Keith Laumer, besides being a talented Science Fiction author, was a model airplane hobbyist. Over the years he published well over 2 dozen designs in major model airplane monthlies. His designs, and his construction articles showcased his writing talent and his imagination. Here is a sample, the intro to the "Twin Lizzie" consruction article:
"It's a perfect day for flying; the runway is smooth and
The air is calm. Engine humming, Twin Lizzie starts
her take-off run; the tail skid clears the ground, and with a
tentative bounce, she's airborne, climbing steadily in a
wide turn that brings her back directly overhead with 50
feet of altitude. The sun glints off her side as she swings
past to make another circle, climbing 100 feet before
the engine cuts.
In the glide, the ship drifts back toward the runway
rocking slightly in an occasional gust, to float in to
a perfect landing, ready to go again.
That's the way Twin Lizzie flies, and construction is
easy, with a simple box fuselage, sheet balsa tail surfaces
and constant chord wing. If you're a beginner or an old
timer you'll find Twin Lizzie fun to build and fly."
(Keith Laumer, Model Airplane News, April, 1959, page 9)
"The Twin Lizzie" Probably his best known design, the original plans were converted to CAD by Gene Rock and presented here as a pdf file. Would make a great electric, as would all of Keith's old designs.
