MA Construction Series - Building the M.20 Fuselage

Written by Paul Kohlmann. Building the M.20 fuselage Free plans and abridged tutorial Read the full tutorial in the August 2015 issue of Model Aviation.

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The M.20 will be included in the next several installments of the “MA Construction Series.” In keeping with the original intent of this series, the subject matter will focus on generally useful techniques rather than step-by-step instructions for this model. For anyone in need of detailed building instructions for the M.20, a build log can be found on RCGroups at www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2306551. Read the full tutorial in the August 2015 issue of Model Aviation.

A Miles M.20 emerges from the woodwork.

This inexpensive tool makes light work out of stripping balsa.

Balsa infill between the stringers forms the canopy opening while a vacuum formed canopy is fitted over the top.

Servos in place and rigged for control rod on the elevator and pull-pull on rudder and tail wheel.

EZ Connectors and Z-bend/pliers make control rod installation a breeze.

Control rod exiting through infill panel and connected with a Z-bend to a control horn.

After centering the motor behind the nose former, one screw holds the motor in place while the others are drilled with the mount in place.

Follow the entire build! (Build the Miles M.20)

Installment #1 (Toolbox basics) Installment #5 (Building the tail group) Installment #9 Casting detail parts Installment #2 (Balsa builders' parlance Installment #6 (Building the fuselage) Installment #10 (Waterslide decals) Installment #3 Reading plans Installment #7 Building the wing Installment #11 (Wrapping it up) Installment #4 Workflow planning Installment #8 Polyspan and paint Download all installments (.zip format - 46MB)

Follow another series! (Building the BF-109)

Installment #1 (Fuselage) Installment #2 (Wings and Landing Gear) Installment #3 (Finishing)