Robert Parker

Thank you all for your comments. Geoff & Dale, there is a plan on Outzone at 50" and Sarik has a 54" plan. I have a book by Kelvin Shacklock, Aircraft workshop: Learn to make models that fly which has a quarter-scale DH71 plan in it with a span of 67" for a 70 fourstroke, but I have tried to search for the plan but no luck. I understand the plans were available through Traplet but they have gone but Sarik are not listing it. Regards Robert

Thank you, Martin, I certainly will.

Hi All, Well, the postman delivered the Oratex. I opted to not go for the yellow black scheme as the decals provided were for "RV" and not "QU". At first, I was not taken by it after only doing the antique and thought should I paint it as it is quite translucent and showing the balsa structure of the wing. However, now the model is completed I think it looks very smart and the translucent wing adds to the 1920's look. The Oratex went on like a dream even better than Solartex and it is one of the best coverings I have done for some time. Once the covering was done it was time to do the finishing touches, the pilot has been on the shelf for years waiting for her moment and after a quick diet, she was in the office and looking quite the part. Rigging wires were next followed by the instrument panel and cockpit framing, the only part missing from the kit which I made from 1/64th ply and made the windows from a plastic lid from a cracker box. All control horns fitted and the tank fitted and plumbed as well. Here are a couple of photos, until I get the time and weather to take some decent outdoor shots of her and one day a few flying shots. I decided not to add the rigging wire between the wheels as it would probably catch on the grass at our patch That's all for now but I'll leave you with the thought that for my next build I'm seriously thinking about a stablemate for my Short Stirling, a Tony Nijhuis Short Sunderland, a kit I have had for several years and one I hope it will take me a few months to build as I'm starting to run out of hanger space. Regards Robert

Hi Andy, Looks good to me, I like the idea of adjustable legs. I built mine from 50 x 50mm pse timber frame with 18mm WBP ply with an acoustic board fixed on to it for my building board and just the 18mm ply for the workbench areas and forming cupboards below. I formed a "U" shape, the doors keep the dust out and I can store all my unbuilt models and tools. The "building board" is 2400 x 900, difficult to imagine with all that clutter, the left workbench is 2200 x 600 and the right bench is 1500 x 600, just the right size for the kit boxes, the doors are made from Oak faced MDF with kitchen cupboard hinges, I don't seem to have any photos of a clear bench, always building. I think this gives a general idea though. hope to be of some help

Hi Dave, Thanks for the lead, very interesting to read how the ice spikes are formed and of course solving the mystery. Regards Robert

Hi All, A puzzle for you. I noticed this in my garden the other day, I cannot give an explanation for it there are no overhanging trees or anything above it can anyone give a thought as to how this happened. The garden is enclosed. Regards Robert