Peris JN-1
The JN-1 and its shadow are about to meet after its third test flight. MOST OF US get "turned on" by one or more full-size airplanes my latest turn-on is the Pens JN-1. My interest was stimulated by R.G. Schmitt's article in the November 1990 Model Builder on a small electric RC version of the JN-1. My JN-1 is based on Schmitt's drawing, but structurally it is very different. It weighs 2 lb. 14 oz., flies nicely with an O.S. 15 engine, and has a wing loading of 14 ounces per square foot.
Developing Your Workshop
"A good workman never blames his tools." Similarly, many magnificent models come from the simplest of workshops. (Torri Cappo, an early microfilm expert, built his gossamer treasurers on a folding card table in his living room.) But an efficient workshop, well-outfitted with tools, makes model building easier and more fun. My current shop was part of my retirement home design. Prior to retirement, I made do with whatever space was available. Here in the northern climates, the basement is the usual place for the workshop. Southern workshops are often in a garage or a spare room, or even on a covered patio. My shop has a dehumidifier to keep the tools and supplies dry in the summertime, and a wood stove to warm things up in the winter.
Ni-Cd Batteries
NICKEL-CADMIUM (Ni-Cd) cells/batteries were developed for the space program. They come in many sizes and shapes and have many uses. Their development has been extensive and it has resulted in cells/batteries that have long life under difficult environmental conditions: temperature, shock, vibration, etc. The timing was fortunate for our hobby. As more-sophisticated radio control equipment was introduced, an economical, reliable power source was ready. (Ni-Cd wet cells are not covered in this article, but are good batteries for the starter motor and for glow plug igniters.)
Seastrutz
SINCE THIS design is developed from Ted Strader's Strutz-Echo, (1967) and in the Wilson seaplane tradition, we chose Seastrutz for its name. It proved to be a fine flying, easily built biplane that does a great job on land or sea. The basic construction is built-up balsa and straight forward. The most formidable problem in biplane construction, the cabane struts, was simplified by building a jig that makes that part of the project a snap. Good flying characteristics of Strutz Echo were preserved and, hopefully, improved by the following modifications. Bottom wing was lengthened six inches to insure enough area to handle added weight of floats. Total wing area is about 515 sq. in., or about an effective 440 sq. in. when multiplied by biplane efficiency factor of 85%.
