FORMATION OCT 13 Tony OK 23/8/13 10:33 Page 3

THE ISSUE AHEAD...

Formation...
FLYING SCALE MODELS - THE WORLD’S ONLY MAGAZINE FOR SCALE MODEL FLYERS
ON THE COVER
One of the most sensational
shapes seen at this year’s
LMA Cosford Show has to be
Roland Sanatschus’ Dornier
Do.335 Pliel (Arrow) it spans
2.5 m (98.4”) and is built to a
scale of 1:5.5. Push-pull power
comes from two Zenoah G-45
engines and it weighs in at
21.2 kg (46.4 lbs.)

OCTOBER 2013 No.167

6 CONTACT
10 Just for openers

10 delectable DEWOITINE
Brian Meredith Evans’ pretty and very sprightly scratch-built
Dewoitine D-501 French fighter

FULLSIZE FREE PLAN feature

16 airco DH6 PART 1
Part 1: A 48” span 1/9th scale electric powered model designed
by Peter Rake, with the prototype model built by Bjorn Terje
Hansebråten

24 AIRCO DH6 IC POWER

Not into electrics? Want a bigger DH6? Then try Don Luck’s
1:6.6 scale model with a wingspan of 64” (1626mm), for .45 to
.61 engines
28 airco DH6 TYPE HISTORY
At a time when Royal Flying Corps pilot training was not
particulary regularised, Geoffrey de Havilland created this
purpose-designed trainer aircraft

16 32 THE QUIET ZONE

Peter Rake presents his pint-size Sperry Monoplane, with full
size, pull-out centrespread plans. (Part 1).
38 subjects for scale - DART PUP
Based on 1930s glider technology, this one-off type is a shape
worth modelling. Would anyone like to give it a try?
44 A BRACE OF PUPS
It’s been done before! Back in 1956, AeroModeller published
plans for the Dart Pup in 18th and 1/6th scales for free flight
46 hANSA-BRANDENBURG C.1
A 35” (889mm) 1:15 scale model of the WW1 German
reconnaissance aircraft, for 0.75 - 0.8cc engines, designed for
free flight by Bill Dennis
50 BRANDENBURG TYPE HISTORY
Unglamourous in outline and shape, it was reliable and effective
52 BRANDENBURG SCALE DRAWING
1:50 detailed scale three-views
54 COSFORD 2013
This year LMA’s biggest meeting welcomed ace

60 warbirders from Germany!

60 SURVIVING Free flight SCALE
Part 5: The fiddly bits: It’s built and covered! But how do you
make those items that make a scale model look right? Andre
Hewitt explains

www.flyingscalemodels.com 64 TECHNO SCALE

Scale orientated web sites to browse

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 3

TEST FLIGHT.indd 2 21/02/2013 09:14
TEST FLIGHT.indd 3 21/02/2013 09:14
CONTACT OCT 13 copy 23/8/13 10:18 Page 2

Editor: Tony Dowdeswell

Publisher: Alan Harman
DON’T
Design: Peter Hutchinson
Website: ADH Webteam
MISS
Our subscription
Advertisement Manager: offer worth £24
Colin Spinner and Paul Bardoe on P37...
Advertisement Assistant: Joe Brown
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FLYING SCALE MODELS is published

monthly by ADH Publishing, Doolittle
Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Beds,
LU6 1QX. Reproduction in part or
whole of any text, photograph or
illustration without written permission
from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
While due care is taken to ensure the
contents of Flying Scale Models is
accurate, the publishers and printers
cannot accept liability for errors and
omissions. Advertisements are
accepted for publication in FLYING
SCALE MODELS only upon ADH
Publishing’s standard terms of

CONTACT
acceptance of advertising, copies of
which are available from the
advertising sales department of
FLYING SCALE MODELS.

rainer type aircraft are rarely the most glamorous of types

T
EDITORIAL ADVERTISEMENT
& CIRCULATION: Doolittle Mill, but, as scale modelling projects, some these offer a
simplicity of airframe that has an attraction in terms of
Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Beds,
demands on modelling skills and also time and effort. The
LU6 1QX. Airco DH6 is an example - totally boxy fuselage, constant
Tel. 01525 222573 Fax. 01525 222574. chord wings and even commonality of wing panels between top and
Email: [email protected] bottom wings, plus square-cut fin/rudder and elevator/tailplane.
When all the stuff for Peter Rake’s 1/9th 48” wingspan scale electric
powered DH6 arrived for presentation as this month’s free full size plan
CIRCULATION TRADE ENQUIRIES: feature, we decided to create a ‘double-bill’ on the type with a
Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry re-introduction of Don Luck’s 1:6.6 scale 64” wingspan example, for
Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT those who might want something a bit bigger - and with I.C power,
020 7429 4000. using a .45-.60 glow engine.
Don’s model first appeared back in the Nov/Dec 1998 issue of FSM
and he modelled his to represent the example of the type on which his
NEWSTRADE: Select Publisher Services, father learned to fly, during service with the RAF, in Egypt during 1918.
3 East Avenue, Bournemouth. Don’s inclusion of the relevant except from Luck Senior’s log book is a
BH3 7BW. nice touch.
01202 586848
Email: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Doolittle Mill, PUPPY LOVE!

ome scale modellers go out of their way to model the
Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Beds,
LU6 1QX.
Tel. 01525 222573. Fax. 01525 222574.
S more obscure or even the almost-unheard-of aircraft
types and this respect the 1920-1930s period of aviation
is full of forgotten but fascinating types.
One of those that we’ve been looking to present in FSM for a
PRINTING: Symbian Print Intelligence, while now is the Dart Pup, a very attractive little machine, the
Calverley House, 45 Dane Street, shape of which exudes its glider pedigree. What held up a
presentation in FSM as a ‘Subject for Scale’ was the lack of a
Bishop’s Stortford, Herts, CM23 3BT. good selection of photos to back up the available scale
Tel: 0870 870 1670; Fax: 0870 870 1675 three-view drawing, but thanks to Richard Riding, who was the
launch editor of Aeroplane Monthly magazine, we are able to
(c) Copyright Flying Scale Models give it ‘the treatment’ in this issue.
As we tell you elsewhere in this issue, it’s been modelled
2013 ADH Publishing.
before, but it would be nice to see it done again.

The paper used in this magazine is

manufactured at the Leipa Georg Mill
and is 100% recycled using de-inked
pulp. The mill conforms fully with the
requirements of both FSC and PEFC
and carries the full accreditations for
their environmental policies.

6 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

 AeroDetail series ONL

12 .99
Making a scale model? £ Y
Finding the detail needed to finish
a scale model can be difficult and (INC
. P+P
getting full size images is not always )*

practical. Our range of detail photo

collections provides extensive close
ups of a wide range of popular
aircraft all on CD in J-peg format

Whitman Tailwind CD106 first), the bigger engine forced a change of the Republic P-47D CD89 North American T28 CD80
Two examples shown of this U.S. homebuilt classic Spifire shape. (58 images) Bubble-canopy version of the much loved ‘Jug’, The advanced trainer aircraft that served in
lightplane, with boxey shape ideal for photographed in fine detail. (105 images) many air arms worldwide and also became
modellers. Complete close-up detail. (62 Supermarine Spitfire MK Vc CD97 a counter-insurgency ground attack aircraft.
images) Shuttleworth Museum’s airworthy example Polikarpov Po-2 CD88 Examples illustrated are from France, where
presented in it’s latest form with classic The world’s most numerously produced the type served for many years as the ‘Fenec’.
Westland Lysander CD105 rounded wingtip planform. (160 plus images) aircraft of all time, the P0-2 was a great (100 plus images)
The Shuttleworth Museum’s airworthy maid-of-all-work used by both military and civil
example shown in both camouflage and Supermarine Seafire Mk17 CD96 groups in the old Soviet Union and its satellite North American P51D
Special Operations black finishes. Full close- The Seafire 17 was no navalised Spit. A true states. Example depicted is pristine, and now Mustang CD79
up detail. (62 images) ground-up naval fighter. (64 images) in storage at Old Warden. (170 images) The definitive bubble canopy Merlin Mustang.
In detail, showing several restored examples.
Waco Ymf-5 CD104 Stinson 105 CD95 Polikarpov I-15 CD87 This is the Fantasy of Flight Museum’s
Beautiful and graceful spatted undercarriage Light, private aircraft of the 1940-50s era, with The ultra agile Russian biplane fighter aircraft overpolished example, but the close-up detail
biplane of the 1930s ‘golden aviation era’. lots of character. (75 images) that saw widespread service prior to and in the is all there. (102 images)
Example photographed is an accurate-in- early years of WW2 and during the Spanish
every-detail modern replica. (130 images) Steen Skybolt CD94 civil war. Example illustrated is a superbly North American P51B/C CD78
Attractive U.S. aerobatic biplane, presented in restored machine. (100 images) First of the Rolls Royce Merlin engined
Vickers Supermarine Walrus CD103 full detail. (89 images) Mustangs, this collection depicts the Fantasy
The famous ‘Shagbag’ biplane seaplane, used Sopwith Triplane CD93 Pitts S.1 CD86 of Flight Museum’s restored example, with
during WW2 as an air-sea rescue craft and The last example of the ‘Tripehound’ is the Homebuilt example by Bob Millinchip, as seen at overly polished plain metal surfaces. Much
fleet gunnery spotter. (80 images) one built (in 1980!) from original Sopwith 2002 PFA Rally. Complete detail study. (36 images) detail. (102 images) Also, 41 images of The
drawings by Northern Aero Works and given Fighter Collection’s P-51C in bare metal
Tipsy Belfair CD102 sequential manufacturer’s number by Sir Piper Tomahawk CD85 restoration, showing much surface and
Highly attractive Belgian low wing light Thomas Sopwith himself in recognition of the Cranfield Flying School example of this civil internal airframe detail. A real bumper bundle!
aircraft from the era of simple, open cockpit outstanding workmanship. Extensive detail. ab-initio trainer aircraft. (54 images) (over 140 images)
private flying. Machine offers scale modellers (120 images)
pleasant lines and simple shape. (35 images) Piper Super Cub CD84 North American B25 Mitchell CD77
Sopwith Pup CD92 The later, ‘cleaned-up’ version of the famous Fantasy of Flight Museum’s example.
Thulin Tummelisa CD101 The charismatic Sopwith Scout (to give its correct Piper J-3, with more elegant engine cowl. Two Photographed soon after superb restoration.
Swedish 1919-era fighter trainer that served designation) is a great scale modellers’ favourite. examples shown. (80 images) Full nose to tail detail. (74 images)
the Swedish air arm for many years. Example Example depicted is the one preserved and
depicted is a faithful reproduction. (55 images) regularly flown at the Shuttleworth Collection, Old Piper L-4 Grasshopper CD83 North American AT6 Harvard CD76
Warden. (50 images) Military version of the famous Piper J-3 Cub AT-6, SNJ, Texan, Harvard – call it what you
Supermarine Spitfire MK.XVI CD100 used during WW2 and close reconnaissance will. 55,000 were built – this example is in U.S.
Last of the Merlin-engined Spifires. This S.E.5A CD91 and spotter aircraft and for many other tasks. Army colours, with comprehensive close-up
collection depicts the cut-down fuselage, Shuttleworth Museum’s airworthy example (80 images) detail, nose to tail. (76 images)
bubble cockpit canopy later version. (116 presented in full detail. (100 plus images) Percival Provost CD82
images) Airworthy, preserved example of the RAF North American A36 Invader CD75
Ryan Pt-22 CD90 piston engined basic trainer used in the 1950s. The ground attack variant of the Alison
Supermarine Spitfire MK.IX CD99 US military primary trainer aircraft that served Full detail. (30 images) engined P-51A. Photos, in detail, of the
The most numerous version of the classic with both US Army and Navy, thus providing world’s only airworthy example. (69 images)
Spitfire that turned the tables on the ab-initio flight training for the majority of Percival Mew Gull CD81
Luftwaffe’s Focke Wulf Fw 190. (90 images) US airmen of the WW2 period. A highly Famous 1930s racing and record setting Morane Saulnier MS406 CD74
attractive aircraft. 90 images of the preserved, aircraft that will forever linked with the French WW2 fighter that fought in the Battle of
Supermarine Spitfire MK XIV CD98 airworthy aircraft, hangared at the Shutleworth achievements of British aviator Alex Henshaw. France, 1940. Swiss restored example
2nd of the Griffon-engined Spits (Mk.XII was Collection, Old Warden. (35 images) (92 images)

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Cd advert-Nov12 P1.indd 2 10/06/2013 14:48

CONTACT OCT 13 copy 23/8/13 10:19 Page 4

INDOOR SCALE AT CO2/Electric, Peanut, Pistachio, Kit Scale, etc model is eligible.

SHAWBURY  Peanut Scale - for the Modellers Den Peanut Trophy

 Pistachio Scale
y the time this issue of FSM goes on sale, we will be on

B the threshold of a new indoor flying season, for which the

BMFA Scale Technical Committee are busy preparing for
new indoor flying events, having obtained the use of the large
Contacts for the October 27th events are Andy Sephton
([email protected]) and John Minchell
([email protected])
sports hangar at RAF Shawbury, Shropshire.
One of the objectives of this BMFA initiative is the promotion
of indoor R/C scale flying commencing with the first event due
to be held on Sunday October 27th and will be a combined R/C
and indoor free flight meeting with continuous flying from
10am to 6pm.
The Hangar at Shawbury is large enough to be partitioned in
a manner to run the timed/duration (i.e. free flight) activity
separately from scale flying which will include competitions
classes for:-

 Scale Indoor R/C Flying Only (scratch built models) - for

the new RC Model Flyer Trophy.

 Scale Indoor RC Flying Only (any R/C scale model to

BMFA Rules) - Note that RTF and ARTF models are allowed as
the builder of the model rule doesn’t apply.

 Scale Indoor Free Flight Flying Only - open to any Scale

Free Flight model built to BMFA Rules. i.e. Any Open Rubber,

NEW FREE FLIGHT SCALE

COMPETITION CLASS
he BMFA Scale Committee has 3. The model should be built to the kit and details, provided the kit character is

T been working on a new

Outdoor Kit Scale contest
class for free flight rubber
powered models, to be run at
the Free Flight Nationals in May 2014.
The rules, set out below, have been
formulated to be as unrestrictive as
plan which may be enlarged or
reduced.
4. Colour scheme is to be in keeping
with the subject.
5. Models using a dethermaliser in
flight, or any other mechanical or
electronic device to limit flight time, will
maintained.

Competition:
The competition will be held over a one
hour time period to be decided on site.
All flights will be hand launched from a
10m X 10m area designated by the CD.
possible with the aim of attracting new be disqualified. Competitors are invited to make
participants, whether they be newcomers three flights.
or from other disciplines. Permitted modifications: The flight score is the difference plus or
This new class will be in addition to the Minor modifications to the published minus in whole seconds from a target
existing Aeromodeller/Model Aircraft design are permitted and may include time set on the day by the CD. This will
designs and the long established the following: usually be 30 seconds. Competitors are
Open classes. 1. Wings and tail can be detachable, required to record all their flight times
with appropriate changes to structure. to full seconds only (i.e 23.6 seconds =
Outdoor Rubber powered 2. Additional wing spars may be added 24 seconds) on a card supplied by the
Kit Scale and /or moved to the top surface. CD and must be timed by another com-
Aim: To provide a competition for kit 3. Built up empennages in character petitor or appropriate person.
scale models which rewards with the prototype’s design may be There are no attempts, all nominated
consistency of performance over substituted for solid originals official flights count. If a competitor fails
duration, in order to attract new 4. The nose area may be changed to to return a score for a round, his
participants. There will be no judging of allow a removable nose block. nominal score for that round will be
appearance, accuracy or flight realism. 5. Any covering is acceptable. 100 secs.
6. Moving position of rear motor peg. The flight time difference of each of the
Eligible models: 7. A plastic or balsa propeller may be three flights from the datum time is
1. Any rubber powered scale aircraft kit substituted for the original, but it should summed for each competitor and the
ever manufactured have at least two blades and be results published in increasing order.
2. Competitors must bring with them non-folding in flight. The winner is the model with the
the plan to prove eligibility if requested 8. All manner of scale embellishments lowest score.
by CD or if a protest is made. A reduced are permitted, including outline In the event of a tie, the winner will be
size copy is acceptable. improvements (scale tail size &profile) decided by a duration fly-off.

8 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

CONTACT OCT 13 copy 23/8/13 10:19 Page 5

A .60 - SIZE P-47 THUNDERBOLT

orizon Hobby already have an number of Republic P-47 there is the option of Hangar Nine’s electrically driven retracting

H Thunderbolts in their Hanger 9 ARTF kit range. Now there

is another. This one is to 1:7.3 scale, with a wingspan of 67”
(1702mm)and can be powered by a .60-.90 size glow engine, small
undercarriage and optional shock absorbing main undercarriage
legs that enhance scale appearance and in further pursuit of scale
realism, the two elevator panels use an internal joiner link to the
petrol type, or electric power, all of which, the kit as supplied, will elevator servo - no external control horns and push rod ends here!
accommodate without the need for modification from standard. Internal systems access to radio, fuel tank, control runs,
During its service career, the P-47 went through a long line of batteries etc. is via a pone-piece access hatch that runs from the
variations and sub-vatiants. This one replicates the early engine firewall to the rear of the cockpit. This is magnetically
P-47D-1 ‘razorback’ version that was one of the earliest to enter secured and inside this area there are conveniently positioned
service and is supplied finished the early 1942 colour scheme of hooks and mounting panels to aid systems installation.
‘olive drab’ and neutral grey with a flat surface finish. Finally - a very thoughtful touch - the kit includes olive drab
The kit comes with fixed main undercarriage that includes scale and neutral grey patch material, just in case a repair
tyres and wheels, while other scale details supplied include a scale becomes necessary.
spinner nut. For those anxious for greater scale in-flight realism Price will be £269.99

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 9

DEWOITINE Tony OK 15/8/13 12:49 Page 2

CLUBMAN SCALE

Delectable Dewoit
Brian Meredith Evans’ pretty and very sprightly scratch-built D

rench 1930s and WWII military times dubbed ‘The French Spitfire’.

F prototypes are scandalously

under-modelled outside La Belle
France. Yet, like a classic Citroen,
these aircraft have that
indefinable but quirky Gallic appeal in
spades. One French beauty, the very pretty
Dewoitine D-501 often gets overshadowed
This is a crying shame, since the earlier
D-501and its perogressive developments
that ended in the D-511, has her own
undeniable charm.

The Prototype
When introduced in 1932, the full-size
by her later, sleeker sister, the D-520, some- Dewoitine was considered an advanced

10 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

 DEWOITINE Tony OK 15/8/13 12:49 Page 3

itine!
lt Dewoitine D-501 French fighter

design, with its cantilever monoplane However, airframe design was action in the Spanish Civil War, and in
structure. This relative sophistication is advancing rapidly by the late ‘Thirties. China. Examples also served in locations
obvious when you compare it to its British Consequently, the Dewoitine’s as diverse as Dakar, Morrocco, Lithuania,
biplane contemporaries, such as the operational life was very brief and was and the Emirate of Hedjaz. In addition,
Gloster Gladiator and the Hawker Fury. soon superseded by newer, more examples were sold to Japan, Poland,
The Dewoitine could crack 250mph and advanced, enclosed-cockpit, Great Britain, and the USSR.
was equipped either cannon or retractable-undercarriage, all-metal
machine guns. In addition, the service monoplane fighters. But, Emile The Model
ceiling of the type was 36,000 feet. Dewoitine’s elegant design saw serious Noted Welsh modeller Brian Meredith

Quirky Gallic styling marks out the D-501.

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 11

DEWOITINE Tony OK 15/8/13 12:50 Page 4

1 2 3

Evans admired the D-501 so much, he set fine cutaway drawing on Bill Gunston’s built for lightness and accuracy. Brian
about building his own. book ‘Combat Aircraft’. Armed with carefully chose all his balsa and ply, with
He began with a Heller plastic kit, these useful resources, Brian set about an eye on weight and local strength. In
taking his design cues from the box. drawing up his own plan. order to get into Brian’s modestly sized
A little later he acquired a dog-eared family car, the whole wing, complete with
three-view scale drawing and as his Construction lower forward nose section, radiator bath,
researches continued, he came across a The model is of traditional construction, and undercarriage, detaches from the
1: The outside finish of the undercarriage and spat. 2: Inside finish of undercarriage with neat
sprung oleos. 3: Cooling louvres for the Turnigy 35/48 motor driving a 13x6 Turnigy wooden
scimitar-bladed prop. 4: Lots of detailing around the Rocker box cowling. 5: Superb pilot was
scratch built by Brian from polystyrene foam and balsa. 6: Roundels were the only items
bought in for the model!

Brian has captured the prototype very well.

12 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

DEWOITINE Tony OK 15/8/13 12:51 Page 5

4 5 6

fuselage. In fact, it will fit in his Honda Jazz For example, the undercarriage has fully liant material, says Brian). He also used some
fully rigged. Note also that the tailplane, functioning ‘oleo’ legs, replicating the full silver grey Solarfilm, sticky-backed aluminium
fin and rudder are feature full airfoil size. These utilise coil springs from Tesco foil, and aluminium take-away meat pie tray
profiles, not just simple flat sheet surfaces. Shower Spray bottle pumps. material for some scale detailing.

Oleos Covering Metal cladding

Here and there, the whole model cleverly Covering is 90% Steve Webb Models Another unorthodox material Brian
recycles everyday household objects. Toughlon Bright Silver iron-on shrink film (a bril- incorporated was the metal from an empty

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 13

DEWOITINE Tony OK 15/8/13 12:51 Page 6

Brian Meredith Evans

with his scratch built
Dewoitine.

Model Specification
Dewoitine D-501: 1930s single seat all metal fighter (stand-off scale)
Scale: 1:7
Wingspan: 68”
Weight: 98oz
Wing Loading: 23oz / sq. ft.
Motor: Turnigy 35/48 800kv outrunner.
ESC: 100amp Opto.
Battery: 4s 14.8v 3300mAh LiPo giving approx 8 to 10 min duration.

lager can. To access, Brian split the can (after built by Brian, only some of the decals were Accordingly, the motor used was a Turnigy
first drinking the contents - naturally!), and bought in. 35/48 800kv Outrunner. The ESC is a BRC
turned it inside out. This revealed a beautiful 100amp Opto. The motor battery is a 4s 14.8v
shiny metallic surface. He cut this sheet into Decals 3300mAh LiPo supplied by Overlander. This
strips and it was then bent accordingly. For The authentic Armee de l’Air roundels were set-up gives approximately 8 to 10 minutes
example, it was used to form the supplied by Pyramid Models. The tail flashes flying duration.
undercarriage leg fairings. and trident insignia of 4eme Escadrille du Brian uses a separate Sanyo Eneloop nickel
Brian makes a useful point about can GCN II/4 (the simplest one! says Brian) were metal hydride battery to power the receiver,
metal: always make sure by reading the cut from Solartrim. and does not use the main power pack,
label that the can is aluminium based, and which is kept for motor power only.
not steel, which would eventually rust. Pilot
The handsome and convincing pilot is Propeller
Louvres and exhaust stubs carved from balsa and polystyrene foam. A key point is the propeller used. It is a
Aluminium tube, flattened in the vice, gives Superb. wooden 13”x6” Turnigy ‘Scimitar’ type. The
the oval exhaust stubs. The engine louvres Dewoitine weighs 98oz, giving a wing loading
are constructed from the afore-mentioned Electric power of 23oz / sq. ft.
meat pie tray material. Most importantly, Brian was careful to give me the exact
being truly scratch-built, all of the model was details of his electrical installation.

14 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

DEWOITINE Tony OK 15/8/13 12:52 Page 7

The Dewioitine looks especially impressive on low passes.

Flying notes
The very first test flight was carried out by
John Charles of The Anglesey & District
Model Aero Club. Brian used to fly full size
aircraft and says he is lucky to be able to tell
the tale, but the thought of the first flight of
his pride and joy terrified him! Thus John
stepped in. However, Brian now flies the
D-501 regularly. He says that, to his great
surprise, it is a very stable and enjoyable
and
model to fly. As Brian says: 7: Note scale support struts
tric
sprung tailskid. 8: Brian’s elec
“There is nothing to compare with the buzz installation retains a separate
text
one gets from flying one’s own creation receiver battery for safety. See
for full spec.
...”. Quite so, Brian. I

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 15

DH6 PART 1 (Parts Price?) copy 19/8/13 10:01 Page 2

FULL-SIZE FREE PLAN

Pretty as a picture, if a

DH6
little boxy, the DH6
makes a slow fly past
for the camera. Even
the builder flies it slowly
sometimes - usually
while doing multiple
touch and goes.

Part 1: A 48” span electric powered model

designed by Peter Rake, with the prototype
model built by Bjorn Terje Hansebråten
he simple lines of the DH6 have appealed to me

T ever since I built the not-terribly-accurate Walt

Mooney rubber power model. The appearance,
combined with how well the initial model flew, and
what a straightforward build it was, have
encouraged me to build more accurate versions in at
least two other sizes. All flew just as nicely as the Walt
Mooney model and, I don’t think it would be out
of place to say that I feel the 36” model was
probably the nicest flying model I’ve
ever designed.
So, when asked for some new
designs, and armed with the
Albatros Datafile as reference,
it wasn’t too surprising that
a larger, far more

16 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

DH6 PART 1 (Parts Price?) copy 19/8/13 10:01 Page 3

accurate
rendition
of the DH6
should
emerge. The
The main components of the forward fuselage box; the The firewall, with the motor mount
model you see 3/16 balsa sides. Note the cut outs for the struts and attached. Make sure you get the
here, in fact. The control cable exits. right parts in the correct place.
prototype, suitably
overpowered and in the hands
of Bjørn, has proven far more aerobatic
that I would have imagined possible
from such a staid looking full size.
Consecutive loops, Cuban eights,
sustained inverted flight, rolls and even
knife-edge flight have all been
performed by the prototype model. All
highly non-scale, but proof beyond
doubt that the model flies very well
indeed. Sticking with the power set-up
shown on the plan will provide a far
more sedate performance, just as
you’d expect from a model of a
trainer aircraft.
Although primarily used as a basic
trainer, the DH6 did see limited service
doing coastal patrols and anti-
submarine sorties. Therefore, if you wish
to dress up your model with guns and
bombs, that wouldn’t be out of place
as long as you also give it the correct Working over the plan to get the break angles at the tail correct before actually joining the tail-posts.
markings for an aircraft used in this role.
The model is accurate enough for you hardwood the basic airframe can be detailed looking original option.
to add as much detail as you like, but assembled quite quickly. Even quicker still So, with the options laid out for you, let’s
doesn’t have to be draped in ‘twiddly if you have the foresight to purchase the make a cowl. Lay parts C1 over the plan
bits’ to look effective. Some rigging (not laser cut parts set that the publisher will and glue in place formers C2 and C3.
required for structural support), a almost certainly offer. Ensure the formers are perfectly upright
dummy engine (mandatory on a and fit the 1/16” balsa over formers C3. Fit
model of this kind) and a pilot figure will The cowl some 1/16” ply plates to attach the
add all the realism required for a Since I specifically mentioned this as cylinders to and then glue in place the
regular flyer. being one of the most complicated areas formed and cut away scoop.
of the build, it seems like as good a place Now make up the dummy cylinders. If
The build to start as any. At least once this area is using the cut parts assemble the
Because of the simple basic shape of built you will have a good incentive to indicated number of balsa and ply discs
the model there is nothing particularly build the rest of the model to go around onto a suitable rod (1/8” dowel?), apply
complicated involved with building it. it. Because it is such a vital part of the glue and allow to dry. Fill and sand well to
In fact, probably the hardest part overall appearance, and the model remove any trace of grain and then trim
to do will be the cowl scoop would look naked without it, I’ll go into a all cylinders as required. Join them with
and dummy cylinders. bit more detail about creating it. the wire joiner (otherwise the front cylinder
Since virtually The first thing to notice is the scoop itself. is suspended in space) and add any
everything else is a Because there are large areas cut out of detail you feel like including.
straight piece of it to clear the cylinders, it is vital that you Repeat the filling/sanding on the cowl
balsa or do a good job of pre-shaping the itself and glue your cylinder banks in
material used. Thin ply can be used, but is position. That’s it, the most complicated
more difficult to get to stay in shape once part of the entire model built. Make up
the cut outs are made. Therefore, if you and attach the remaining upper engine
have any doubts about your ability to details after you have a model to which
pre-form the ply, use thin aluminium sheet to attach everything.
for the scoop. Either way, curve it as
shown and then cut away the indicated Fuselage
areas. Trying to cut them out and then After making the cowl assembly, this
shape the scoop is likely to prove an should go pretty quickly and require a far
exercise in frustration. less detailed description. Please note that
Worth mentioning is the less accurate it isn’t a horrendous error on the drawing,
option of simply sticking the cylinder to the rear decking really did transition from
the outside of the formed scoop. rounded to flat topped in that way. Not
However, since the cylinder parts should pretty, but accurate.
form part of the set of parts, it isn’t that The basic construction follows my normal
much of a hardship to go for the more practice of being two box structures, built

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 17

DH6 PART 1 (Parts Price?) copy 19/8/13 10:01 Page 4

Despite the number of ribs (and Bjørn cut his own kit of parts) the simple nature of the model is evident here.

separately and then joined. I just find it the easiest way to

produce a straight, square fuselage. Since the alignment of the
top wing relies upon that, it seemed a sensible way to go. The
fact that the original DH6 was such an angular little beastie aids
us in this respect.
I like to get the centre section (c/s) struts glued into the sheet
sides right from the outset - while they can be assembled directly
over the plan. Others, however, prefer to get the decking in
place and then cut that away to allow the struts to be added.
The strut doublers allow you to use either option but whichever
route you take, please take the time to ensure that the struts do
align correctly.
I don’t intend to insult you by telling you how to build balsa
boxes. If you can’t manage that you probably won’t have got
this far anyway. What I will describe is how I like to fit sheet
decking areas around cockpits. Especially when there is such a
marked difference in height between the front and back of said
cockpit. Since the front section of decking needs to run parallel
with the top of the fuselage side, but the rear doesn’t, cut your
decking sheet as if it were parallel along the entire length the
same width for its entire length. Now make a slightly undersize
cut out for the cockpit and slit through the section (at the
centre) that will be behind the cockpit opening.. Glue the front
around the former and the bottom edges to the fuselage sides,
still working as if it were straight along the whole run of decking.
This will ensure that the front portion does, in fact follow the line
shown on the plan.
Next, curve the rear sections over F3A and F4, but don’t glue
them in place until you have trimmed the centre for a precise
fit. Once these ends are glued in place onto the formers
(and to each other) your decking should follow the
line shown on the plan precisely. Open up the
cockpit to the correct size and the task is
completed.

It takes a little getting used to that the

rounded forward decking suddenly changes
to these rear fuselage formers.

18 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

DH6 PART 1 (Parts Price?) copy 22/8/13 15:59 Page 5

CUT PARTS
SET FOR THE

Although Bjørn didn’t use a cockpit cut out to aid shaping the
decking, the split rear end is obvious. (see text)
DH6
Get straight down to construction without delay!
This month’s full size free plan feature is supported
by a laser-cut set of ready-to-use balsa and
plywood components. This provides all the parts
that, otherwise, you would need to trace out onto
the wood before cutting out.

IT DOES NOT INCLUDE STRIP

AND SHEET MATERIAL OR
SHAPED WIRE PARTS

Price £89.00
plus carriage: £11.50 (UK); Europe £26.00

Order set CUT475

Shipping Note: For shipping to destinations outside the UK and
Europe, you will be charged our standard flat-rate price of £49.
This covers most destinations and secures your order with us.
However, we will contact you accordingly with an accurate
total shipping charge prior to dispatch and either issue a
refund or a PayPal money request for the balance.

They may only be thread wound paper tubes but the dummy Visit our secure website:
cylinders will add a lot of realism to the finished model.
www.flyingscalemodels.com
to order yours
Add the rear formers and stringers, but make sure you
trimmed the taper onto the top longeron (where the
tailplane fits) first. Positive incidence on the tailplane is so
much more effective than down elevator trim when it
comes to preventing the tail ‘drooping’ in flight. That taper
is much easier to do correctly is there aren’t formers in the
way while you’re trying to use the razor plane.
Binding the undercarriage (u/c) wires in place is much
neater if done after the fuselage is covered, so it’s a good
idea not to fit the cockpit floor just yet. Equally so, you
could use P clips and U clips (front legs) and fit the u/c to
a completely finished fuselage. The battery access hatch
allows you to bolt the U clips in place and small screws
work perfectly well for retaining the P clips holding the rear
u/c legs.
My last warning here involves the motor mount parts.
Note that down and right thrust is built into them, so
PLEASE make sure you get them the right way round. Up
and left thrust will do nothing at all to improve the way
your model flies - for the brief time it actually remains in the
air before turning itself back into a kit of parts.

Landing gear
Apart from the dreaded wire bending, there isn’t too
much involved with making the u/c. Bend up the 10 swg
main legs, pin/tape/screw them to a board marked as a
jig, bend the joiners, bind them together and solder the
joints. That gets the basic wire work out of the way. Now
we need to fair them in if our model is to have a scale
looking u/c.
To make up the fairings I would suggest
building four half fairings over the plan - two
left and two right sets. Position these
against the wire parts and mark
precisely where you need to groove
the inner face of each assembly, so Order direct from:- ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane,
they’ll enclose the wire once glued Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK. Tel: 01525 222573/
in place. Take care during the [email protected].

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 19

DH6 PART 1 (Parts Price?) copy 19/8/13 10:02 Page 6

grooving process because you will be

getting awfully close to cutting right
through the bass struts. Once they are
securely glued to the wire the bass struts
can be sanded to a nice streamline
shape, while the ply parts have the edges
rounded off to represent what would be
metal fittings on the full-size aircraft.
Solder a couple of washers onto the axle
after it is slid through its’ slot, to prevent it
moving from side to side in use. It will work
best if these washers are outside where
the elastic suspension cords will come so
they can’t cause the wheels to bind if
there are any side loads during take-off
or landing.
As regards those wheels, the ones shown
on the plan work really well on models of
this size and weight so don’t discount
them too quickly. Although I’m not sure of
availability of the foam rubber cord these
days, rubber tubing works just as well.
The parts are included in the laser cut The u/c wires neatly concealed
set, so it seems pointless to buy wheels within their wooden fairings. Note
when you can make lighter ones that are the axle slot that allows
tough enough for all but the heaviest of suspension to be added.
landings (read controlled crash). Glue the
main wood parts together, alternating the ply doubler. spoke segment, crease the cone along
grain direction, using PVA adhesive to Cut a thin card disc, using the slope the other spoke positions and join the
provide a tough assembly and using the shown on the wheel drawing as the radius ends. Glue the cone to the wheel after
brass tube bearing to aid alignment. of the circle and score spoke positions the wheel has been secured on the axle.
Don’t be tempted to use CA glue as it onto it using a ballpoint pen (from the rear Next month we’ll look at completing the
sets too brittle. Once completely dry, use of the disc. 16 spokes looks about right model, covering and finishing it and
epoxy to fit the bearing tube and the once the wheel is finished. Remove one how it flies. I

Posing in the Norwegian sun, Bjørn’s model shows off the simple lines of the DH6.

20 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

 VintageLimited Edition Prints

visit: www.aeromodeller.com for the full range

Vintage AeroModeller A3 Cover Artwork - Limited Edition Prints

AERO POSTERS AD.indd 1 10/06/2013 14:43
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Ponnier 1913 Racer White Monoplane 1919 Bristol Scout Model ‘C’
Model designed by Peter Rake for electric power Peter Rake’s simple to build sport scale model for A 26.1/2” wingspan, sport scale model designed by
of the pioneer era racing plane 50” wingspan. 3 channel RC and geared 400 electric motor power Peter Rake for IPS electric power, LiPo batteries and
Published in FSM December 2006 and January wingspan 40.5”. Published in FSM December 2002 three-function control. Published in FSM September
2007 issues 85 and 86 4 sheet plan. issue 37 2 sheet plan. 2010 issue 130 2 sheet plan

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Pfalz EIII Sperry Messenger Rumpler Taube

A 30” scale model of the early WWI Scout aircraft. A 30” span, 1/8th scale model designed by Peter Two sheet plan of the 30” Rumpler Taube by Peter
Designed for electric power by Peter Rake. Rake for electric power. Published in FSM Decem- Rake for electric power published in September
Published in FSM October 2011 issue 143. ber 2009 issue 121 2 sheet plan. 2012 (issue 154).

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PLANS AD DPS 2.indd 2 14/05/2013 12:49

 WHAT DO THE CUT-PARTS SETS CONTAIN?
The components, in balsa and ply that you would otherwise have to trace off the plan onto the wood and then tediously cut out prior to
commencing building! Basic strip and sheet wood not included. Be ready to start building as soon as you unfold the plans!

WE CAN ARRANGE A CUT PARTS SET FOR ANY MODEL IN THE PLANS SERVICE RANGE. SO IF YOU ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON A
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PLANS POSTAGE: UK: £2.50. EUROPE: £4.00. WORLD £6.00

CARRIAGE CHARGE FOR LASER-CUT COMPONENTS SETS: UK £9.50. Europe £26.00
Shipping Note: For shipping to destinations outside the UK and Europe, you will be charged our standard flat-rate price of £49.
This covers most destinations and secures your order with us. However, we will contact you accordingly with an accurate total shipping charge prtor
to dispatch and either issue a refund or a PayPal money request for the balance.

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Dornier D.1 Sopwith Dove Bowers Fly Baby Bipe

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of a little known German WW1 fighter, for .40-.60 Engines and three function RC by Norman Holme. of the Pete Bowers home build biplane for .61-.91
cu.in engines and four-function RC. Published in FSM Published in FSM January and February 2006 is- cu.in engines. Published in FSM November 2012
October and September 2006 issues 82 and 83 4 sues 74 and 75 3 sheet plan issue 156.
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Chilton DW 1a Corben Super Ace Curtiss Hawk P-6E

This 1/3rd scale version comes from the expert design A 50” (1270mm) sport-scale model of the delightful A replica of the flamboyant 1930s American biplane
board of Phil S.Kent and has been built in several American homebuilt aircraft, 1/6th scale replica fighter aircraft with a very elegant shape. 1:6.4 scale
sizes. This 96” (2438mm) version features flaps as per suits .26-.30 four stroke engines, or .20-.25 cu.in. model spans 57” (1450mm) and suits .50-.60 size
the fullsize, suits 1.5 to 1.8 cu.in. four stroke engines, two strokes. Four function radio systems required engines. Conventional wood construction throughout
and five function R/C systems. 2 sheet plan and requires four function radio control. Two-sheet plan
Plan: £19.50
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PLANS AD DPS 2.indd 3 14/05/2013 12:49

DH6 IC POWER (Plan & Prices) copy 19/8/13 10:10 Page 2

Construction Feature

Airco DH 6
‘THE CLUTCHING HAND’
A 1:6.6 scale model with a wingspan of 64” (1626mm) , for .45 to .61
engines and four channel radio. Designed by Don Luck
he 1917 Airco DH6 was produced as landing speed, were of utmost importance. remarkable for its low speed characteristics,

T an elementary training machine for

pilots. Cheapness, simplicity and
strength of construction, together
with ease of repair, plus a low
(Not a bad specification for an ideal model
aircraft perhaps?)
Captain Geoffrey de Havilland’s design
was his first training aircraft and was
a maximum speed of 75mph and a landing
speed of 30mph! This probably accounted
for its nickname of ‘The Sky Hook’ or
sometimes ‘The Clutching Hand’, perhaps a

“Switches off, about to suck -in”. What - no chocks? Cockpit figure here represents Cadet R.E. Luck.

24 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

DH6 IC POWER (Plan & Prices) copy 19/8/13 10:10 Page 3

Heart of the fuselage construction is the front Top fuselage decking is shaped to size, but Inverted here on the workbench. The top
crutch assembly. It is first check-fitted to the not glued in place until the cabanes have wing entre section is permanently fixed to
fuselage sides and then permanently glues been bound and glued. the cabanes. Note lightning holes to save
together. weight. Outer wing panels, top and bottom
are also permanently rigged.

An elderly Merco 61 (yes, there are still some View of the partially completed fuselage The airborne radio system is accessed via
around!) provided more than necessary frame reveals the access to the radio the hatch in the fuselage underside and
power for the prototype model. A .46 or .51 compartment. provides plenty of installation space.
engine would be quite suitable.

Two views of the finished basic airframe. For those who enjoy the art of ‘balsa bashing’, Don Instrumentation in the cockpit is
Luck’s DH 6 should provide hours of bench time enjoyment. rudimentary. Note the wicker instructor’s seat,
similar to that occupied by the student pilot.

reference to its aerofoil section? With a Merco 61 for power and 13” x 6” for the fuselage longerons, cut to length with
It also featured an ingenious quick-release propeller, flight tests were a delight. Initial staggered joints of at least 3/4in. splice.
dual control system where the instructor P.I.O. (pilot induced oscillations) illustrated just 2) While the second fuselage side is still
could over-ride the pupil via a single lever how powerful the controls were and the pinned to the board, dry fit formers C and D,
that operated ailerons, elevator and rudder, control surface throws detailed on the plan sliding in the cockpit floor before fitting
an early ‘buddy’ system? (Perhaps D.H. had can be regarded as a minimum. Final C.G. former E, trim and adjust until exactly square.
a white-knuckle pupil freeze on the controls - position needed 6 ozs of ballast under the When satisfied all fits exactly, remove all
we’ve all been there!) cowl and if built to a weight of 8lbs as per formers, glue thoroughly and refit checking
The model represents my father’s aircraft the prototype model, it will fly at approx 13 with a ‘T’ square. Use clamps and weights
on which he soloed, in Egypt, in 1918. Hence oz/sq ft wing loading. to secure all in place and leave to dry
,the choice of colour scheme and markings. It is not necessarily just a calm weather before removal and fitting remaining cross
The model retains the simplicity of model and has coped with gusty 15-knot pieces etc.
construction that was a feature of the full winds. In fact, a breeze enables the fabled 3) Construct the cabane with 8swg wire
size aircraft, with all wing panels identical. Its walking pace to be achieved! work separately, again ensuring squareness.
tail moment and area give it solid stability Bind the four joints with fine bright florist’s wire
and all control surfaces are effective down Building is a breeze... and solder thoroughly (soft solder will do).
to walking speed (well, perhaps an ambling Building instructions in depth should not The easiest way is to use a fine jet butane
trot). The permanently rigged two-bay wings really be necessary, but a few pointers will blowlamp and allow the work to heat and
are simply retained by four clips each side, avoid problems. flow the solder into the point(s).
so there is no chance of losing nuts or bolts Check fit into the fuselage via formers C
when assembling. 1) If using 36ins lengths of 3/16”sq. spruce and D, drill using small holes for binding to

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 25

DH6 IC POWER (Plan & Prices) copy 28/8/13 12:21 Page 4

AIRCO
DH6
Full size copies of this
TWO SHEET plan
Sc ale Models Plans
available from Flying
g, Do olittle Mill, Doolittle
Service, ADH Publishin rdshire,
Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfo
LU6 1QX.
Tel 01525 222573
ing.com
enquiries@adhpublish
Price £1 4.50 (Plan 43)
formers plus p&p first WW1 scale 6) Detailing is a personal choice. There is
.00;
(U.K £2.50; Europe £4
(using thick model for the plenty of space in he engine cowl for
black soft rld £6 .00 . modeller who has anextensive dummy engine; the 100 hp
Rest or Wo
florists wire), but at least achieved Curtiss or RAF engines were used and the
do not fit yet! aileron competence. cockpit cries out for full instrumentation and
4) Shape cockpit 5) Do not forget to install wicker basket seats - although ‘full detail’
decking using the plan the closed loop aileron control might be something of an exaggeration for
pattern, glue bamboo strips in wires in the wings before covering! The an aircraft where the cockpit instruments
place either side, fit cabane structure in top closed loop part of the circuit is were in fact a very bare minimum!. The
place, first tucking the rear cabane legs into connected by open hook-and-eye, joined instruments were grouped around the edge
the cockpit cut-out. Leave this cockpit to the bottom ailerons with 11 kg nylon trace of the single instrument panel in the front
decking hanging loose while the cabane is line when the aileron servo is set at neutral cockpit, presumably to enable the instructor
bound and fitted permanently; only then and all surfaces are clamped level. To behind the pupil to keep an eye on things!
glue the ply decking in place. The relatively release tension of the closed loop circuit in
simple construction and very easy flight order to release the wings, just unfasten one
characteristics suggest this could be an ideal of the lower aileron connections.

26 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

DH6 IC POWER (Plan & Prices) copy 28/8/13 12:21 Page 5

CUT PARTS
SET FOR THE
AIRCO
DH6
Get straight down to construction without delay!
This month’s full size free plan feature is supported
by a laser-cut set of ready-to-use balsa and
plywood components. This provides all the parts
that, otherwise, you would need to trace out onto
the wood before cutting out.

IT DOES NOT INCLUDE STRIP

AND SHEET MATERIAL OR
SHAPED WIRE PARTS

Price £85.00
plus carriage: £11.50 (UK); Europe £26.00

Order set CUT 43

Shipping Note: For shipping to destinations outside the UK and
REFERENCES: Europe, you will be charged our standard flat-rate price of £49.
This covers most destinations and secures your order with us.
De Havilland; ‘the Golden Years’
However, we will contact you accordingly with an accurate
(Flight Special) total shipping charge prior to dispatch and either issue a
Janes Fighting Aircraft of WW refund or a PayPal money request for the balance.
Air Extra No.10
Visit our secure website:
Few aircraft can have been blessed with so many nicknames,
most of them derogatory. In addition to those quoted by Don Luck. www.flyingscalemodels.com
A few of the repeatable descriptions include ‘Dung Hunter’, ‘The to order yours
Crab’ ‘The Flaming Coffin’ and ‘The Chummy Hearse’.
Despite these scurrilous epithets, it served well as a trainer in a
number of combat theatres. I

Order direct from:- ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane,

Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK. Tel: 01525 222573/
[email protected].

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 27

DH6 TYPE HISTORY Tony OK 19/8/13 09:43 Page 2

TYPE HISTORY

AIRCO DH 6
At a time when Royal Flying Corps pilot training was not particulary regularised,
Geoffrey de Havilland created this purpose-designed trainer aircraft
28 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013
DH6 TYPE HISTORY Tony OK 19/8/13 09:43 Page 3

No wonder the Airco DH 6 had such a low

maximum speed - the mass of interplane struts
and unstreamlined wire rigging saw to that! Note
also the tandem seat bathtub cockpit for
instructor and pupil. This example has the
‘trade-mark’ rounded fin/rudder assembly that
was applied prior to the ‘mass-production’
square=cut shape and thus may have been a
prototype or very early example.

he De Havilland name has been However, Geofrey De Havilland’s at Hendon, north of London but was later

T associated with trainer aircraft for

much of its existence, best
known, nowadays, for the DH82
Tiger Moth of the 1930s and the
DH (Canada) DHC-1 Chipmunk of the
1950s, but previously, also for the DH 60
Moth series on which so many ‘Club’
association with training aircraft goes
back much further, commencing with the
Airco DH 6 that first flew in 1916 and can
fairly be called the first purpose-designed
military trainer aircraft.

So why Airco?
renamed The Aircraft Manufacturing
Company. Its founder, George Holt
Thomas, was a business man without
engineering knowledge who first met de
Havilland at Farnborough when the latter
was looking for a new career opportunity.
Agreement was soon reached that Holt
pilots cut their teeth from 1925 onwards The Aircraft Company was founded in Thomas’ company should start
when the DH 60 first appeared. 1911 to sell and maintain Farman aircraft manufacturing de Havilland-designed

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 29

DH6 TYPE HISTORY Tony OK 19/8/13 09:43 Page 4

Another view of the very early DH 6 with

the graceful ‘trademark’ de Havilland
rounded fin and rudder assembly.

and were interchangeable top-to-bottom

The nose profile of this DH 6 features a blunt ’flat-face’ wing. (Hence the roundels in
radiator typical of other aircraft of the period and
may well had a Curtiss OX-5 engine installed. unconventional positions on many
wartime photographs of the type.) The
wings used a heavily cambered aerofoil,
and were braced with cables rather than
streamlined wires.
On the original version of the type there
was no wing stagger and while the rudder
on the prototype featured the destinctive
curved de Havilland outline, on
production machines it was cut square.
The fuselage structure was a straight box
with no attempt at refinement of outline -
instructor and pupil sat in tandem on
basketwork seats in a single cockpit that
was quiye bare, even by the standards of
the time.
Standard engine was the ubiquitous and
aircraft and in 1914 Geoffrey moved to flowed from his drawing board began to readily available 90 hp RAF 1a which,
Edgware and started work at the Airco be called ‘de Havillands’ and carried because of its use in the B.E.2, had the
factory at The Hyde, Hendon. type numbers prefixed by ‘DH’. It is not advantage of being very familiar indeed
When World War One began in 1914, de now known how the ‘DH’ prefix came into to RFC mechanics. It was stuck onto the
Havilland was a Lieutenant in the Royal being, but it stuck and everyone used it. front of the DH.6 in the most
Flying Corps Reserve. He was called up, straightforward way possible, without
but was fit only for home duties because Purpose designed ... any type of cowling, and the usual
of the effects of an earlier flying accident The DH.6 was specifically designed as a crudely upswept exhaust pipes of this
and he served only briefly at Montrose in military trainer, at a time when it was usual type of engine were fitted. Eventually,
Scotland, flying Bleriot monoplanes on for obsolete service types to be used in even stocks of the RAF 1a ran short, and
anti-submarine patrols from Aberdeen to this role. Geoffrey de Havilland seems to various other engines were fitted to DH.6s,
the Firth of Forth. The War Office realised, have had two design criteria in mind The including the 90 hp Curtiss OX-5 and the
fortunately, that he was of more use first was that it should be cheap and easy 80 hp Renault.
designing aeroplanes, so he was recalled to build, and above all, simple to repair The second design criterion was that the
to London and promoted to Captain. after the mishaps common in ab-initio new trainer should be ‘safe’ to fly, both for
Once back at Airco, de Havilland training. The top and bottom wings were a new pupil and his instructor. One way to
started designing aircraft. The designs that identical, of constant chord, square cut, obtain this safety was a ‘decoupler’ on

This Airco DH 6 was operated from

Padstow, Cornwall on anti-submarine
duties and for that task, would have
been manned only by the pilot.

30 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

DH6 TYPE HISTORY Tony OK 19/8/13 09:43 Page 5

the dual controls, so that the instructor entrusting the instructor task to novices SPECIFICATION
could take control at any time without who had barely completed their own Length: 27 ft 31/2 in (8.32 m)
having to wrestle with a panicking pupil. training, there was a move to use Wingspan: 35 ft 11 in (10.95 m)
Another route to the desired safety was operational pilots being ‘rested’, to Height: 10 ft 91/2 in (3.29 m)
through the new trainer’s flying recover from combat fatigue. Engine: 1 x RAF 1a air-cooled
characteristics. De Havilland’s work at the By the end of 1917, the Avro 504K was V8 engine, 90 hp
Royal Aircraft Factory, where much basic adopted as the standard trainer and the (70 kW)
research had been carried out into the DH.6 became ‘surplus’ as far as the
nature of stability and control in aircraft, training role was concerned. Performance
left him well qualified to design a ‘safe’ At the end of 1917, about 300 DH.6s Maximum speed:70 mph
aircraft. In the event, the DH.6 had very were transferred to the RNAS for (61 kn, 113 km/h)
gentle flying characteristics; it was anti-submarine patrols. While far from Stall speed: 40 mph (35 kn, 64 km/h
probably the most forgiving aircraft of its ideal for this work, the type proved Rate of climb: 225 ft/min (1.1 m/s)
time, allowing itself to be flown ‘crab wise’ surprisingly ‘seaworthy’, being known Endurance: 23/4 hours
in improperly banked turns, and being to float for as long as ten hours after
almost impossible to stall or spin, as it was ditching. Armament
able to maintain sustained flight at speeds On operations, the underpowered Usually none - although a few small
as low as 30 miles per hour (48 km/h). trainer had to be flown solo, to allow a bombs sometimes carried on anti-sub-
In fact, the DH.6 has been frequently token bomb load to be carried. The marine patrol.
described as ‘too safe’ to make a good built-in instability designed to keep a
trainer; this referred to its gentle reaction student pilot alert proved tiring for pilots Operators
to inexpert piloting rather than to on long patrols over water, and Australia: Australian Flying Corps
excessive stability however, as it was experimental changes were made in Greece: Hellenic Naval Air
designed with a degree of inherent mid-1918 to improve stability. These Service
instability about all three axes. included the introduction of 10 in (25 cm) Spain: Spanish Air Force
The aircraft’s low power, strong but of back-stagger to wings of reduced United Kingdom: Royal Flying Corps /
rather heavy construction and lack of chord and camber, with narrower Royal Air Force/Royal
streamlining, made for a very low elevators and rudder. DH.6s modified to Naval Air Service
maximum speed, even by the criteria of this standard were unofficially dubbed
the era. DH 6As.
Over 1,000 DH.6s were still in service in Some 60 aircraft were licence-built in
Wartime production second line roles with the RAF at the end Spain from 1921 onward with
At least 2,280 DH.6s were built in the UK of the war. Hispano-Suiza 8 engines, refined fuselages
during the WW1 period, out of orders that included separate cockpits, and
totalling about 3,000. Besides Airco, Postwar and civil use rounded ‘de Havilland style’ rudder/fin
batches were built by Grahame-White, There was no place for the DH.6 in the assemblies. At least some of these found
Kingsbury Aviation, Harland & Wolff, postwar RAF, and surviving examples of the their way into the inventory of two Spanish
Morgan, Savages, Ransomes Sims & type became surplus. In 1919, many were Air Force training establishments.
Jefferies, and Gloucestershire. A single sold to civilian operators - especially for ‘joy A D.H.6 became the first powered
DH.6 was constructed in July 1917 by riding’. Some were exported as far as South aircraft to be owned by a British Boy Scout
Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. as a prototype Africa and Australia, where they could still Troop, when it was presented to 3rd
for projected production should be found flying into the late 1930s. Hampden (Middlesex) Scouts in 1921. I
availability of the Curtiss JN-4 prove
inadequate and was the first British-
designed aircraft built in Canada. In the
event, there was no shortage of ‘Jennies’,
and it remained a one-off.

Operational history
Training of RFC pilots began to be revised
during 1917. The School of Special Flying
at Gosport in Hampshire was established
by Maj. Robert R. Smith-Barry with the aim
of making flight instructors into specially
trained experts. Thus, rather than

The eight-cylinder RAF 1a engine instal- A different interpretation of the ‘strickly-need-to-

lation that applied to most DH 6s. know’ principle! The cockit instrumentation was
absolutely minimal.

Easy dies it! A sedate lift-off for instructor and pupil.

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 31

QUIET ZONE (Parts Price) 21/8/13 09:55 Page 2

ere we go again, another

H
all of it.
instalment of electric flight
excitement. However, as
promised last time, I actually
get to write this one myself –

Since the little Eastbourne Monoplane

feature from a few months back proved
so popular, I’ve decided to treat you all to
a similar sort of column. Instead of my
usual waffle, this month’s column will just
be a construction article to go with the
first part of the full size plan that appears
elsewhere in this issue. Good or what? Not
only do you get to see me writing my own
column, you get a free plan to boot.

The model
Once again this is a scaled down version
of an already successful design. This one,
however, is intended to use a Vapor
receiver ‘brick’, brushed motor and single
cell LiPo. The plan shows a Nine Eagles
motor unit, which is pretty much like many
of the Parkzone units. It also shows an
alternative motor plate (MM) to suit the
motor I actually used in the prototype
model – an AEO 7 mm unit. This proved
adequate for my model, so if you opt for
R/C SCALE ELECTRICS by Peter Rake the larger motor you’ll have no problems
with regards sufficient power.
One thing that you will notice in the
photos is that I used some 1/32” ribs in my
wings, but the plan shows all 1/16” ribs.
Similarly, my model has balsa trailing
edges, but the plan shows bass. The
reason for these changes is that as the
PETER RAKE PRESENTS HIS PINT-SIZE SPERRY tissue shrunk, my original wings buckled
quite badly. They didn’t just warp; they
MONOPLANE, WITH FULL SIZE, PULL-OUT CENTRE almost destroyed themselves. Ribs
SPREAD PLANS. (PART 1). buckled and trailing edges actually broke

Printed tissue finishes allow the addition of as much detail

as you like without adding any weight.

32 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

QUIET ZONE (Parts Price) 21/8/13 09:55 Page 3

Totally conventional, the fuselage sides are built over the plan in the Former positions marked and formers, radio mounts and strut position
usual way. fill pieces added before joining the two sides.

How the u/c assemblies will eventually fit into formers F2 and F3. The sheeting between F2 and F3 will need to be slotted for the U/C
legs to fit into.

in places. At just 18” wingspan, you are going to Let’s get building
Because I can’t specify very hard balsa need to keep the model light. Even with As you can see, there really is nothing
for the laser cut parts, the publisher will the replacement trailing edges (from the particularly complicated about the build,
doubtless offer, bass is a good option for hardest balsa I could lay my hands on) and so I won’t bore you with a ‘stick A to B’
trailing edges and the thicker ribs should heavily repaired ribs, my model came out style article. I’ll run briefly through how the
make your life easier all round. at a respectable 35.5 grams ready to fly. model goes together, just explaining

All fully assembled and sanded, the fuselage is ready to be covered.

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 33

QUIET ZONE (Parts Price) 21/8/13 09:55 Page 4
QUIET ZONE (Parts Price) 21/8/13 09:55 Page 5
QUIET ZONE (Parts Price) 21/8/13 09:55 Page 6

Just stooging by in a low pass for the camera. The model is very good at low, slow passes.

anything I feel needs more information. assembled as two-ply structures, which lines to match those shown on the plan.
There’s nothing unusual about the basic are assembled over the plan and glued
assembly. It’s the usual ‘build-over-the- into the slots in formers F2 and F3. Since …And then
plan’ sort of affair. You make two fuselage the area between these two formers is Okay, after a little sanding, you’ll have a
side frames, mark former and receiver filled with 1/32” balsa, you’ll also need to completed fuselage, so now I suppose
mount positions on them and join with trim slots in that to clear the u/c legs. I like we’d better build some bits to hang
formers, MM and cross braces. I built in to cover this area before gluing the u/c in onto it.
the centre section (c/s) struts as I built the place; it’s just so much easier that way. The hardest part of the tail surfaces is
side frames, but they could just as well be There’s absolutely nothing at all funny laminating the outlines. I like to use
fitted after the sides are joined. about trying to tissue cover around and Depron forms, pinned to the board. Then
Worth noting here, is the need to use u/c firmly glued into your fuselage. the soaked and glued strips can be held
fairly soft 1/32” sheet for the rear decking. If, like me, you opt for the AEO motor in place around them using scraps of
Not only is it lighter, it will also be easier to (They’re cheap, and I’m very fond of balsa to hold them snug against the
curve over the formers without distorting cheap), position MM (the alternative one) forms. Some people like use a pin ‘fence’
the rear fuselage. so your prop is in the right place and glue to shape around, but I find that tends to
The main undercarriage (u/c) is the motor into the former. Set up thrust crease the wood.
Once the outlines are completely set,
pin them over the plan and stick in all the
The hardest part of building little bits of balsa that are supposed to fill
the tail surfaces is laminating
the outlines. Ignore the the gap. I usually sand then as complete
experimental hinges; I didn’t tailplane/elevator and fin/rudder units
use them in the end. before separating them. Be careful just
how much you sand them. It’s surprising
how quickly your 1/16” tail surfaces can
become 1/32” tail surfaces.
Although you can just make out some
experimental fishing line hinges in the
photo, I decided that wasn’t very
practical. I ended up using narrow strips of
scuffed up floppy disc material for the
hinges. I just found it a lot easier to work
with than fishing line I could barely see
half the time.
Okay, I can see I’ve run out of space
again – the hazard of including a plan in
the column, but we will finish this off next
time. Then we’ll finish building the model
and take a look at tissue covering.
In the meantime, should you wish to
contact me I will be at the usual place;
[email protected] I

36 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

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Flying Scale Models ad.indd 1 14/08/2013 11:43

S FOR S DART PUP REVISED 21/8/13 11:47 Page 2

SUBJECTS FOR SCALE

A RT
D ‘PUP’
With photos from the
Richard Riding collect
ion

The Dart Pup photographed by A.R. Weyl, the aircraft’s designer, at Loosey Farm, Dunstable reportedly taken after the maiden flight in August 1936. (via Ric

38 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

 S FOR S DART PUP REVISED 21/8/13 11:47 Page 3

logy this on e- of f type is a shape wor th

er techno
Based on 1930s glid yone like to give it a tr y?
modelling.Would an nch ‘Ava’ adjustable bearers,
allowing variation of
there were
n of the Fre trials, and
gested at more powerful versio n the thrust line during
ack in 1935 it was sug d just be en an no unced, so the desig sup po rtin g stru ts to the fuselage. The
four

B
ha ected of
the London Gliding
Club’s
on the 34 h.p . exp gs we re sw ept-back 15° for
the Falcon was based t-four shapely win
Dunstable H.Q. that sio n Av a, a tidy fla ve ry suitable for the
the high compres stability which was
III glider plus a sm all engine,
oke . r layou t wh ere the forward position
ultra-light two-str d, renamed pushe
might make a good an y wa s re- for me it is a stro ng influence on
Weyl, The comp the of the cockp
aircraf t. A. R. pu she r be ca me so wit h ultra-lights
powered ‘pusher’ Dart Aircraft and the C.G. position: more
e.S., of the ne arb y firm Zander & ‘Pu p’. The win g ce ntre-section t we igh t is a sub stantial
A.F.R.A Dart II or where pilo
h this idea but did e the fus ela ge, up we ight and the
Weyl, proceeded wit was mounted ab ov proportion of the all-
designing a parasol in its lea din g ed ge twe en pilots must be
the job properly by housing the oil tank variation weights be
t kno wn as the Dunstable Dart. fue l tan ks be twe en the spars. . The win gs we re
pusher, firs and the two catered for
ve always been a mounted aft of the er-like and had no
Suitable engines ha The Ava 4-aOO was understandably glid
ts and a Scott s bo lted the
problem with ultra-ligh rear spa r to wh ich wa
l wa s co nsidered, but a new,
Flying Squirre

via Richard Riding).

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 39

S FOR S DART PUP REVISED 21/8/13 11:47 Page 4

This side elevation view peovides good detail of the cabane strutting and the engine mount-
ing. (via Richard Riding)

internal wire bracing. change trim occured.

Ailerons were unbalanced and were The main undercarriage had brakes,
push-rod operated by differential arms. with springing and rebound shocks taken
The wings had no dihedral and were by rubber compression discs. The tailwheel
braced by V-struts attached to the was solid rubber the aircraft also featured
fuselage by hinge-fittings and other pivots a glider-style nose-skid.
at the trailing edge of the centre section Mr. Weyl made the first flight in July 1936.
enabling the wings to be folded back. It became apparent that the Pup was
Aileron controls connected-up underpowered and a variety of propellers
automatically when the wings and thrust line adjustments were made.
were spread. Although pleasant to fly, the take-off run
For transport by road, wings, tailplane was phenomenally long and absolute
and rudder were easily removed. Due to ceiling was 2,500 ft. It eventually
the high engine thrust line and the transpired that the engine was not the 34
necessary up-thrust angle, the slipstream h.p. model ordered but had been
played onto the tailplane, so variable detuned to 27 h.p.! The makers had not
incidence gear was provided to cope informed Dart Aircraft that the 34 h.p.
with engine on/off trim changes, but in model had been abandoned due to
practice this proved unnecessary as no overheating and its pursuance was

In September 1937 the Pup was sold to Anthony E. Green. In August, he

stalled the aircraft while taking off from Bishop’s Tachbrook aerodrome,
Leamington and it was written off. By this time the Pup’s Ava engine had been
replaced by the more powerful Bristol Cherub. (via Richard Riding)

40 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

S FOR S DART PUP REVISED 21/8/13 11:47 Page 5

discouraged by the French Air Ministry’s fitted and a taller undercarriage parasol pusher layout, allied to the above
classification of ultra-lights as aeroplanes increased the ground angle. However, a average loading and the NACA 23012
with 25 h.p, or less. complete cure was effected by a trusty basic airfoil (used in the Auster) which,
This ‘faux-pas’ by the makers meant that 36 h.p. Bristol Cherub III in June 1937, but while giving good speed on low power,
the Ava would never be good enough, as this engine was out of production, the lacks maximum lift at low speeds. Stability
but further modifications were made prototype was the only Pup ever built. In was positive in all three planes and a
hopefully to overcome the lack of engine the air the Pup was viceless, with a gentle peculiarity of great virtue was the Pup’s
power. To improve rudder response in the level sink rather than a stall. A faster than ability to land itself without human
Ava’s mild slipstream a larger rudder was usual glide was due to the ‘draggy’ interference!

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 41

S FOR S DART PUP REVISED 21/8/13 11:48 Page 6

A conference between Eric Zander, W.R. Scott,

Hedges, Wimmelreich and designer A.R. Weyl
at Dart HQ at 29 High Street North, Dunstable
in August 1936. The Pup is substantially
complete but without wheels. The 27 hp Ava
4a 100 engine was subsequently exchanged
for a 32 hp Bristol Cherub III. (A.H. Curtis via
Richard Riding).

A month after acquiring the Cherub, the

Pup was sold to a Mr. Green who, after
having a lot of fun, wrote-off the Pup
shortly before the outbreak of WW2. He
failed to clear a hedge while taking-off
with full load near Birmingham, and so
ended the life of an aeroplane, the future
of which was spoiled for lack of a really
suitable engine. I
The Dart Pup’s width, with wings folded was 9 ft 8 in and here it is seen after being towed from
SPECIFICATION Dunstable to nearby Loosey Farm. (via Richard Riding).
Wingpan: 29 ft. 7t in.
Length: 19 ft. 81 in.
Empty wt.: 485 lb.
Loaded Wt.: 705 lb.
Wing Area: 114 sq. ft.
Wing Loading: 6.18Ib./ sq. ft.
Max. Speed (Ava): 75 m.p.h.
(Cherub): 90 m.p.h
Stalling Speed: 35 m.p.h.
Landing Speed: 37-40 m.p.h.
Landing Run: 50 yd.
Take-off Run (Cherub): 80 yd.

CONSTRUCTION
All wood with mild steel fittings. All struts
of engine mounting, centre section,
tailplane, wing and undercarriage of
steel tube. Fuselage was ply-covered
box with integral fin and detachable
rounded alloy nose cap. Tailplane had
box spar and ply-covered nose and cen-
tre section with cut-out to drop over fin.
L.E. of rudder ply covered.

COLOUR SCHEME
All fabric clear doped. Ply covering
on fuselage and elsewhere cream,
except for red trimming on nose,
leading edges and tips. All struts This airborne view of the Pup shows the pronounced sweepback on the semi-cantilever wings.
With no dihedral, the wings had an area of 114 sq ft, a loading of 6.18 lb per sq ft and a
and lettering in red. NACA 23012 aerofoil section. (A.H. Curtis via Richard Riding).

42 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

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in ola bl
ver e
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se
00
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WH d
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ORDER FORM - AEROMODELLER
First name ..........................................................................
Please debit my credit/debit card for £ .....................
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6 issues cost: UK; £30.00, Europe; £40.00,
World-wide; £45.00 (Inc postage)
Cheques payable to: ADH Publishing Ltd.
Surname............................................................................. Card No...................................................................... Starting from issue ........................................
Address............................................................................... Expiry date................................. Start date ...............
............................................................................................. Security Number (last 3 digits on signature strip)............. Signature.......................................................
......................................Post/zip code................................ Issue No (if applicable) ................................................. Date ..............................................................
Country............................................................................... Please mail this form to;
Telephone Number............................................................ ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, United Kingdom
Tel; +44(0)1525 222573 Fax; +44(0)1525 222574 Online; www.aero-modeller.com
Email Address.................................................................... (Photocopies of this form are acceptable)

AERO SUBS AD.indd 1 14/08/2013 11:49

BRACE OF PUPS TONY OK 15/8/13 12:34 Page 2

A SUBJECT FOR SCALE?

PUPPY LOVE?

ack in the February 1956 issue, 0.75cc power designed by W.Peter Holland Unfortunately, plans for the larger version

B AeroModeller published plans

for two free flight scale models
of the Dart Pup. The first of these
was a 1/8th scale model for 0.5 -

44 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

with a wing span of 44.5” (1130mm). Also
included was F/Lt. D Barton’s 1/6th scale
59” (1500mm) version for engines up to
1.5cc - F.Lt Barton’s model had a Mills 1.3.
are no longer available, but we’ve
managed to track down availability of
Peter Holland’s 1/8th scale replica, still
available in the old AeroModeller X-list
BRACE OF PUPS TONY OK 15/8/13 12:34 Page 3

range, still maintained by MyHobbyStore FSP/620 and costs £22.50. Best way scale up or down to any size you might
Ltd. The ‘X-List’ range is not listed on their therefore to place an order is to call them fancy - so why adopt this unusual, yet
web site, but the 1/8th scale version of the on 0844 848 8822 (Uk) or +44 2476 322234. attractive little 1930s aircraft as your next
Dart Pup is still available under its original Once you have a copy of the plan, scale modelling project? I
AeroModeller Plans Service number of modern copying methods can be used to

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 45

BRANDENBURG C1 copy 19/8/13 10:24 Page 2

FREE FLIGHT SCALE

Brandenburg C.1
A 35” (889mm) 1:15 scale model of the WW1 German reconnaissance
aircraft, for 0.75 - 0.8cc engines.
Designed by BILL DENNIS
he Brandenburg C.1 was and is a very practical model. With as shown. During assembly use plenty of

T designed by Ernst Heinkel of the

German Hansa und
Brandenburgishche
Flugzeugwerke and subsequently
also produced under licence by the
Austrian Phonix and UFAG companies. A
remarkably sleek machine when judged
hindsight, it could have been a little larger
- maybe 40in span for a good Mills .75 -
because I had to fly mine with the wick
turned well down. A PAW 55 would be
suitable (apart from the needle valve),
but here it is as built. Mine only weighed
14oz - don’t go much higher than this or
jigging triangles to keep things true, but of
course this is complicated by the bulge in
the middle of the fuselage - but don’t be
put off, this is the only tricky part.
At an early stage you must decide if you
are going to panel the fuselage in ply.
Some machines were painted all over
against others of the time, the you will lose the slow flying characteristics and in this case you will be able to leave
Brandenburg came into service in early that are the appeal of free flight. the fuselage all-balsa - much easier, but
1916 and remained one of the mainstays My particular version is an early model, less rewarding. If you are going to model
of the German flying services until 1918, that has a different rudder and side an example with plain-varnished fuselage,
hauled along by a wide variety of panels to the cowling which make it note that there is no balsa sheeting to the
engines, enclosed in a similarly varied easier to conceal the engine. top or bottom of the fuselage, the ply
styles of cowling. At the beginning of its alone is plenty strong enough. The rear
career it was used as a long-range Fuselage sides can also be largely cut away, but
reconnaissance machine, but was later The essential starting point is to buy two don’t do this until the last thing.
adapted to other roles, including artillery identical sheets of bendy 1/16in balsa; Scrutiny of photographs shows great
spotting and bombing. you will find these lying next to one variation in the top decking on the
The Brandenburg has an almost ideal another in your model shop! Cut the sides forward fuselage and this area is not easy
layout for a free flight model, and yet I in pairs to match the grain; it is important to reproduce using conventional
have only ever seen one other model, an to do all you can to keep the fuselage techniques. In the end, I tack-glued soft
indoor Peanut. Perhaps the reason is the straight at this early stage, and soaking balsa to the top forward fuselage and
documentation; there are a confusing the cut-out sides in ammonia solution will carved and sanded this to shape. With
number of variants and this, three-view help. On my model I had tried to build the this block still in place I heated up sheets
drawings tend to be confusing. sides right up to F1, but the curve was just of plastic card and pulled them over the
Nevertheless it is an interesting subject too much and the extreme front end former. The resultant mouldings were
and makes a challenging building project. distorted. To rescue the fuselage, I cut the trimmed and cut away for the various
It certainly takes off and flies beautifully front off at F2 and replaced it with block apertures, cockpit, engine etc. They are

46 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

BRANDENBURG C1 copy 19/8/13 10:24 Page 3

LEFT: Mills 75 diesel

engine and dummy
repilca are here
removed to reveal
the engine bearers.
BELOW: Mills diesel
and dummy
re-installed.
RIGHT: Detail of the
dummy scale Austro-
Daimler engine and
wheel.
BOTTOM RIGHT:
Cabane struts,
dummy tank and
radiator.

sufficiently strong to need little internal each end of brass tube and sunk into the you do not fancy it, replace the thread
structure; just a 1/2” former F5 to separate nose block. with a conventional wooden spar and
the engine bay from the cockpit, which Almost there now. Cut 1/64” ply panels move to the next section!
you will see is largely open space. and fix in place with contact glue. The Building the wooden part of the wing is
With this task done, the decking can be only tricky part is that small panel behind easy, just be sure to use stiff wood for the
removed until a later stage. Add the the rear cockpit where the section ribs, keep them flat to the board and
engine bearers, undercarriage and lower changes and the curve is quite sharp. I leave them about 1mm deep. Note the
wing dowels, plus the cabane wires. By had to sand the rear face right down to outer ribs are curved for the washout and
their nature, being integral with the wing the outer lamination to get it to bend that the ailerons are faked by using strips
dowels, these need very careful bending easily. The edges are wrapped with a 1/4” of 1/8” x 1/16” laid 1/16” apart, top and
and be prepared to throw a few away. strip of heavy tissue and the fuselage bottom. The thread I used is called
Bind a length of 16swg between them doped and varnished; I used three coats Barbour thread, I presume for repairing
and spend a lot of time checking all the of satin antique pine and it is vital to seal Barbour jackets and I got mine from John
angles before soldering the joints. I usually the end grain around the nose to Lewis. Attach at one end with PVA or
tack-glue strips of wood to the fuselage withstand oil seepage. Add the top balsa cement and then the other, pulling
to act as datum reference points - get decking panels and any other fiddly bits. taut but not tight. There is no need to
this wrong and the model will not leave it slack to pull in; if you do you will
work properly! Wings be in trouble later on. Secure to each rib
Make up a cowling block, tack in place The construction of the wings is rather and that’s it until covering.
and shape it. Remove and finish, then unusual and the desire to have a go at
make a plaster cast and lay it up in reproducing the thin, scalloped trailing Tail Surfaces
fibreglass. There is little room at the front edges typical of German and Austro- The plan shows the tail surfaces as I built
end and you will need to refer to the Hungarian machines of the time was one them. I had hoped to use the same
photographs. In fact things are so tight of the attractions of the project. Do not technique as for the wings but it was not
with a Mills that the screws holding down be put off - it is quite straightforward, but if successful and I had to resort to a sheet
the engine plate have to be countersunk
to lie under the engine lugs. So how to
tighten the countersunk engine bolts?
Make the plate from 1/8” brass (yes, that
much side thrust!) and solder the bolts to
the underside so they will not turn.
The plate can then be screwed to
the bearers.
There is no way to arrange a
detachable panel, so the engine must be
able to be operated with everything in
place. The compression screw is reached
with an Allen key through the cowling, the
tank is cut down to the right size for a
one-minute run and filled using a syringe,
and you don’t need to touch the
needle valve.
The dummy engine is assembled from
dowel, bamboo and tubing and mounted
on a firm base; this is screwed down to a
matching block inside the fuselage. The
only part of the nose that is detachable is
the front cowl, which has a 1/8” ply
bulkhead epoxy-glued in. Two holes are
drilled through from the front to allow 6BA
screws to pick up on nuts soldered into

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 47

BRANDENBURG C1 copy 19/8/13 10:24 Page 4

core for the elevators and rudder, thus The only tricky part of the whole process hand launches it soon became clear that
losing some of the translucent effect. In is the doping. Silk is horrible stuff to dope, it was turning too tightly to the left and this
truth it was not noticeable; if I were to do as the liquid tends to just go straight could not be corrected with rudder
it again, I would just get some nice, light through. Try to lay the dope on the surface without endangering the glide.
quarter grain 3/32” sheet and cut the tail and don’t go over it twice. Above all, hold Another engine plate was made, with
from that! the wing panels LE down, so that any what is quite a lot of side thrust shown on
dope going through will run away from, the plan. One washer of down thrust was
Covering not into, the TE, where it will stick the upper needed to eliminate a slight stall and
The flying surfaces are covered with silk and lower layers together. Work carefully that was it.
only, rather than the usual silk-on-tissue. and there should be no problem. Once the flight was sorted, the model
The wings are covered in one piece as had a beautiful straight take off. It is
follows. A panel is cut large enough to go Decorating essentially a nice-weather model; I am
round the wing with a reasonable margin. Spray with Ford Ivory car paint, using just sure it can cope with a breeze, but
Washed and ironed (to remove the starch) sufficient to cover without making the because the loading is down at 5oz/sq ft,
the panel is laid over the lower surface wings opaque. I applied the markings by take-offs can be brief.
and sprayed with water from an atomiser. hand using a mixture of matt and gloss The Brandenburg has a large margin of
The silk must be kept damp throughout the black paint in order to achieve sheen. stability fore and aft, less so directionally. It
process, as it is carefully pulled straight and does not like turning tight left and will not
taut and attached at the wing leading Flying tolerate a right turn at all. Keep it fairly
edge (LE) and tips with dope. Still damp, it Trimming was a fairly straightforward task. wide and there will be no problem.
is wrapped around the trailing edge (TE) With all the angles and CG as shown, the I suspect that this could be traced to a
and taken forward to the LE. Work model has a long, flat glide with neutral slightly small rudder and a lot of forward
carefully and you will be surprised at how elevators. Power trimming showed there side area being hit by the rotating prop
well it goes. Don’t try to pull in the scallops, was more than enough power and the wash. I have shown the standard, larger
they will form as the silk dries. If the scallops Mills had to be tamed with a 9x4in rudder on the plan if you want to be
are too great, the wrinkles will appear. propeller fitted back to front at first. From ultra-safe. Good flying! I

48 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

BRANDENBURG C1 copy 23/8/13 10:01 Page 5

CUT PARTS
BRANDENBURG SET FOR THE
C.1
Full size copies of this
for the Brandenburg
TWO SHEET plan
C.1 are BRANDENBURG

C.1
Scale Models Plans
available from Flying tle
g, Doolittle Mill, Doolit
Service, ADH Publishin rdshire,
Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfo
LU6 1QX.
Tel 01525 222573
ing.com
enquiries@adhpublish
rch as e pf Model Flyer Get straight down to construction without delay!
Free plan with pu
/08) plus p&p This month’s full size free plan feature is supported
March 2000 (Plan MF by a laser-cut set of ready-to-use balsa and
.00;
(U.K £2.50; Europe £4 plywood components. This provides all the parts
Rest or Wo rld £6.00 .
that, otherwise, you would need to trace out onto
the wood before cutting out.

IT DOES NOT INCLUDE STRIP

AND SHEET MATERIAL OR
SHAPED WIRE PARTS

Price £29.00
plus carriage: £11.50 (UK); Europe £26.00

Order set CUT MF08

Shipping Note: For shipping to destinations outside the UK and
Europe, you will be charged our standard flat-rate price of £49.
This covers most destinations and secures your order with us.
However, we will contact you accordingly with an accurate
total shipping charge prior to dispatch and either issue a
refund or a PayPal money request for the balance.

Visit our secure website:

Tailplane underside showing scale support struts and dummy control
cables to elevator and rudder. www.flyingscalemodels.com
to order yours

Pilot and observer/gunner were closely positioned, with latter

behind the pilot.

Order direct from:- ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane,

Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK. Tel: 01525 222573/
Detail of the wing tip upward curvature of the dummy aileron that [email protected].
produces wing washout.

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 49

BRANDENBERG TYPE HISTORY Tony OK 15/8/13 12:29 Page 2

TYPE HISTORY

Unglamourous in outline and shape, it was reliable and effective

gly it may have been and this feature. Air Force (land based), being in action on

U unusual in its interplane

strutting, but the Austrian
Hansa Brandenburg C.1 was
one of the most reliable and
well developed two-seat reconnaissance
bombers of World War One. Designed by
Ernst Heinkel, it was made under licence
Usually, the crew of two were seated
back to back in a ‘bathtub’ cockpit, the
front coaming of which varied according
to the type of engine fitted. A fixed
forward firing machine gun was mounted
above the centre section, and at a later
date in the aircraft’s service career, also
the Italian front.
As a subject for scale modelling, the C.1
has much to commend it. The large triangu-
lar tailplane is of adequate area for a flying
model and the deep cowling should give
camouflage for any model engine. Shallow
dihedral, coupled with the generous keel
by both the Phoenix and Ufag factories on the port side the engine cowl, the surface of the fuselage and vertical tail
and during the period of its service, it was latter synchronised to fire through the ought to provide sufficient lateral stability.
fitted with five different types of engine. airscrew. The wing mounted gun was Even the undercarriage and propeller sizes
The number of variations seems infinite. either water or air cooled and was sighted could be safely reproduced to’ exact scale. I
Among the more interesting to clear the apex of the airscrew disc.
modifications was the raising of the rear As a bomber, the C.1 carried a useful DIMENSIONS
gunner’s ring mount to the level of the load of one 176 lb. bomb and a pair of Wingspan: 40 ft. 2 in.
upper wing as shown in separate detail on 22-pounders. It served with the Kaiser und Length: 27 ft. 10 in.
the scale drawing that accompanies Kaisaris Luftfarttropen and the K.u.K. Naval Height: 10 ft. 6 in.

50 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

BRANDENBERG TYPE HISTORY Tony OK 15/8/13 12:30 Page 3

This Hansa-Brandenburg C-1 features a

rounded engine cowling and high mounted
radiator - just one of the varied engine
installations applied during the aircraft’s
service career.

xed,
of the fi
A view iring machine
-f
forward p the upper
o
gun att te also the
o
wing. N itioning.
os
crew p

Cockpit area
of a UFAG-b
example of ui
the Brandenb lt
showing the ur
back-to-bac g C.1,
positions an kcrew
d the mount
the Obser ve ing ring of
r’s machine
gun.
BRANDENBURG SCALE DRAWING Tony OK 15/8/13 12:24 Page 2

SCALE DRAWING

Brandenburg C.1

52 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

BRANDENBURG SCALE DRAWING Tony OK 15/8/13 12:25 Page 3

SCALE 1:50

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 53

COSFORD Tony OK 28/8/13 12:17 Page 2

PHOTO REPORT

LMA COSFORD 2
THIS YEAR LMA’S BIGGEST MEETING WELCOMED ACE W
osford is the Big One on most radio modellers, these two facts welcome the opportunity for a mid-

C the Large Model

Association Calendar, and
it attracts one of the
largest Trade villages of
any show this side of The BMFA Nats. For
alone give it the gravitational pull of a
dark star.
I love Cosford for the variety of
models, the superbly rehearsed flying
troupes and the non-stop action. I also
season stock-up on my depleted
flying goodies.

Dornier Do.335 Pfeil

The big news this year was the arrival of

LEGENDARY FIGHTERS PREP THEIR

MODELS JUST BEFORE TAKE-OFF.
54 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013
COSFORD Tony OK 28/8/13 12:18 Page 3

2013
WARBIRDERS FROM GERMANY!
a stunning scale team from Germany, the loudest pyrotechnics I have ever fast-flying Dornier Do.335. Yes, the
called Legendary Fighters. They flew US, heard, from Frenchman Lionel Berthelot. wicked late WWII one, with an
British, and German warbirds, in a Three of this troupe’s models stood out aero-engine each end! Wow, and
variety of appealing colour schemes. In for the keen scale modeller. The first double wow! This was a very imposing
all, they gave us a very professional was a really refreshing choice of scale model, and was flown with
show. This came complete with some of subject, the wonderfully aggressive and appropriate panache by Roland

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 55

COSFORD Tony OK 15/8/13 14:47 Page 4

Roland Sabatschus’ wonderfully aggressive

Dornier Do 335 Pfeil on full flap approach.

Sabatschus. It spanned 2.5 meters, the very impressive performing early jet convincing scorching along just above
fuselage was the same length, and the fighter. This fine model was built and the grass.
model weighed 21.2 kgs. The Pfeil flown by Armin Morgenweck, and it
(Arrow) was powered by two Zenoah weighed 19.6 kgs. It spanned 2.3 Me 109G
G-45s, and did not hang about. It was metres, and was powered by an Alfred It is a curious thing, but British modellers
built from the Engel Modellbau kit. Frank Raptor gas turbine. It looked very have a soft spot for German WWII fighters,

Heinkel Salamander
Another under-modelled WWII scale
subject, the He.162 Salamander, was a

Hiding a Desert Aircraft petrol engine under Great lozenge scheme on Pat Dare’s Siemens
the engine cowling, Pat Dare’s rarely-mod- Schukert.
elled Siemens Schukert DII.

Pat Dare’s Siemens Schukert has Bob Smith’s friendly Fokker Tripe guarding his tail.

56 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

COSFORD Tony OK 15/8/13 14:48 Page 5

Steve Bishop on final

approach with the
Red Duo Red Arrows’
liveried Bae Hawk.

and German modellers have a soft spot

for Spitfires! However, it was also A Boddo Bentley 504 Siemens Schukert D.III
fascinating to see how a gifted German Almost. You see, Andy Johnson’s Avro Scale maestro Pat Dare brought along
scale modeller dealt with an Me 109G. 504k was actually built from an yet another work of art. This time it was
Staffen Zaun’s Adolph Galland Me 109 enlarged version of the famous David a rare Siemens Schukert D.III WWI scout.
was very crisply modelled and could Boddington Plan. However, superlatives This tubby, short-coupled, radial-
stand a good, hard, appraising look. I are insufficient for Andy’s overall engined beast radiated raw character.
thought it excellent. She spans 3.3 metres, achievement, since - wait for it - the The lozenge pattern was as meticulous
weighs 37 Kgs, and is powered by a King ’504 is powered by his scratch-built as we now have the right to expect
B2 195 petrol engine. The Me 109 looked Bentley radial engine! More details from one of our greatest scale men. This
fabulous flying through the flames. soon, so watch this space. is a lovely scale model that flew well

Superb Heinkel Salamander by Armin Mark Hinton’s unusual P200 SX powered Yak Ian Turney-White runs up to the JPX 425cc
Morgenweck. Weighs 19.6 kgs, 2.3 metres, 130. The real one is sub-sonic. I kid you not. petrol engine in his Hanriot HD-1.
powered by an Alfred Frank Raptor gas turbine.

Colin Strauss’s unusually-schemed Hunter. As the old saying goes: Two Corsairs are bet- The Yanks in the r/c Jeep must be escorting
Can you guess the theatre? ter than one. a captured Pfeil.

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 57

COSFORD Tony OK 15/8/13 14:49 Page 6

despite its tricky stance for ground

handling. I had a good chat with Pat in
the Trade village and managed to take
down no details whatsoever! However,
fear not, we will return to this superb
flying scale model later in the year.

Hawk Red Duo

When he is not organising the famed
Weston Park Show, Steve Bishop and
much-better-looking son Matt have
been working up their amazing Red
Ansaldo SVA by Carlos Guerra. One third Carlos Guerra’s Ansaldo SVA scout on a low Duo. They perform all the evolutions of
scale, spans 3 metres, and powered by a DLE pass. the Red Arrows as a pair and the effect
170cc twin. Weighs 37 kgs. is electric! This really is a top notch
crowd pleaser. Sadly, on the day, the
dull leaden sky did them no favours and
obscured much of their painstaking and
otherwise highly effective coloured
smoke trails. A really gripping display,
especially on those hair-raising
cross-overs.

Heinkel He.III
There was an annoying, but hopefully
relatively minor, mishap on Sunday.
There was a troubling cross-wind, and
Phil Robertshaw’s much-loved Heinkel
Me 109G of the legendary Fighters, flown by Stunning Me 109G by Staffen Zaun. Spans 3.3 He.111 sustained some nacelle damage
Staffen Zaun. metres, weighs 37 Kgs, and powered by a
when out-landing on the grass. Fixed by
King B2 195 petrol engine.
now, I’m sure, but annoying for Phil and
Robbie nevertheless. This was a shame
since the big Heinkel is very popular on
the NW Warbird circuit. I trust that the
model will be back in the air by the
time you read this.

Tiger Moth
We have seen her before, but I must
record that John Greenfield’s Ghost

Half scale Ghost Squadron Tiger Moth flown The pilot in John Greenfield’s Tiger Moth has
by John Greenfield. Impressive. that authentic 1930s matinee idol look.

Mike Booth with his Spitfire Mk IX which recently flew The Channel.

58 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

COSFORD Tony OK 15/8/13 14:50 Page 7

Axis Dawn Patrol! Italian Ansaldo and Austrian Albatros climbing out.

Squadron Tiger Moth remains a hugely

impressive model aeroplane. She is
impressively large, crisply detailed, and
flies utterly convincingly. Mind you, the
‘model’ - if you want to call it that - is
built to half-scale, spans a cool 14 feet,
and weighs 55 kgs. It is powered by a
mighty Weslake 342 light aircraft petrol
engine, specially home-tuned, of 350cc
capacity. This produces prodigious,
but highly controllable grunt, via a
35x14 propeller. Oh no! Phil Robertshaw’s well-loved Heinkel He.111 sustained some damage when
out-landing. Fixed by now, I’m sure.
Ponnier
Very large scale models are Ian
Turney-White’s forte, and he has built an
even bigger, even more impressive
Ponnier than last time. Watching this
lovely early aircraft roll into wind and
gently waft into the air - at what
seemed like an impossibly slow airspeed
- reminded one graphically just how
brave those early pioneers were. This is
aeromodelling on the grand scale.
There is nothing quite like it.

The Verdict Andy Johnson’s immaculate 504K from an

One of my most respected mates, enlarged Boddo plan, complete with its 9
Alphabob, who attended as a cylinder radial. Wow!
ticket-buying punter, declared Cosford
2013 a “bumper year”. Cosford remains a
“must attend” event on the flying scale
calendar. Most importantly, most of the
models you see have been built by their
owners in their sheds, so creativity is king.
The flying was continuous and engaging,
though this year the slotting arrangements
appeared to come under some strain.
Nothing that a full de-brief by the
capable LMA Committee will not sort out.
Anyhow, roll on LMA Elvington! I
Superlatives are insufficient. Andy Johnson’s Scorched earth! Legendary Fighters put on a
magnificent achievement. His Avro 504 k, com- superb show, with their gallant gallic
plete with his home-built Bentley radial engine. pyrotechnocist Lionel Berthelot.

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 59

SURVIVING SCALE PART 5 Tony OK 15/8/13 11:15 Page 2

FREE FLIGHT SCALE

Part 5 - The fiddly bits: It’s built and covered! But how do you make those items
that make a scale model look right?
he quality of the lettering and markings are the same. be modified to suit your needs. This usually

T intricate markings on a scale

model aircraft are the real
eye-catchers, but it is not easy to
achieve. The spray wizards simply
(?) mask and spray delicate trim and
lettering, but I have not been successful
at this yet.
To attach the markings to the basic
surface covering, first brush the
approximate location on your model with
thinned PVA glue, then slide the
decoration into the position you have
previously marked on your model, using a
soft pencil. If things go drastically wrong,
entails sanding off the tread and making
new hub caps.
Turned balsa wheels are okay for smaller
models, but they do suffer on tarmac.
One way to reduce this, is by painting
them with car rubber tyre paint, or by
putting a thin rubber cover over the balsa.
Alternatively, you can spray some fine simply try again. This method is very easy This can be cut from a section of bicycle
Jap tissue in the colour of your markings, to master and can be used in the same inner tube, or rubber glove fingers. The
then cut them out and apply to the manner for small indoor models and application of cyano glue will harden the
model using thinned PVA glue. The tissue, others, all the way up to large R/C balsa and this helps as well.
being very thin, appears as if it has been models. The photocopier is a very useful For the early fabric-covered spoke
sprayed on. tool for enlarging designs and wheels, we have to resort to building
To cut the shapes accurately and neatly producing masks. them, since commercial types are heavy,
from tissue, place the tissue in between inaccurate, expensive - and never in the
two layers of writing paper; then, on top Where do you get those wheels? required size. The simplest method to
of the sandwich, place a further piece of The wrong size, or type of wheel on your make a set of wheels takes under an hour
paper containing the accurately drawn model can detract from your efforts and - and are both light and durable.
decorations. The complete pile is taped to spoil the overall effect. For the modern The sketches show how this is done - the
a cutting board or mat and then, using a type of low pressure wheel, as used on 1/32” or 1/16” ply discs are cut out using a
new scalpel blade, the shapes are light aircraft - Pipers and Austers, for compass or stout scissors. Glue the
carefully cut out. Several layers of tissue instance - then there are dozens of sandwich together using epoxy, then
can be cut at the same time, if all your commercially available items which can stack all your heavy books on the wheels

FIG 1: Card or plastic disc, score on reverse side to form

detail of spokes and lacing, using a ball point pen.

FIG 2
Lacing

Spokes
Epoxy fillet
Brass tube

Cut & glue flap

to form cone

Soft balsa

Rubber tube

Valve hole

SECTION OF A WHEEL

Ply discs

60 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

SURVIVING SCALE PART 5 Tony OK 15/8/13 11:15 Page 3

blanks to ensure a good bond. The brass black scraper board

tube axle needs to be accurately aligned
and supported by a good fillet of epoxy - .050” black Plastikard
after all, a loose hub produces a take-off
roll resembling something out of a clowns .010”. clear acetate
act in a circus. The simulated fabric spoke varnished ply, black
covering discs are simply cut from card, or Plasitkard etc.
better still plastic card, scored with details
on the reverse side. This is simply folded FIG 4 FIG 3
into a cone and glued to the wheel. The
tyre is made from rubber tubing (a shower bezels from copper wire wrapped
hose, for example - anything circular and over dowel and glued in place with
light, cut cyanoacrylate
to size and cyanoed together to form a other embellishments - bubble
hoop). Don’t worry about the colour, since level, brass name plaque etc.
black tyre paint can soon alter that. Your
local garage often has a myriad selection epoxy strip of black scraper board
of rubber hose tube diameters, and small wire in slot
models can use Vacuum cleaner fan .050” Plastikard
belts. The best material I have found to clear acetate
date, is neoprene sponge, used for
releasing concrete moulds! This can be .050” sub
FIG 5 main panel as above panel
bought in a variety of sizes from rubber
manufacturers - use your Yellow Pages! FIG 6
The tyre can be glued to the wheel using domed switch
cyano - dead easy! from screw

Engines, armaments and things

Dummy engines, guns and all the other FIG 7: Whirlwind type balsa rocker use an “easy to bind” type metal tube for
bits and bobs are the most enjoyable cover induction and exhaust pipes
details to make, using the old ‘Blue Peter’
techniques - any old bit of wood, wire,
plastic and string are used to fool the eye
into thinking things are not what they pins to balsa cylinder
seem. Air-cooled cylinders are simply guide
balsa dowel wrapped with thread, or soft thread
whilst
wire, to represent cooling fins. Or, for the binding FIG 8: Flat four type
more tediously challenged, alternate discs
cut from plastic card and balsa. Valve
gear is simulated with wire, springs and
thread fins
bits of wood. The crankcase is made from
balsa
ply and balsa with embossed details on
the plastic or paper reverse side.
The key to all this kind of detail is the tube and wire
finish, so use plenty of dope to seal and pushrod pins
smooth the surface, paying particular FIG 9: Mercedes 180 HP
attention to the essential characteristics of balsa (Front three cylinders)
the full size engine. Paint your engine and
apply the dirt to suit the subject. This can
hide many shortcomings in detail and
enhance its appearance. Usually, only
part of the cylinders are visible , or just a
couple, the task is usually simplified by the
proximity of the cowlings. Water-cooled
engines are simpler, since no string is dowels
required, just carve into shape then seal
and paint, but they do require more pipe
bolts
work. Soft wire or aluminium wire and
tube is excellent for simulating engine
plumbing.

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 61

SURVIVING SCALE PART 5 Tony OK 15/8/13 11:15 Page 4

External details - and in the cockpit - give the scale model that ‘believability’ factor, as with Anrew’s Fokker, above.

For larger inlet or outlet pipes, use the Guns are simulated using plastic or your model, a bare cockpit stands out like
heavy grade of single-core insulating aluminium tubes for the barrels and then the proverbial sore thumb.. Everyone
electrical wire. It can be bent to shape, bits and bobs for the rest, Plasticard is looks into the cockpit and comments are
glued and painted easily. Long exhaust excellent, since no filling is required. The guaranteed!
pipes can be simulated with balsa dowel, Vickers gun jacket is simulated by a scored For most early aircraft, the cockpit is
paper or plastic tubes. Again, it is in the piece of Plasticard to simulate the grooves. almost bare, except for the instrument
finished surface that gives the quality - This is rolled around a balsa dowel. The board. Instruments can be drawn out
and painting works wonders. Exhausts are tricky German equivalent, the ‘Spandau’, several times bigger than required, then
always dirty, and so should yours, brown, can be similarly produced but first, draw reduced on a photocopier to required
black and pink paint dabbed and wiped out the fretted jacket, photocopy onto size. These can be mounted inside bezels
on top of a silver base coat, gives a good clear film, cut out and roll up. cut from sections of tube (old pens,
dirty exhaust. To hold the dummy engine aluminium tube, etc.), then they can be
in place, use hooks and rubber bands, The office stuck to a stained ply instrument board as
Velcro or better still, press studs. No matter how accurate and wonderful per full size. The seats can be cut and

d: carve and sand the cheeks,

c: cut away shaded areas, goggles etc.
carve chest to meet arms

FIG 10

e: finished pilot - paint with

poster paint - do not smooth
off too perfectly!
b: cut to elevation and mark
area to be removed

a: mark elevation on
block

62 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

SURVIVING SCALE PART 5 Tony OK 15/8/13 11:15 Page 5

folded from card and an overweight

head-and-shoulders of a portly pilot can
hide all the rest! However, the most
FIG 11
important thing to bear in mind is that it is thin leather formed around flex glue
multicore flex with contact adhesive
rearwards of the centre of gravity - so you
must be very aware of weight. Nose
details often help to balance a model,
but cockpits and pilots often produce
undesirable weight penalties. Where pins for studs or
possible, use paper and plastic - and sew with thread
keep it light!

Joy rider
For pilots, I use blue or pink foam and FIG 12
carve him to shape, I do not use a full
pilot, but use head and shoulders (to
reduce the amount of dandruff). For his
clothing, I use brown tissue, or very thin
leather, stuck on using PVA glue. His
goggles conveniently hide most of his “No matter how accurate and wonderful your model...
face, and a piece of 35mm film offcut everyone looks into the cockpit!”
can be used for tinted goggles. Enamel
paint will put colour in his cheeks, and a shape of the curves and overall finesse of Many early propellers were fabric-
small patch of Velcro will secure him in the full size component. Most early covered, then painted grey or left in
his office. propellers were natural, stained wood, natural fabric. This makes the production
Your work is rewarded with a very light with perhaps some brass sheeting to much easier, so it is important to refer to
pilot. A scale model flying without a pilot protect the tips. To achieve a good your documentation to ensure you do not
ruins the effect of realism in the air, and is representation of varnished wood, sand, get carried away! The hub details are
normally penalised in a competition flight. seal and dope your blade to an excellent simulated with a card or aluminium disc on
finish. Now build up several layers of which small nuts have been glued, to
Cockpit thrills French polish to the desired colour, this is represent the mountings. Brass sheet
The padded cockpit coaming associated simply brushed on and allowed to dry sheathing can be simulated with enamel
with early aircraft is simply reproduced between coats. After five or six coats, a paint, which can be buffed up then dirtied
with black or brown tubing. This is slit along stunning finish and colour is the result. with a soft pencil to good effect. This really
its length, then simply inserted along the Alternatively, several coats of the is the fun part of scale modelling - so enjoy!
edge of the cockpit decking, a dribble of appropriately coloured varnish will suffice,
super glue fixes it in position. but takes much longer to dry between Credit due
The windscreens are also simple to coats. Laminated propellers can be The sketches for this article have been
reproduce, with clear plastic and framing simulated with alternate layers of balsa, taken from Gordon Whitehead’s now out
from litho plate. For the greenhouse type one of which has been dark stained prior of print ‘bible’ for scale modellers - “R/C
enclosures, a frame would have to be to gluing and carving. Scale Aircraft for everyday flying”. I
built, or mouldings made, onto which strips
are stuck to represent metal frames.

Dummy propellers
FIG 13
Dummy static propellers are the finishing pins removed after
touch to any scale model and are used doping
for static judging only, since they are of
such fearsome diameter and pitch, that
few commercial model engines could
swing such props to produce a
masking
meaningful draught. tape strip thread
All my dummy propellers are carved
from balsa to speed the process, since it is
usually the weekend before the eyelet holes formed by
competition that I remember what I had loops in thread
forgot to make! The correct outline is
drawn onto a block before the pleasant
activity of propeller carving begins. A omit loops for
razor plane makes short work of a balsa small models
block. Pay particular attention to the
FIG 14
NEXT MONTH: ANDY LOOKS AT OTHER POWER SOURCES FOR SCALE

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 63

TECHNO SCALE OCT 13 Tony OK 15/8/13 11:07 Page 2

Techno Modelling by Mike Evatt

Techno Scale ontrary to what you may pilot to enjoy. The prototype model fitted
Mike Evatt sie
jet, rocket or piston powered aircraft,

C have read, Micron Radio

Control are not closing
down, merely re-focusing
on ‘micro’ planes. They are
currently selling off surplus stock so you
may pick up a bargain.
Log-on to www.micronradiocontrol.co.uk
with an O.S. .40 weighed 4.5lbs which
gave the model a nice low wing loading
of under 22oz per square foot. Check it
out at www.billkits.com
Seen on the Electricwingman website
at, unsurprisingly,
www.electricwingman.com an Austria
excluding powered gliders. These basic
guidelines enable the modeller to
construct slope soarers based on a huge
variety of full sized aircraft. PSS began in
the mid 1970s, when a group of modellers
at Moel Famau in North Wales were
buzzed by a full sized DC-3 Dakota and
to see the wares. Micros are approx Pickler kit of the KA-7 glider. The original the rest is history! Check it out at
75gm all up weight and below. There are KA-7 is a two-seater trainer with good www.pssaonline.co.uk
some enchanting examples like the Hergt performance, winning a speed record in If the above has grabbed your
1918 Monoplane This is a delightfully 1964 around a 500km circuit. This attention then log-on to
obscure model airplane from ‘The Great combination of two-seats and superb http://leadingedgegliders.com to see
War’ reproduced in miniature form for the performance was a rare combination some of the EPP PSS models that are
Parkzone Vapor or Spektrum AR6400 around the time of the planes available. Every Leading Edge High
receiver modules. Get one - you’ll introduction in 1960. The Pichler KA-7 is Performance EPP Slope Glider is designed
be addicted! designed for four-channel R/C operation to be the best in its class. You will be
The Slingsby T67 Firefly basic military (rudder, elevator, ailerons and optional delighted to find that most of the
training aircraft is BillKits’ first venture into throttle if you install a suitable power set). hardware is pre-fabricated and ready to
the world of scale models. Their model is Of course, many will desire flat-field install. With Leading Edge Gliders, you do
a 60 inch wing span semi-scale aircraft performance using an optional electric not have to choose between scale
and is suitable for .35 to .45 size two stroke power setup and to this end, the KA-7 fidelity and high performance - you can
engines or .40 to .50 four strokes. The has a removable fibre-glass nose to have both! The screen-shot shows Rick
aircraft is an attractive tricycle simplify motor installation. Schwemmer’s P-51.
undercarriage low winger which makes Power Scale Soaring is an exciting The main aim IMAC U.K. is to promote
an ideal second model, although having dimension in Radio Controlled model competition flying, in several different
said this, the scale lines and superb slope soaring! PSS is all about building classes, of scale model aerobatic aircraft
handling make it a great model for any and flying scale model gliders of full sized in sequences of aerobatic manoeuvres

Micron Radio Control are not closing down The Slingsby T67 Firefly is BillKits’ first A ‘Pichler’ of Austria KA-7 glider.
merely re-focusing. venture into the world of scale models.

Power Scale Soaring is an exciting Rick Schwemmer’s P-51 Power Scale Soarer. IMAC U.K. promotes the competition flying
dimension of R/C model slope soaring. of scale model aerobatic aircraft.

64 FLYING SCALE MODELS OCTOBER 2013

 TECHNO SCALE OCT 13 Tony OK 15/8/13 11:08 Page 3

sieves the internet for more TechnoScale Topics...

as flown by their full size counterparts. The bringing the customer high quality is a German specialist company
aircraft must be scale but can be of any products and services. The company was supplying high-quality accessories for the
size (Basic class models must be under founded in September 2009 and is part of scale modeller. I particularly liked their
70” span) and can use either electric or Flying-RC.com which is owned by R&K superb range of retractable
I.C. power. The above mentioned classes Enterprise Ltd, founded in 2005. They undercarriage units for scale gliders. The
vary in their degree of difficulty with specialise in the model helicopters, good news is that their superb wheels are
newcomers starting at an easy level starting from the micro T-Rex 250 through back in stock and they still sell an on-
(Basic) and progressing by results to the ever-growing popular Nitro T-Rex board starter! With the FEMA on-board
attained on to the higher classes 700, which means you will always get an starter, internal combustion engines can
(Sportsman’s Intermediate Advanced original part or product. Their extensive be started by radio control - this is easy
and Unlimited). For more information take web presence may be found at and safe and it is possible to start the
a peek at their website at www.align-trex.co.uk where scale fans will engine on the ground as well as in the air.
www.imacuk.org find 500 Airwolf scale fuselage suitable for Their complete catalogue is available for
Nigel Cheffers-Heard’s website at T-REX500 Helicopter. download as a PDF file.
http://carrier-deck.com gives a With the trend to petrol and electric And Finally! H S Walsh has been the
fascinating insight into this interesting power, propeller choice and design has leading supplier of tools and equipment
sub-discipline of Control-Line model flying. never been more important. Propguy at for jewellers and horologists. They have
It’s one of the simplest to describe (flying www.propguy.co.uk specializes in been supplying jewellery findings, clock
a simulated mission from an aircraft supplying propellers, both in wood and and watch materials to the jewellery and
carrier) but one of the most difficult to carbon fibre in at the widest range of horological trades for more than 65 years
perfect! On this website you will also find sizes and pitches and can even cater for and are the largest outlet in the UK. We
a description of the conversion of a custom products. They also supply aeromodellers have a requirement for the
Hobby King BF109 ARTF from R/C to C/L. carbon fibre and aluminium Spinners, same sorts of tools be it magnifiers,
This is the BF109T - the version intended for adapters and related products that will measuring devices or micro hand tools.
use on the German Aircraft carrier Graf constantly be expanded to provide the Visit www.hswalsh.com it could make
Zeppelin in WW2 (but never completed). best possible choice for the customer. your life easier and more accurate. I
ALIGN-TREX.co.uk are an internet FEMA Modelltechnik with a web
on-line based company, dedicated to presence at www.fema-modelltechnik.de

Nigel Cheffers-Heard’s excellent A 500 Airwolf scale fuselage ‘Propguy’ specializes in supplying
Carrier-Deck website. ALIGN-TREX.co.uk. propellers, both in wood and carbon fibre.

That’s all there is time for

from me this month so tap
that rodent and if you find
something out there of
interest that might be
good to share, email me at:

[email protected]
FEMA’s superb range of retractable Magnifiers, measuring devices or micro
undercarriage units. hand tools are available from H S Walsh.

OCTOBER 2013 FLYING SCALE MODELS 65

 Classifieds

For Sale
✈ ✈✈ Wanted
DB Hurricane airframe, 88” Cox 0.49 With co2 radio model Net J35P electric Spinners for the Dennis
wing servos, complete conversion £25. New model engine starter, purpose made Bryant plans of the Bristol
retracts system by ‘Unitracts’, teknik gm-300t twin with r/c spares tray, control panel, fuel Bulldog and the Hawker
no damge, 20 flight, built throttle £60 pump used very little and Fury. Good price paid for
by experienced modeller, Gasperin g-24 (new) £25 in excellent condition. New items in good condition.
covered in coverall. £400 Brown campus a-23 (new) batteries needed.
Contact: Tel Sam on
ovno. £30. 2 Telco co2 motors £15
01748 824702 or e mail
each. Ceto micro receiver & Price: £350 ono.
[email protected]
Contact Roy 4 servo to work with futaba Contact: 01787 228133.
Tel: 01552 595145. transmitter £50 Fuel pellets, gasket super
13 Scale aircrafts 18-28 inch seal silicon II wick, for the
Soviet Aircraft and Aviation spans suitable for rubber or Jetx 50cc.
1917-1941, by Lennart co2 power - £50 the lot
Andersson (Putnam 1994). All items collectable or plus Write to: Vervloedt, Marc
Very good condition. p&p Brouwerystraat 33, 8560
Wevelsem, Belgium, Europe.
Price: £20 inc., postage. Contact: Malcolm wallis
KeilKraft “3/9P” kits
Contact 01484 711406 01262 420611 (east yorkshire)
particularly JRTs, 1950s,
Chevron boxes only. High
ENGINES - Model aircraft, Hi Boy 62.5”
prices paid. Plan copies
E.D.Bee, paw 1.49, Am 25 wingspan with engine and would be helpful if kits
and cox texaco 0.049, All servos, concept 3D helicopter unavailable.
£25 with engine, servos and gyro.
Co2 motors - PCM high quality 5 channel Contact: 02392 527202.


A unique reader
service, send us a good EMAIL:
colour picture of your [email protected]
model and we will

✆
print it with your
description at no cost. TELEPHONE: FAX:
Alternatively have your 01525 222573 01525 222574
free private linage

✉
classified featured in ADDRESS:
FLYING SCALE MODELS. ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill,
Just send it to one of Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Beds. LU6 1QX
these options:

WWW.ADHPUBLISHING.COM

FSM CLASSIFIEDS.indd 1 15/08/2013 15:44

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