KIT 902
Cessna O-IE Bird Dog
18" Wing Span - 13¼" Overall Length - Approx Scale: ½"=1'-0"
COPYRIGHT 1967 BY PAUL K. GUILLOW, INC.
Set fuselage formers over the notching patterns shown below and mark stringer notches with pencil (FIG. 1). Next cut out the notches with point of a razor blade or knife, (FIG. 2). Cement 1/16" sq. cross braces to formers C, D, and E. Mark notch ribs in same manner as formers.
FORMER
ASSEMBLING THE MODEL

When assembling model, check with three view plan to see that parts are in correct alignment. Do this before cement holding parts together hardens. Assemble the model as follows: Cement the stabilizer to the top of fuselage tail. Cement the rudder to top of stabilizer and  fuselage (score tissue where parts are joined for good cement bond). Cement wing panels to sides of fuselage - be sure to check for proper wing dihedral. This is shown on front view. Next,

cut and cement the "V-bars" in place. Attach the windshield and rear window - hold in place until dries. Cut and cement the top spar and trailing edge sections between the wing frames as shown above. The entire top wing center panel is covered with cellophane and then with tissue - the window openings are cut in tissue before it is attached - see top view. Cement the balsa oleo struts to landing gear wires. Attach the wing struts to fuselage and bottom of W-3 ribs. It

will be necessary to cover the small "V" sections on bottom of wing panels (next to fuselage) with small pieces of tissue. If these areas are first covered with stiff paper, it is much easier to attach the tissue. Bend the tail wheel gear wire to shape with needle nose pliers. Cement "U" bend to inside of former "I". Attach main wheels and tail wheel. Spray model lightly with water to shrink tissue - use insect sprayer or similar device.

WING RIB
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
Press all die-cut parts from balsa sheets, work carefully to avoid splitting. Use point of single edge razor blade to free any piece that fails to punch out easily. If you split one of the die-cut pieces, cement together and let dry. Arrange the parts on a board or table with the printed side up for quick identification.
Set former "D" in position between side frames but DO NOT cement at this time. Next cement former "A" between the nose ends of frames - hold with fingers or an elastic band until dry. Do not squeeze too hard or you will be apt to crush the frame and consequently have to repair it.
Clear the former notches in fuselage side frames with point of blade. Pin the two side frames together on a work board (FIG.3). Apply a generous coat of cement to the tail end of frames (ARROW). After cement dries hard, remove pins and open nose end of frames (FIG. 4). The cement will act as a hinge while holding tail end together.
FUSELAGE SIDE FRAMES
COMMON PIN
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
FIG. 6
Build the right and left wing panels over layout on other side of plan. Lay plan on work board and pin sheet of wax paper over layouts. Start by pinning the bottom spar in place and then cementing W-7 to spar. Cement ribs to bottom spar and then add the leading and trailing edges. Finally, cement the DIE-CUT wing tip W-8 and top spar in place. Be sure cement joints are thoroughly dry before moving frames.
Line up side frames carefully (FIG. 5) and then set formers B, C, E, and F into place. After checking the alignment, cement all corners where formers and frames join (FIG. 6). When dry cut frames apart where cemented together at tail and add formers G, H, I, and J. Add 1/16" sq. strips as shown. Bend landing gear wire to shape and cement to former "C". Cut and cement 1/16" sq. stringers in place as shown in larger perspective drawing on the right.
FIG. 5
RIGHT
WRONG
COMMON PINS
WAX PAPER
Sandpaper fuselage frame lightly to remove all balsa fuzz. Cut out and cement 2 stiff paper patterns in place. Cover sides of cockpit with cellophane or celluloid. Cover fuselage with sections of tissue - the side frames first and then the top and bottom areas. Apply the tissue dope only to the edge of balsa frame members that come in contact with the edges of tissue on the outside of the frames.
The rudder and stabilizer frames are built over the layouts on opposite side of plan. Pin wax paper over layouts and then pin the die-cut balsa pieces in position. Cut and fit the balsa spars and then cut and add rib members (all 1/16" sq. strip stock). When dry, remove from wax paper and trim ends of spars as required.
THIS BOTTOM SECTION IS LEFT OPEN
INSTRUMENT PANEL
CELLOPHANE OR CELLULOID WINDOW AREAS
COVER BOTTOM SECTION BETWEEN ARROWS WITH SINGLE SECTION OF TISSUE
WING TIP SECTION COVERED SEPARATELY
Cut the plastic nose cowl free from formed sheet (FIG. 7). Then cut hole for the thrust bearing (FIG. 8). Carefully cut the rear window (FIG. 9) and windshield (FIG. 10) from celluloid sheet.
Lightly sandpaper the wing, stabilizer and rudder frames to remove excess balsa fuzz. Cover both sides of stabilizer and rudder with single pieces of tissue - also bottom of wing frames with single sections of tissue. Cover the top of wing frame is covered in two sections as shown above.
FIG. 7
FIG. 8
FIG. 9
REAR WINDOW
FIG. 10
WINDSHIELD
EXPLODED VIEW OF FRAMES
Note: frames should be tissue covered before assembly.
Common Aircraft Terms
Building the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog
USE COMMON PINS TO HOLD FRAMES TIGHTLY AGAINST FORMER
1/16" SQ. STRIP
THUMB TACK