AMA Plans Service Showcase - 2012/10
A modeling legend creates a classic stick-and-tissue version of a workhorse
Earl Stahl chose to model the Piper Pawnee Brave agricultural aircraft because the configuration was perfect for FF Rubber Scale. Beyond the enlarged horizontal tail and increased dihedral, it was a faithful representation of early productions of the 285-hp Continental engine–powered airplanes.
Earl’s low-tech model used conventional stick-and-tissue construction for the fuselage. He noted that balsa should be selected for strength where required but should be as lightweight as possible wherever possible. Any of the popular adhesives could be used.
Tail surfaces
The goal for the tail surfaces was to make them lightweight yet sturdy. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers were constructed in a similar fashion:
- Tail leading edges (LEs) and trailing edges (TEs) made from lightweight balsa.
- 3/32" square spar made from a firm, straight-grain strip.
- Ribs of lightweight material.
- Top and bottom overlaid with low-density strips.
Wings and mounting
The Pawnee Brave’s wings were removable, held in place with two rubber bands looped over the ends of bamboo splints extending from the fuselage sides and under the wings. They could be made permanent by gluing them in place after the Japanese tissue covering was applied.
Details and finishing
- Propeller: hand carved.
- Cockpit: carved from basswood.
- Wheels: laminated from medium-grade balsa.
- Small details (carburetor air intake, exhaust stacks): improvised from light balsa or foam.
Power and flight
Earl used eight strands of 1/8" rubber, 19 inches long. He launched the model gently nose down, wing level, at the anticipated glide speed. The model was stable and graceful in flight; it would make a good competitor, though Earl only flew his model in relatively calm, stable air.
Plans and ordering
The Piper Pawnee Brave was featured in the January 1997 MA as AMA Plans Service listing 826 and is available for $5 plus shipping and handling. AMA members can access the magazine’s digital library at www.ModelAircraft.org to read more about it. See page 157 or go to www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx for ordering information.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
