Model Name: Wasp
Model Type: Front engine boost glider.
Designed by Marc McReynolds. Published in Model Rocketry Magazine, Dec. 1970.
Motor Type: 18mm
Glider length: 26.7cm
Wing Span: 20.3cm
Glider weight: 8.6g
Pod length: 15.8cm
Pod diameter: 19mm
Pod weight: 6.0g
Overall model length: 35.9cm
Overall weight: 14.6g
Color scheme: Yellow and black with silver trim.
Completion date: September 7, 2020
A 50 Year Old Boost/Glider Design
The Wasp B/G is built from the plans published in the December 1970 issue of Model Rocketry Magazine. This is my second build of the model, the first being rendered back in 1974, fleet #29.
The bird was designed for small-field boost/glider flying using 1/2A motors. An unusual feature of the glider is the use of 1/32" balsa stock for the rudder and horizontal stabilizer. The thin stock can be used because of the low aspect ratio of these parts. The model employs the standard pop-pod design popular in the late 60s-early 70s.
Since the model is named the "Wasp", I deemed it appropriate to color it to look like the insect. The glider portion was rendered with yellow and black permanent markers applied over a light coat of Duplicolor white primer. The pod is brush painted with acrylic hobby paint.
The nose used on this version of the Wasp isn't exactly that called out in the plans. I just happened to have a conical one rattling around in the spare parts box that could be pressed into service. It will work quite nicely.
This re-build of one of my "old fleet" boost/gliders is a welcome new addition to the growing BAR collection.
Here are more pictures:
OK, definitely looking forward to flight report on this one!
ReplyDeleteI like your inspired color scheme! Meanwhile, I'm trying to remember if I ever actually built one {sheepish emoji} The purpose of the design was "junior high school spending money" -- not that I ever got paid, which was standard procedure for MRm as they perennially struggled to stay afloat. Never got the $70 they owed me for the Micro Joe II article either, and prolific article writer Doug Malewicki told me around that time they owed him $800.
ReplyDeleteBut we digress: The Wasp was from a MRm "design contest" where you got $15 (supposedly) if your design was selected. Then they produced the published drawing, plus did the article writing... which led to things like the stab's delta planform that I had chosen because I liked how it looked being described as "designed for strength, not good looks" : )
Marc,
DeleteThanks for the reply and history of this glider! The unique tail design is one of the features that drew me to building one in 1974.
On a side note, I saw that your name is mis-spelled in the article!
Mojo,
As soon as I can get out to do some flying. The Wasp will be one of the first to get a maiden flight. The results will definitely be posted here.