Keith Lewzey

For goodness sake dont land in what Fido is just depositing

I think we need to take some measurements of mounting dimensions & go and see a variety of retracts in the flesh. That will allow us to assess better the dimensions of the retract units, the quality of the manufacturing & therefore the suitability of the units before buying. I am confident we will find something that meets the competing issues of quality suitability & budget available, it just may take a little while. We did say this was not going to be a quick build as it is our first MAJOR plan build. Jono & I have done several plan/kit builds already but this is our most ambitious to date. You have to have a challenge in your building. More work will be carried out this weekend on the second wing so Jono may post some update pics early next week of that.   A further question for the builders among you. The plan says the flap outer skin should be made from fibreglass or aluminium, has anyone used any other material such as 1/16th ply? We have not worked before with either fibreglass or aluminium for skinning so are a little worried about trying it (what happenned to that challenge in building). Some views of others would be good about what people have used/would use in this area.   Keith

I think they're more of a craft place than a model place. I've tried some of thier tissue before and was dissapointed. Forget dowel, you need the lightest balsa you can get around the 1/32 size and possibly foam.   Jonathan L (sorry posting under dad's name)

Hi All Followers of Watch Out Spitfires   All I can say is Watch Out for the Next Installment as when it comes it will show the start of the next major phase. I won't say more than that not wanting to steal Jonathan's thunder, but we had a good day yesterday & the next few days should see significant progress

Hi All   In my umble opinion, the something different view this year holds alot of water. Another single engine low wing fighter would be rather eerr boring........   Mr Nijhaus has an enviable reputation for design & build of multi engine aircraft so surely we have to make use of that wealth of skill & experience & ask for something MULTI ENGINE (IC or Leccy). Twin of four motor   The second facet to my suggestion again following the something different thread is twin boom design, mid or high wing. I think this type of aircraft/model has such huge presence in the air   So my votes in no particular order are as follows:   1.  P38 Lightning ( yes I know there are several out there but recent ones all seem to be foamy).   2. P61 Black Widow   3. Armstrong Whitworth Argosy - Military/civil options here   If anyone has other multi engine/twin boom suggestions to bring to the table bring em on.   The Multi Engine - Twin Boom party has however now been officially launched & is looking for new members

Frippin Freezin me Frinks

I think annoyed is a little strong number one son. Frustrated / Envious certainly

Hi Brian B I did some measurements for Jonathan when we were looking at possible engines to put in his 190. The max internal space without having to cut the cowl from the crank centre line to the cowl is 97 mm at the point longditudinally in the cowl where the cylinder head would sit. On this basis we have decided to fit a Saito FA82a as this is fractionally smaller than 97mm. I presume the gemini is multi cylinder with smaller individual cylinder heads? If you want I could run some measurements to see the minimum distance from the crank centre line which is I know less than 97mm. 97mm is at the top of the cowl where the machine gun installation shaping makes it larger. Let me know if you want me to measure up!

I got mine from TJD for £65 in the spring but they have removed it from their website now. Al's are showing it on their site still for £90. Don't know if they have any stock left though. Good luck

I presume young Modeller Skywalker you mean an own build replacement part rather than a bodge?

A poo coloured Camel Wicked

 The original recommended setup was less powerful than either Jono's or what you are suggesting Tom. Jono's Funjet looks really good in the air. It certainly turns heads among the more traditional modelers at our patch on a fast pass Bang for buck we think it's up there with the best.  Keith

The model is supposed to take up to a 3200 pack if my memory serves me right. The issue here really is power to weight ratio which I think is what you mean Jono. I agree with you Jono about what is a 2W motor, can you clarify Tom?  Keith

Jonathan's Funjet runs on a 2200 pack that weighs about 200g & a motor that weighs 50g so the combo your suggesting well work if you can get the pack in width wise. There is plenty of room length wise in a Funjet fus so adjusting the CoG shouldn't be too much problem. Anything to add to your old mans comments Jono?  Keith

As Jonathan said above, has anybody in the Herts, Beds, Bucks area got an Ocelot we could have a pre purchase nose at?  We are quite happy to travel within a reasonable radius of the Dunstable area. Hope to hear from somebody here soon.  Keith

Your supposed to be on holiday in France at the moment Mr T. Have you made an unexpectedly early return or are you now keeping tabs on us from other nations?  I refute the suggestion/allegation that I missed the landing box more than 30 times as the score sheets clearly show. The box moving to catch up with my wayward glider may however be another issue. I can't confirm either way cos I simply based all landings on trying to put the thing down where you guys were landing yours! Box, what box????? Sincerely, the leader of the gang Keith

I'm sure one of the club juniors could make great use of this bird. Count me in therefore.

I do enjoy these competitiony thingy wotsits. Please put me in the mix again

I've been before, would like to go again, so yes please

Well I already have the P51 so I think it needs an experienced builder of this type of model to take on this type of project, so chaps if you wouldn't mind standing aside

You can view the Funtana manual on the Horizon hobby website. The build they show in the pictures fits a Saito 72 but definately shows the 2 stroke as an option. Were a bit fired up from the NATS as well. We picked up the model there as Jonathan said & started buiding properly on Monday. Were hoping to have it ready to go at our club family day on 6th Sep It will definately fly pretty well on the 46. Whether it will get the best out of the airframe? I guess it's watch this space.

Hi Shaun, it's Keith "How did he miss the two fences & the puddle" Lewzey here. AKA Jonathan's Dad. The OS46 was a stock item that has come out of Jonathans previous model a Black Horse travel Air. The Funtana box/manual says fly on a 2 stroke 32 to 46 or a bigger 4 stroke as is usually the case. I confess we probably dont have the experience to quantify the torque effect of the slower revving 4 stroke. Time will tell whether we feel this is adequatly powered or whether we need to install a 4 stroke. The Funtana looks as though it's going to come out at between 2.2 & 2.3 kg. The Travel Air was over 2.5kg & would do unlimited vertical climb on the OS 46 AX. Whether it would punch out from a prop hang not sure. With the Funtana we will learn as we go along. Do you have any thoughts on the torque issue you raised that might help us? Keith

Thanks Guys Strange guy in the picture here As leader of the club HLG at the moment i can confirm (WITH ALL HONESTY) that I have found the landing zone 30 times this year so far. Yes my slab of lead is heftily favourably handicapped compared to the Highlight Unlimited wisps but that is not my fault! It is also not my fault that some of them cant find the landing zone either Keith

In for a Pretty, in for a pound  Sorry, awful way on plords Sorry even worse!!

Of course it will lift a sea king Timbo Cool video that wasn't it. Oh and yes include me in the draw too please Mr A