Innehållsförteckning för March 2023 från RCM&E

Welcome to the March 2023 issue of RCM&E. This month I am writing my introduction during one of those enforced breaks in my model flying that drives me to frustration. You see, I am an all-season kind of flyer, so I like to get down to my local model flying fields all year round – if the weather allows. But I’ve been thwarted recently, like many of our UK readers, by wind, rain and freezing temperatures, most often the wet and windy stuff! Around where I live, close to the mighty River Severn, many local flying sites are located on meadows, which can easily be waterlogged at the best of times in mid-winter or, like now, resemble vast lakes. I’ve often thought about taking one of my floatplanes out for…

After my recent visit to the BMFA auction at Buckminster I couldn’t help being drawn to all the vintage spark ignition engines on offer. My modelling endeavours started in the mid 1960s, so I missed the era of these mini wonders. Diesels and glows were the norm by then, but I was always drawn by the very distinctive bark of the exhaust note when seeing sparkies operated at model shows in vintage R/C, control line and tether car models. Over the years I’ve owned a few and even operated some in vintage style models. The most successful was a replica O.S. K6 in a Veron Stentorian using an old R/C operated relay switch (from an early brushed electric powered model) to turn the battery on and off to the coil,…

TESTING, TESTING | Plan build It all started out when I was going through my engine cupboard and came across my old Vega 50 flat twin side valve four stroke, which had last seen service in a Flair Magnatilla some 15 plus years ago. In consultation with Sarik Hobbies about a suitable plan and wood pack, I plumped for the Peter Miller designed Fokker D.VIII, plan number MW3599. As the prototype was originally flown on an O.S. FS-40, I thought this would be a good match for the Vega. However, after getting the plan pack and running the engine on a test stand, I realised that running a scale model with the cylinders and carbs enclosed within the cowl wasn’t such a great idea, especially when I was having problems…

The BFW M.23 range of sports aircraft were developed by Willy Messerschmitt from his earlier M.19 design and for a time they enjoyed a number of successes as air racers. The M.23b won both the 1929 Ostpreussenflug and Circuit of Europe races, leading to the final version, the M.23c, which was developed for, and won, the Circuit of Europe in 1930. Willy Messerschmitt would, of course, go on to design the formidable Bf 109 fighter and so, in a way, I like to think that if the Supermarine S.6B is to be considered the forerunner of the Spitfire, then the M23 might be thought of as the forerunner of the 109. Indeed, the tail surfaces have a shape which, to my eye at least, bears a resemblance to the pugnacious…

The summer heatwave was too much for many. But for me it was lovely. I guess my three-month stint in Italy last year, when the temperatures were much higher than here, has acclimatised me to it. But cold, I still don’t like. I attended two scale competitions in late summer last year, one a Wednesday event at the BMFA National Centre at Buckminster and the other at Baldock. These two events were the first outings for my latest model, which is a refinished, ARTF model of my beloved Chipmunk. You may recall some time ago I ‘assembled’ a yellow example by Seagull Models. Well, sadly, that one was lost when one flap deployed and the other did not. I should have saved it, but I was low and quite frankly…

During the past 30 years foam technology has been used successfully as a material for the construction of model aircraft. A popular early use of foam was hot cut polystyrene, with veneer skins, which were used as foam cores for wings. Other stronger and resilient types of foam, notably ethylene polyolefin (EPO) and ethylene polypropylene (EPP) are now being employed for moulded fuselages and complete models. Manufacturers usually supplement foam with glass fibre, carbon fibre, wood or metal to reinforce the foam material, enabling the creation of wonderfully affordable models that would be costly to replicate with conventional materials. Whilst they may not have the structural integrity of wood or GRP models they get by. It was Brunel that said, ‘Anyone can design a bridge strong enough but only an…

Engine build The small sectional drawing I had found in a book referred to in Part 1 had now to be put away, having little further use. The remainder of the engine would have to be designed according to my own measurements and photos of the survivor at Wroughton and by far the most difficult components are the cylinders, of which there are eight. The full-size cylinders were of cast iron. Integral with the cylinders themselves were the flat heads, the slightly inclined valve housings and ports. Ultimately each separate cylinder was covered with a thin copper jacket to provide a water space. I decided at an early stage to fabricate the cylinders from steel for three reasons: firstly, I did not feel sufficiently competent as a pattern maker to…

Modelling sales When you think about it, it is rather an odd description. ‘Swap Meet’ implies a trade of a model for another model, or an engine for an engine. But of course, this is not an accurate description, although perhaps it’s not without an underlying nugget of truth. Go around any organised model swap meet and inevitably a seller ends up becoming a buyer. And so, from a certain perspective, the title has some substance. I have been a participant at such events wearing both titles and undoubtedly have found them useful and indeed enjoyable ways to spend a few hours, gain a little cash and then spend it all - and usually more - on something else. As a seller I hope to achieve a comfort level and…

TESTING, TESTING | F5J electric glider “The first task is to mark out the position of the control horns” In my introductory article to the Osprey 2 F5J moulded glider in the August 2022 issue I did warn you that I am a slow builder, especially of moulded aircraft, hence the break of a few issues while the airframe was assembled and the radio and motor parts fitted. But it’s all finished now so after this build review the final flying part can follow straight on–weather willing! Actually, I have to admit to cheating with this model as I did in fact hand it over to my MSA clubmate Steve Hannon to finish the install for me. There is method in my madness though as Steve is probably the UK’s…

Every year, if plague and weather allow, Peter Jervis sends out the call to foregather on whichever of the Leek and Moorland Model Gliding Association (LMMGA) slopes will give the best pairing of wind and slope rise. At short notice ‘The Gate’ was broadcast via Facebook and the die was cast. Who would turn up, and with what? PERFECT CONDITIONS I pitched up at the given start time to find many with their wares spread about and already prepared. A couple of pilots had models airborne in the chill but steady breeze blowing generally from the west. The south-west corner of the Peak District has had some pretty variable weather this year, colder than normally expected for the most part, wetter too for summer, but this competition day was near…

The original aircraft was one of two aircraft used as glider tugs with Norfolk Gliding Club at the former RAF Tibenham, near Diss in Norfolk, hence the registration G-OTIB from 2000-2008. Its sister aircraft, still based there, is the green and white G-ONGC. G-OTIB is now based at Bicester, near Oxford, with the Bicester Gliding Club and is still performing tug duties there today. The aircraft is part of the Robin DR400 range of four-seater sport monoplanes, which were manufactured by Avions Pierre Robin. This company was founded in 1957 as Centre Est Aéronautique at Dijon, France and in 1969 the company name was changed to Avions Pierre Robin. The company manufactured a series of light aircraft based on the designs created by Jean Délémontez, of Jodel renown (Société Avions…

I don’t know about you but the Going Places events listing at the back of RCM&E attracts me to see who is doing what, where and when. If it’s within a reasonable distance I’ll strive to attend, just for the craic. But then, ‘under the radar’, are a myriad of club level meetings that never usually see the ‘what’s on’ pages of modelling publications. One such August event is the Alport MFC Family Day & Barbeque. I was told that this has been running on and off for the last ten years and more. A ‘circular’ email from my own club, the Derby RC Flyers, had me gather up a few models and my camera gear. The clincher was reading that free food was on offer - lead me to…

MUSEUM MODEL Around three years ago I was looking for a new modelling subject when I came across a three view of the de Havilland DH.77 prototype, of which only one example was ever built. I researched the subject and eventually produced the model to 1/5th scale. In the meantime, we downsized to a new home, which meant that I needed to let go of some of my models. I considered selling this one but, after a brief discussion with the archivist at ‘The de Havilland Aircraft Museum’ near Hatfield, I decided to donate the model to said museum as there is no full-size example of this aircraft in existence. My model now sits beneath the wing of the DH.88 Comet replica housed in the main display hangar at the…

TESTING, TESTING | Laser cut accessories Operating as a model building service for the past seven years or so Flightplan Models is run by Paul Jones, who has now turned his attention to making CNC model products. The products that Paul currently offers are mostly made from laser cut plywood, with additional high-quality hardware such as nut and bolts or hook & loop straps where applicable. Having operated laser cutting machines during previous employment I can honestly say that the sample products sent for us to assess were all cut to a very high standard and using good quality wood. Even the bag toppers (header cards) are laser cut and doing that without setting the card alight is no mean feat, I can assure you. So, Paul has definitely mastered…

SEAGULL MADNESS GR-7 £352.99 I www.jperkins.com The Boyd-Grove GR-7 Panther started its Formula 1 air racing life back in 1989 as #96 Blue Streak, marking the start of an illustrious career that over the next 14 years saw varying degrees of success. In 2003 the aircraft campaigned as #87 Madness, piloted by Steve Temple, its first win coming in 2007. In September 2017 it raced as #22 Hysteria, piloted by Lio Mougell. Perhaps the most attractive colour scheme of the GR-7’s glittering career is that which Steve Temple brought to the party, and which Seagull has adopted for this updated (20cc) version of the 71” (1800mm) span racer. Cosseted underneath an eye-catching Oracover scale scheme the lightweight, high-quality balsa and ply airframe, sporting plug-in wing panels, brings the perfect blend…

WINGING IT Settle down with a cuppa and enjoy casting your eyes over next month’s Pro-Plan, which provides the wing details for completing Jim Newberry’s 1/6th scale model of the attractive BFW M.23c, an early Willy Messerschmitt aircraft. Designed for four channel R/C and electric or IC power, Jim’s prototype M.23c is flown using a 6S electric power set up. COUNT ME IN Dependent upon receiving sufficient interest Sarik Hobbies may make a wood pack and additional parts available to complement the M.23c plan. If you want to be added to their list of potential customers then please email them at info@sarikhobbies.com and write the name of the model you are interested in (i.e., BFW M.23c) as the subject. OUT OF BOUNDS After being contacted by a reader who had…