Pass the rubber skein through one of the "S" hooks and back to the hook in the end of the propeller shaft, weaving it back and forth seven times so that there are seven strands. Do the same with the other propeller. The ends of the rubber must be tied to the hook with some strong cotton cord. The cord should be soft and the rubber should be passed loosely around the hook so that it will not easily become cut.
The planes are made of hard fibre 1/32 of an inch thick. The main plane is 22 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide. The elevating plane is 8 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide. The ends are rounded as shown in the illustration. Glue a strip of wood 1/16 x 3/16 inches to the front edge of each plane. The strip for the large main plane should be 19 inches long and that for the elevating plane 5 inches. The edges should be smoothed with a piece of fine sandpaper and rubbed down until they are dry.
The planes are attached to the frame by rubber bands in the usual manner. The edges of the planes should be squeezed together slightly until they are slightly concave on the under side. The position of the main plane will have to be determined by trial. The front edge of the elevating plane should rest on the elevating blocks.
The propeller should be given from 600-700 turns. The propellers should be six inches in diameter and of medium pitch.
The Peerless Racer is a splendid flyer and will fly over 1,000 feet if properly adjusted.
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.