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Contents Listing - Articles & Features in this issue
Mini Cat. Radio control sport model.
Originally published in Radio Modeller magazine
| Mini Cat | |
| MODEL TYPE | SEMI-SCALE R/C |
| DESIGNER | Harry Gilkes |
| POWER TYPE | Internal Combustion |
| CONTROL | Radio Control |
| WINGSPAN | 762mm (30") |
| SOURCE | Radio Modeller Magazine, January 1993 Issue |
| SHIPPING WEIGHT (Printed) |
0.25kg |
Article Snippets
FIRST PARAGRAPHS OF BUILD ARTICLE:
Quote: "Good-looking little model is the latest in the sleek 'Cat' family from Harry G. this one's a great little flier and a real performer when you hit the full rate switch! Build Harry Gilkes' 30in span, .10-powered fighting tom! The Minicat is the smallest of the cat family to date, although I have a redundant TD 02 and 051 at the moment, so who knows? However, back to the model in hand, which is really designed around the Hi-tec 100 size mini servos for full house (but three channel versions would easily accommodate Acorn AS 10s) and a repackaged 225/250 nicad pack - more on that later.
The Minicat rather arrived on my building board as opposed to any lengthy thought. in fact I was doodling some ideas and styles for a 32 size one piece model, and not really getting anywhere, when I noticed a spare pair of cores - for a 36in bipe project - lying around together with an 0S1OFP (fresh out of a vintage model). So a clean sheet of paper and a few calculations relative to my 9992 Alley Cat (oz9992) linked to the new styling sketches and four mini servos, and Minicat was born.
Certain changes have been made from the Aleycat layout, most noticeable being the lower aspect ratio to obtain maximum area in the smaller span. However, let's get on with balsa and ply manipulating starting with theWings. As usual with my prototypes I used foam wings: if you wish to follow this option, just cut basic cores - as wing rib basic section. and fit LE and TE strip and sheeting - as per built-up wing. Use thinned Copydex with white glue for all strip and cappings.
One important point - slot in a full depth stiffener, 9-10in total length, in the same position as the built-up wing spar shown on plan. Make this stiffener up from three laminations of 1/16 (1.5mm) ply by 7/8in (22mm) deep. Allow clearance in the slot to ensure you do not wipe off the adhesive when fitting - use epoxy. Also cover the centre section of the wing with 4in (100mm) cotton bandage using white glue well rubbed into the weave (at least two coats). So let's get back to the plan and the built-up wing. The model is so designed that the wing really needs building first. Start by kitting your wing complete. There are only 14 ribs plus tips - so that part is not exactly time-consuming. Stack the rib blanks and razor saw the standard 1/8 (3mm) wide spar slot - modify the root ribs later to fit spar assembly.
Use a good straight edge to cut out the spar - from 1/8 balsa or lite ply - and epoxy on the laminated ply reinforcements. Note that they fit flush to the bottom edge of the spar, on the rear face. Now to assemble the wing. Pin down the bottom TE sheet and add 1/8sq TE. Next fit ribs to spar - after modifying centre rib slots - using white glue. Glue the spar/rib assembly to the TE bottom sheeting, by pinning well and packing under main spar area..."
Quote: "Good-looking little model is the latest in the sleek 'Cat' family from Harry G. this one's a great little flier and a real performer when you hit the full rate switch! Build Harry Gilkes' 30in span, .10-powered fighting tom! The Minicat is the smallest of the cat family to date, although I have a redundant TD 02 and 051 at the moment, so who knows? However, back to the model in hand, which is really designed around the Hi-tec 100 size mini servos for full house (but three channel versions would easily accommodate Acorn AS 10s) and a repackaged 225/250 nicad pack - more on that later.
The Minicat rather arrived on my building board as opposed to any lengthy thought. in fact I was doodling some ideas and styles for a 32 size one piece model, and not really getting anywhere, when I noticed a spare pair of cores - for a 36in bipe project - lying around together with an 0S1OFP (fresh out of a vintage model). So a clean sheet of paper and a few calculations relative to my 9992 Alley Cat (oz9992) linked to the new styling sketches and four mini servos, and Minicat was born.
Certain changes have been made from the Aleycat layout, most noticeable being the lower aspect ratio to obtain maximum area in the smaller span. However, let's get on with balsa and ply manipulating starting with theWings. As usual with my prototypes I used foam wings: if you wish to follow this option, just cut basic cores - as wing rib basic section. and fit LE and TE strip and sheeting - as per built-up wing. Use thinned Copydex with white glue for all strip and cappings.
One important point - slot in a full depth stiffener, 9-10in total length, in the same position as the built-up wing spar shown on plan. Make this stiffener up from three laminations of 1/16 (1.5mm) ply by 7/8in (22mm) deep. Allow clearance in the slot to ensure you do not wipe off the adhesive when fitting - use epoxy. Also cover the centre section of the wing with 4in (100mm) cotton bandage using white glue well rubbed into the weave (at least two coats). So let's get back to the plan and the built-up wing. The model is so designed that the wing really needs building first. Start by kitting your wing complete. There are only 14 ribs plus tips - so that part is not exactly time-consuming. Stack the rib blanks and razor saw the standard 1/8 (3mm) wide spar slot - modify the root ribs later to fit spar assembly.
Use a good straight edge to cut out the spar - from 1/8 balsa or lite ply - and epoxy on the laminated ply reinforcements. Note that they fit flush to the bottom edge of the spar, on the rear face. Now to assemble the wing. Pin down the bottom TE sheet and add 1/8sq TE. Next fit ribs to spar - after modifying centre rib slots - using white glue. Glue the spar/rib assembly to the TE bottom sheeting, by pinning well and packing under main spar area..."
