spars 1/ sheet ribs fill out airfoil shape Covering Finishing used Sig Koverall covering wings fuselage Solartex tail surfaces ailerons rebuilt model have used new silver Solartex wings fuselage have paint over though has lost advantage material suppose Suffice say whole model covered silver Solartex wouldnt have silver paint work Silver very common color full-size aircraft presents problems modelers have used cellulose-based paint local paint store didnt have Ford Silver Fox wanted As alternative After few flights servo failure caused crash Bullet rebuilt model X309V decided try silver spray can has proved satisfactory model clear-doped after covering rib tapes cut lightweight tissue added wings tail surfaces Since model built relatively small scale didnt bother simulated stitching Since using cellulose finish decided white primer would best days primers used automotive trade high-build varietynot suitable fabric-covered model aircraft did manage find spray can white primer has worked well first silver used silver wheel paint looked unrealistic very bright tried normal Wingspan 621/2 inches Engine size/type 40-50 four-stroke Functions Rudder elevator throttle ailerons Construction Built-up Covering/finish Koverall Solartex 12 Model Aviation RC Sport Scale 310 SO BALSA NOTE FB IS BUILT OF IUB BALSACONTROLMOVEMENTSLS 1V4 BALSA EACA SIDEBOTH SIDED SREET TO FIT INSIDE OF FUSELOOC RUDDERI UN fitOF I/N BALSA COREFIN AND RACOEB SHOOTS ABE VIA BALSABHR FLY COBINVFDSELUOE DOODLERELEVATOR02 UP N 04FOB SV AIRCRAFT MADE UP FROM WILLIAMS lOB_SCALE ETLINDERS AME MODIFIED TO FITn O 01/BRALSA SBEETFUSELAGE SIDE VIEVVSCRAFI/lB BALSA SHEET COWL FROST IS REMOVABLE3/SD BALSA SOEFT RIBS FOR ESOINE ACCESSPANEL BALSA BLVCEELEAhOR ______ S/S BALSA SHEET I/OH I/SD SPRINO STEEL LS FLVWOODI MADE FROM FIT IN FRONT OF COLLECTOR I ER ADE WREELS ____________1 STABILIZER ELEV BALSA BLOCECl BUDDER TORN COSTROLN RUDDER AITH CABLESCD -o i I [III B/SIC WIRE ELEVATOR JOINER T/IE SO HOLSA CACO SIDE OF VIE F-S I/B FLY TOT N BDTTVRNVTE IS SPORT SCALE MODELCD z VIE PLOWOOD-/WITH EZ ID NINA SF50 oF-3DS/IS FLVWUCDBAOE2 OF CAVE FUN F DAl FOOMIkE FLOAVOD CRIB FOHRERSPOWERED RT 40- 50 FRUR MODEL AVIATION TO SUIT ENSINEOVELE ENGINE CD 2 -CD ALEXANDER BULLET CUT DOT TOF4BI111VDESIORED BY PHILLIF E RENT SUIT FJE TUSM IEPLOWOVOF-zF-2AdIrINBEDPLASRSUOEDEMAHEO CHBVLVCRZEO OIVOS HIDYSIO OLE RISES SRBET CD BEBREDEDLORD F-4F-3F-3A Cr -L -L cD S/iN OW CUBUWOCO 010. BALSA L N BOEETUA WING PLAN \ CENTER SECTION US PLYWOOD OBOES I/IN BALSA CENTER AU BALSA STENO C E / / 7iii IL1L11 -~- -IV Iii pm2U T- -H- rn L -3/ ATSUBLSA Vf1 PLOI SPABS ITO CA TI IIWEBABALSA P LL BOLTF K NV ODRTI ____ /2 L4 I HB 1 II AMPLY PLATE - S LAMISATIUNT UP I/S BALSA SOBOT 4-I 13/PLO N 5033/ MALT BALSA SATEDI -L-i~L/AIBALSIEOT M 4ET-- CLAILERON 1 TOSAOUOU 0005 INl/PLT TI MOUNTSUBOP IfIABBALSABALNA CT BATEBISON B-IB-52MICEB-aMS BS1MHj TALSZ -I--LS BALSA SMEET --JMINAEOILNRWA L N WING PLAN RIGHT TIP WING RIB TEMPLATES WINO RB STS/SD BALSA SCENT BALSA SOENTSABE BARN B/5 BALSA SONET 332 ROSA SHEETBAUC USBALSO BiDETMADE 10 SUB LEADINO BUADI/IN PLHUOOD R-23/SABALSA NOENTRUEB 2 I- i- AIDMOS OURS AM 5 3/3/ CAPs R-3 IiAW 13/BALSA3/SO BALSA STENO CAPS OH WINOMARE JOINT-- --ThTA SO BALSA CEURSPOW- BI BIll AOL 53/ BALSA BOTTOM UNLO AILERON DETAIL ____________ANN ROBURT SNUES T,E PEON 4---- 5/52 BALSA SRENT R-7 CONSTS/CTIUN- MORN 0 RB OR IC B BALSATIP PANEL TO TAb CAP STRIPS TOPANGLE DUB UIQCSAL WING DIHEDRAL DETAIL UNCLE ON TOE JRDESRNA SURFACE L4 BALSA S5EEH WING SPAR PATTERNS ITUTNA SC IH\ VA ROSA - SHEET TEAT rOESy1 I/S AlA MUSIC LANDING GEAR PATTERNS CIBA RIO MUSIC WIRE 7 II --U - I TN PATTERS TOP VIEW WING DETAILS PLAUL B--OS SOWN LA CLIP S/lB BALSA BRASS TUBE-A DOLL FOR BALE/ 7MODEL AVIATION ALEXANDER BULLET 0-S/B RIO WIULIASS BRUERENAMED MT PRILLIP S RENT GOLDEN ACE WHEELS • I UBMOHBISMI7UI1 AOROUITOI/CU OI /700TRTOISSOSAEBEBAEBMATBI5flr 0 0 CD 0 -I LLNTBA silver spray can again finish looked too bright too much could about unless started again decided spray over matte Aerokote fuel proofer quite fantasticwhat looked awful now looked just about right problem small hobby airbrush good enough job resulting patchy finish Simulated metal framing lettering cut Solartrim sheet after positioning sprayed matte Aerokote dummy engine painted Humbrol matte enamel silver spray can final job before fitting radio glazing cockpit cabin area rush get model ready time used silver painted masking tape framework looked right did make litho-plate replacements return Old Warden full size aircraft balanced 28% wing chord made model balance same place engine quite heavy battery can easily moved within large cabin rudder elevator servos mounted back cabin get correct balance position internal cabin fittings consisted instrument console seats console made card thin plywood seats balsa Flying doors door working door wing bolts could hidden within model first flight door managed detach itself model lost new door uses Du-Bro latch reliable Flying fin rudder looked rather small model finished quite few experts expressed view might have trouble directional stability fears unfounded model flew straight off board models second outing Liverpool took part Kings Cup air race meeting great fun model handled very well gaining joint second place Landings takeoffs particularly easy grass field Phillip Kent 32 Moorbottom Cleckheaton West Yorkshire BDJ9 6AD England Alexander Aircraft Company Colorado Springs Colorado produced 900 aircraft during late 1920s early 1930s Eaglerock biplane produced large numbers technically interesting Alexander designs Bullet Bullet cantilever low-wing monoplane capable transporting four people cruising speed 150 mph least 15 years ahead its time Another advanced feature retracting undercarriage no doubt helped excellent performance figures design Bullet introduced public 1929 Detroit American Aviation Show orders 86 aircraft placed show future company looked secure problems Bullet made its first flight January 12 1929 pilot Ted Haneter reported flies like dream During test program Bullet made flight over summit Pikes Peak 14110 ft four people board 17000 ft fuel pump drive sheared causing engine fail Pilot Lee Brusse glided Bullet back airfield 15 miles away made safe dead-stick landing close call just beginning series events nearly caused demise company another test flight violent elevator flutter encountered Pilot Frank Niswander decided land immediately As flying speed reduced flutter ceased went well until aircraft flared out landing Niswander pulled stick way back Bullet touched down tail up would have run off airfield fortuitous ground loop flutter stretched elevator cables 1/2 inch up could achieved Commercial aircraft pass CAA certification tests before could operate tests spin testsix spins direction before recovery Bullet proved very stable aircraft would spin Modifications made design spin test could completed design team finally got Bullet spin critical full-aft center gravity CG position spin flat practically impossible get out Four Alexander Bullets crashed during spin tests two pilots killed Another redesign airframe its certification test form aircraft used both fixed retracting undercarriage fixed-undercarriage version used trouser fairings much convenient model model originally designed Electric power due high initial cost normal internal combustion engine used model based test aircraft X77 1 H inherited some bad luck full-size design its sixth flight aileron servo failed model severely damaged resulting crash During rebuild more-attractive fin rudder shape aircraft X309V fitted new paint scheme forest green silver used model has wingspan just over five feet very easy fly under radio control able perform maneuvers would encouraged real aircraft will spin November 1995 15 Bullet Won t Spi Chipley three-quarter view see page 19 Phillip Kent N x N N Xx N N 16 SHT5ILSR TOP&5OTVOM CRPTRIP WILUOM RJS WRIGHT WMIRLWIND CYLINtERE 4L5R 3HTD tILIUXfiIIDE1I BULLET 50 SPRUCE jjJ FILL WIl{ 8RLSP1 // - &IT 5QLSfl 5PR 4 b/ILSP Sxr V-COlIL FROM UTIAO PlATE LIThO PlATE t4gr REALLY Li K AcQT r77IIZZ7fl1R/5RANEACEAjOj I4ATSPATS t YTHE 1JlJI VIIIE 5AT5 OL EUDDY. 71U5 /S CLASS AY T WE FALLY SHOULCt4 r FORCED 1 NPtJR TNOSE KPJEE5 WILLhqM3 flL5fl 3PPRN -7 VV -NV~- /7 VV V~ 4 i SQ EILSR SPLSR SHT EL5I SHT 11 / siir 5x 16RUC -tE z 0 CD 0 CD 0 0 01 -L 0