AMA Plans Service Showcase: Cruiser 60
A slightly more ambitious project
Are you ready for something a bit more challenging? Up to this point in this section we have showcased models presented in MA's construction features that we felt were good choices for first-time building efforts. This model—designed by D.B. Mathews—is a step up in complexity but is still easy to construct. D.B. has always designed good-looking models that are simple for the modeling masses to build. He concentrates on pleasing aesthetics and a low parts count.
The heart of the Cruiser 60 is a strong but light, built-up, constant-chord wing that can be constructed on a flat table without fancy fixtures. Its multiple-spar design yields an extremely rigid component that spans 61 inches.
The fuselage was designed to be made from durable 1/8-inch poplar plywood, and the tail feathers are crafted from simple sheet-and-stick balsa. Nothing difficult here!
The result is a rugged, light, agile sport aerobatic performer for .60-size engines. The power plant is even side-mounted to preserve the nose profile’s smooth, fluid lines. This is also a great candidate for conversion to electric power.
In this month’s "Flying for Fun" column, D.B. shows off the Cruiser on floats, which proves the versatility of its design. (See page 97.)
The Cruiser 60 was published in the June 2004 MA, and full-size plans for it (two plates) are available from the AMA Plans Service. (See page 191.) Order plans set 959 and get going!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
