Cranfield A1

[Edwin Brown]

I have been given a Cranfield A1 recently. It is a low wing sports plane with approx. a 7ft wingspan. I would like to restore it but I know nothing about the plane. When I googled it a link was shown to a You Tube video of one flying. Has anyone got any knowledge of them, who they were made by and whether spares are available? Eddie Brown

[Garbo]

Yea I remember when it came out in the eighties, PFM models? Unlikely to be able to get spares.

Edited By Garbo on 08/12/2012 21:04:40

[Lindsay Todd]

Yes I remember them as well, as I recall Pat French Models produced two kit versions the larger and a 40i/c version about 56" span. One of the guys in our club had one which I did the check fly with, flew reasonably well as I recall but it was probably mid to late eighties. Someone might have a plan tucked away.

Lindsay

[kenking-King Design]

As best I can remember, the full-size Cranfield A1 was designed by personnel of the Flight Dept., College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, and was intended to combine all the most desirable features for an aerobatic aircraft of that period. All I recall is that the tapered wing had a straight trailing edge aligned with the pilot's head position. I left Cranfield around '62 and I think the A1 came shortly after that. Sorry I can't help with model info., but I'll watch this thread with interest. Happy hunting.

[Lindsay Todd]

Just tracked this down, I remember the distinct tapered leading edge and straight trailing edge.

[TheFlyingCrust]

I found this.

Ian

Edited By Rentman on 09/12/2012 09:24:30

Edited By Chris Bott - Moderator on 17/01/2013 22:42:00

[Phil Brooks]

This picture wa taken in March 2009, the plane was parked at (believe it or not) Cranfield University, where I believe it is or was the subject of an ownership dispute. Note the change to the canopy, it now looks to be a two seater.

Edited By Phil Brooks on 09/12/2012 09:41:00

[Phil Brooks]

Try this link

 

and this one

Edited By Phil Brooks on 09/12/2012 10:04:25

[Edwin Brown]

This an excellent response, most interesting. It would be really helpful if I could find some where from whom I could buy the models original building instructions. Hopefully this would give information on such things as recomended engine sizes and C of G information. I am assuming that it will need at least a 90 to 1.20 size engine. One can only hope! Eddie.

[Hymie Munitz]

Hi Eddie

As we speak I am building the PFM Cranfield A1.Have both models of the Cranfield.Small 56" and large 77"The 77inch box lay in the attic for close to 25 years.Thought I"d give it a bash.Have all the plans(a little faded).Build the plane only ,but have not covered it.Will go electric.

If we make contact I will send you photos and any information about the kit.

Rgds Hymie Munitz (Sydney Australia)

[Edwin Brown]

Hi Hymie, I will be most interested to see your photos and any other information that you have on the kit. Regards Eddie.

[Hymie Munitz]

Hi Ed

Thank you for your reply.If possible could I have your e mail address and I will send your all the relevant information about the Cranfield A1 by Pat French.To date I have completed the model with and electric conversion.What a "beauty"

PS I am more familiar with posting photos on e mail.

Rgds Hymie Munitz Email drmunitz@bigpond .net.au

[Edwin Brown]

Hi Hymie My e-mail address is [email protected] Regards Eddie.

[Phil Brooks]

Just been catching up on a TV programme I recorded a couple of weeks ago, "A Great British Air Disaster" on Ch4 about the loss of the early DH Comets over the med. The closing interview is with Graham Braithwaite, described as a Professor of Safety and Accident Investigation. The interview is conducted inside what appears to be a hangar or large shed, and he is standing in front of G-COAI, the aircraft in my picture above. (i'd photoshopped the registration out when I used it in an aircraft recognition thread a couple of years ago). I'm assuming he's on the staff at Cranfield, and as the program was made in 2012 according to the credits, it would seem that at least the old girl has now been put under cover, though she still has the ugly extended canopy.

[Colin Leighfield]

One of our regular forum members, Bob Cotsford, told me recently that he used to have the PFM Cranfield A1, the larger version. I had mentioned that I had flown a PFM Team Special biplane for many years and also the Giant Zlin, which prompted his recollection.

I thought that Pat French produced some excellent models. (Economy Scale). Eventually he sold the business to Stagg Models in Northampton, I think, but sadly I don't think they ever did anything with it, but I might be wrong. He was also a keen motorbike man and bought the rights to build Metisse motorcycle frames from the Rickman Bros. He ran this business in Bristol very successfully until he sadly passed away a couple of years ago.

The Cranfield A1 is a great subject, if little known and deserves to be resurrected. Although I totalled my Team Special many years ago, I've still got the Giant Zlin in repairable condition and recently acquired an unopened kit on EBay. It would be great to see these excellent designs re-launched by someone, though I suppose that it's unlikely.

[Bob Cotsford]

Sorry Colin, I think you must have got the wrong end of the stick there, I remember the ads from that period, and I have old magazines with the ads but I never had a kit. I would have liked one though.

[Colin Leighfield]

Sorry for misrepresenting you Bob, I clearly did get the wrong end of the stick! It's an interesting subject though, wouldn't mind getting my hands on one even now, either size would do!

[Stuart Z]

Hi

Just browsing and found this thread. Does anyone know where you can get a plan for one of these? I had the smaller PFM model in the 80's and would be interested in building another.

[Stuart Z]

Trying again

Has anyone thoughts on where I can get a plan for a Cranfield A1. Has anyone got one tucked away?

[Peter Miller]

I have a copy of PIlot January 1979 which featres and aricle on the Cranfield A1.

You can have that for the cost pf the postage. PM me if interested

[John F]

If anyone will have plans that can be converted to model plans it will be those who designed it and still have it in their hangers.

Have you tried to contact Cranfield University about this?

[Franke]

Hi again

Had a Cranfield A1 2 meter version made form Metterhausen kits( fiberglass fuselage and sheeted foam wings) in the beginning of the eighties. Flew fantastic.
This kit is no longer available, but the fuselage/ cowling and canopy is still available in Germany.  Got all the parts prepared and will make it fly again. Used a geared Webra twin at that time, slightly overpowered. next one will use a Webra 30-2 twin. 

[Nigel Dell]

Hi Franke

 

Do you have a link to where the fuselage mouldings are available please?

[John Minchell]

OK all, Paul Bardoe bought up the rights to all the PFM kits a couple of years ago.  I borrowed the NOS kit of the Zlin from Colin Leighfield (above) and Paul copied everything to re- start making the Zlin & some of the PFM kit range.  The Zlin is now available from PB Models and he should have the plans and patterns for the Cranfield too.  Get in touch and ask if you are still looking for plans.