Rubber Powered Model Airplanes: Comprehensive Building and Flying Basics Plus Advanced Design-Your -Own Instruction [Paperback]

Don Ross (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1991

This comprehensive manual covers rubber powered model airplanes from the simplest beginner's trainer through gradually more complex designs including winning scale and duration fliers.

Even if you have never built a model before, the simple line drawings and detailed photos will give you the tools and teach you the techniques that will result in light, sturdy model airplanes that will surprise and delight you with their sustained flights.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Don Ross, the author, has been building models since 1942. His designs have appeared in magazines and his "Fledgling" classes have added scores of young and "retread" modelers to the active scene. Don specializes in "synthesizing" difficult technical information into straightforward "how to" basics that make experts out of rank beginners. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction Canarsie Canary Wood Selection Construction Sheet Balsa Construction AMA Racer Built-Up Stick Models Covering Propellers AND Nose Blocks Freewheeling And Folding Props Rubber Flight Trimming Scale Models Scale Details Other Scale Types Duration Models CO2 and Electric Designing Your Own Rubber Models Appendix

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Markowski Intl (December 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938716190
• ISBN-13: 978-0938716198
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #154,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for modelers interested in rubber powered craft., October 16, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rubber Powered Model Airplanes: Comprehensive Building and Flying Basics Plus Advanced Design-Your -Own Instruction (Paperback)

I haven't built a model plane in 40 years, but have begun to do so again as a result of my daughter's interest in paper-and-stick models. Looking for guidance, I came across this book by Don Ross. It is an ideal place for a neophyte to start. Mr. Ross builds a foundation for understanding models by taking the reader through building a simple rubber powered stick model, progresses to an R.O.G., and finally, built-up models. That's just the beginning. Detailed discussions of rubber motors, propellers, trimming the aircraft for flight, model design, etc. complete a very fascinating introduction to rubber powered flying machines. I have read this book twice so far. And still I have not absorbed all that Mr. Ross has to tell me.

Two minor criticism: 1-There are a couple rough spots in the writing--things the editor should have caught. (But with careful re-reading I believe I understood what was being said.)

2- More drawings and pictures would be welcome, though there are many excellent drawings in the book already. (May be that's why I would like more!) It would be great to see additional examples of the planes Mr. Ross designed.

If you want to build rubber powered planes, or even only think you do, this book by Don Ross provides a launching pad for your aspirations.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous for the person just starting or an old timer, October 11, 1998

By 

Tim Goldstein ([e-mail]) (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rubber Powered Model Airplanes: Comprehensive Building and Flying Basics Plus Advanced Design-Your -Own Instruction (Paperback)

I would rate this book as one of my top picks for someone wanting to get a complete understanding of rubber powered free flight. It not only covers the basics to allow a beginner a good start, but has sufficient content to teach the seasoned fligher a trick or two.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but not as good as it could be, December 31, 2004

By 

D. W. Mackie (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rubber Powered Model Airplanes: Comprehensive Building and Flying Basics Plus Advanced Design-Your -Own Instruction (Paperback)

I got this book because this is the book that seems to be recommended the most for people with an interest in building rubber-powered models. For the most part, it's a good book that does provide a good introduction to the hobby. However, I agree with a previous reviewer that a glossary would be helpful, and also this book is sorely in need of updating. It's clear that the book was written some time ago, and the copyright's just been renewed periodically. The instructions for the models could really use a parts list of what's needed (so that you don't have to go thru the directions over and over again trying to figure out what you need), and I think the book in general needs a good editing.