AMA Plans Service Showcase - 2011/05

May 2011 65
AMA Plans Service Showcase
An FF Coupe d’Hiver comes of age
MANY SPLENDID F1G Coupe d’Hiver models
were produced in the 1970s—including the IceBox
25—and that tradition continued into the 1990s.
John Oldenkamp introduced readers to this contest
winner, with a few up-to-date-twists to modernize it.
He used carbon fiber to reduce the size and
number of components, while a “stinger” fuselage
and airfoils reduced drag. Polyspan (by Starline
International) covered the top of the model, giving it
a current look, and John used Mylar on the bottom
of the wings in an attempt to keep the surface as
smooth as possible
for optimum airfoil
performance.
Combining the two
coverings also
assured that the
finish would be
strong against
punctures.
The IceBox 25 sported a wingspan of 37.2
inches, weighing 80 grams minimum, with final
assembly including a 12-strand, 10-gram motor with
a Crockett hook up front.
John noted that the IceBox 25 was an easy
build—but not for the newcomer who is unfamiliar
with the Coupe d’Hiver class, because of the
accuracy it demands.
According to John, the model flew best with full
sun and a light breeze to cruise thermals and was
better as a top competition machine. He was
pleased with the design overall and looked forward
to using it to push out and over his opponents.
The IceBox 25 construction article was featured
in the November 1997 MA, which members can
access
through the
magazine
digital
archives on
the
Academy’s
Web site. The
plans set is AMA
Plans Service listing 843,
available for $5 plus shipping and handling.
See page 167 or go to www.modelaircraft.org/
plans.aspx for ordering information. MA
IceBox 25
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