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:
