ORIGINAL: UStik
Deserves a new post:
Again checked the MAN plan in the article downloaded from casniffer's Classic Pattern Image Base. What if it's
not stretched in vertical direction and horizontal and vertical scales are
not different. Anyway, if I assume the rib spacing is exactly 3", I can measure the root and tip chord lengths (including ailerons) to be 12.375" and 7.75" - as
specified in the RCM&E plan!
Possible explanation: The plan was photomechanically reproduced for the article..... Always draw/print a scale, even if it were only for those archaeologists later scanning the article pages with different resolutions!
I used scale factor 2.9 horizontally following the scale on page 12, and 2.7 vertically to obtain the 3" rib spacing in the plan page. BTW, you may copy my experiments by using Adobe Reader. On my 1280x1024 screen, the 9" scale is exactly 9 cm if display size is 157%, and the rib spacing is exactly 3 cm at 150% display size in Adobe Reader, so I can use my "cm" ruler.
Now I have to check my plans/pictures measurements to see if things fit better now. Sorry for any confusion, just couldn't resist posting what I had so far.
In reality, the rib spacing is very close, but NOT exactly 3". Maybe that IS due to the process of repeatedly copying. I don't even know if my copy itself was from an original blue print or a copy.
Regarding the previous post about Top Flite deliberately printing the plan wrong to prevent people from building scratch, I think you've been watching too many "conspiracy type" movies.
Back then, (and still now) a kit is so much better in quality of fit (compared to hand tracing and sanding each part), than scratch-building that it isn't funny, (an Americanism). I scratch-built TWO King Altairs, and I can tell you Jeff Petroski's kit is an absolute DREAM to build in comparison, and the parts are more true to the plans. At least with my skill level, and while trying to be as careful as possible, some human error creeks in when each part is hand traced, cut, and sanded.
Duane
Burkhard-Is there a computer program out there that would do what I need to do to re-create the Simla?