Richard Harris

My first kit build was a Bowman Simple Skyman when I was about 10 years old. I still remember the roll of gold covering it came with. It was powered by a Meteor 40, and I used a 3-channel Acoms radio system. That plane taught me how to fly, and it flew beautifully. I’m not sure why I ended up selling it, but it’s a decision I’ve always regretted. A few years ago, I spotted another kit on eBay and almost had it, but unfortunately, I missed out. I’ve been searching for a plan ever since, but haven’t had any luck so far. Maybe one day I’ll find another and get the chance to relive those early flying days.

I've remembered to do my predictions this time, the only way is up!

Kevin, Here you go, 480mm from tip to centre point of blade bolt.

No its not a bad idea at all. I really enjoy flying my Mercury Galahad and own-designed Snap Dragon on those calm summer evenings. Both models are built light, which probably explains why they fly so well. With reduced control rates, either would make a great choice for a first-time flyer. It is always more satisfying to design and build your own model. Here's a video of my Snap Dragon — a free pull-out plan from RCM&E back in 2018.

Here you go, a few photos and some close ups of damage.

DB models Auster built by an old friend who is no longer with us. This was damaged through a stall many years ago but it looks to be an easy repair for someone to tackle. Damage is to the nose,cowel and one of the root ribs. I think I've seen the plan somewhere and have probably got enough solatex for the repair, the servos are in the wing also. It would be sad to see it scrapped but I need to make room. This is Free to anyone who wants to collect it from Stourport on Severn. If you want photos let me know and I will get it out of storage tomorrow. Cheers Rich

This model was like picking a Spitfire as a trainer so had many incidents along the gyro learning curve and was rebuilt several times.

I've set a team up and think I've managed to join the league? This is all new to me.

Sad news to read this, have had many a day down at the OW Fly-Ins over the years. Other than the NATS (that was) I can't think of anywhere you can get such a variation in different disciplines on one weekend. From TomBoying , Eberneezering, Control lining and more recently allowing me to fly my autogyros, we've had some memorable days. Thankyou to all who have been envolved in the organisation of this event. All good things come to an end.

Thanks for the info Paul, I will get the said model from the shed later. It could be a gnat but I'm pretty sure it's a low winger. Here is me with my LMC Hawk when I completed it.

I built the hawk when I was younger, it flew really well with an Irvine 61 up front but lacked any speed due to adding on a 'mouse' silencer to get it below 82dcb. I gave it to my mate years ago and have just got it back as he passed a few months ago. I've also acquired another prop jet from his collection around the same size. I will have to dig it out but I'm sure it's a hunter ( could be wrong though). Built in the same way as the SMC Hawk, ie: fibre glass fuz, foam veneered wings etc. Sorry to go off topic but did they or Peterborough models kit a Hunter?

A credit to you Ron, I'm sure your clubmate Ian would be pretty pleased with your rebuild and maiden. Canards are great fun.

Hi Steve, Happy New year. I've been busy catching up on jobs around the house so the Gyroo II was put to one side. That said there's not much to complete the project so I hope to get back on it soon then submit to the mag. Once I have a firm publcation date I will post here. Rich

I refurbished my Galahad a few years ago and electrified it, it gets an airing every now and again on those very rare calm summers evenings. Like Andy I had to increase my rudder area and add quite a bit of right thrust, mine is as per the plan. My club mate has also reduced his dihedral and added ailerons, it flies equally as well just not with the same charm. Look forward to seeing how yours progresses. Here's mine in action:

Looking good. One of our club members built one over a 30 odd year period and its almost exact scale, I was a teenager when it was started and lucky enough to maiden it all these years later. It is powered by a LASER 120 vee twin and it needs it all, as Chris suggests it is not the lightest of models but flies well. Dereck's is modelled on a Morane-Saulnier MS 500 Croquet which was built under license. Here is a video I took of him going around it prior to covering, there is another of it flying which I will try and find: Please accept cookies to access this content