Aeronca Champion kit no. 301 (build thread)

[David Lewis]

I re-drew the plans and enlarged them 112%. The Guillow's kit scale is 1:16.8. My version is 1:15 scale to more easily carry the weight of R/C gear.
I eliminated some formers and wing ribs, switched to an Eppler 389 airfoil, and corrected the fuselage profile and former shapes to match the full size 3-view and photos. Wing span = 28.14 inches (715 mm).

Note: The kit says 24" wingspan but it actually builds out to 23.7". (The wings, incidentally, are a different scale than the fuselage.) On my re-drawn plans, the wing span, chord and fuselage are all 1:15 scale. Only the horizontal stabilizer is enlarged.

[Wildpig]

....., and switched to an Eppler 389 airfoil. ........

You have a copy of Martin Simons' Model Aerodynamics book, No?

[David Lewis]

Actually, I don't have that book but I consulted with Paul and Ralph Bradley in choosing the airfoil. I was impressed with the old TopFlite JigTime series models (Piper Vagabond, Stinson Sentinel, Rascal 18, et al). The glide was out of this world even though the wing used a very low camber single surface airfoil. Going to carefully observe how the thin Eppler performs during my flight test program.

[David Lewis]

I slipped the fuselage into a corrugated cardboard jig when I installed the V braces that run from the dashboard to the wing root to help keep the cabin trued up and square. I was concerned in general about how straight the fuselage would turn out since I eliminated the side keel and some stringers, I'm using contest balsa, and a keel and formers that are much smaller section than the stock kit. However, it's straight as an arrow and everything's in alignment.

[David Lewis]

I made the wheels out of cross laminated 1/16" and 3/32" contest balsa and used a sanding jig for final shaping. The 3/32" aluminum tube wheel bushing is left long. One end of the tube is chucked in a drill, and the other end of the tube rotates inside the 1/8" metal tube in the jig.

[David Lewis]

To make the thread hinges, I bore a hole through the center of the stabilizer TE and a corresponding hole in center of the control surface LE. The hole diameter is large enough to allow a sewing needle to pass through.

[Wildpig]

Very nice model.
I really like the wheel sanding jig. Clever.

I used the lightest weight fishing line I could find for my hinges, on a recent build. I needed a little bit of rigidity for that particular instance. Thread works, too.

[Steve Blanchard]

Hey David,

That looks great! I really like the mods you made on the plan. Any chance you will make the pan available? I'd love to build this for FAC rubber scale.

Thanks,

Steve

[David Lewis]

Yes, I will put the plans up for sale. They're printed on two 17" x 22" sheets.

[DenisCullinan]

Hi David,

What a build! I'm drooling for further developments.

-----Denis

[David Lewis]

Plans are now available for sale at my site, homefly.com. I offer two versions of the plans: R/C and free flight.

[David Lewis]

Steve, if you give me your shipping address, I'll mail you a free copy of the plans for review. I assume you want the FF version.

[Steve Blanchard]

Hi David,

Check your PM

[davidchoate]

I have noticed that on the newer kits ; the "B" formers are alot thinner, I just got a Beaver, and Edge. I like the newer designes.

[davidchoate]

does anyone got plans for discontinued kit #3001 Aeronca? OR has anyone seen it for sale