chris collis

I’m now considering maybe having a go at trying this foam board construction later next year with the information that you’ve given me,many thanks.I’ve been looking at some of the designs from Luft46 of German prototypes and they have peeked my interest for next year.At present I’ve got a 96in Sunderland,balsa construction,on the board followed by a Fockwolf190 and a 4mtr Dg808.

Looks absolutely brilliant 109! I didn’t realise that you couldn’t buy just 1 sheet, so if I do decide to build one and can’t get away with it I don’t want a stack of board i won’t use!

Hi Graham, I’m just at the pondering stage to build another 54in one as I think I still have the blown up plan knocking around somewhere.Many thanks for the offer of help if I do give it a whirl.My original airframe was stolen a few years ago. I do miss it.

So the airframe itself could cost as little as a tenner!Sounds exceedingly good value for money.Just as a byline,does anybody still use Japanese tissue these days?

Hi Eric,Would the 32incher be a bit too small for depron or fibreboard just for durability?Up until now I’ve never tried to use the above materials,always been a bit of a balsa and foam basher.

I forgot to ask if anyone could build these out of fibreboard ,depron or other lightweight materials?Would they be suitable?The 32in one was designed for a speed 400 but I changed it to a small brushless motor.The flying photos are of the 54in span 1076.

Back in 1996 there was a free plan in Rcm&e for a Heinkel 1076 at 32in span. I built one and am curious if there are any other ones in existence or if anyone has ever contemplated building one.It’s been a brilliant flyer over the years,both as electric and Pss. I also enlarged the plan and built one at 54in span,with the swept forward wing ,another brilliant flyer that was responsive and stable.With all the newer building techniques and materials and brushless motors, it may be an interesting project for someone,especially the larger version. The plans are on outerzone I believe.Anyone tempted?

I would suggest adding flaps in the build as they do make a difference,After restoring my two 136in Lancs,I retro fitted them and they did enhance their flight characteristics.Both were Pss models and flaps really helped with flight and landings.

There is a plan for a 59” Pss Salamander by Neil McHardy on outerzone that could possibly be converted to ducted fan.Hope this may be of help.

Have you thought of trying kite shops or suppliers?most kites nowadays have carbon rods and tubes so you may get lucky on size.

I wish I still had my Heinkel 1076 54” span ,P38 Lightning 72”,both dual electric and Pss and both my own design but unfortunately they were stolen a few years ago along with veron vortex and a few other airframes from my garage.Police not interested.Really miss them as brilliant flyers.

I used to use Apc_e props on my electric Ripmax Spitfire and me109 but changed to Master Airscrew 11x7 as every time I landed, the Apc broke even with the brake on.Haven’t had to change any Masters yet even on my Ju88 and Ov10 Bronco when in electric mode and not in PSs mode.Bronco uses 3 bladed 10x7.Apc are more efficient but the cost of replacing became prohibitively expensive.

Next week is the Dambuster anniversary and I am curious if anyone is planning to take to the skies at their local club or are having a possible dedicated Lanc flying slot?

That would be brilliant,many thanks.

Andy,the other models I’m looking to bring are;Wellington,Spitfire,XB70 and possibly Ov10 and A37.All depends on weather forecast.All could do with an airing if possible.

I will be bringing my old Lanc to the event along with a couple of other models and will be looking for a pilot willing to fly them.Unfortunately due to my partial sight loss, I cannot safely fly them myself.Any takers?

On my Lancs, I changed the section to a Clark Y and thinned them down a bit.My oldest Lanc of 35 years,has a E-205 section.They all fly well.If in doubt have a look at an LAR section.looks about right!

Hi David,To convert your Lanc to become a soarer, I would suggest that you take out as much weight as possible ie esc’s and if you can,the motors and props. You can also get blank dummy spinners for the aesthetics if you like.What is the all up weight of the Lanc at present to work out the wing loading? It will be very interesting to see how many others are going down the same route as yourself.My own Lancs were 136in and 26lb each and they do fly well.Anniversary tee shirts are on eBay for £15. Cheers

It’s great Martin that you are trying to get all the modifications done in time for the May anniversary and I wish you every success,hope you enjoy the flying.Personally I have three Lancs,Two 136in span and one at 102in.Formation flying will be the goal for the May event if the weather gods allow!

That would be brilliant leccyflyer.Any Lancaster in the air I think would be a tribute in any event. I know that that at this time is probably a bit early for a reminder but it may give a spur on to those who may be in the final phase of building a Lanc to join in. I am wondering if we could hear the roar of Merlins over the Derbyshire dams this May from the BBMF for this anniversary?

On May 16th/17th this year is the anniversary of operation chastise against the rhur dams. The PSSA are holding an event at the Great Orme in Llandudno on the weekend of the 20th/21st May to commemorate the raid and weather permitting, there should be quiet a few models on display and flying. The thought occurred to me that those who have a Lancaster may be inclined to dust them off and go down to their local club and flying field on that day or weekend and perhaps do a low fly past, tipping a wing in remembrance of the 53 aircrew who never returned from the mission. It would be very interesting to hear anyone's views and to just stop and reflect if possible to achieve in your local area.

Thanks Robert for the information,really appreciated. I’m just starting the build on my Sunderland and I’m going to try to waterproof it as I go.Would like to fly it at the Lake District splash in if it’s still being run.Designing it as having an interchangeable wing for power and Pss.Will see how it goes.cheers

Hi Robert, just a couple of questions regarding waterproofing inside the hull of the Sunderland.Did you waterproof all the parts after construction and what did you use as a sealant? I’m building a larger version 94in and hope to fly off water.thanks

If you don’t mind Andy,that would be brilliant.Many thanks.

The May event with possibly a squadron of Lancasters in the air would be a superb sight to see and a small tribute to the men who flew with 617 squadron.Hope someone has a good video camera to capture the event and the weather looks kindly on the spectacle!Hopefully will be there with three Lancs.