Paper Airplane for endurance and stunt

That's cool! I have a niece that always tackles my leg when I see her and wants to fly Uncle Duke's airplanes and make paper airplanes. I'll have to find a book like this.

I make a design called a Barnaby (Barnabie??).



The reason why is a longish story, but I once found myself waiting most of the night on a balcony on the top floor of the Las Vegas Hilton with nothing much to do, but plenty of
paper.

Turns out with all the AC and whatnot running, the entire strip is pretty much one big thermal at night.  All the gliders that flew straight enough not to hit the penthouse or the big neon sign on top thermaled up and stayed up.  With all the light coming from the strip they were easy to see, I must have had 20-30 circling up there at one point.

















I normally freehand the wing/rudder cut. Just drew a line for photo purposes, and it took me a couple tries to get it close, but as you can see I didn't quite follow it even then. They still work with torn edges if you don't have scissors or a knife. There were little scissors in the sewing kit in the room in the LV Hilton.

Once you have done a few, you get a feel for them, and little trimming is needed. Probably 9 out of 10 flew well off that balcony...no opportunity to trim the ones that didn't.

The design came from a little book by a guy named Barnaby. I think it said how many times to fold the leading edge, but I never count. Just leave a little more than half the sheet unfolded. You can flatten the tips and roll more or less if it is nose or tail heavy.

Your first one is a more complex version of the same shape I had the best luck with as a kid. I'll have to fold up a couple and see if I've still got it.

Rusty

I forgot all about this thread... after a couple days of no action; I thought no one was interested! I stumbled upon it tonight; tired and weary... and   stories!!!

I believe that my old book (circa 1968?) was entitled "The Great International Book of Paper Airplanes" (or something like that)... I'll bet "daddyo" (Happy Birthday!!!) had the same book! Kev, "Uncle Duke" and Rusty... all of you... thanks for your interest.

Folding a piece of paper into a flying marvel, only takes a minute... and the joy it can bring; especially to the "children" in your life, is unforgettable.

Yes that's the book!  http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/360788849977?lpid=82

I know I still have it somewhere in the garage.

daddyo wrote:Yes that's the book!  http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/360788849977?lpid=82

I know I still have it somewhere in the garage.

I miss that book! I "loved it"... there's some real radical designs... My Dad and I built some of them. "Origami"!!!!

(Edit) Yes... that's the book!