I have recently built a balsa wood biplane, the smallest balsa wood radio-controlled model aircraft I have ever built, the design was taken from an English magazine called RCM&E, the plan occupies an A3 size page printed on both sides. I’ll show you the process.
In this article
The design
This model called “Weekend Wren” as I mentioned was taken from the RCM&E magazine April 2019 issue. This biplane is based on a German retro model called “Zaunkonig” that used a 0.8ccm Cox engine. You can download the plans.
A simple but great line for a mini biplane like this, the number of parts is simplified and with no rudder it is even simpler. Both wings are the same, except that the one below has small ailerons controlled by only one servo, another controls the elevator with a push rod.
Some specifications: Channels: 3, Ailerons, elevator and motor. (2 servos + 1 ESC) Wingspan: 425 mm. Weight: 225g
Components and materials
As it’s a fairly small model aircraft, we are going to use little balsa wood, and also some small electronic components:
- Balsa wood needed: 3 mm, 2 mm, y 1.5 mm, a large sheet of each should be sufficient. Strips of balsa of 5X6 – 6X17 – 4×12 y 5×5 mm.
- Playwood or liteply: 3 mm for the formers and spars.
- Glues CA, UHU HART or wood glue, (I recommend the first two).
- x2 5g microservos.
- Brushless motor 2205 – 2300Kv or any similar motor, it works with a wide range + use the recommended propeller for the motor.
- ESC minimun of 15A or a recomended 30A w/ UBEC.
- Mini receiver of a minimum of 3 channels, compatible with your radio.
- LiPo battery of 3S – 500 mAh.
- Rubber bands to strap the wings.
- Bamboo Skewers.
- And your tools.
Construction process
It is boring to read about the process, that’s why I make the videos, below you’ll see the videos of both the building and the flight, any questions you have about the process you can ask in this post or in the comments of the video on YouTube.
Conclusion
It’s a beautiful model aircraft, but I do not recommend it for beginners who are starting in aeromodelling, it is not that easy to build, although it’s small, for someone who is just starting it can be a frustrating challenge, moreover… the flight is not very stable, requires a pilot with some experience in flight, the ailerons are too small and flying on a day with some wind is not recommended. But if you already have some experience in model aircraft, it is a fun model aircraft, it takes at least a week of work (depending on the dedication you give it).
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