Andy Irving

PatMc: Someone kindly sent me copies of the Chief plans and documents. Thanks for the offer though. Not really understanding how I would convert it do you have any recommendations for "converting it to lightweight RC"?

Hmm. So I just looked in the box of bits and there are a few bits which correlate with the 50's. Or at least the E.D. engine says 1952 on the document. Unfortunately all these boxes are empty.

Yes there are two corresponding hooks at the front end which have now been removed (but everything is saved). I now face a dilema. Do I restore this model to how it was with original single channel circuitry(and elastic bands) or continue with my previous assesment of using servos to modernise the control? Judging by this artical this plane has potentially been around for a long time. **LINK** It seems that there maybe two camps. Being into electronics in general I would be happy to experiment with valve stuff. However. I only obtained this model to have a go at RC and for the interest of my boys. What do I do? Mal: Is there a particular picture you want more detail on. Most bits have been removed. There was no valve circuitry in the plane when I got it. The only remnants were a battery box, a switch on the side and a 2 core wire(speaker like) that went to the rear of the plane.

Thanks for that Charles, I have managed to clean up two sides already(with some minor damage) with sandpaper and a scraper to remove some of the loose stuff. I'm sure if not for the tennis I would have got further along. I've cleaned out the interior of remnant electrical parts and the old fuel tank. I have come across a bit of a question mark though shown in the photos located underneath at the back of the cockpit. Is it possible this plane was controlled by a control line? I cant think of any other reason for this part. The hook is ceased so it doesn't move but turning the wire underneath, left or right lifts the cable up onto the sides of the red part. There was also a twisted broken elastic band on the hook that went in the direction of the tail. And the progress so far... Kind regards, Andy

I have commenced stripping back the Electra. Should I be concerned about the lead content of the blue paint given it's age. I seem to remember reading somewhere that old blue paints had a high lead content.

Cheers Plummet, That made me laugh a lot.

Hi all, Many thanks for all of your comments. As the Electra is the one that seems to be complete I think I will start with that one. The Chief looks like it could be a lengthy job needing repair work on the tail. Again is it worth it? How would this glider have been controlled? Is it possible that the Electra was used as a tow plane for the glider? I am guessing from the drawings submitted that the Electra needs a 2.5cc engine. Can anyone recommend a one for a beginner? Andy

Hi, I have just acquired a couple of model aircraft from a friends loft. question1: is it worth trying to repair them from a beginner point of view. question2:Does anyone know what models they are so I can find the plans. There are some old plans for a mecury marvin in the box but I don't think they are related to either of these planes. Kind regards, Andy