Hello all members,

Just received a message from ‘freeflight’ about a contest that’s easy to enter and sure to be fun.

You can see the details at www.skybattle.org

Expect some encouraging words from freeflight and glidiator, especially for younger members.

Join in and have fun.

In the sixties we used to have a great rubber power beginners model called Bobni. Fast forward and now we have a wonderful "Puzzle Plane" . So much simpler, no dihedral, no compound curves, just plane old sticks. You could ROG.

Do not bother about getting great indoor wood quality balsa. Just regular balsa is OK, but make sure it is stiff and straight. Use a glue stick and vegetable bag for covering.

Plans PDF (free) on the website with complete instructions.

Build one and enter the contest. You will enjoy it.

Build video, he explains it very well.

This is great news.  Would definitely like to participate.
In the last contest, I got great motivation and knowledge from "FREEFLIGHT" which resulted in getting a position in the contest.  Thanks for all the guidance.

In this contest also, I am sure we will get all the help require for building - trimming - flying, from this forum and it's members.

Looking forward to the initial build instructions e.g. balsa wood thickness.

Am going to participate too. Mostly be flying indoor as the during flying dates of competition it will be raining in Goa and outdoor grounds will be wet.

I have downloaded the plan but don't know how to print the plan to exact scale. 
Please help me out

I think it is full size plan that has to be printed on A3 paper.
I can tile it for printing on A4 paper and you can join the sheets.

I have requested Khare Sir, if he can help in making a laser cut kit just like the kit used in AEROSKILLS-2022

Madhavji has got kits of the Top Spin which was used in AEROSKILLS

Download the plan on a memory stick. Take it to your local printing shop and tell them to print the PDF at 100 percent, no modifications.
Mine printed out to be 18 inches by 24.75 inches wide paper. When you print the plan,  the wing should measure 17 inches. Also there are length printed on the fuse showing 18 inch overall and the back portion at 7.5 inches. Measure these at the print shop and confirm.

Good luck, let us know how you did.

Madhavji cannot manufacture and sell this Puzzle Plane kit as it would be an infringement of the design copyright.

Having plans is very well - where does one get the prop and nylon prop bearing?

Madhav Khare has just started producing props with nose hub and prop hook. The props don’t have a helical twist but are nevertheless effective enough.
Just today received 5 props from him. Propose to go early morning tomorrow to do outdoor test flights of the Top Spin model with these props.
Short flights in the drawing room were very promising.

I have just requested laser cut parts, if possible.
Having laser cut parts will make the construction part easy.
That's my only intention.

This is interesting

Have made A3 single sheet plan with all parts. Send email ID. File size too large to attach here.
Other details / instructions can be read digitally.

The model can easily be built without a full size plan, using the free plan as a guide.

1. Take a 3”x36” sheet of 2mm balsa and cut it in half to get 2 pieces of 3”x18”
2. Take one of them and cut 2 strips each 1/4” wide (18” long). These will be the wing leading and trailing edges.
3. Cut another 1/4” wide strip. Then cut it into 3 parts each of 6”. Two of these will be the tailplane leading and trailing edges.
4. Cut the remaining 6” piece into 2 parts of 3” each.
5. Cut 4 more 18” strips, each 1/4” wide. Cut them all into 3” lengths (24 pieces)
6. Now you have 26 pieces each 1/4”x3”. Use 7 for wing ribs, 3 for tailplane ribs, and 4 each for 4 fins.
7. You are left with an 18” long sheet 1.25” wide. Use it for making 2 fuselage sides, which can be stuck together for 4mm thickness.
8. Use leftover scrap for making wing mount.

If you don’t make any mistakes, you can build 2 models with just one 3”x36” sheet of 2mm balsa.

Best of luck.
Iyer

Yes as KK says - model can be constructed just using dimensional details as they are all straight strips - no curved profiles etc.

Regarding propeller and bearing:
1) if you have access to a good 3D printer you can make it yourself or get it printed. Link below. This airplane needs a 7 inch propeller.
2) Tomorrow will post a suggestion for the simple home made nose bearing that is fully adjustable for down and left or right thrust.

http://parmodels.com/3d-printed-props.html

Terrific !

There are few other good practices to share, specially when you build the fuse, how to glue and Don't stick the pylon ever. It is movable for a reason. More on these soon!

Whatever method you use, measure twice, cut once and glue once. Mistake corrections hurriedly adds weight and this or similar models. Cannot afford that. Don't ask me how I know.

There are three important points to observe especially in indoor Aeromodelling - weight , weight and weight!!!!!!😄😄😄😄

Adjustable nose bearing:

Take a small brass tube and spot weld it on a 0.032 wire. epoxy bearing on the fuse after you tie it to the fuse with a strong fishing line.
Now you can bend the thrust angle. 

For the fuse stick this helps: Balance at mid point. The heavy end should go in front as you will most probably land up putting clay there.
Next view all four sides of the fuse stick with a steel ruler. The most straight side(no light comes through) is the top to give you as close to zero-zero as you can to mount the wing, stab etc.

The instructions on the plans are very detailed. Follow it to the "T" Don't add anything, don't subtract anything. The video above is very helpful.