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Build the Messerschmitt Minute Model
How You Can Build a Flying
Replica of the World's
Fastest Land Plane in
One-Half the Time Usually Required
By HERBERT K. WEISS
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The balsa sheet tail surfaces are simple
to make but efficient.
OFFICIALLY the fastest landplane in the world, the B.F.W. (formerly Messerschmitt) BF-113, which holds the record of 379.7 miles per hour, is a cleaned up version of the standard BF-109 fighter of the German air force. The extreme versatility of the BF-109 is illustrated by its record of achievements. At the 1937 Zurich International Flying Meeting, the Climb and Dive Competition was won by a BF-109 powered by a 950 hp. Daimler Benz engine, when it took off, climbed to 9840 feet, and then dove to below 400 feet in just 2 minutes and 5.7 seconds. Nor is the ship handicapped by low cruising range, for the Circuit of the Alps Event for single planes and for groups of three was won in both classes by BF-109's. The BF-109 is of all metal, flush riveted, stressed skin construction, and uses both slots and flaps to maintain a low landing speed.
The model is a faithful duplicate of its prototype, and because of its slim clean lines is a very smooth performer.
Wing and Tail
Begin the construction with the wing, which is made in one piece. It may be assembled on the plan, transferring dimensions to the left panel with a ruler or dividers. When the cement has dried, crack the spars just outside rib 1, and give the wing 3/4" dihedral on each side, then re‑cement the spars. Sand leading and trailing edges to shape.
Cut the tail surfaces from 1/32" sheet balsa and sand smooth. Note the way in which they are slotted so as to lock together. Cement a 1/32" x 1/16" stiffener on top of each side of the stabilizer to prevent warping.
Fuselage
Make two of each bulkhead halves and cement corresponding halves together. Formers C to J are 1/16" sheet balsa, and A and B are 1/8" sheet. Cut A to fit the bearing button.
Cement bulkheads D, E and G to the center section of the wing as shown on the plan. Add the main 1/16" x 1/8" side stringers, and cement the remaining bulkheads to these stringers. Top and bottom stringers are 1/16" square balsa, or cut from 1/16" sheet if the curve is too sharp to bend. Remaining stringers are 1/32" square bamboo. See the pictures for details. Put the rear hook in place. The projecting prong is to simplify rubber installation.
Assembly and Covering
Sand the frame carefully to eliminate projections and irregularities. Cover the radiator and the panel in front of it with 1/32" sheet balsa. Assemble the landing gear and cement it in place. Use thin 3/4" hardwood wheels. Cover the model carefully with tissue, using small strips on the curved parts of the fuselage. Cement the tail surfaces in place, being careful to have them lined up correctly. Spray the tissue lightly and allow to dry. Sand off rough edges. Add details.
Propeller
Carve the propeller from a block of hard balsa 4-3/4" x 7/8" x 5/8". The spinner may be cut to fit from a block of balsa 5/8" x 5/8" x 3/8". Be sure that there is sufficient clearance between the spinner and former A so that the prop will not rub.
Doping and Insignia
The original BF-109 has military camouflage, the top of the wings and tail and the top and sides of the fuselage being colored brown and green in large irregular patches. The underside of the ship is all gray. It is suggested that in the interests of good flying qualities the model should be given only one thin coat of dope. Coloring, if desired, can be accomplished by originally covering the plane with colored tissue.
Paint a black cross on the top and bottom of each wing tip and on each side of the fuselage and a swastika on each side of the rudder.
Flying
The model performs very well on two strands of 1/8" rubber, and will fly on less. Correct for spiral diving by applying opposite rudder and warping the trailing edge of the inside wing down slightly. Adjust for longitudinal stability by warping the elevator up if the model dives, and adding weight to the nose if it stalls.
Scanned From August ,1938
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