Great models you wish you still had!

[Gee Bee]

I forgot to add to my previous post that despite the Kamco Kadet wings folding, I ended up cutting out the damaged centre section & rejoining the wing panels to provide a shorter span wing. This actually got used on a simple rudder elevator slope gilder, which performed quite nicely. That model is still in my attic ! .... so maybe I should make an electric powered fuselage to suit the shorter span wing. 

 

However - to add to the theme of this thread .... one model from the past that I miss is the Dave Worrall +3 aerobatic slope soarer, which was kitted by Rojair from Nottinghamshire. Dave was the chairman of the Ribble Valley Model Soaring Association, of which I was a member. I got my kit through Dave & went to his house to collect it. Dave was a well respected model flyer (Known in F3B as well as slope soaring competitions. It was a pleasure to visit his workshop to collect the kit, and listen to his advice on the modifications I could do during the build to get the best from the model. Bear in mind  this was in the late 70's & before computer mixing on transmitters. 

Following Dave's  advice I improved the wing mounting system to clean up the aerodynamics and added mechanical mixing to the ailerons (Via a sliding servo tray) to provide independent flap mixing & permanent elevator-couple flap. The resulting model was a joy to fly & had excellent aerobatic performance. The independent flaps also greatly helped soaring in marginal conditions, plus they could act as airbrakes on full downward deflection. 

 

I also found that my modified Ripmax-Aviette Ivinghoe (Rudder elevator) glider wings neatly fitted my +3 fuselage and enabled me to use if for intermediate (Rudder/Elevator) slope aerobatic competitions, where it had success in local competitions (RSA league). Again in this format it was a joy to fly. 

 

Inevitably, over time the model suffered some damage & needed repairs. During that time I had built a pre-production kit of Bill Worthington's 'Trouble-Shooter) aerobatic slope soarer, which became my first choice slope aerobat (Though the undamaged +3 was IMHO the better machine, given the mixing options I had incorporated). There then came a time where my friend Tony needed an aileron wing to complete a practice model, so I let him have the +3 wing.

I still have the original +3 fuselage & the modified Ivinghoe wing in the loft & it really should be refurbished. 

 

Rojair kits seem to be long forgotten by most modellers, as were the earlier 'Jolly Roger' series of kits from the same area (stable ?) - Jolly Roger kits were from the 70's. These brands were both decent quality kits (at the time) & did power models as well as gliders ........ another UK model company casualty.

 

Happy flying to all.  GB

[J D 8 - Moderator]

  Rojair Cadet 62 was a good second trainer for me until I flew it in the late evening, that was a mistake as lost orientation and it got away, gave up trying to get it to fly back after a bit s killed the power and span it in to the darkness. Found the next day 3/4 mile away wreaked but  I had the engine and wing back that then saw service on a Hiboy fuzz.

 Just the other day had to call it a day on my well used EF16 after a failed servo led to a spiral dive crash, wish I could find another as such a good flyer on just a 2200 3s.

[JEdmunds]

I built an Elder 40 with and RCV60 SP up front. It flew a treat and made a great sound as it barrelled around the sky. I very stupidly sold it and have regretted it for the last 10 years. I did something similar with an Xtra-Wot. These are the only two aircraft that I wish I still had but no longer do :(

[Richard Harris]

My first kit build was a Bowman Simple Skyman when I was about 10 years old. I still remember the roll of gold covering it came with.

It was powered by a Meteor 40, and I used a 3-channel Acoms radio system.

That plane taught me how to fly, and it flew beautifully. I’m not sure why I ended up selling it, but it’s a decision I’ve always regretted. A few years ago, I spotted another kit on eBay and almost had it, but unfortunately, I missed out. I’ve been searching for a plan ever since, but haven’t had any luck so far.

Maybe one day I’ll find another and get the chance to relive those early flying days.

 

 

[2.4g Shaun]

The Hegi Lear Jet, I regretted selling it the second I saw it going in the new owners car many moons ago.

 

Also my Kwiksilver that I gave to a pal  a good few years ago when I stopped slope soaring as frequently (but on the upside he's had lots of fun with it) but that issue has recently been fixed. I now own one and a half Kwiksilver's ATM. Soon to be two when I build a new set of wings. 🙂

Edited May 20 by 2.4g Shaun
Typo

[William Macleod]

A 78" span Ford Trimotor with an os 48 4stroke plus dummy engines

Edited May 20 by William Macleod

[Basil]

On 05/08/2023 at 12:17, David Davis 2 said:

Flair Hooligan and Radio Queen. The Hooligan was the luckiest model I've ever had. This photograph was taken a few moments after I hit the trees in the background. Having hit the upper branches I pushed the throttle forward more in hope than expectation but and the engine was still running! I brought the model into a good landing trailing foliage which I am holding in my right hand.

 

The Radio Queen was the best primary trainer I've ever had for teaching nervous elderly novices how to fly. Sold both of them.

 

 

 

 

David, re the Radio Queen...... I was given to understand that these older design models dont perform well in anything other than a breeze. Is it better weather over there in France or does the radio queen buck the odds on that issue. How does that sort of airframe fair when exposed to the rigours of Training. That goes for the holigan as well.Thanks

Bas

[Richard Wood]

Galaxy Scorpion.

Just a pleasant '40' size sport model converted to electric. A little bit heavy but flew well.

 

[David Davis]

1 hour ago, Basil said:

David, re the Radio Queen...... I was given to understand that these older design models dont perform well in anything other than a breeze. Is it better weather over there in France or does the radio queen buck the odds on that issue. How does that sort of airframe fair when exposed to the rigours of Training. That goes for the holigan as well.Thanks

Bas

 

Where to begin.

 

I tend not to fly vintage models when it's windy. I currently have an ARTF Calmato and a Galaxy Models Mystic which I reserve for windy weather.

 

I used the Radio Queen to give beginners, usually nervous elderly beginners, their first experience of radio controlled flight. Trying to teach such beginners in windy weather is not very productive because the wind is blowing the model all over the place and the beginner has not yet developed a muscle memory and does not know what to do when the model is affected by a gust. When they have a little experience then it's possible but by then they should have moved onto something with ailerons. Colin Buckle reckons that the Radio Queen may be flown in windy weather by holding in some down. https://www.benbucklevintage.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_3&products_id=9. Radio Queens were  designed to accomodate heavy 1950s receivers and batteries which could weigh as much as two pounds or a kilogram, so they are very strongly built and well up to the stresses of the training role in my opinion.

 

The Hooligan was Flair's answer to the WOT4 and like the WOT4 it goes where you put it. They were never as popular as WOT4s but they flew just as well. They were good as a second or third model but not a basic trainer. They haven't been made for many years and you'd be hard.

 

I sold both models before I moved to France and yes the weather is better over here! 😉

 

 

[Paul De Tourtoulon]

My Black Baron Special, OS .48 surpass, I passed my QPDD in it in 1990 ( qualification for public demonstrations in france )

The Pink one with the USA stars was mine, silk covered and 2 pack polyurethane paint,  I loved passing between two trees at the end of the runway high up, but one inverted pass ( just showing off 'again' )

was one too many,🤢

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=7212

 

[Richard Wood]

 

Also enjoyed flying one of these beautiful but a touch heavy little Cessna lookalikes on a OS25LA.

(Thanks to the person who posted this picture of the kit box!).
 

Edited May 21 by Richard Wood

[Brian Cooper]

My World Models Zero. 

It performed superbly and was a joy to fly. . It lasted for about 15 years. 

 

It died, bizarrely, due to keeping up to date with maintenance. It had just had a new switch fitted - a new one was fitted every two years as a matter of routine - but the (brand new) Futaba switch was faulty. 🙄 😱 

 

Rest in pieces... 😉

 

[Basil]

On 21/05/2025 at 10:48, David Davis said:

 

Where to begin.

 

I tend not to fly vintage models when it's windy. I currently have an ARTF Calmato and a Galaxy Models Mystic which I reserve for windy weather.

 

I used the Radio Queen to give beginners, usually nervous elderly beginners, their first experience of radio controlled flight. Trying to teach such beginners in windy weather is not very productive because the wind is blowing the model all over the place and the beginner has not yet developed a muscle memory and does not know what to do when the model is affected by a gust. When they have a little experience then it's possible but by then they should have moved onto something with ailerons. Colin Buckle reckons that the Radio Queen may be flown in windy weather by holding in some down. https://www.benbucklevintage.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_3&products_id=9. Radio Queens were  designed to accomodate heavy 1950s receivers and batteries which could weigh as much as two pounds or a kilogram, so they are very strongly built and well up to the stresses of the training role in my opinion.

 

The Hooligan was Flair's answer to the WOT4 and like the WOT4 it goes where you put it. They were never as popular as WOT4s but they flew just as well. They were good as a second or third model but not a basic trainer. They haven't been made for many years and you'd be hard.

 

I sold both models before I moved to France and yes the weather is better over here! 😉

 

 

Thank you David for your reply. I have some really old models but alas they dont like wind . I have some Ben buckle kits that I have aquired along the way.Theres just some thing about them. Many thanks Bas

 

[Paul Marsh]

Great thread! good idea...

 

I still got most of my old planes, in fact flew one last week which is 30 years old. a twin of some sort.

Though not lost many, luckily over the year, or maybe sold. lets have a look...

 

1. 25 sized Street cat. Built it, flew it lots, then was flying it a fly in and when back at the trader, a guy and his lad asked me if I would sell it, without engine as his lad loved it and offered me a really silly amount - £150 just for airframe and servos - really..? ok,then.

Sad i sold it, but bought a cheap one recently with engine, ok i might build it again as still got the plan..

.

 

2. Moronic. Flew really well and did my A on it, had it for years various engines and think the radio failed and that was it, though by this time was a flying rag, though still have the ailerons and tail. Might find a kit somewhere...

 

3. Robbe Concorde. Actually still have it, but a wreck, as it was underpowered, flew really unstable and heavy. Still have the motors in it if found a new kit would put brushless in it and micro servos.

[Paul De Tourtoulon]

I ran my Robbe Concord on a 3s lipo, great fun.