Dornier Do R 4 Super-Wal
by Laddie Mikulasko
Editor's note
For this month's construction feature on the Dornier Do R 4 Super-Wal, we have elected to provide you with an introduction to the aircraft, a wealth of construction photos, and a list of supplies needed to complete the model. The entire, detailed construction article is available in the digital edition and online at www.ModelAviation.com/DornierDoR4Super-Wal.
In 1914, Claudius Dornier established a company called Dornier Flugzeugwerke. Throughout its long history, the company produced many innovative designs for both the civil and military markets.
After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from producing any airplanes that could be converted for military use. To bypass this prohibition, Dornier moved production to Italy, Japan, Spain, the Soviet Union, and the Netherlands. In 1931, Dornier returned production to Germany.
Until the beginning of World War II, the Dornier company concentrated on producing seaplanes. Its most successful design was the two-engine Do J Wal; more than 250 of them were produced. European and South American airlines used a large number of Wals.
In addition to the two-engine Wals, Dornier also built 19 four-engine R 4 Super-Wals that could carry as many as 19 passengers.
I have always enjoyed seaplanes. My preferences are multiengine scale models. I had my eyes set on the Dornier Do R 4 Super-Wal for a long time and I finally drew the plans and built the model. It was built from balsa and plywood. For power I used a brushed Speed 400 with a 2:1 gearbox. After several years of flying my Super-Wal, I damaged the model beyond repair and decided to build a new one.
The new model would be built mostly from foam boards that I purchased at the dollar store. The model is powered by four Turnigy 3536/9 motors.
The front two 3536/9 motors are powered by a 3S 3,000 mAh battery turning 9x6 propellers at about 15 A each. The rear motors have a 3S 3,000 mAh battery and power 9x4.5 propellers at about 12 A each. The model could be flown using one 3S 6,000 mAh battery; however, it then needs added weight for balancing, so I used two batteries.
I redrew the plans to use foam instead of balsa. I made the wing in three sections for easier assembly and disassembly.
— Laddie Mikulasko [email protected]
THE TAIL
The tail surfaces are 3/8 in thick. Two 3/16 in sheets are glued together and then sanded to shape.
POWER PLANTS
The model is powered by two 3536/9 motors in the front of the nacelles and two 3536/9 motors in the rear of the nacelles.
LONGERONS
The longerons are glued in. Each front longeron is split in half so it can easily be bent. The battery floor is glued to the bulkheads.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Semiscale amphibian
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Wingspan: 72 in
- Length: 62 in
- Weight: 9.5 lb
- Wing loading: 23 oz per sq ft
- Construction: Foam, balsa, and plywood
- Finish: Painted
LIST OF SUPPLIES
- Thirteen 20 x 30 x 3/16 in foam boards (4.5–5 mm)
- Foam-safe glue
- Eight 1/8 x 1/4 x 36 in spruce spars
- One 1/32 x 12 x 6 in plywood sheet
- One 1/8 x 12 x 12 in plywood sheet
- One 1/16 x 12 x 12 in plywood sheet
- One 1/4 x 6 x 6 in plywood sheet
- One 1/4 x 36 x 3 in balsa sheet
- Six 1/16 x 36 x 3 in balsa sheets
- One 1/8 in x 36 in piano wire
- Water-based clear polyurethane sealer
- 3M 77 contact cement spray
- 40- and 60-grit sandpaper
See the plans for more supply details.
THE HULL
The hull is taking shape. Next, the author will cover it in paper and add scale detailing.
WING
The ribs have been glued in place and the top spars glued to the ribs. The top sheeting is being glued on.
FLIGHT
The Dornier doesn't exhibit any bad habits in the air and skilled pilots will find the airplane a joy to fly.
Read the detailed construction article in the digital edition and online at www.ModelAviation.com/DornierDoR4Super-Wal.
SOURCES
- Online article: www.ModelAviation.com/DornierDoR4Super-Wal
- AMA Plans Service: www.modelaircraft.org/plans/plans.aspx
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
