RICHARD WILLS

Hi Maurice . Its usually the left wing that drops when a model is unhappy or has been twisted in a previous incident . If the airframe is un happy or misaligned , then torque takes over and adds its two penneth, by twisting the model and dropping the left wing . I would generally add the extension to both wings starting form about half way out and finishing at the tips . The way it works , is that it lowers the point where the air meets the leading edge and therefore forces more air over the top surface of the wing . Remember that our models are literally sucked into the air by the acceleration of air on the uppers surface . As the angle of attack increases , say in a three point landing , the lower leading edge will still encourage airflow over the top surface much longer , hence delaying the stall . If you look at a Fieseler Storch , you can see a more exotic version of the same thing , although they also have slot behind them to further accelerate airflow .

Then you would need to address them in Spanish 😉

I agree . I bet the bowlers aren't very happy either . Maybe we should ask the cricket club if they are interested in sharing instead ?

John's comment reminds me of one of my favourite jokes at the moment . I decided to buy some orthopedic shoes . I didnt think they would work . But I stand corrected . 😬

I weigh more than that 😬

I am going to the Best of British Show at BMFA HQ at the end of the month . I think Paul Johnson is going to be there too and Ron Gray & Chris Walby . Maybe Professor Eric and Graham Davies . It would be good to see many more that I have chatted to over the years . I know I will be allowed to fly (despite most people's better judgement ) because I have a B certificate dating back to the days when we flew at Sandown. Can anyone clarify if the rest of our gang can fly with perhaps just an A certificate ? Ive never been there before so not sure if it is under the Show or Club category . One of the main reasons for going , apart from a fried breakfast , is to chat to some of "gang " . The people who despite all normal common sense , keep buying kits from me . I shall be grilling them on the good, the bad and the "possible" for the future . I will also bring a few 190s and Tempest kits in case any of those people not in our gang think they would like to join in . Did you know that there is a whole world out there that doesn't know anything about Warbirds Replicas ? Its probably a good thing on reflection .

Yes the prop and cowl situation was .... amusing . But the model flew very well . It was the first time I had flown an electric version as mine is till OS52 powered . Graham made a nice job of it as usual (all bar one screw , apparently they are hard to come by in West Sussex ) . After the test flight and prop destruction , we both flew it . Very forgiving and benign . Felt very light in the way it handled at low speed . Any idea of the weight Graham ? This is the second one Ive had after giving away the prototype . MK2 has over a thousand flights , the previous was way over that ! Note the 35mhz receiver ariel . That is the only update . Now on "DAB " Some models dont know when to call it a day do they ?

Seriously though , there are a few kits that I would have liked to have stashed . The Model Designs stuff being a good example .

You can never have too many . Ask Martin Collins .........🤐

They use to be as common as muck . Ive still got mine and fly it (now electric ) . Also marked as white 5 in these pictures . Not much danger of anyone wanting a Yak or La7 thanks to Mr Rootin Tootin Pootin 🤐 Shame really, as they were both firm favourites with their operators .

I'd like to see a picture of the Peacock 109 . Ive still got the plan somewhere . Two of my friends in the club have the Ripmax 109 , P51 and MD Sea Fury . All fly well as you say. The 48" size use to be popular even before electric , perhaps because they could stay in one piece and go in the car plus a 40FP 2 stroke was what most could afford . The only problem with the size now , is that modern retracts dont really work well . Wing loading becomes too high and they are a bit too skittish when landing or handling ground bumps .The other issue is that on designs like the MD Spitfire , the spar is where the wheels go . Some days though , they are exactly what you want . Fun to build and paint .Simple to operate . Just whip it out of the car and lob it up . ("Don't just stand there , get one up !") 😁

Yes, I totally agree with all of the above Brian . The Model Designs Spitfire was a little jewel when finished nicely ( I have the plan still) . The Ripmax Spit is definitely built to a price and has none of the elegance . However , in the air ,it's a success . So I suppose that's where Model Designs failed and Ripmax won . Sad in a way as I met Pete the designer at Sandown Show when he was independent and admired his designs and passion . I often wondered why Slec just remade the Bearcat . Did Ripmax own the rights to the others ? The other similar designer is Ron Daniels who did an equally beautiful little Tempest of about 48" . Again , small runs but adored by those who bought and built them . https://hawkertempest.se/index.php/models/rcmodel-in-detail/286-christer-landberg-1-10-9-scale-tempest-mk-v-ron-daniels In England I liked the simplicity of Ian Peacocks stuff but it was , as you know never available in Kit form , just a plan . The tricky parts of canopy and cowl really are a necessity in my book .

You've really been busy Brian . I really like your finishing and attention to detail . I think you also remind us of how many great kits are no longer available . The Model Design range was quite rightly cherished by all that built and flew them . The Flair Beaufighter and 110 were also great semi scale twin kits . I guess that they would have been more popular if we had got lipos a little earlier . Going back to your finish . I think you really nailed the Hurricane . It looks like it came straight from your favourite film . All you need is a little Trevor Howard in a white flying overall . 😉

I totally agree with Leccy . They are a great entry level to warbird flying without having the pressure of spending much money . They just dont seem to be available anywhere . Perhaps its just not worth importing them ? Numbers or profit margin perhaps ? Shame really as they can really look the part . My only reservation is they do deteriorate quicker than wooden models but then again , so do foamies .

Having some Fw190s and Tempests made for the Best of British meeting at BMFA HQ in September . Ive asked for 110s as well , but whether they come along before or after the show depends on kit cutter's other demands .