The 'Gloria Trainer' 24" crashproof plane.

Here it is, the 'Gloria Trainer', a fun 3 channel semi-scale RET trainer, towplane, bushplane, or just a relaxing floater depending on how you fly it.

I designed this to use the UMX Beast or similar electronics.

I didn't include a top or bottom pieces in the plan. To cut these pieces, build the fuselage up with all the monoblock pieces, then glue a strip of foam to overlap on both sides. When the glue is set, use a razor to bevel cut the excess foam at a 45* angle. Refer to the technique in the related article if you need more help. You can build along with it, though it's not the same plane, the techniques for building still apply. Just substitute the hot glue for lighter stuff. 

The crashproofing comes from a 3mm carbon rod installed as a motor mount and as a stress member in the likely event of a nose in crash. The CF rod travels through a hole in the forward monoblock and is secured to the rear monoblock assembly MB4. Additional crashproofing comes from pinned wing construction and the use of struts to stiffen and reinforce the entire structure with minimal weight penalty. In a crash, the wing will slide forward and out instead of breaking. 

All foam is depapered dollar store foam except for the tail pieces, which are made from Hefty brand 'Extra Strong and Deep' foam plates. Make sure you use the extra strong and deep ones, as they're almost as strong as plastic, but lighter.

Build light. I use UHU glue stick to lay up the monoblock and build the fuselage with minimal amounts of hot glue dots for tacking the fuselage ends in place at the tail. For reinforcement of the MB4 assembly, coat the exposed sides with a skin of hot glue, or with a liberal coat of Elmers white glue. On all pieces that are end glued, i use white glue and leave fillets on the inside corners.

Flight video, bushplane takeoffs, flying around, even an inverted pass, not bad for a 'trainer'

A look at the crashproofing features up close:

The crashproofing test:

Have fun, i know i have a blast with this thing!

Gloria Trainer Plans

I hope you enjoy this plane as much as i have, it's my new favorite plane to fly!