Balsa Chuck Glider - Aeromodelling Competitions:
Additional Conditions of Entry for Balsa Chuck Gliders:
1. The wingspan of any model shall not be less than 30cm.
2. The model shall be capable of stable flight.
Outline: The outline shall be sharp and smooth. For example, straight edges to be
cut straight. Avoid scallops or missing chunks. Curves to be smooth, avoiding
missing chunks. Both halves of the wing shall be isometric. For example, if the
wing was cut through the chord at the centre of the span and folded one side over
the over, sides should be the same shape. The outlines of parts are not to be
undercut. In order to avoid undercut, the knife of the blade shall be held so that
the cut remains vertical to the cutting surface.
Finish: The whole model shall be sanded to a smooth finish using very fine
sandpaper. Chuck gliders are not usually decorated. However, it is recommended
that the model be given two coats of thin dope or banana oil to seal from moisture
and this also assists to obtain a smooth finish. No additional points are given for
decoration.
Construction: The different parts of the model shall be glued to ensure all joints
fit tightly together. Gaps between joints are to be avoided. Similarly, excessive
use of glue and smearing of glue is also to be avoided.
Alignment: It is important to ensure the chord of the wing and tailplane are
parallel to the centre line of the fuselage. Also, the fin shall be mounted vertical to
the fuselage. The wings shall be mounted so that if a line was drawn horizontal to
the fuselage under them, the distance measured from this line to the leading edge
of the wing at any given point is the same on both sides of the fuselage.
Note: It is recognised that on some models the tailplane may be offset from the
horizontal and the control surfaces may also be offset. This is necessary to trim
the model for flight. Such a model shall not incur any penalty.
