My DB Sport & Scale Auster.

[David Davis]

About ten years ago I was given a DB Sport and Scale Auster which just needed finishing off so it's high time I got on with it but progress has stalled at the fitting of the canopy glazing. Because the glazing is so extensive on this model, fitting a pilot figure is to me mandatory. I've had a look at pilot figures on line but they seem to be quite expensive so I was thinking of fitting an Action Man or Barbie's Ken instead. Come to think of it I could even fit Barbie herself! We mustn't be sexist must we! One of the pilots in La Coupe Des Barons, a couple of years ago, flew with a Barbie Doll in the cockpit but she crashed just like the rest of us.

 

I will have to glue the pilot in place before fitting the canopy glazing because it will be imposible to get him/her into the pilot's seat once the top glazing is in place.

 

Does anyone have any experience of using these dolls as pilots?   

[Don Fry]

They are a bit heavy.

I did one once, got a head, hands, (ready painted) and clothing from E bay, and made a foam “doll”, dressed it, and it looked good. There is a hobby, making action man figures.

[David Davis]

I will go down to the charity shop, the "entraide" for French residents, in the next village tomorrow to see whether they have anything suitable. I don't think that the weight of a doll will be a problem with the Auster, they have a reputation for being floaters.

[J D 8 - Moderator]

    My DB Major Mannock's pilot is an original 1960's action man [ from when I was a youngster] He is a French Resistance fighter version under his overalls and has a seatbelt to hold him in. And another in Bleriot XI.

  As you say the weight is not an issue for models like the DB Auster.

[David Davis]

I bought a Barbie Doll from the local "entraide" or charity shop for 10 centimes yesterday. She will pilot my Auster. I will need to operate on her legs to get her into a sitting position and unfortunately she's in an evening dress. However, I know a seamstress who could make her something more suitable for flying. I need to have a couple of pairs of trousers altered anyway!

[David Davis]

I have done a little more on the Auster.

Barbie is a Flight Lieutenant in her new blue uniform and the front canaopy glazing has been stuck in place. I usually make a complete horlicks of canopy glazing but the piece supplied by DB Sport & Scale fitted exactly. I still have the overwing glazing to install and the glazing on top of the cockpit. In addition I need to make up the rudder closed loop and the struts, fit the engine and fuel tank and fit two servos into the wing.

As for engines I am spoiled for choice. I have three unemployed Laser 70s, two 75s and an 80 as well as a Thunder Tiger 91. I think I'll install a 75 and see how the cg works out fitting a larger or smaller engine if necessary.

Because the canopy glazing has gone so well I have decided to finish the model as VH-KSB, picture below. My clubmate Ludovic Jouinot, who works as a panel beater at the local VW agency, has agreed to paint the red and blue stripes for me.

Unfortunately I have no recent pictures of the build to illustrate progress because my camera has stopped working but there is a rather poor one of Barbie in her seat. I am going into Gueret tomorrow so I'll see whether it can be repaired.