Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

I have not scratch built before. I decided last weekend that I want to model an Aerocar Model I. I am a pretty good builder. How about some ideas of where to start.
Dave

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

And I thought I was being original by building one. [&o]

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

what do you have to start with? photo's, 3vu's, plans? what size? will try to help. dick

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

I have 3 views. I just ordered a video: AEROCAR: Giving the Automobile Its Wings, Produced in cooperation with designer/inventor Moulton B. "Molt" Taylor, this video features rare test flight footage, interviews, scale models, drawings, significant photographs and press clippings of all four models of the AEROCAR--the "roadable" airplane. Basic dimensions are available on the internet.

My preliinary thoughts are that I will build a composite car and a balsa sheeted foam core wing. I'm still looking at several different construction methods for the conical tail.

The original has a 30 foot wingspan. At 1/4 scale I'll have a 90" wingspan with an 18-3/4" chord. Overall length of the model as a plane will be 63". The width of the car portion will be 11 inches. I'm thinking a 1.08 to 1.20 two stroke will provide the power. I still have to do some research on a propeller drive shaft.

I would like to be able to drive it to the flight line as a car and trailer, assemble it similar to the full scale and fly it.

Dave

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

ok which AERO CAR ?? there a few so named. by what builder? can furnish the 81"STOUT version dick

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

Thanks Dick,
This is the one I have my heart set on. The Molt Taylor Aerocar Model I built in 1953.

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

am well familiar with it. have never modeled it. will look thru my archives tosee if theres a plan hidden there. can you create your own plans? upscale? dick

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

Thanks again,
I am fairly adept at AutoCad. I am currently researching the plane and trying to decide on construction techniques. The pusher design, drive shaft, and tail construction have me scratching my head. Car driveline and steering (if implemented) will also be a challenge.
Dave

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

sound s good. check with Richard at AMA libray, they shud have write ups. once you get some 3 vu's give a shout. some of the fellows, in the foruem cam do the upscaling digitaly-- not me-- still of the old school- scale x measuremnets. will still help. you have an ambitious complete project ahead. dick

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

You might also try the National Air and Space Museum's archives, Dave:
[link]http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/arch/[/link]
Good luck - intimidating project!
;)
pjw

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

The EAA has one of Molt's Aerocars in the collection. Write for more info and/or visit Oshkosh. I expect they can be persuaded to let you measure and photograph.

http://www.airventuremuseum.org/coll...%20Aerocar.asp

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

Congratulations.
To my knowledge no one has made an RC of the AEROCAR Model 1. Joe Beshar did a FF version which was pictured in MAN a couple years ago. Rubber powered.
If you are serious, contact me for info. I own and fly the 1956 AEROCAR Model 1 for real. www.aerocar.com. Reach me at my email address, not the web site. I have a full set of Molt Taylor's original AEROCAR FAA documentation. Ed

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

Ed,
Welcome to RC Universe! I thought you designed and built a version of the Aerocar. I know that I saw a picture of you holding it. Did you ever published the plans in American Aircraft Modeler?
Gene

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

Cleveland Models http://www.clevelandairline.com/ has plans for an Aerocar. There were 2 versions of the Aerocar, one was 3 wheel, the other was 4 wheel. I THINK the one Cleveland has is the 3 wheel model.

Cleveland plans were originaly designed for rubber power, so some beefing up will be required. On the plus side, Cleveland plans are USUALLY quite detailed.

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

HOW DETAIL ARE YOU PLANNING ON ? get your tape measure and start up scaleing the real one. otherwise start with a Clevland kit and go from there. from the flight line, no one can tell the difference and they can't see your version of the structure. it's all look like unless your a detail scale person. once you get it built, give me a call. have 3 1/2 year old greatgrandson that sure would like to crawl in and go for a ride and I might be convinced to help him. just not use to a very smart yongster bugging me. anyhow its bed time for the old F---. more tomorrow. dick

RE: Aerocar 1/4 scale- Where to start?
 

The Cleveland plan is the 1930 Stout 11-W Skycar, a 3-wheel, 2-place design that is related to the Aerocar only in that it uses the word "car" in the model name.