THE THEORY AND PRACTICE
OF
MODEL AEROPLANING

BY
V.E. JOHNSON, M.A.

AUTHOR OF
'THE BEST SHAPE FOR AN AIRSHIP,' 'SOARING FLIGHT,'
'HOW TO ADVANCE THE SCIENCE OF AERONAUTICS,'
'HOW TO BUILD A MODEL AEROPLANE,' ETC.

"Model Aeroplaning is an Art in itself"

London
E. & F.N. SPON, Ltd., 57 HAYMARKET
New York
SPON & CHAMBERLAIN, 123 LIBERTY STREET
1910

PREFACE

The object of this little book is not to describe how to construct some particular kind of aeroplane; this has been done elsewhere: but to narrate in plain language the general practice and principles of model aeroplaning.

There is a science of model aeroplaning—just as there is a science of model yachting and model steam and electric traction, and an endeavour is made in the following pages to do in some measure for model aeroplanes what has already been done for model yachts and locomotives. To achieve the best results, theory and practice must go hand in hand.

From a series of carefully conducted experiments empirical formulæ can be obtained which, combined later with mathematical induction and deduction, may lead, not only to a more accurate and generalized law than that contained in the empirical formula, but to valuable deductions of a totally new type, embodying some general law hitherto quite unknown by experimentalists, which in its turn may serve as a foundation or stepping stone for suggesting other experiments and empirical formulæ which may be of especial importance, to be treated in their turn like their predecessor. By "especial importance," I mean not only to "model," but "Aeroplaning" generally.

As to the value of experiments on or with models with respect to full-sized machines, fifteen years ago I held the opinion that they were a very doubtful factor. I have since considerably modified that view, and now consider that experiments with models—if properly carried out, and given due, not undue, weight—both can and will be of as much use to the science of Aeronautics as they have already proved themselves to be in that of marine engineering.

The subject of model propellers and motors has been somewhat fully dealt with, as but little has been published (in book form, at any rate) on these all-important departments. On similar grounds the reasons why and how a model aeroplane flies have been practically omitted, because these have been dealt with more or less in every book on heavier-than-air machines.

Great care has been exercised in the selection of matter, and in the various facts stated herein; in most cases I have personally verified them; great pains have also been exercised to exclude not only misleading, but also doubtful matter. I have no personal axe to grind whatever, nor am I connected either directly or indirectly with any firm of aeroplane builders, model or otherwise.

The statements contained in these pages are absolutely free from bias of any kind, and for them I am prepared to accept full responsibility.

I have to thank Messrs. A.W. Gamage (Holborn) for the use of various model parts for testing purposes, and also for the use of various electros from their modern Aviation Catalogue; also Messrs. T.W.K. Clarke & Co., of Kingston-on-Thames. For the further use of electros, and for permission to reproduce illustrations which have previously appeared in their papers, I must express my acknowledgment and thanks to the publishers of the "Model Engineer," "Flight," and the "Aero." Corrections and suggestions of any kind will be gratefully received, and duly acknowledged.

V.E. JOHNSON.

CONTENTS