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Building the Vultee Transport

Complete Data Which Will Enable You to Build
and Fly the World's Fastest Transport

By WILLIAM WINTER and WALTER McBRIDE

 
Here it is in full flight. It gains
altitude quickly as you can see

JIMMY DOOLITTLE recently flew from Los Angeles to New York, breaking the transcontinental record for transport planes. The plane he used to accomplish this remarkable feat was a Vultee nine-place, all-metal transport of exceptionally clean lines. Also this ship has proven itself, through its fast airline service, to be one of our best transports. Its high speed is in excess of 225 miles per hour.

The model described here is a faithful fast flying copy of its capable prototype. Its construction is simple for this type of ship and insures a rugged, sure flier. You will enjoy building and flying it.

Fuselage

The bulkheads are cut to their respective sizes as illustrated on the plan from 1/16" sheet balsa, and notches made to receive stringers. Cement the four main stringers to bulkheads 2, 3. 4 and 5. When dry fasten bulkhead 8 in place. It may be found necessary to slightly squeeze these stringers to facilitate easy bending. The remainder of the bulkheads may now be glued in place. When dry all stringers may be located. The rear edge of the wing fillet is a piece of 1/16" sheet balsa extending from the outer extremity of bulkhead 5 to bulkhead 6, as shown on the plan. The fillet rib (same as No. 1 wing rib) is cut from 1/16" sheet and cemented to bulkheads as shown. Nose block A is cut from a block 1-11/16" square and glued to front of fuselage. The pilot's enclosure is made from 1/32" sheet as seen on top view. Construct windows as shown on side view. The rear hook of .020 music wire is bent to shape and fastened to bulkhead 8. (Cross grain.) The rear plug and dummy tail wheel are shaped from a soft balsa block and completed unit attached to fuselage.

To cover, use thin strips of Jap tissue (full length of fuselage) and apply with clear dope. The wing fillets are also covered with small pieces of tissue to avoid wrinkles. The finished covering may be lightly sprayed and doped. The windows are of cellophane. Window edges may he trimmed with black dope.

Tail Surfaces

Pin the main spars of 1/16" square on the plan, cut all cross pieces to correct sizes and cement in place. The edges are of 1/16" square balsa sanded to shape. On sharp curves 1/16" sheet balsa is used. Each side of stabilizer and rudder is covered with separate pieces of tissue. The finished covering is lightly doped. The completed surfaces are glued in position on the designated stringers. Bamboo struts 1/32" are fastened to stabilizer and rudder to insure their alignment.

Wings

The ribs are cut from 1/16" sheet (soft) to correct sizes. The lower spar of 1/16" square is pinned to the drawing and the ribs cemented in position.  Slant rib No. 1 to allow for dihedral. When dry locate the top spar of 1/16" square. The leading edge of 3/32" square is  sanded to shape and glued in place. The trailing edge of 1/16" x 3/32" is also sanded to shape.  Due to the shape of the ribs, it will be necessary to support the rear edge with small blocks while in the form. The wing tips are cut to shape from 1/16" sheet.

A separate piece of tissue is used to cover both the upper and lower surface of the wing. Take care that the edges of the wing are completely covered so that the wood does not show through. The finished wing is lightly sprayed and doped.

The completed panels are cemented flush to the wing fillets.

Landing Gear

The landing gear struts are cut to the correct shape from 1/16" sheet. Mount the wheel on a piece of .020 music wire, bend axle to shape and glue to lauding gear strut as shown on detail. The strut is attached to No. 2 rib as shown on the side view. The axles are slanted rearward and cemented to No. 1 rib to absorb landing shock.

Propeller and Cowling

The three blocks 3" x 1" x 1/2" are cut to shape shown and cemented together at the hub. It is necessary to pin the blocks to bench to insure a firm setting. Small wedge shape pieces of balsa are glued between the blades at the hub. When dry the blades may be carved in the usual manner.

To balance, point one blade directly downward. Whichever of the other blades descend should be lightened. Balance other blades similarly. It may be necessary to repeat the operation to insure good balance.

Mount propeller on shaft of .020 wire but do not bend hook as yet. Glue 1/8" washer to rear of hub and place another loosely on the shaft for friction.

The cowling is glued up of circular pieces 1-11/16" in diameter by 1/4" thick and shaped as shown on the side view. The rear of the cowling is cut out as designated by dotted lines. Drill hole for shaft and glue 1/8" washer to front of cowling for thrust bearing. Place finished cowling on shaft and bend hook.

The motive power is four strands of 1/8" flat rubber. If more power is necessary, add a loop of thread rubber.

Flying the Model

Test the model R.O.G. with a few turns at first. The plane may be slightly tail heavy. If so, add a small weight to the nose. If the plane is found to turn toward the left in flight, it should be permitted to do so. If it banks too steeply, slight right rudder should be used. The builders found that the model flew best with these adjustments. This ship is a speedy flier and travels a good distance.

Bill of Materials

Scanned From May 1935
Model Airplane News

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