Flying Zio Prudenzio's P-51

[Yeti]

I took Zio Prudenzio's P-51C and added some internal structure, nose weight, trimmable control surfaces, and a CBI paint job.

P-51C Mustang - YouTube

[Don Boose]

I enjoyed seeing your models in flight and the static ones. I remember your SB2U build thread.

What size are the flying models?

Don

[Yeti]

Thanks, Don.

This one is 1/42 scale and weighs 14 grams. 4 of those grams I added inside the cowling to get the center of gravity correct.

[Yeti]

I've been wondering about the possibility of powering a paper model with a rubber band motor. There was a thread years ago here at Papermodelers where Darwin mentioned a utilizing a "thrust stick". Of course the principle challenge is finding something strong enough to deal with the tension of the rubber, but that doesn't add too much weight.

Here's what I'm thinking about. The two straws, rubber, and toothpick work out to 1.2 grams. A housing at the other end, prop shaft, and prop will all add weight, but it might be feasible.

[Don Boose]

I think the sticks (1/4" x 3/8" hard balsa) or rolled tubes used for nocal peanut scale flying models woujld work. Here is one source for info: No-Cal Scale plans

Al Lidberg used to be a good source of plans and supplies. His site hasn't been updated since 2013, but might still be operable: A.A. Lidberg Model Plan Service, free flight and RC model airplane plans and kits

And there is the premier free-flight scale organization, the Flying Aces Club: Flying Aces Club They'd no doubt be interested in your paper model flying experiences and may provide some advice.

Don

[Yeti]

I appreciate the links, Don. There's a lot of interesting information there. I'm going to see how far I can get with the straws, but if that fails, I think your suggestion is a very good bet.