Schweizer 1-26B
Full-scale characteristics and performance designed in 1/4-scale form
Steve Moskal's Schweizer 1-26 1/4-scale sailplane was based on the compact, rugged, and simple principles that Schweizer Aircraft used when the full-scale kit concept was unveiled in 1954. The model was built from medium- and contest-grade balsa from a precut, labeled kit of parts. Steve emphasized that building light was the secret to the model's success. By following the described techniques, the builder first creates a correctly aligned set of wings, then properly fits the fuselage to them.
Construction
- Materials: medium- and contest-grade balsa; precut, labeled kit parts.
- Wing/fuselage alignment: construct and align wings first, then fit the fuselage to the wings.
- Tail: tail surfaces are scale in outline; stabilizer area is 12% of the total wing area.
Radio and equipment
- The fuselage provides ample room for radio installation, with a large opening in the floor for easy access to the receiver and antenna tube.
- Steve installed a steel shoulder hook in each wing root, positioned 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the fuselage sides; he hardened the hook holes with CA so the hooks can be removed for display or judging.
- Launch bridle: at least 100‑pound-test braided nylon.
Finishing and details
- Landing gear: 3-inch ultralight wheel from JoZ Products.
- Cockpit/bust: DGA 1/4-scale bust.
- Covering: Super MonoKote.
- Markings/paint: Sig Manufacturing stick-on decals and vinyl rub-ons; K&B Superpoxy paint used for the Air Force trainer paint scheme.
Portability
Keeping with the full-scale Schweizer 1-26's design—small enough to fit in a garage—Steve's 1/4-scale model also offered portability, unlike many other 1/4-scale sailplanes. Steve noted, "I have to make all my models fit in the back of my Plymouth TC-3 custom convertible."
Plans and availability
The Schweizer 1-26 was one of three featured construction articles published in the February 1988 issue of Model Aviation (MA). Members can access the magazine's digital archives on the Academy's website to read more.
This two-sheet plan is AMA Plans Service listing 578, available for $24 plus shipping and handling. See page 175 of the issue or go to www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx for ordering information.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
