1936 Hawker Hurricane Merlin Engine Flying Model Plans
My
belief that this is a very unique set of plans is supported by
several facts. The original designer, Paul Lindberg, was noted for
taking his dimensions directly from the real aircraft. Since this
set of plans was first published in 1936, BEFORE the real Hurricane
was even in production, I believe that this is of the pre-production
model that had the first 990 HP Merlin engine in it.
This
belief is further supported by the fact that this model has the two
blade, Watts, fixed pitch prop, no armament, and fabric covered
wings. After about 200 were produced, they moved the manufacture to
the Gloster Aircraft company where the fabric wing covering was
replaced with aluminum and three bladed props were added to a new
Merlin III engine.
This
completed model will indeed be a rare and unusual addition to your
collection. A short history of the Hurricane is also included with
this set when you purchase it.
This
is quite a bit larger than the other model plans I offer, with a
wingspan of 26.5 inches, and total length of 20 inches. As can be
seen, the construction is tissue covered balsa, using 'stick and
tissue' construction for the frame, ribs and formers. The plans are
complete and highly detailed, and can be used to construct and
finish the model exactly as shown in the photo of the model below.
Multiple templates are included for
the formers and ribs. They are included on pages separate from the
plans themselves. This way, the plans won't be damaged if your
method of construction includes cutting out the templates. These
plans were originally published in 1930s aviation magazines and were
not necessarily complete in that they sometimes had to be scaled to
fit the magazine's pages.
In
doing so, some pieces were left out or split to comply with space
constraints and fit on adjoining pages. It was left to the builder
to reconstruct parts or rescale the drawings where needed.
The
plans that I am offering here are scanned from the originals. They
are then redrawn, rescaled, and corrected where needed with the use
of graphic editing programs to combine split components, correct
errors and add missing parts.
Instructions are included to enable one to print the corrected, rescaled plans full size on ANY printer, to the scale
mentioned above, including the complete original instructions. I
have added to the original instructions, both on the plans sheets
themselves, and in a file of generic hints, that aids in
building, covering, painting, balancing and flying the model when
completed.
It
also includes hints and tips to make your finished model an item to
be proud of. The plans not only include instructions for printing FULL SIZE plans on ANY size paper, but the details for a scale propeller for
display, and a flying propeller for... well ... flying!
These two photos to the left are of the actual completed model, covered
and uncovered.
I
believe that these plans are very unusual. They are NOT the
'routine' models and photos that one normally sees of the Hawker
Hurricane, with the aluminum wings, the 1030 hp Merlin II engine and
the three blade prop.
Now,
the details of these very unusual plans. These will allow one to
build the rubber powered flying model of the 1936 Hawker Hurricane
as shown above and in the photos below of the finished model,
details of the plans, and the uncovered skeleton.
Unlike
the originals, the plans can be printed on only one side, so that cutting one side doesn't damage something you may need on the other.
The close-up of the side above, show some of the detail that is present in the plans. These scans shown here are not representative of the quality of the plans themselves. These are reduced in resolution and size to make smaller files for downloading on this website. The plans themselves are clearly printed, highly detailed, full size to the scale mentioned above, drawings.
The plans include the markings and information on the original paint scheme. This detail is present throughout the entire model, so the builder can choose any level of finishing that his skill and patience dictate.
Most builders donate $10 or more, but you can select as little as $1 or as much as you want.The choice is up to you. Just click on the DOWNLOAD button below. If you do not have a PayPal account you may pay with a credit card. If you feel these plans are not worth the effort I have put into them, then by all means, you do not have to donate anything. But in either case, please enjoy the plans, and the flying model you can build from them! Thanks for your interest...
Harley
You can check my excellent feedback here.
If you have any questions, or would like to see any additional information, please contact me at: harleydixon@twc.com
© Copyright Harley M. Dixon 1996-.
Readers must seek permission to re-publish whether in written, printed, electronic or any other form.