Fleming-Williams Flyer. (Plate X.)
The Fleming-Williams model is a type well known in England where it has won many prizes. The motor base is a piece of "T" section wood 48 inches long. The detailed dimensions of the "T" section are given on the plate. A crosspiece B, 5/16 square and 8 1/2 inches long is fastened at one end of the motor by gluing and lashing as shown in the drawing.
Two braces, C, C, 1/8 x 1/4 inches in section are lashed near the ends of the cross piece and brought together on the motor base so as to form a triangle. This is covered with bamboo paper to form a triangular shaped plane called the stabilizer.
The bearings are simple strips of hard sheet aluminum bent around the ends of the cross brace and fastened into place with several small screws.
The main plane is formed by bending 1/32nd inch drill rod into the shape shown in the detailed drawing on the plate. Mark out the wing form on a board, and by means of nails driven into the board around the outline, bend the drill rod into shape, splicing the ends neatly with some fine wire. Then bend the ribs into shape and twist the ends around the wing form. It is a very good plan to solder all joints. Cover the frame with bamboo paper and when dry apply two coats of "bamboo varnish."
Drill a hole through the motor base at the front to receive a piece of steel wire. Bend the wire to form two anchor hooks.
The propellers are each 8 inches in diameter. Each propeller is driven by a skein composed of 50 feet of 3/32 x 3/32 rubber.
The main plane is fastened temporarily to the motor base with rubber bands. Its normal position is about 17 inches from the tip of the machine, but its exact position will have to be determined by experiment. After it is formed, the plane should be fastened into position more securely.
The propellers must be of opposite pitch and wound in opposite directions. Each should receive from 500 to 600 turns. The model is launched by casting from the hand as though it were a spear.