Here's a simple but nice electric Hercules C-130. It is built from
Styropor (light beadboard foam). C130.DXF has the outline drawing,
C130-S1.DXF the fuse tube cutting templates and C130-S1.DXF the wing
cutting templates.

Use epoxy for all foam glueing.

Cutting the fuse: you need two of the large rings and one small disk. Cut
the fuse tip only on the outside of the rings (producing a solid cylinder -
make the cockpit shape with a kitchen knife and a sander) and the middle fuse
tube on both the inside and outside of the template rings (producing a tube).
The rear part of the fuse is a tapered tube - use the ring and disk templates.

Cutting the wing: simply cut the three pieces from the bottom near the
leading edge around the LE back to the trailing edge. After glueing the wing
parts together, cut off the leading edge to the chords indicated in the main
drawing (inboard template is 250mm - cut to 230mm; outboard template is
130mm - cut to 120mm), thus giving a blunt LE which is much less prone to
damage.

Reinforcing the wing: cut a spanwise 3 x 3 mm groove into the upper and lower
wing surface at about 30% chord and glue in 3 x 3 mm pine spars. Cut apart
the horizontal and vertical stabs at about 30% chord and glue in a 10 x 2 mm
pine spar.

Wing support: use the leftovers from cutting the fuse tube for filler
blocks supporting the wing. The wing's lower surface should be parallel to
the fuse, also the horizontal stab.

Drive: Get 4 Graupner Speed 400 motors (the standard 7.2V type) and
Graupner 6 x 3 props. Make glass or cardboard tubes with an inner diameter
equal to the outer diameter of the motors. Glue the motor rear ends into the
tubes (make sure to leave the cooling vents open) and the tubes into the
wing. A few glass reinforcements are in order.

Finishing: you can simply paint the thing with wall color or acrylic water
soluable color (make a test first to see if it doesn't mess up the foam).
For a better surface, cover with paper, fill, sand and spray paint.
Get yourself a 3-side view of the plane and apply some detail like panel
lines and markings. You'll get a surprisingly realistic look when seen from
a few yard's distance... Keep the plane light. You won't need rudder,
just three micro servos (max. 20 grams) for elevator and the ailerons.
Use a good electronic speed controller, preferably with BEC. You will
most likely fly with reduced power most of the time.

Have fun!

Johann Delago, 100031,1124.

Please note: no distribution outside CompuServe Modelnet, no commercial use!
