1935 Fairchild Amphibian Model Plans
These
plans will build the rubber powered flying model of the 1935
Fairchild Amphibian as shown at the left.
Recent information has led me to believe that this model was originally copied from one of the only two Fairchild Model 91 aircraft purchased by Pan American Airlines to be used on the Amazon river in Brazil. This model includes the landing gear, which Pan Am had removed after a very short time, to save weight and fuel, when they found that all of their landings would be on water. As far as I can discover, the original amphibian was cut up for scrap around 1945. So, these plans are of a very rare aircraft, indeed, are complete and highly detailed, and can be used to construct and finish the model exactly as shown to the left.
The wingspan of the finished model is 21.3 inches, and the total length is 17 inches. As can be seen, the construction is tissue covered balsa, using 'stick and tissue' construction for the frame, ribs and formers.
As can be seen here, the plans are in booklet form, inserted into plastic sheet protectors that can be used to store the templates that are cut from the plans, as well as the plans themselves.
Multiple
templates are included for the formers and ribs, and are included on
separate pages from the plans themselves so that the plans won't be
damaged if your method of construction includes cutting out the
templates.
These plans were originally published in 1930s aviation magazines and were not necessarily complete, in that they sometimes had to be scaled to fit the magazine's pages, and some pieces left out to comply with space constraints. It was left to the builder to construct parts or rescale the drawings where needed.
The plans that I am offering are scanned from the originals, but then, using the computer, are rescaled, corrected and redrawn where needed to combine split components, correct errors and add missing parts.
Unlike the originals, the plans are all printed on only one side of the paper, so that cutting one side doesn't damage something you may need on the other.
The
corrected, rescaled plans are then printed full size, including
complete instructions as originally written, both added to the plans
sheets themselves, and on separate pages for step-by-step help. A
booklet of generic hints, is also included that aids in building,
covering, painting, balancing and flying the model when completed.
It also includes hints and tips to make your finished model an item
to be proud of. Plans are also included for a scale propeller for
display, and a flying propeller for... well ... flying!
This
last close-up shows some of the detail that is present in the
construction. This particular item shows a suggested construction
method for the model engine for this aircraft. It shows the method,
dimensions and placement of the parts, including the fullsize
crankcase, cylinders and their fins, push rods, spark plugs, etc.
This detail is present throughout the entire model, so the builder can choose any level of finishing.
The drawings and dimensions for the plans were taken originally in the 1930s directly from the full size aircraft, and reflect the original very accurately.
1935 Fairchild Amphibian Model Plans
....$9.95
Plans will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering, and I will notify you by email at that time. For destinations in the United States, the shipping will be $2.00 for the first set of plans and .50 for each additional set.
For international orders, the shipping will be higher. Also be aware that your country MAY charge custom charges on arrival. These can vary considerably. If concerned, please contact your local postal service for this information.
You can check my excellent feedback here.
If you have any questions, or would like to see any additional information, please contact me at: harley@agelesswings.com
© Copyright Harley M. Dixon 1996-2010.
Readers must seek permission to re-publish whether in written, printed, electronic or any other form.