CardBoard Plane?

[CheapGuy]

Has anyone built and had good luck with Cardboard? Or maybe a CB foam combo? I mean it's cheap, why not utilize it right? I have a buddy that works for a CB box company and can get met just about any kind of CB. I did find a site of a guy that builds with it, but there not much real info there.
http://home.earthlink.net/~charlesfelton/

[Darth_Z]

Hey Cheapguy,

I have flown an "airmadillo" it has corrugated cardboard for the wings, vertical stabilizer, and elevators. The wing is actually two pieces covering formers for a semi symmetrical airfoil. The fuselage is 1/2" Sq. aluminum tubing. Solid tubing to mount engine, tank, and radio equipment on. A very basic built taildragger.

Darth_Z :)

[CheapGuy]

Hey Darth, How did it hold up? What I am looking for is construction tips. Also is there much difference in the weight?

[Darth_Z]

The actual owner cartwheeled it down the runway. The wings and stabilizer were very tough, no real damage. The aluminum frame was a little bent. But with the help of a builders square from the truck, and a knee, it straighten right out. as for weight is is lighter then build up, and heavier then foam.

Until I saw the link that you put up, I had no idea that someone builds close to scale aircraft with it. Just goes to show you if you got the will and talent you can make a cardboard box fly. LOL

[Gerryy]

If you like the cut and fold method of building you will find several cardboard models (glow powered) in both Flying Models and in Model Aviation (AMA) magazines. The "airmadillo" from the Airplane Factory, I do believe had coragated plastic wing and tail, not actual cardboard, but it does look like it!
hope this helps
GY