Wee-38 Lightning
December 1959 American Modeler

December 1959 American Modeler

     [Table of Contents]
Aircraft modeling has undergone significant changes over the decades - both in technology and preferences. Magazines like American Aircraft Modeler, and American Modeler before that, were the best venues for capturing snapshots of the status quo of the day. Still, many things never change, so much of the old content is relevant to today's modeler.

Whether you are here to wax nostalgic, or are just interested in learning history, hopefully you will find what you are seeking. As time permits, I will be glad to scan articles for you. All copyrights (if any) are hereby acknowledged.

There's something about the appearance--at a flying circle-of a twin-engined, U/Control plane that will draw the attention of the most jaded enthusiast. Perhaps the crowd gathers to watch the technique used to get and keep both motors going, or maybe they congregate to absorb the music of two engines snarling in unison. Whatever the reason - attraction and appeal are certainly there.
 
Sooner or later every fan of this round­about sport has an urge to try his hand with a dual motored ukie. A profile model satisfies the need for an easily constructed plane that is strong enough to withstand hard landings. Given a careful application of sandpaper, filler and dope finish, details and proper insignia, a good looking, scale-like appearance will result.
 
Power available determines size, which brings up the next problem. What power should be used? A pair of oh-forty-nines is a logical choice, since their output would equal that obtained from a single motor in the .074 to .09 range. Yet, the Cox .020 Pee Wee is intriguing and a power-packed gem. There seems to be quite a few in circulation. Who hasn't bought one just for kicks? Best of all, their small backplate simplifies the mounting arrangement. Out of this cogitation came the tiny P-38 Lightning.
 
First just a word about flight before we wade into construction. Flight handling characteristics do not differ from those of an ordinary ½A ukie. Line pull is certainly as great with the twenty-eight foot, nylon lines, and breezy days call for more cautious flying as usual.

WEE-38 BILL OF MATERIALS
 
All sizes are in "inches" and material is "balsa" unless otherwise noted. One 1/32 x 2 x 3  for landing gear caver doors; (1) 1/16 x 3 x 8 for fins and stabilizer; (1) 1/16 x 5/8 x 2 1/4 plywood for landing gear reinforcement patches; (1) 1/8 x 7/8 x 2  1/4 plywood for firewalls; (1) 3/16 x3 x 36  for wing, fuselage and tall booms.
 
1/16 music wire for landing gear; .020 music wire for tall skids; .015 music wire for leadouts; 1/32 music wire for pushrod; (2) 1" sponge wheels, (1) 3/4" sponge wheel for landing gear; (8) 3/8" long 2-56 bolts for mounting motors; (2) 1" long 3-48 prop mounting bolts; (2) 1" prop spinners; (2) 3/8 oz. capacity fuel tanks; (2) 4.4" D by 2.5" P props.
 
Misc: small bellcrank; alum. tubing; solder lugs; cloth hinges; gauze; filler; clear and colored dope; fuel proofer; Pee Wee motors; lines; fuel and accessories.

Wee-38 Lightning Plans

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