Supermarine Sparrow I 36”
Copyright© 2004-11 M.K. Bengtson All Rights Reserved Rev 07/11
Lower wing rib dihedral adjustment.
COVERING
Any lightweight covering material can be used.
Polyspan makes a good choice Litespan is also popular.
The Prototype was covered with Solite.
WHEELS
Gluing the ply sides on the ¼ “balsa core makes the
basis for the wheels. Use the brass hub for alignment.
Epoxy the hubs in place and add a sufficient amount of
epoxy around the base of the hub to reinforce the
connection of the hub to the ply. Plywood reinforcing
hubs are provided that are to slip over the brass tubing
as shown. Alternatively, gluing an additional ½” square
piece of scrap 1/8” balsa with a hole drilled in the center
can be substituted. Next, CA glue the neoprene cording
together to from a “tire”. Use thin CA sparingly as the
CA bonds very aggressively to the rubber. Press the
CA wetted ends together for an instant bond. The best
way to align the ends is to glue them while they are in
place on the wheel. Then attach the tires to the wheels
and CA in place. A thin bead of CA around the rim
makes for a secure tire.
Paper cones shown on the plan are cut out. Use a
ballpoint pen to score each line on the back to make an
impression of “spokes.” It is helpful to do this operation
on a paper tablet so that the pen makes a good crease.
Fold the paper along the crease lines to exaggerate the
raised lines. One of the sections forming a wedge is cut
out. Make cuts to the center of the circle along a pair of
the spokes. Close the paper cut-out to form a cone and
tape the joint inside the cone. The inside cones may
now be attached to the wheels. The outside cones may
be attached at this point if wheel collars are to be used.
Alternatively, after installing the wheels on the landing
gear, a washer may be soldered to hold the wheel in
place and then the cone is attached. This method
makes a very nice scale appearance.
INSTALLING THE RADIO CONTROL GEAR
Servo Bay
It is as well to get the bulk of your R/C gear fitted at this
stage, and also the motor, but NOT the battery pack.
Mounting Motor, Radio Location And Electronic
Speed Control
The motor mounts should be placed as shown in the
plan for proper right and down thrust.
Battery Tray
After all the above has been placed, mount the battery
tray and use the battery position to balance the model
as shown.
