Howdy Folks,

I am interested in purchasing a few books with information regarding model airplane design and construction. I have seen a few posts talking about some really old books over in the Vintage section and I liked the little taste that I got. If anyone has any books that they are fond of, I would appreciate a recommendation. As far as my taste goes, the older the book the more interesting I find it but I am definitely interested in recent works as well, especially if it contained some information regarding CAD and model design/construction.

Thanks for the tips.

Check out Kieth Sparks book on building with foam, allot of good info on different techniques, his sight is Park Flyers something, if you look in the scale electric or R/c Airliner threads you can check out some of his work, he has plans and short kits available also, both foam and balsa.

Here's a must have. http://www.amazon.com/R-C-Model-Airp.../dp/0879382384

Andy Lennon wrote many articles and a column for M.A.N. if I remember correctly. When I sold my house years ago, instead of dragging all the back issues of M.A.N. with me, I made sure to cut out all his acticles, still have them for reference.


I will add Keith Sparks book is on my list also. I just started working with foam, and comes highly recommended. http://parkflyerplastics.com/cart/in...roducts_id=644

If you're the technical type, "The Theory of Wing Sections" is a good one to have. Everything you wanted to know about airfoils but were afraid to ask.

Ken

For a 'free and simple' CAD point of view, Google SketchUp is a handy tool for general CAD type work, though you will probably need something more fancy for complex surface shaping.

Here's some threads worth a look -

Using google Sketchup for modeling... With practical examples

Free 3D! Sketchup Parts!

Create PDF's from your Google Sketchup plans video tutorial

Thanks for all the tips, guys. I will be looking to pick up a copy of Andy Lennon's book. Possibly Keith Spark's book, but at this point in time Im not terribly interested in foam construction.

Eflightray - I have access to Solidworks and ProE so I wont be using sketchup for much. I have used it before though, and it is a great free program. Im sure the threads you mention have theory that would easily be applied to a more sophisticated CAD program, so I will take a look.

You know I have a couple of the more popular books and they are loaded with all kinds of theory and nifty equations. I have found that a little google searching will find you a couple of articles from Chuck Cunningham and Ken Willard that contain some really practical model airplane design theory. This info coupled with one of the online CG calculators will get you going in the right direction.

Martin Simons' book are nice. One is 'Model Aircraft Aerodynamics'. It is pertinent and an 'easy' read. Mr. Simons is a really nice guy so that is icing on the cake!