The Competition Flyer. (Plates VI and VII.)
The Competition Flyer does not differ materially from the Peerless Racer just described except in some of the details of construction. The motor base of the machine is composed of two long members 36 inches in length tapered and lashed together at one end in the usual manner. The other ends are held apart by a wooden brace (marked a) about 4 7/8 inches long. Two other braces (marked b and c) are placed at equal distances along the frame.
The bearings used on this machine are similar to those used on the Peerless Racer and are fastened to the rear end of the frame by three small screws.
Plate IX.
The planes of this machine are "built up" planes, that is, they are double surfaced. The main plane is 24 inches long and four inches broad.
The accompanying illustration shows the details of the planes. The long members of the planes are made of whitewood or spruce and the edges and ribs are split bamboo.
The elevating plane is 9 1/2 inches long and five inches wide.
The planes are covered with bamboo paper and then given a coat of bamboo varnish. The front plane is tilted upwards by two small elevating blocks similar to those used on the Peerless Racer.
The machine is fitted with skids made by bending 3/32 inch square split bamboo into the shape shown and lashing them to the frame. The skids protect the planes and the propeller of the machine from possible damage in landing.
The propellers should be of the racing type, six inches in diameter and carved out from a blank in the method described in the chapter on propellers.
The planes are held to the frame of the machine by rubber bands in the usual manner. Their exact position will have to be determined by experiment.