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BLOHM und VOSS TAILESS LUFTWAFFE‘
SECRET WEAPON THAT

BV208
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SUBJECTS FOR SCALE

FOCKE WULF
FW56 STOSSER
TECHNIQUE

SURVIVING
FF SCALE PART 8
GETTING THE

MARTINSYDE F.4 BUZZARD

FLEA BITTEN
+
BUILD IT IN 1/6TH SCALE ● TYPE HISTORY ● SCALE DRAWINGS ● IN DETAIL
May 2022
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05

INDOOR FOAM SCALE FULL SIZE PLUS: TYPE HISTORY…

MIGNET POU DU CIEL PLANS. FREE FLIGHT OR R/C …THE FLEA THAT WENT TO WAR! 9 771368 900066
 THE
TYPEISSUE
HISTORY
AHEAD...

Formation...
FLYING SCALE MODELS - THE FIRST AND FOREMOST MAGAZINE FOR SCALE MODEL FLYERS

MAY 2022 NO.270

6 6 BLOHM UND VOSS BV208 for free flight, or 20” span for R/C scale,
Late-WW2 German fighter design that electric powered.
explored the boundaries of aerodynamics
but never went further than design stage 40 THE LONGBON FLEA
‘. But Chris Golds proved the shape By far and away the best model of the
workable with his simple-to-build 32” span, Mignet H.M.14 Pou du Ceil that we have
electric powered three-channel replica ever seen appeared in the December
issue of AeroModeller almost sixty years
12 SURVIVING FREE FLIGHT SCALE back in 1963
Part 8: Andrew Hewitt finalises his series
with the techniques for achieving reliable 42 TYPE HISTORY: MIGNET
competition flight performance H.M.14 AND ITS DERIVATIVES
The Flea that went to War!
16 16 MARTINSYDE F.4 BUZZARD
Dr. Mike Hawkins F.R.Ae.S. presents his 1/6th 46 MIGNET POU DU CIEL
scale 62.5” (1660mm) wingspan model of SCALE DRAWING
the best WWI fighter type that the Royal Air 1:30 detailed dawings of the H.M.14
Force never had in any numbers & H.M.280

24 BUZZARD TYPE HISTORY 50 SUBJECTS FOR SCALE:

Fastest of all the British WW1-era fighter FOCKE WULF FW.56 STOSSER
aircraft, it reached the newly formed A distinctive shape that offers the scale
Royal Air Force just months before the modeller the prospect of pre-WWII style
end of hostilities. Although the best, in and authentic aerobatic performance
performance terms, to carry the Service
forward into peacetime, it was passed 55 STOSSER IN DETAIL
32 over. Was it a case of who you know…? Close-up detail study

28 BUZZARD IN DETAIL 58 FOCKE WULF FW56

Close-up photo study of the sole surviving SCALE DRAWING
Martinsyde F.4 Buzzard, now a museum 1:50 detailed scale drawings
exhibit in Finland
60 SCALE FROM SCRATCH
30 MARTINSYDE F.4 PART 3: THE RIGHT BALANCE
SCALE DRAWING C.G. calculation; wing section selection;
1:60 three-view wing &
tailplane
32 FOAMIE FLYING FLEA! incidences
Dave Ridgeway’s all-foam indoor flyer

ON THE Dr. Mike Hawkins has a habit of modelling the generally less well known aircraft types –
occasionally far more obscure than most. The Martinsyde F.4 Buzzard was a WW1 fighter type
that arrived too late for the R.A.F. to take advantage of its superior performance. Mike’s 1/6th
COVER scale model is our major construction feature in this issue

WWW.FLYINGSCALEMODELS.COM

4 FLYING SCALE MODELS - APRIL

MAY 2022
2021
 Editor: Tony Dowdeswell
[email protected]
Publisher: Alan Harman
Design: Peter Hutchinson
Website: Webteam
Advertising Manager: Alan Harman
Admin Manager: Gordon Angus

FLYING SCALE MODELS is published monthly by

Contact...
Doolittle Media, The Granary,
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.

O
ne of the fascinating in total accuracy, the surface panel and
experiences of producing this rivet lines of the full size. Advertisements are accepted for publication in
magazine can be the totally It is the work of David Glen who has, more FLYING SCALE MODELS only upon Doolittle Media’s
unexpected unearthing of recently, repeated the same treatment to standard terms of acceptance of advertising,
obscure facts about certain the North American P-51D Mustang, also in copies of which are available from the
aircraft types that, never in a million years 1/5th scale, and now on display at the R.A.F. advertising sales department of
FLYING SCALE MODELS.
would one even remotely expect, and Museum’s more northern facility at Cosford.
often so startling as to be likely to be The difference is that in the case of this
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printed on ones mind for the remainder of new work, the entire construction has been
The Granary, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe,
one’s natural! photographically recorded and presented
Beds, LU6 1QX. Tel. 01525 222573
Such was the case when preparing the in a book, with the author’s full descriptive Email: [email protected]
‘Type History’ for the Mignet H.M.14 Pou du text of the techniques employed.
Ciel, in support of the pull-out plan feature Whilst this replica of the P-51D is, like the CIRCULATION TRADE ENQUIRIES:
in this issue for Dave Ridgeway’s indoor- earlier Spitfire, a static display model, much Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue,
scale model. At first I could not believe it, of the construction techniques employed London, EC1A 9PT. 020 7429 4000.
but the photographic evidence was there and illustrated, both surface and ‘under-
to see – and reproduced elsewhere in the-skin”, extrapolate to flying scale, with NEWSTRADE:
this issue, to confirm the story that during variations that provide plenty of food for Select Publisher Services, 3 East Avenue,
the WW2 Occupation of France, a single thought. Bournemouth. BH3 7BW. 01202 586848
‘Pou’ was clandestinely constructed by The difference between the two models Email: [email protected]
its designer Henri Mignet, as an equally is that in the case of the latter, the surface
clandestine communications aircraft by the finish replicates the full size in a manner SUBSCRIPTIONS:
French Resistance movement, the Maquise. that includes the subtle tonal bare metal The Granary, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe,
Flown regularly, undiscovered by German variations of individual surface skin panels, Beds, LU6 1QX. Tel. 01525 222573.
occupation forces right up until the Liberation all in a full-colour-throughout hard bound
of France, the ‘Pou’ survived, post WW2 in the coffee table quality book that present (c) Copyright Flying Scale Models 2022
Doolittle Media.
custody of the Musee de l’Aire until , sadly, the photographs at sizes which allow the
The paper used on this title is from
destroyed by fire at a storage facility. reader to fully appreciate the detail. If you
sustainable forestry
are into modeling the P-51 Mustang, there’s
MUSTANG IN MY WORKSHOP more detail to be had fromthese 288 pages
Anyone passing through the front main than any museum visit will yield. a Robart Oleo main undercarriage legs
entrance at the R.A.F. Museum at Hendon Published by Brown & Brown Books surplus to requirement, that they would be
can hardly miss the display model of a (www.brownandbrown.co.uk), MUSTANG prepared to part with?
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1 sitting prominently IN MY WORKSHOP is a weighty tome that I’m looking for a set of the P-51 Mustang
under its display case where it has been genuinely justifies its price of £54.99. ‘offset axle’ style legs in the size to suit 3.75
on view for quite a number of years now. – 4” diameter wheels. Despite my searches,
By any standards, it is a superb example of LEG-UP? these seem to be rarer than hens teeth. Any
modeling skills. In bare metal finish it displays Finally, does anyone out there have a pair offers?

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 5

FULL-SIZE FREE PLAN

6 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

BLOHM
UND
VOSS BV 208
One of those late-WW2 German fighter designs that explored the boundaries
aerodynamics of the period in a quest to counter the Allied assault on ‘fortress Germany’
but which never saw the light of day. But Chris Golds proved the BV 208 a workable
possibility with his simple-to-build 32” span, electric powered three-channel replica of
this starkly unusual warbird that never was

A
while back now, my wife Lauri kindly
bought me a copy of the book entitled
‘Luftwaffe Secret Projects - Fighters
1939 - 1945’. It lists the very many
projects (or ‘Entwurfen’) by numerous
German aircraft companies designed to thrust
the Luftwaffe’s fighter arm into a new realm of
performance. Many of the shapes so produced were
quite odd looking, ambitious to say the least and the
aircraft illustrated on the book’s cover - the Focke-
Wulf Ta 183 - has been tried by a number of EDF
▼

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 7

 FULL-SIZE FREE PLAN
▼

(electric ducted-fan) modellers without allowing almost the whole wing trailing- inexpensive power train. The Shinden
too much success so far. edge to be used as flaps, to compensate fighter did fly, in prototype form right
Development for the higher airframe weight expected at the end of WW2, unlike the Bv 208
Some of the less fanciful designs by the necessary use of steel rather design that never did get that far.
looked to me to have considerable than aluminium for much of the airframe.
promise - especially for EDF. Notable The design became the base-plate for a
amongst these was the Blohm und series of proposed aircraft, which varied CHUCH IT AND SEE!
Voss 215 twin jet night fighter which I mostly in the choice of powerplant. For me any unusual shape tends to
sketched out at about nine feet span When I looked at the Fw 183 threaten the complication of unusual
for a pair of WeMoTec 90mm Midi fans. drawings, my design brain said “…don’t fore/aft (C of G) calculations and so I
But I needed to ‘prove’ the shape first like it…”, but the drawing of the Blohm reverted to my standard cut-and-try
before building a large model which, with und Voss BV 208 project also covered practice of making a lightweight sheet
retracts, would need a fair amount of in that book rang lots of bells which balsa chuck-glider half the size of the
runway to get airborne. certainly said, “…this WILL work!’”. proposed Speed 400 model, thereby
My e-flying chum, Ron Laden, dropped With its single pusher prop I could avoiding the necessity of brushing up on
in to talk amps and watts and, while tackle it using a Speed 400 six-volt long forgotten mathematics!
leafing through the book lying on my motor with a direct drive Günther prop The ‘chuckie’ only took about hour
work-bench, he commented - “…that (current EP technology of the period) to design and build. Then, despite the
looks promising for a 400 pusher..!” . off about eight small cells of NiHM type miserable weather conditions (we live
So... that Ron has used with much success. high up a hill in the West Country, I went
In August 1944 the German Dr. Richard This meant a small model similar to out to ‘chuck’ … a man’s gotta do wot a
Vogt designed a pusher-piston powered my Kyushu JTW ‘Shinden’ (late WW2 man’s gotta do, etc!
flying wing, utilising outboard ‘tailplanes/ Japanese tail-first, engine-at-the-rear I was amazed. At my predicted C of
elevons’ for pitch and roll control, thus fighter prototype) using an identical and G and tailplane’s negative incidence, it

GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT.

Forget the mathematical approach; the Chris
Golds approach to defining the vital correct
fore/aft balance is to start with an ultra low
cost simple all sheet chuck glider.

8 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 1 2

3 4

1: Simple fuselage frame - light! 2: Fuselage blocked out with blue foam deckings. 3: Composite balsa/foam fuselage sanded to shape.
The airframe coming together.

glided straight and flat in a very shallow CONSTRUCTION ‘splinter’ camouflage with light blue
descending flightpath until it met the In a fever of delight (‘cos I just love flying underside colour, I went along this route
inevitable tree and stopped. I rescued wings), I began to cut balsa and in no using the reliable Humbrol matt enamels.
the glider and took it back into my time at all I had a fuselage structure with Because of the intended period of use
workshop to balance and establish the hollowed blue foam top and bottom for the real aircraft - 1945 - I added red
actual balance point. This I then marked deckings (very much easier than trying to and blue fuselage bands indicating a
out to my drawings of the full-size model balsa-plank). The wings, from soft 1/4” home-defence aircraft with simplified
exactly twice the size of the chuck-glider. inch, were quickly made and sanded, white or black top and bottom national
As the 400-size model would also fly with followed by the fins and ‘tailplanes/ markings. A very pretty shape with a
a flat plate wing section I felt certain that elevons’. By the end of the first day I had colour scheme to match!
the balance position would be correct. an entire airframe in one piece! If you
build this plan, note that the wing trailing FLYING
edge is sanded on the underside ONLY I love building and I love flying, but my
- this is to provide some small amount of greatest delight is to complete the first
Specifications reflex. And you MUST get the tailplane few test flights - successfully! With
Name: Blohm und Voss 208/04 negative incidence right too! an unusual shape model this can be
Type: Pusher-powered flying wing I mounted the motor (wired back-to- a nerve-wracking affair. For initial test
Designed by: Chris Golds front for reverse action) and made up flights I prefer my model to be always
Wing Span: 32” (81cm) the power pack. The bench runs went slightly nose-heavy with plenty of up-
Power: Speed 400 6v. motor as predicted at ten amps and about elevator trim available to compensate if
Prop: Gunther 5” 90 watts using the excellent Günther required and I do not mind if I have to
Battery: Eight 1600 MiMH cells plastic five inch prop - do not be put off fly around using a lot of back-stick to
Radio: Mini Rx, two micro-servos, electronic by its ‘toy shop’ image, it is an amazing stay level - after all, I am not going to do
speed controller propeller! aerobatics, not until later anyway! So I
Construction: Sheet balsa and blue foam set the Blohm und Voss up in just such a
FINISH fashion, confident that I would have to fly
Finish: Matt Humbrol enamels
This just left the task of finishing and, the first trip with the stick in my stomach.
All-up weight: 20 ounces
as I have long been fascinated by the Wrong!
Wing loading: 16 oz. per sq. ft.
standard Luftwaffe scheme of Dark With all range-checks completed
Green and Black Green in topside satisfactorily, I ran a top-up charge, then
▼

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 9

 FULL-SIZE FREE PLAN

prepared to fly. Gordon Whitehead gave and rolls all successfully

▼

me an excellent hand-launch and I was and safely flown.

away - with the stick almost on the front Dr. Vogt’s
stops! I immediately realised my error untested
with the elevators, but all I could do was planform had
to hang on and get used to the aircraft been proved
before making an approach to land in the and I was very
grass. I got it down safely and hastily re- pleased with
set the elevators to neutral, i.e. in stream the results.
with the negative incidence tailplanes. At just over
I re-charged, Gordon launched the 20 ounces
model again and away she went for all-up-weight,
seven minutes of fun exploring the including
model’s characteristics with stalls, loops motor, Gunther The Blohm
und Voss
208/04
accelerates
away after Gordon
Whitehead’s hand-
launch.

... and is
absolutely
stable!

10 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 five inch prop, power pack, ESC with
BEC, small Rx and two NARO micro
servos, the BV 208 had a wing loading of
just less than 16 ounces per square foot
and a power loading of about 70 watts
per pound.
This little lot provides some very
spirited fun-flying for a minimum of cash
outlay and time-and-effort, so why
not try one? I can just hear the old
Luftwaffe scramble call “Alarm,
Alarm, Alarm!” as you fire up and
roar away into the blue chasing
those B-17 and B-24 furniture
wagons! ■

Light blue underside, complete

with national markings and
panel lines.

Landing approach with

prop at idle.

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 11

TECHNIQUE

SURVIVING FREE
FLIGHT SCALE
PART 8: GETTING AIRBOURNE... THE COMPETITION WINNING MODEL HAS TO TAKE OFF FROM THE GROUND -
NOT AS EASY AS YOU MIGHT THINK!

he first major hurdle for a free long to get airborne - then you stand model for the best effect in front of the

T flight scale model is the take-

off, for without it you stand
little chance of a gong in a
competition. If your model’s
take-off is unpredictable and erratic -
swinging with the torque, or taking too
every chance of your pride and joy biting
someone. Your take-off needs to be
accurate and predictable, so that you
can position your model for a safe flight
every time. Having a consistent take-
off will also permit you to position your
flight judges, either to obtain maximum
points, or conversely, hide the curved
take-off from their eyes!

BITING THE OWNER

A common fault is the swing on take-off,

The problem with a curved take-off run is that it allows

the wind to get under the wing. Here. Mike Smith’s
Martinsyde Elephant is preparing to do an about turn!

12 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

Real concentration from author Andrew Hewitt as he lets go of his Camel - a When it goes right, nothing gives more satisfaction than a straight scale like take-
most unpredictable subject (see text)... off. Here Bill Dennis’s Avro 504K gets away realistically off of the Barkston tarmac.

...But when the Gods look kindly on you, even the most prickly of types can behave perfectly!

this can range from a mild curved take more predictable take off performance. TRICKS THAT SAVE THE DAY!
off run, to the model completely turning However, with careful attention to the Alterations to the thrust line can also
round and biting its owner. The geometry causes and effects, good accurate take reduce the swing. Right thrust will reduce
of the model has a big influence on the offs can be achieved regardless of the the gyrocouple effect of the whirling
take off behaviour. The ground angle aircraft type. propeller. Another trick is to increase
of a Sopwith Camel, for example, has the airflow over the tail areas to let the
its nose pointed well into the air, which REDUCING THE SWING model know where it should be going.
accentuates the gyrocouple effect Aircraft with noses and undercarriages This can be achieved with a larger
as the tail is raised during the initial far in front of the centre of gravity, will propeller, more power, or a finer-pitched
acceleration. The Camel also has its benefit if the centre of gravity is moved propeller. The finer pitch propeller
wheels set a considerable distance in as far forward as possible, to even solution is my favourite, since it gives
front of the centre of gravity, such that 20% of the total wing chord. As well greater acceleration to lift the tail sooner.
the raising of the tail requires more effort, as making the model more stable (you Another idea is to arrange to have some
so the poor thing does not know it has a effectively increase the moment arm), toe-in to the wheel alignment, such that
tail for several seconds before the tail you are moving the centre of gravity the wheels fight the swing and so keep
is raised! closer to the undercarriage - hence, less the model straight.
These characteristics tend to impart a effort is required to raise the tail, which A better solution, if it can be arranged,
skittish behaviour, unlike subjects with now pops up much quicker, so reducing is to have both wheels soldered to the
a lower ground angle such as the Avro the swing tendency. axle and have the axle run in a tube,
504 or the DH4, which would give a far so that both wheels are always turning
▼

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 13

 TECHNIQUE

Some times you can get away

with a curved take-off run -
but generally when the wind
is low. Here Mike Kelsey’s
Be2c turns a few degrees to
port, but manages to keep
the inside wing up - lucky!

great for efficiency and duration more buoyant flight pattern is achieved.
▼

together. A combination of some, or all,

of the above will give a much better take- - but we want SCALE flying You will find that less power is required
off performance. characteristics. for flight and also that the airspeed
has dropped. Flight times will also be
GETTING THE RIGHT FLYING WATCH YOUR DOWN THRUST increased, since the model can climb
SPEED Another common problem can be to higher at a more leisurely pace.
Many scale models suffer from much have too much down thrust, which takes
too high a flying speed and a variable some experience to spot. It is usually NEXT MONTH:
power source - often the rubber powered characterised by a lightly-loaded model Andrew concluded his free flight scale
models will leap into the air and charge flying what appears to be far too quickly opus by practising what he preaches. As
around at supersonic scale speeds, with and, in more extreme cases, will refuse a Christmas gift, we are offering a FREE
only the last half of the flight at a ‘scale to climb on maximum power, preferring full-size plan of Andrew’s free flight scale
speed’. The problem is also apparent in to saunter up after the initial burst. If you AVIA BH3, a 37.5” low wing monoplane
the CO2 models, but not so much in the do notice such activity, try reducing the for 0.5 - 1cc IC engines or geared Speed
Electric models, where the power source down thrust with small increments until a 400 electric motors. ■
is more constant.
For the rubber models, solutions to
that initial power burst are to use a much
longer rubber motor, so that a longer
cruise pattern is generated and the
power for take off is not a maximum. The
only problem will be fitting the longer
motor into the fuselage.
A better solution for both CO2 and
rubber is to use a larger, finer pitch
propeller. Finer pitch propellers give
greater acceleration as described earlier,
but also limit the forward flying speed.
The greater the pitch, the greater the
torque, and also they will permit a faster
flying speed. So the finer pitch propellers
reduce the effects of several gremlins.
The small propellers used in indoor
models take little time to carve from
balsa, and so an optimum can be found
quickly. Most flyers use the commercial A long rubber motor and a large diameter fine-pitch prop give more a more
plastic propellers of fearsome pitch, consistent scale speed flight.

14 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

PLANS AND PARTS
BE READY TO START BUILDING AS SOON AS YOU UNFOLD THE PLANS!

ALL CURRENTLY IN STOCK!!!

NAME CUT Moska MB Bis 45” CUT504
Grosswing Monopole CUT073 Martinsyde F.4 Buzzard CUT506
Westland Lysander Mk3 CUT109 Sopwith Pup CUT507
Morane Salunier Type N 108 CUT124 Comper Swift CUT516
Bleriot Monopole CUT16 Bellanca Skyrocket CUT518
Woodbury Gorse Basher 52.5” CUT214 NIEUPORT 17 1/6th scale CUT525
English Electric Canberra CUT262 Cessna 165 18” CUT526
BE12A 24.5” CUT310 Besson MD 411 CUT527
Mini Madcap CUT316 Brequet LE CUT528
Cessna 120/140 CUT468 Ponnier 1913 Racer 50” CUT532
FE8 CUT471 Pfalz E1 Eindekker CUT534
Ruffian CUT472 Cessna 165 18” CUT539
3FT Ruler 36” CUT473 Verville Air Coach CUT540
Nieuport 17” CUT474 Twinster CUT648
Lepton 14” CUT475 Heinkel He 162 16.75” CUTMF290
Sweet Lil ‘Sister 16” CUT476 Panic Attack 46” CUTMF291
Fokker D.VII CUT489 Vikers Gunbus 22” CUTMF297
Heinkel He-51 54” CUT499 Hansa Brandenburg C1 CUTMF8

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR 100s MORE!!!

WWW.DOOLITTLEMEDIA.COM
E. [email protected] T. +44 (0) 1525 222573
Doolittle Media Ltd., The Granary, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, Great Britain
CONSTRUCTION FEATURE

MARTINSYDE

16 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

E BUZZARD
Dr. Mike Hawkins F.R.Ae.S. presents his 1/6th scale 62.5” (1660mm)
wingspan model of the best WWI fighter type that the Royal Air Force never had!
first made a model of the Buzzard Spruce is the best wood for this probably too soft. The strut body is 3/16"

I for control line in 1956, It was built

to 1/12th scale and powered by a
Frog 500 with its round topped plug,
As I remember, it flew quite nicely,
on the Race Course with the Worcester
Model Club, One photo has survived,
ah yes, those were the days. I liked the
and was used on the original control
line aircraft, but like crab in a seafood
restaurant, was no longer easily available
when i needed it - and for the same
reason I cut my spars from some strip
wood that I bought at a Do-it-Yourself
shop,
carbon fibre tube with a loop expoxied
into each end. An unrolled paper clip
is soft enough to enable the loop to be
rolled by hand, on a slightly larger bolt, to
give clearance
Add a balsa fairing to shape to the
strut and cover with iron-on ‘Tex of your
shape then, I like it now, so this model. The original aircraft had very close choice (whither Solertex!).
for radio, is built to I/6th scale giving a rib spacing that was not needed on the If you fly off tarmac, it is a good idea
span of 65,5 ins, (166crns.) weighing model. so I halved the number of ribs, to add a plug-in wire hoop under each
in at 10.5Ibs, (4.8 kg,). Construction is Rib tapes are ironed on, it all the true- lower wing tip to avoid scratches. Rub a
conventional built-up balsa and plywood scale rib stations and the fact that half of damp bar of soap on the spar surfaces
these have no rib underneath does not between the ribs so that the covering
WINGS show. does not adhere in a dimple.
The upper and lower wings are each Strut and wire fittings screw into 3/16"
made in one piece, using balsa for ply base plates between the ribs, after FUSELAGE
leading and trailing edges and hardwood covering. The strut fittings can be made The flat-sided fuselage uses light 1/8"
1/4 in, square for spars. up from brass or dural, but aluminium is plywood for the forward sides and 1/4"

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 17

CONSTRUCTION FEATURE

PLANS FOR THE

MARTINSYDE
BUZZARD
Full size copies of this three sheet
plan are available from Flying
Scale Models Plans Service.
Doolittle Media, The Granery,
Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe,
Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX

Tel 01525 222573

www.doolittlemedia.com

Order Plan: FSM506

Price: £19.50
plus p&p
(UK £2.50, Europe £4.00,
Rest of World £6.00

18 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 A Bussard disected! Bare bones of all the uncovered airframe components. Note simplified rib spacing.

the bottom. F 2 is angled slightly forward extraction and when fitting, pass three
▼

square hardwood for the rear open

structure. Inside, doublers increase the to give 2° downthrust and 3° right thrust, kebab skewers in from the front, through
strength for strut and undercarriage Engine mounts are screwed to F2 so that the hole in F2 and then push them into
attachment. the prop driver is on the aircraft centre the fuel tubes to lead them through the
The original aircraft had a gap behind line. hole.
the radiator to let cooling air out. The The tank, at least 10 oz. for the Laser The panel over the top of the cowling
model's radiator, made up from 1/8" ply, 150, can be slid into place through is from aluminium sheet, screwed in
has to be supported by firmer former F1 the lower wing fixing hole; I suggest a place. This allows access to the battery
at the top and 1/4" square stringers at Duct Tape loop around the tank to ease box and proved to be most useful when
▼

Two views of the completed uncovered fuselage, showing the sheet mental wrap-around upper cowl access panel, dummy radiator 'box' and stringered rear fuselage.

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 19

 CONSTRUCTION FEATURE

The basic fuselage 'box' with the wire cabane struts anchored to formers and The fuselage rear underside, showing fhe tailskid and the
with the brass wing attachment 'shoes' soldere on. tailplane bracing struts.

wide from ‘Tex and ironed on giving the

t

on the prototype model, an engine are dummies.

change became necessary. Standard size servos are man enough appearance of a full complement of ribs,
The horizontal tail is mounted at +3° for rudder/elevator/throttle, heavy duty (He cheats - so what?)
incidence. being unnecessary on these small control The stitching on the rear fuselage
The cockpit has not been made full surfaces, replicates the removable/replacable
depth but nobody seemed to notice. Polythene lead tubes of 1/8" i/d are fabric access panels to the rear fuselage.
used to guide the closed loop cables to Thes are prepared by pinning down a
RADIO INSTALLATION rudder and elevator, These are epoxied 3/8" strip of ‘Tex, shiny side up, sticking
2.4 GHz radio is the norm these days to the platform on F 6 and to sheeting at pins along the strip in the patern at
and recommended. I used Hitec with the tail outlet. illustrated, below right, on the page
an Optima 6 receiver running on 6 volts, The elevator cables are doubled, one opposite and winding thread along the
1000mAh NiMH batteries. for each side, 60 Ib, test nylon covered lines of the pins. Secure the thread down
Aileron servos are mounted on the fishing trace wire being sufficient for the with the likes of CoverGrip or Balsaloc,
lower wing with access panels from cables. then iron the complete dummy stitching
underneath; HS 225s are fine. A Y-Iead panel and its cover strip onto the
is needed to connect the servos to the COVERING fuselage.
receiver in the fuselage - and do one Iron-on ‘Tex was used in ‘RFC Green’
with use heavy gauge electrical wire. The for top surfaces and ‘Antique’ for the RIGGING WIRES
aileron push rods on top of the top wing undersides. Rib tapes were torn, 3/8 in 90 lb. test Fishing Trace was used with a
loop at one end and a screwed clevis at
the other to clip onto the rigging plates.
Crimps are from short lengths of 1/8"
aluminium tube.

COLOUR SCHEMES
After all my German Albatroses (Albatri?),
I felt it was time that I built a British
aeroplane, so I used the suitably PC1
coloured ‘Tex for wing/horizontal tail
surfaces upper surfaces and fuselage
tops/sides with roundels painted on
using acrylic water based paint. A final
sprayed coat of clear polyurethane
varnish, thinned with cellulose type
thinners and a spoonful of matting agent
(French chalk) made it fuelproof and not
too glossy. Do not use too much matting
agent or the varnish will blush.
Alternatives could be the silver as
applied to aircraft sold to Finland after
WWl with blue swastikas on a white
background or Spanish Republican Navy,
Control system installation, showing rudder, elevator and throttle servos at the compartment rear.Receiver also silver with red, white and purple
soft mounted to the fuselage side. Note the metal bracket that holds the fuel tank in place. roundels. These aircraft had the nose

20 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 CUT PARTS
SET FOR THE

MARTINSYDE
BUZZARD
Get straight down to
construction without delay!
This model’s plan 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.
Engine bay showing the engine and tank installations.
IT DOES NOT INCLUDE
radiator removed and a rounded panel seemed to be satisfacory for my Buzzard STRIP AND SHEET
fitted. The radiator was repositioned model of similar size so I then fitted an
between the undercarriage legs. RCV 91 to the Buzzard. This produced MATERIAL OR SHAPED
9,100 rpm on a Master 14 x 6 prop, WIRE PARTS
ASSEMBLY similar to the Enya, but it was not enough
The model, if tipped on its nose and power fo the new model, for although the
sideways just fits in my Mitsu van fully the Buzzard flew, take off was prolonged Order set:
assembled. Although undignified, this and it felt as if close to the stall in flight.
saves a lot of time and bother at the So I replaced the RCV with a Laser
flying field. 150 that I had on the shelf. This delightful
engine gave 8,100 on a 16 x 8 prop and
CUT FSM506
FLYING
Before installing the engine, I got out my
the Buzzard took off like a scalded cat!
This is clearly too much power for proper
Price: £90.00
plus carriage: £11.50 (UK),
22 year old 1/4 scale Bucker Jungmeister scale flying, but was most useful when
Vl which is 66 in, span and about 2 Ibs my friend Kuhn Sukasom was taking Europe £26.00
heavier than the Buzzard. With its Enya flying photos as I could fly by slowly
90 FS, it flew and aerobatted very nicely and then put on power to do a tight turn Shipping Note: For shipping to
thank you. safely, close to the ground for the next destinations outside the UK and
Such a level of engine power thus run.
▼

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.

Order online at:

www.doolittlemedia.com

Doolittle Media, Doolittle

Granery, Doolittle Lane,
Totternhoe,
SIMULATED STITCHING LINES: These are 3/8” strips of Iron-on ‘Tex covering meterial, sticky side up and Bedfordshire. LU6 1QX •
pinned to balsa with a clear plastic sheet underneath (‘Tex backing sheet). The pins are in a zig zag pattern Tel 01525 222573
and a doubled thread is then wound round, onto the next one, round and so on. They are then given a
brushed on coat of Clearcoat, CoverGrip or similar heat sensitive fabric glue. When removed from the
backing, laid on the fuselage and ironed on you get the effect of stitching covered by a strip of covering.

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 21

 CONSTRUCTION FEATURE

An 0.S. 120F5 should be fine for the

t

Buzzard, but with more power, such as my

Laser, the throttle should be opened gently at
take off and do not use full power until up and
away, to avoid sudden swings,
Loops are fine, easing off the power at the
top, but remember that even though the full
size Marinsyde Buzzard was an outstandingly
aerobatic aircraft for its time, a true axial
roll was not part of its repertoire given the
incidence angles it carried, neither will it.
When the Royal Thai Air Force opened its
newly surfaced field at Tun Sri Kan, near Don
Muang in Bangkok in October 2013, for three
or four minutes I flew the prortype Buzzard
model in a mock duel with a 1/4 scale Fokker
D VII. So was history repeated? Well not - the
Martinsyde Buzzard never reach front-line
Squadrons before the end of WW1.
Build this 1/6th scale model and see what
might have been with the best WW1 fighter
that the R.A.F. never had! n

22 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

The Mike’s first attempt, back in 1956 - 1/6th scale for control line, with Frog 500 power.

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 23

TYPE HISTORY

PROMISE UNFULFILLED
MARTINSYDE
F.4 BUZZARD
Fastest of all the British WW1-era fighter aircraft, it reached the newly formed Royal Air Force just months before
the end of hostilities. Although the best, in performance terms, to carry the Service forward into peacetime, it was
passed over. Was it a case of who you know…?

D
uring the First World War, of aircraft designs tailored to specialised enemy was bringing against them;
1914 to 1918, aviation, driven military tasks. first, in 1915, the Fokker E.1 and E.III
by the military requirements, Even so, airframe technology was such ‘Fokker Scourge’ and then, in 1917
advanced at a remarkable that a new prototype could be built in the newly introduced Albatros D.III
pace. At the start of hostilities, a matter of weeks, although getting it wrought ‘Bloody April’ over the Somme
aircraft were barely able to keep into squadron service at the Front might among the squadrons of the Royal
themselves in the air and return safely to take a year or so. Contrast this, the one Flying Corps, which suffered grievous
the ground. Four years later, specialised or two thousand Pounds cost of a 1918 losses until, later, the Sopwith Camel
types for bombing, fighter, observation fighter with the current F-35 Joint Strike and SE5a redressed the balance – until
and ground attack were in service with Fighter which has already been more that the pendulum again swung, with the
each of the major warring air forces. twenty years in development. introduction of the Fokker D.VII.
Aircraft engines increased in power Royal Flying Corps pilots at the Front
output from 70-80 horsepower to 300 hp during the early stages of WW1 rightly MARTINSYDE WHO?
or more, making possible a wide range demanded better aircraft than their The Martinsyde Company had its origins

A BUZZARD IS HATCHED!
The first production Martinsyde F.4 ready for service evaluation
at Martlesham Heath in June 1918.

24 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

in 1908 when Helmuth Paul Martin
and George Harris Handasyde came
together to build aircraft. The company
was formed as a partnership known, as
Martin and Handasyde. Their first aircraft
was their No. 1 Monoplane, build that
same year in the ballroom of the Old
Welsh Harp pub in Colindale, Greater
London; it lifted off the ground but was
then wrecked in a gale.
Martin had trained as an engineer
and Handasyde had been a marine First of the Martinsyde combat aircraft the S.1 scout. The undercarriage looks like a determined attempt at
engineer who then diverted to the nose-over prevention.
internal combustion engine and was a
very capable mechanic. In 1912, they
renamed the company Martinsyde
Ltd. By this time they had established
themselves at Brooklands, the early
centre of British aviation activity, but
while Brooklands was necessary for flight
testing, the expanding company needed
more space for manufacturing, so new
manufacturing facilities were acquired at
Maybury near Woking in 1914 followed
a year later by a new fa,ctory employing
over 1,000 people, incluing women.
The factory quickly became very busy
as sub-contractors producing a number Immediate forerunner of the Buzzard, the Martinsyde F.3, powered by Rolls Royce Falcon inline engine.
of aircraft designs and by 1917 was the
third-largest aircraft manufacturer in the
country.
Before that though, the Company had
developed a series of military aircraft
of its own, starting with the S.1 single
seat scout of which 66 were supplied
to the Royal Flying Corps. A year
later, this was followed by the G.100/
G102, the first British fighter-bomber
aircraft. An unusually large aircraft for a
single-seater, the type gained the name
"Elephant".
Two more fighter designs, the
F.1and F.2 went no further than single
prototypes.
There then followed the Martinsyde
R.G., tested at Farnborough in 1917
that was seen as a potential rival of
the Sopwith Camel, being the first British
fighter with twin Vickers guns. The
report also stated "performance... far
and away better than any other machine
manufactured". In 1918, the Martinsyde factory at Woking was a hive activity with production of F.4 Buzzard of commencing.

GETTING THE BUZZ…

However, during that year, George
Handasyde designed a further single-
seat biplane fighter the Martinsyde F.3
to be powered by the (then) new Rolls-
Royce Falcon V-12 engine. A single
prototype was built as a private venture
without an official order, and had test
flown at Brooklands aerodrome by
October.
Performance during testing was
impressive, demonstrating a maximum
▼

speed of 142 mph (229 km/h) and

Buzzard serial D4263 was an early production example.

 TYPE HISTORY

One of the Aircraft Disposal Company’s

developments of the F.4 Buzzard was the
application of the 395 hp. Armstrong Siddley
Jaguar III radial engine.

Another of the Aircraft Disposal Company’s

One of the four Martinsyde F.4s supplied to Portugal in 1923. developments of the basic F.4 Buzzard was
the substitution of their ADC Nimbus engine
was described in an official report as Deliveries to the RAF had just started
t

developed from the Siddley Puma, which

"a great advance on all existing fighting when the Armistice between the Allies endowed the aircraft with a much more
scouts", resulting in an order for six and Germany was signed. Martinsyde streamline nose shape.
pre-production aircraft, followed by a was instructed to only complete those
requirement for 150 production fighters aircraft that were part built, while all other
placed by the end of the year. orders were cancelled. The Buzzard was However, their resurrection from this
It soon became clear, however, not adopted as a fighter by the post war business failure proved infinitely more
that all Falcon engine production was RAF, the cheaper Sopwith Snipe being successful as the Hawker Aviation
required to power Bristol F.2 Fighters, so preferred despite its lower performance. Company.
use of the Falcon for the F.3 would be Martinsyde continued development Meanwhile, the Aircraft Disposal
problematical. of the Buzzard, as the new fighter had Company (ADC) or Airdisco, had been
To solve this difficulty, Martinsyde been named, buying back many of the established in March 1920 to manage
designed a new fighter based on the F.3, surplus aircraft from the RAF in the the sale of the large number of war-
but powered by the 300 hp Hispano- hope of securing sales of the fighter surplus military aircraft for which the
Suiza 8 engine, also water-cooled, but to the air arms of other Nations and peacetime Royal Air Force no longer
with new lower wings compared with also to convert surplus airframes into had any use. In pursuit of such disposal
the F.3, and with the pilot's cockpit two-seat tourers designated Buzzard efforts, ADC took development of the F.4
positioned further aft. But otherwise the F.4a, and also into floatplanes. Yet Buzzard further, particularly with regard
two aircraft were similar. despite this attempt to find new markets to powerplant, applying such engines
The new prototype, the F.4, was tested and also to diversification into the as the radial cylinder Armstrong Siddely
in June 1918, and again demonstrated manufacture of motorcycles to offset Jaguar III, designating the aircraft type
excellent performance, being easy to fly the military contract famine, in 1922 a the ADC.1.
and manoeuvrable as well as very fast disastrous fire at the Woking factory Another engine substitution was
for its time. Large orders followed, with forced of Martinsyde into bankruptcy, the ADC Nimbus, developed from
1,450 ordered from Martinsyde, Boulton subsequently to be resurrected in a surplus Siddely Puma inline motors, the
& Paul Ltd, Hooper & Co and format without aviation interest. installation of which produced a notably
the Standard Motor Company. As an interesting aside, Sopwith more streamlined forward fuselage.
Plans were made to equip the Aviation, whose lesser-performing
French Aéronautique Militaire as well Snipe fighter had been selected for the OPERATIONAL HISTORY
as the British Royal Air Force, and post war R.A.F. in preference to the Despite the very limited production, four
production of a further 1,500 aircraft in Martinsyde fighter, had already suffered of the six Martinsyde F.3s ordered were
the United States of America was also bankruptcy during 1920 after similarly issued to Home Defence squadrons
planned. diversifying into the motorcycle business. of the RAF in 1918, with two being

Another post WW1 customer fort the F.4 Buzzard was Latvia, two of which Last of the Buzzard line was the F.6 two seater
survived in service until 1938.

26 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 Specifications
Length: 25 ft 5.6 in (7.76 m)
Wingspan: 32 ft 9.4 in (9.99 m)
Height: 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
Powerplant: 1 × Hispano-Suiza 8Fb inline
engine, 300 hp
Performance
Maximum speed: 146 mph (235 km/h) at sea
level; 132.5 mph (213 km/h) at 15,000 ft (4,600
m)
NEVER IN ANGER THOUGH! The 1920 Hendon Air Pageant, featured a mock combat between a Martisyde
Endurance: 2.5 hours
F.4 Buzzard and a captured Fokker D.VII. Whilst it was surely excellent entertainment at the time, jingoistic
tendencies would probably have precluded any real y conclusive judgement of the two aircraft types’
Service ceiling: 24,000 ft (7,320 m)
relative capability at a time when ‘Dastardly Hun’ sentiment was rife and raw. Climb to 10,000 ft (3,050 m): 7 min 55 sec
Armament
Guns: 2x 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns

the bankruptcy of Martinsyde, the

Aircraft Disposal Company managed
to sell eight Armstrong Siddely Jaguar
engined versions, to Latvia, two of these
remaining in service until 1938, while the
A RACER AT A KNOCK-DOWN PRICE! Post WW1, ‘surplus’ aircraft fuelledaviation sport and the speed of the
last of Finland’s Buzzards was operated
Buzzard offered a competitive performance for air racing. G-EBOL was entered in the 1926 Kings Cup Air Race.
right up until the commencement of the
Russo-Finnish war in 1939.
operated by No. 39 Squadron R.A.F. and BUZZARDS ABROAD Other sales included to Portugal that
one used by 141 Squadron. While the postwar RAF did not want the had four, while the Republic of Ireland
The RAF received 57 F.4 Buzzards Buzzard, Martinsyde and, subsequently had four F.4s plus a different variant
before the end of the First World War, the Aircraft Disposal Company, had more (Mk.ll) purchased in November 1921,
but these did not reach operational success selling the Buzzard overseas, the latter reputedly to allow Republican
squadrons. In the immediate post war with single and two-seat versions being leader Michael Collins to quickly
period, two Buzzards were used as sold to a number of air forces, including escape back to Ireland in the event of
high-speed communications aircraft in those of Spain (30 aircraft), Finland a breakdown in the negotiations for the
support of the British delegation at the (15 aircraft) and the Soviet Union (100 Anglo-Irish Treaty (an interesting story in
Paris Peace Conference in 1919, while aircraft). Some of these aircraft had itself if true!).
a few other Buzzards were used at the long careers, with six of the Spanish In total the type was operated in 13
Central Flying School. Buzzards remaining in service at the countries. Those Buzzards certainly hung
start of the Spanish Civil War. Following around! ■

SOLE SURVIVOR
The Air Force of Finland received a total of 15 Martinsyde F.4 Buzzards, one of which was operated right up until the start of the Russo-Finish war in 1939.
Superbly preserved it is now on permanent static display at the Aviation Museum of Finland. It is displayed with the ski undercarriage applied for winter
operation, but is also illustrated here with the wheeled main gear, that it had also used.

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 27

IN DETAIL

MARTINSYDE
F.4 BUZZARD
The sole surviving complete F.4 Buzzard, preserved in Finland, where it served right up until 1939
1: The pilot’s view of the
ionstrument panel and
twin machine guns, not so
mach from his seat, but
an overview as he hoiks
himself ovr the cockpit rear
rim. 2: Internal view of the
cockpit left side. 3: Cockit
right hand side. 4: View
vertically downward of the
fuselage just ahead of the
cockpit. 5: Full frontal of the
shuttered radiator. 6: Ski
undercarriage applied for
winter operations i nFinland.
7: Cockpit instrument panel.
8: Nose section showing
engine exhaust. 9: Foot
stirrup, left upper fuselage
side level with cockpit rear
edge. 10: View from cockpi
left side toward the nose.

28 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

2 3

7
4

8 9

10

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 29

SCALE DRAWING MARTINSYDE BUZZARD

SCALE 1:60
SQUADRON
BOOKS
AIRCRAFT IN ACTION - SOFT COVER
1200 Fairey Firefly in action
1204 Early MiG Fighters in action
1224 F-84 Thunderjet In Action
10211 P-51 Mustang in Action
10216 F6F Hellcat in Action
10219 B-17 Flying Fortress in Action
10220 F4U Corsair in Action
10221 B-25 Mitchell in Action
10222 P-38 Lightning in Action
10225 TBF/TBM Avenger in Action
10227 B-29 Superfortress in Action
10228 B-24 Liberator in Action
10235 SB2C Helldriver in Action
10236 SBD Dauntless in Action
10238 A-20 Havoc in Action
10241 F-105 Thunderchief in Action
10242 A-26/B-26 Invader in Action
10243 Messerschmitt BF 109 in Action
10246 A-1 Skyraider in Action
10248 CH-47 Chinook in Action
10249 UH-1 Huey in Action
10263 UH-60 Blackhawk in Action

WALK AROUND SERIES - SOFT COVER

5549 OV-1 Mowhawk Walk Around
25043 Messerschmitt Bf 109G Walk Around
25056 Spitfire (Merlin) Walk Around

WALK AROUND SERIES - HARD COVER

65043 Messerschmitt Bf 109G Walk Around
65056 Spitfire (Merlin) Walk Around
65070 Heinkel HE 111 Walk Around

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PULL-OUT FREE PLAN

Mignet
Pou Du Ciel
Build Dave Ridgeway’s all-foam

T
he ‘Flying Flea’, as Henri of fatal crashes in swift succession,
Mignet’s early 1930s attempt and many ‘Fleas’ were grounded. The
indoor flyer at 16” wingspan for at ‘aviation-for-everyone’ cause was quite quickly identified, as
free flight, or 20” span for R/C was dubbed, has made quite was the cure, but the damage was
scale, with electric power a name for itself in aviation done and many full size “Flea’ projects
history, mainly for a reputation of being were left unfinished in various stages of
unable to recover from a dive, often with construction.
dire consequences. Thus the designer’s The basic design lives on today in
dream, back in the mid-1930s, of an Microlight form and also, I hope, in this
‘aerial motorcycle’ was never fully cute little indoor design. The first ‘Flea’
realised after the news spread of a series I built was a free flight electric powered

32 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 outstanding. Not
only does it fly very
slowly, it will execute
tight turns in both
directions with equal
ability and very little
height loss; so much
so that I subsequently
dispensed with the
pitch servo and flew
it just with rudder
and motor control.
The enlarged version
uses a similar gearbox
to the smaller one
but with a slightly
larger motor - the
Wes Technic 4.5-0.6
on a five-cell 50mAh
powerpack.
The model is both
quick and inexpensive
to build using hot
wire cut white foam
construction. The
preferred foam is a
medium density white
expanded foam with
a bead size of around
3mm, the wings being
cut using the profile
templates shown with
the plan. The fuselage
material is simply
the foam sliced into
sheets of about 4
mm thickness using a
straight edge template
and the hot wire cutter.
A possible alternative
material for the
fuselage and fin would
be Depron sheet, used
in the same way as the
sliced foam.
The technique
when using foam
sheet is very much
the same as any other
material - the parts
indoor model for the KP 00 motor with failing that, an alternative would be a are transferred onto the sheet, then cut
a 5:1 gearbox. The standard KP 00 local retail stationary/business services out and glued together. Despite its frail
power unit should work satisfactorily, but shop. appearance, when the model is finished
with a reduced power duration - I have Note also: the wing cutting templates it is surprisingly resilient and will distort
had many flights of over three minutes shown in Fig.1 must also be enlarged to rather than break as with a conventional
including R.O.G. This has been achieved 120% of the image size shown on the balsa-and-tissue structure.
using a battery pack of 3 x 50mAh cells. page.
My second Flea was enlarged from Unlike the full size version, this model ALL TOOLED UP
16in to 20in span, for use as an indoor shows none of the bad habits of Henri Before construction is described I will
scale radio controlled model. Details Mignet’s original and both versions flew give a brief description of the tools
of the radio installation are shown on ‘straight off the board’ with hardly any required to work the foam. The most
the plan - all you have to do is put the trimming required, even for the free flight ‘specialist’ tool needed is a hot wire foam
original on a photocopier and enlarge version. Indeed it was the characteristics cutter; this can be a commercial one and
it to 120% of the plan image presented of the free flight version that led to the for the prototype model I used the old
here. Local retail and convenience stores radio version. Model Flight Accessories (M.F.A.) unit –
often offer such a copier service, but
▼

The handling of the R/C version is long since ceased to be available, but

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 33

 PULL-OUT FREE PLAN
t

a quick enquiry on the Internet shows which has a very quick ‘grab’ time. order of 2mm depending on the amount
very reasonably priced cutters offered on The fast setting epoxies are used for of heat applied. Some trial and error will
Amazon; a handy tool that can be added high stress areas and the carbon fibre be needed to get the correct thickness
to one’s workshop for future use. joints. of the panels. Always use the lowest
To cut the sheet foam, a VERY sharp heat possible; this should leave a ‘hairy’
knife is required to prevent tearing the CONSTRUCTION surface to the foam. The most critical
edges, so the Swann-Morton scalpel, I always like to start by making the points are the trailing edge of the wings,
fitted with a No. 11 blade is ideal. Foam templates. I have a very quick method which should be about l.5-2mm thick.
is notoriously difficult to sand; it tends for making these items, which I find The same procedure is applied to
to roll into little balls if not treated with something of a chore. Transfer the the flat sliced sheets with any spares
respect and I have found the best patterns onto 2mm or 1/8” Liteply and of differing thicknesses saved for other
abrasive paper to be Oakey non- cut out using a Stanley knife. Then, projects. We require a thickness of 3mm
clogging finishing paper, available from slice off some strips of Litho plate or for the free flight model and about 3.5-
D.l.Y. outlets in three grades - we require thin aluminium sheet slightly wider than 4mm for the R/C version.
the fine and medium grit. the ply. These strips are then used to Before going any further we must
‘face’ the cutting edges of the template, sand the surfaces of the foam sheets to
GLUES? applied with Evo Stik. The litho plate remove the ‘glaze’ effect resulting from
Any solvent-based glue will destroy faces are then polished to a smooth the cutting process. This is to enable
the foam, so this eliminates most surface using fine abrasive paper. The these surfaces to be painted using
standard contact additives such as Evo straight edged ones for cutting the sheet acrylic paints. Put the wing panels back
Stik, Bostik, or Uhu. Standard Cyano can be made in a similar manner - now on the foam blanks to support them and,
superglues also destroy the foam most that wasn't too painful was it. using the finishing paper on a sanding
effectively! I prefer a flexible glue for These templates can be pinned to the block, lightly stroke the surface until it
general construction such as Bison sides of the foam blocks using long 'T’- feels smooth. For the flat sides, only the
colourless (but check you get the right pins, but do ensure you have accurately outer surface sides of the sheet need to
one). There’s also Uhu Solvent Free or marked out the position of the templates be sanded.
Lepidlo, and R/C Modellers Glue is also on the foam, to avoid warps in the wings. Now we have the materials ready,
suitable - although a little slower, but a The top surface is cut first, then the construction can commence. First the
variant of this glue in a thicker version underside - don't forget to allow for parts need to be marked onto the foam.
is available from Doll's House stockists burn-out from the wire; this is in the I prefer to make card templates of the

36 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

main components and then, using a
fibre tipped pen, mark around them. It
is difficult to trace the parts onto the
floppy foam and you can't see pinpricks.
Carefully cut out the parts and sand
edges smooth.
At this stage, lightly mark the dummy
‘rib’ positions on the wings with a fibre
tipped pen. The wings are now cut at
the two dihedral positions, the edges
beveled and then glued back together
at the correct dihedral angle. On the
undersurfaces, mark the positions of the
strut attachments and glue on the 0.4mm
ply reinforcing disks - after first drilling a
1.5mm hole in each of the disk centres.
The wings can now be put aside and the
fuselage started.
Cut out the two sides and the formers,
assemble the ‘box’ and pull in the front
and rear, checking to avoid the usual
‘banana-trap’. Shape-cut and re-glue
until you are happy with it. Add the
undercarriage reinforcing plates and put
a dummy axle through the holes to make
sure it is tracking straight ahead, add the
lower sheeting.
It is now time to make up the
dummy engine. This is a simple balsa
construction and the cylinders are
from rolled 1/32” balsa, which is then
wrapped with thread to represent the
cylinder head cooling fins. The motor
mount depends on the power unit you
are using. I simply glued the motor to a
thin ply plate; a standard KP00 can be
screwed to the bulkhead.
The wires to the motor can be fed
down the rear cylinder to hide them.
At this stage, paint the motor pod;
for the R/C version it is also time to
think about fitting the servos (plenty of
super-lightweights to choose from these
days!); those on the prototype model
were mounted on a 1/16” balsa plate
and positioned on a small foam block.
Add the hinge brackets at the rear of the
fuselage and fit the fin, checking for free
movement.
The push rod is now made and trial-
fitted. The prototype R/C ‘Flea’ used a
scale operating system applied to the
front wing, but it was not very effective
and I suggest you do not bother with it. If
you must have pitch control, I feel sure it
would be better applied to the rear wing.
Whether free flight or R/C version, it
is time to mount the motor pod using
the carbon fibre strut, but before finally
gluing this in position, check that thrust
angles are about right. The wiring can
now be completed and checked before
adding the remaining decking. The
main components are now painted
using thinned acrylic paint. A very thin
base colour is first applied, this coat
t

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 37

 FULL-SIZE FREE PLAN
▼

being virtually dusted on almost dry, the The wheels are made from a 0.4 mm cures stalling and diving which,
thereafter built up with a further coat if ply disc with either polyurethane or blue incidentally, does not appear very critical.
required. The rib positions can now be foam outer discs; they can either be Reduce the incidence to cure a stall and
simulated with some less diluted paint to turned in a drill or sanded to section. vice-versa for a dive.
give an impression of depth to the wing Finally you must add a dummy pilot. If your Flea appears to drop out of the
surface. Make him from polyurethane foam or turn, this is almost certainly due to a
Registration letters can be made from blue foam, but keep him light and give warp in the front wing, the cure for which
black Jap tissue, stuck on with thinned him eccentric ‘period’ appearance. is to bend the trailing edge down, but
PVA glue. also check that the balance point is not
When the paint is dry, the model can FLYING THE FREE FLIGHT too far rearward. Minor adjustments can
be carefully assembled and rigged. VERSION also be carried out using small amounts
The free flight version did not require Give the batteries a one minute charge of nose weight.
functional rigging, but if your model feels and, with the power turned down low, The power trim is dependent on thrust
a bit ‘floppy’, do add it; the R/C version make a gentle launch; your Flea should line. My Flea gave a perfect flight pattern
certainly benefits from such bracing. For sink slowly to the floor. Observe the flight from take off to landing with the set up
this, use thin polyester cotton thread pattern; the prototype flew in a fairly tight shown on the plan, but different propeller
attached to the 0.4 mm ply plates at the left hand circle - achieved by offsetting and motor set ups might dramatically
positions shown, adjusting to get the the rudder by very small increments at a change the power trim, so be prepared
model rigged true before finally gluing. time. for some experimentation. Once
Very careful use of cyano is a great help If this proves too sensitive, then cut a trimmed, the original gave around three
here for an ‘instant lock’, but do not let it small trim tab at the trailing edge of the minutes of flight duration in a decent
run onto the foam - best to apply it with a rudder and use this for trimming the turn. size sports hall on a couple of minutes of
cocktail stick. Adjustment of the front wing incidence charge. ■

38 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

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 PULL-OUT FREE PLAN

A bigger ‘Flea’
… For Flea Fright!
By far and away the best
model of the Mignet H.M.14
Pou du Ciel that we have
ever seen appeared in
the December issue of
AeroModeller almost sixty
years back in 1963

T
his was Fred Longbon’s
44” wingspan replica of
G-ADMH, the ‘Appleby
Flea’ – the first British
build example of the
species. At this size, it was to
1/6th scale, powered by a 1cc
Davies Charlton Spitfire diesel,
although a 1.5cc engine was
recommended as a maximum.
Fred’s free flight scale
model was presented in a full
construction feature with full
size plans available via the
AeroModeller Plans Service. Back
then, radio control equipment was
bulky, crude and very heavy by
modern standards. Multi-function
R/C systems in use were still
non-proportional, the first Orbit
proportional unit just becoming
available for those with gold
plated wallets!
Those now ‘Flea bitten’ by our
featuring of this aircraft in this
month’s FSM may like to know
that the plan for Fred Longbon’s
model, plan no. FSP853, is still
available from Sarik Hobbies,
price £13.50.
As a subject suitable for radio
control, the basis of a suitable
control system could be that
shown on the full size pullout
plans for Dave Ridgeway’s indoor
model presented in this issue. n

40 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

1: Fred Longbon and his H.M.14 Pou du Ciel that graced the font cover of AeroModeller December 1963 issue. The colour scheme is not in fact correct, since the
‘Appley Flea’ was finish in overall silver. 2: The Davies Charlton Spitfire 1cc diesel installed the prototype model. Up to 1.5 cc engines could be used. Dummy replica
of the full size aircraft’s Carden-Ford engine bottom left of picture. 3: Nose-end close-up of the model showing the dummy representation of the full size aircraft
engine. It mostly hides the D.C. Spitfire diesel, but with enough clearance for cooling air. 4: A Flea’s rear end! Cockpit instrumentation can just be seen btween the
front and rear wings.

2 3 4

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 41

TYPE HISTORY

Mignet
Pou Du Ciel H.M.14 & H.M.280
The early and perhaps most notorious attempt at the ‘Holly Grail ‘ of private
aviation; all the fun, withiu the ‘wallet ache’
foot-operated flight controls. The flight

T
he HM.14 was the creation of built aircraft.
French radio engineer Henri The HM.14 is most commonly control system comprises a conventional
Mignet, who, from the described as a tandem wing aircraft, control stick. Fore-and-aft movement
early 1930s, developed a although the main wing overlaps the rear of the stick is transmitted via cables to
progression of what would wing in the basic design, so it almost the rear underside of the main wing,
now be regarded as ultra-light aircraft for qualifies as a highly staggered biplane which is supported by a single pivot at
inexpensive home construction. It was without horizontal tail. Construction the front underside, mounted on a pylon
the result of his ambition to design a safe of the airframe employed mostly birch on the fuselage. Rearward movement of
aeroplane that could be built quickly and plywood sheet, spruce laths, steel the stick pulls the cables, and increases
cheaply by any amateur familiar with tubing, steel cables, proprietary metal the pitch and therefore the lift of the main
simple woodwork and metalwork skills. It fittings and fixings, adhesives, and linen (front) wing. The aircraft will then pitch
followed a progressive series of designs, fabric. up, due to the centre of pressure being
of which the HM.8 monoplane had Unlike conventional aircraft, the HM.14 forward of the centre of gravity. Forward
already been successful as an amateur- has no ailerons or elevators, and no stick movement has the reverse effect.

H.M.14 G-ADMH was the first British registered Pou du Ciel. Built from Henri Mignet’s original plans
by Mr. S.V. Appleby and known as the ‘Appleby Pou’ it used a Ford car engine purpose-modified for
light aircraft use by Sir John Carden. It first flew in October 1935 and after some crash damage, noted
sailplane designer, Mr. L. E. Baynes, analysed the design and proposed remedies for its design defects
which were then applied, in the re-build by the Carden-Baynes Aircraft Company.

42 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 THE ‘MAQUIS POU’ …
TO WAR IN A BATHTUB!
THE UNLIKELY STORY OF HENRI MIGNET’S CLADESTINE WARBIRD PERHAPS PROVES
Resistance to stick movement is usually
an aerodynamic force from the main THE POINT THAT IN WARTIME, WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE, HAS TO BE DONE!
wing, but there is also a rubber spring
(bungee) pulling down on the leading
edge of the wing, and a telescopic strut
behind the pilot's head limits the total
wing movement. Side-to-side movement
of the stick controls the all-moving
rudder via cables. In flight, this produces
a stable rolling motion, as required in a
banked turn, because the wings both
have dihedral. That rolling characteristic
is not safely available during take-off or
landing, so crosswinds are not easily
tolerated.
Mignet flew his H.M.14 for the first
time in September 1933 at the Bois
de Bouleaux near Soissons and in
the following months he made many
flights, with progressive modifications to
improve its handling and performance,
totalling 10 hours test-flying time. The
prototype H.M.14 had a wingspan of 6m. Leader of the Maquis Restance in Britany, Colonel Albery-Marie Eon, with the special one-off H.M.280 variant
(20ft.) and was powered by an Aubier- ‘Maquis Pou’ that he engage Henri Mignet to construction for Resistance operations in occupied France
Dunne 540 cc three-cylinder two-stroke during WW2.
motorcycle engine, producing about
17 hp at 4,000 rpm. The engine was
connected to the propeller shaft via a
chain drive with a 2.5:1 reduction ratio.
Subsequent examples were built with
many optional engine and wingspan
variations.

DONE BY THE BOOK

In September 1934, the French
Images of the ‘Maquis Pou’ found on the Internet seem a bit contradictory. These two, showing the aircraft
aeronautical magazine Les
Ailes published Mignet's article Le
with Armee de l’Aire roundels and fin flash, depict an open cockpit…
Pou du Ciel, in which he described the
H.M.14 and later that year he published
his book Le Sport de l'Air that gave all
the dimensioned details of materials,
plus descriptions and techniques,
to enable readers to construct and
fly their own HM.14s without further
specialist help. A year later the British Air
League published an English translation,
subsequently serialised in the October,
November and December 1935 issues
of the magazine Newnes' Practical
Mechanics.
The result was an aircraft that was
substantially simpler to build than what
one would describe as a ‘conventional’
aircraft (just two wings and a rudder,
two of which moved, with no ailerons or …. Others, like this one clearly show a cockpit enclosure.
other control surfaces) and easier to fly
(just a control stick, no rudder pedals at
all) than a conventional aircraft. Mignet
claimed, only half jokingly, that anyone
who could build a packing crate and
drive a car could fly his creation.

FLEA BITTEN
Interest in the Pou proved to be
worldwide and immediate. Following MAQUIS AIR FORCE?
the English language translation of his
▼

Here, the one-off ‘Maquis Pou’ is flanked, on the left by a Westland Lysander, presumably a clandestine
S.O.E. visitor. However, is the aircraft on the right a stolen Fieseler Fi.156 Storch, or a purloined French-built
Morane Saulnier MS500 ‘Criquet’?
 TYPE HISTORY

POU CORNER…
Enthusiasm for Henri Mignet’s ‘aerial scooter’ has survived its disastrous beginning into the modern aviation era thanks to progressive revisions and the
benefit of a more aeronautically savvy homebuild light aircraft organisations that support such enterprise … and not forgetting strict safety regulation.

G-ADMH was probably the most

t

book, in Britain, the Air League of the on the aircraft prompted a degree of
British Empire sponsored the machine, efficient which, after a minor crash gave ‘Flea Fever’ in many countries. But
selling six thousand translated copies the noted sailplane designer, Mr. L. E. aerodynamic flaws quickly produced a
of Mignet's book in the first month and Baynes, an opportunity to analyse and series of disasters, mostly fatal to the
further, succeeded in freeing the Pou remedy its design defects. pilots, the first of which occurred in
from airworthiness regulations, replaced The modified 'MH was rebuilt by Algiers in August 1935, and another at
instead by the issue of Permits-to-Fly Abbott-Baynes Aircraft at Farnham, Marseilles a month later, then at Caen
against Third Party insurance. Surrey and flown again by its owner at three month later and a further fatality
The first British machine flew on July 14th, Heston on October 2nd, 1935. It retained at Sergnyin in Switzerland in March the
1935. Built by Mr. S. V. Appleby at Heston the Carden/Ford engine, but changes following year.
and registered G-ADMH, it was fitted with included an increase in the span of the On April 1936, disaster struck the first
a 30 b.h.p. Ford car engine modified by Sir front wing from 17 feet to 22 feet, a British-built ‘Pou’. G-ADVL dived into the
John Carden for aviation use. slightly lengthened fuselage and a faired- ground at Renfrew, killing its pilot. Two
By April 1936, some eighty ‘Flying in nose. The ‘Abbott-Baynes Flea’ was weeks later, a Royal Air Force pilot lost his
Fleas’ (the obviously catchy English then advertised for sale as a production- life in G-AEEW, and on May 21st, a brother
translation of Mignet’s naming of run aircraft at £198 ex-works and air officer was killed in G-AEBS at Digby.
the H.M. 14, although delicately tested, or as a kit of parts for less than Blind enthusiasm chose to ignore
mistranslated), were complete or under half this figure. these accidents and three examples of
construction in this country. Many of an improved Abbott-Baynes machine
them were sadly under-powered, with FLAWS EXPOSED were built and flown at Heston. Known
impossible C. of G. positions, and failed The wave of interest in what the H.M.14 as the ‘Cantilever Pou’, these machines
to fly, but a few, properly built and with appeared to offer shallow pocketed were strut-braced, push-rod controlled
good engines, performed reasonably would-be aviators following the and utilised the reliable Carden/Ford
well. Among the latter, Mr. Appleby's publication of Henri Mignet’s treatise power unit. However, in September that

44 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 Specifications
H.M.14 ABBOT-BAYNES H.M.280
SPAN: 17ft. 22ft. 17ft. 9ins.
LENGTH: 11ft. 10ins. 12ft. 3ins. 12ft. 5ins.
year, yet another fatal accident at Dyce,
HEIGHT: 5ft. 6ins. 5ft. 6ins. 5ft. 6ins.
brought matters to a head.
WEIGHT LOADED: 350lbs. (Approx) 550lbs. 530lbs.
MAX SPEED: 50-65mph (Approx) 70mph 100mph
PARADISE LOST?
By March1936, Algerian and Swiss ENGINE: Various 30hp Carden/Ford 38hp Menguin
authorities had already banned the flying INITIAL CLIMB: 100ft/min. 300ft/min. 1000ft/min
of HM.14s, and the French Air Ministry RANGE: 50-100mls 200mls 250mls
stepped up its actions from cautionary WING AREA: 119sq.ft. 140sq.ft. 105sq.ft.
notices to flight testing by the Armée TAKE-OFF: 100-200yds 100yds 100yds
de l'air, that resulted in an inconclusive
published report.
Subsequent full scale wind tunnel the French Resistance Movement in fire at the Museum’s Chalais-Meudon
tests at R.A.E. Farnborough, and at Brittany, approached Henri Mignet archive facility, near Villacoublay.
Villacoublay, in France, proved without with a set of criteria for a small military
doubt that a design fault had led to communications aircraft. Devastated FLEA POWDER
the accidents. By virtue of its layout, by his wife’s death during the design After WW2, Mignet publish the plans
the Flea's flight attitude was roughly phase, Mignet was only able to for a new version, the HM.290. After
parallel to the ground at all times. This, complete the prototype, which was elongating the fuselage and tilting the
combined with low forward speed, a variant of the H.M. 280 called ‘Pou firewall back, yet another redesign
induced experienced pilots to put the Maquis’ (Maquis was the name given yielded the HM.293, built to handle a
nose down to prevent a stall. In so doing, to the French Resistance Fighters larger engine and slightly larger pilot
the front wing incidence was reduced organisation). and in the 1980s, Rodolphe Grunberg
towards a critical angle, where the vital It was employed almost daily prior to designed an Ultralight version of the
‘slot-effect’ vanished and the elevator the liberation of France on Resistance HM.293. Several hundred versions of
function became ineffective. The result missions without German occupation the Grunberg HM.293 were built, or are
was an out-of-control dive into the forces discovering its whereabouts. It under construction. The HM.280-290
ground. was equipped with radio and its folding series also marked the beginning of the
Designer Mignet took immediate steps wings made it eminently roadable and folding-wing application. Although this
to correct the design fault, but it was easily hidden. Eventually this unique added weight, it satisfied Mignet’s intent
too late. His design revisions that led to ‘warbird’ became part of the historic for homebuilt planes to be stored in
new variants including the H.M.280, met aircraft collection at the Musee de l’Air, garages and to be able to be towed to
skepticism, and in Britain the type was but sadly, was destroyed in a hangar the airfield. ■
also finally banned.

TAMED FLEA
For all this, Mignet continued to design
and build his machines, although the
remaining pre-WW2 years were thin
times for Henri Mignet’s creation.
Post WW2 though, the progressive
development of the Homebuild aircraft
movement, under the auspices of
organizations like the Experimental
Aircraft Association in USA and the
British Popular Flying Association (Now
Light Aircraft Association) that apply
their own practical, disciplined approach
to aircraft Homebuilding, Mignet’s
‘Flea’ has now found a more practical Dubbed ‘Cantilever Pou’, Mignet H.M.14 G-AEGD was the first of four produced by the Abbots-Baynes
niche. Modern ‘Fleas’ now exist in USA, concern. It eventually went to India, re-registered as VT-AID.
France, Japan and elsewhere, while
in this country non-flying relics of the
"Flea Craze" are still to be seen on static
display at several air museums.
The H.M. 280 shown on the scale
drawing here is a good example of the
design corrections applied by Mignet
following series of initial crashes.
The combination of bi-convex airfoil G-AEEI was another early Mignet H.M.14, owned by One of the survivors. H.H. 14 D-ADXS was first
section, greater gap between the two Coopers Garage (Surbiton) Ltd. First entered on the registered to C.I. Story of Rochford, Kent in
flying surfaces, plus auxiliary elevators, British Register in March 1936, it was powered by a November 1936. The registration of the Piper
ensured a tail-heavy pitching moment suitably modified Austin Seven engine that turned the Cherokee in the background dates the picture
with any increase in speed. propeller via chained reduction gear. Greater fame (monochrome) probably at least to the late 1960s –
and success was later in store for Coopers, as the most likely a non-flyer by then.
FLEA IN HITLER’S EAR! instigator of the hot ‘buzz-box’ that enthralled the
In 1944, Colonel Albert Eon, head of boy-racers of the early 1960s.

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 45

SCALE DRAWING MIGNET H.M.14 & H.M.280
SCALE 1:30
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SUBJECTS FOR SCALE

A fine air-to-air picture of a Focke Wulf

Fw56 Stosser in full pre-WW2military livery
of overall silver/aluminium su rface finish
and military markings sometime after
the Luftwaffe had ‘come out’. The stalky
undercarriage is a feature that would require
some careful structural design for a model .of
the type.

50 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

FOCKE WULF Fw56
STOSSER
A distinctive shape that offers the scale modeller the prospect of pre-WWII
style and authentic aerobatic performance

F
ollowing the aircraft for military means
November 1918 continued to be prohibited.
Armistice of WW1, The Reichswehr, was well
the resultant Treaty aware of the value of air
of Versailles of warfare and was, nevertheless,
1919 severely restricted the determined not to fall too
subsequent ‘Weimar far behind in knowledge and
Republic’ training, so to circumvent the
Government in restrictions and to keep such
Germany to an activity secret, alternative
Army of 100,000 means, outside Germany,
men and a Navy to were explored. Germany had
15,000 personnel. ‘normalised’ its relations with
There was also a the newly formed Soviet Union
total restriction on an Air Arm. in 1922, and remained wary of
The level of restrictions thus breaking the Treaty of Versailles
imposed by the victorious terms, but this reticence
Allies was anticipated to changed in 1923, when French
be a means of permanently and Belgian troops occupied
preventing an effective German the German Ruhr industrial area
military resurgence. However, after Germany defaulted on
the rump of the German Reparations payments.
military establishment, the In light of this, the German
Reichswehr, was determined to Army ordered 100 new
find the means to circumvent aircraft from Fokker in the
those restrictions, which Netherlands, among them 50
included the import of any form newly developed Fokker D.XIII
of aircraft to the country. sesquiplane fighters due for
But by 1922, the clause delivery in 1924.
covering restrictions on civilian The problem, then, was what
aircraft was dropped and to do with these aircraft once
Germany was once again received, so Germany’s newly
able to manufacture aircraft found best friend, the Soviet
(civillian) followed, a year later, Union was approached and
with the country regaining showed an interest in allowing
control of its airspace. The Germany to develop aircraft
operation or production of in their country; the German
▼

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 51

 SUBJECTS FOR SCALE

Prominent civil reistrations were a feature of of Stosser aircraft, prior to the revelation of the Luftwaffe’s existence in 1935. Black Swastika on a white circle
imposed on a large, promionent fin flash were a feature of all supposedly civil German aircraft of the Nazi period.

the first Focke Wulf design under the

▼

manufacturer Junkers had already been the Bucher primary trainer, to higher
operating a production facility for military design leadership of Kurt Tank. performance single-seat fighter types.
aircraft near Moscow since 1923. In addition, for its secondary role
Thus, in June 1924, seven German A GOSHAWK IN BOURNE as an emergency fighter as well as
instructors were sent to the Red Air The Fw 56 Stosser (Goshawk) aiding aspiring fighter pilot trainees
Force. to establish a German fighter pilot came to life towards the end of the in conversion, it was fitted with two
school at Lipetsk and to build a nucleus aforementioned years of cloak & dagger fixed cowl-mounted 7.9mm MG17
of trained military aviators. All this skulduggery. It was a parasol-wing machine guns as well as a removable
continued until 1933,when the Nazi Party, monoplane aircraft with a fuselage of ventral rack for three 10kg bombs (inert
under Adolph Hitler came to power, by steel tube construction, clad in metal practice bombs or, in the event, light
which time Germany had all the makings at the front, and canvas elsewhere. antipersonnel fragmentation bombs).
of a military Air Arm, even if the Luftwaffe The wing was of wood, covered A second prototype had some
did not ‘come out’ of hiding until 1935. partly in plywood, while the area modifications made to the fuselage,
Before then, Heinkel had already flown rearward was fabric-covered. The fixed with metal rather than wooden wings for
their He51 fighter biplane in May 1933 conventional undercarriage consisted of flight-testing, while the third prototype,
and in November that year came the first two cantilever main legs and a tailskid. which flew in February 1934, reverted to
flight of the prototype Focke Wulf Fw56 The aircraft was powered by an air- the wooden wing
Stosser, created in response to a Reich cooled Argus inline engine and intended After comparison flights in 1935
Air Ministry specification for a purpose- as a single-seat advanced trainer for against its two competitors, the Arado
designed fighter trainer aircraft. It was trainee pilots to transition to from Ar 76 and the Heinkel He 74, the Fw56

Excellent access panels were a feature of the Stosser for convenient servicing. A number of Stossers were supplied the Air force of the Netherlands prior to WW2.

52 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 Airborne images of the Stosser seem rare. The
type’s aerobatic capability was appreaciated
by those who flew it.

Stosser was adjudged the preferred undersurfaces changed its characteristic it did, momentarily, perform the task of
type and the Germany Air Ministry appearance enormously. demonstrating to German high command
ordered production to begin. About circles, the value of the dive-bomber as a
1,000 aircraft were built, mostly used THE FIRST STUKA? precision attack weapon.
by Germany, though numbers were Whilst the Focke Wulf Fw56 filled German WW1 fighter pilot Ace Ernst
used by Austria and Hungary. A few its niche in aviation history in the Udet joined the Nazi Party and became
unspectacular role of fighter trainer type

▼
were sold for private use, for instance involved in the early development of
to Gerd Achgelis, who later founded
the helicopter company Focke-
Achgelis with Henrich Focke.
The first prototype was registered
D-JSOT and was generally remembered
as the best-looking Stosser with its
cantilever undercarriage and spatted
wheels. Unfortunately it was crashed on
a demonstration flight, killing test pilot
Siewocke. Patent difficulties over the
undercarriage called for a revision and so
the lever action gear was developed.
The Stosser was a very ‘clean’
aeroplane, usually appearing in silver,
at first with civilian registrations and the
red band across the vertical tail. This
was altered for one publicity photograph
where the National black cross was
added either side of the civilian markings
on the wings and white numerals on a
red background blotted out the middle
pair of fuselage registration letters.
In wartime service, the green/ ALL TOGETHER MEINHERR!
dark green camouflage and light blue An all new meaning to the frequent seen fuselage annotation “LIFE HERE”!

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 53

 SUBJECTS FOR SCALE

Specifications
Length: 24 ft 11 in (7.6m)
Wingspan: 34 ft 5 in (10.5 m)
Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m)
Wing area: 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
Powerplant: 1 × Argus As 10C inverted V-8
air-cooled piston engine, 176.5 kW (236.7 hp)
(converted from PS)
Performance
Maximum speed: 173 mph, (278 km/h) at
sea level
Cruise speed: 158 mph, (255 km/h)
Landing speed: 56 mph (90 km/h)
Range: 239 miles, (385 km) (239)
Service ceiling: 20,300 ft (6,200 m)
Rate of climb: 8.42 m/s (1,657 ft/min)
Armament
Guns: 2 × 7.92 mm (.312 in) MG 17 machine guns
The spatted main undercarriage fairings of this Fw56 identify this as a very early example, one of the three Bombs: 3 x 10kg bombs on external ventral rack
prototype, before deletion of the spats in preference to the plain, streamlined main legs.

the Luftwaffe, where he was appointed  of the Junker Ju87 Stuka, a quick glance  Bolivia and Holland, but strangely 

t

Director of Research and Development.  at which quickly confirms the Stosser’s  enough, very few photographs have ever 

During a subsequent tour of USA, he was  inadequacy for such a combat role. been published of the Stosser in other 
much impressed by the effectiveness  However, it may well have sowed the  than German markings.
of dive-bombing technique at a  seed! Pre-WW2 sales brochures advertised 
demonstration laid on for him by the U.S.  a maximum speed of 177 m.p.h. at 
military. NO BIG DEAL sea level and 156 m.p.h. at 16,400 ft. 
On his return, Udet sought to impress  As a training aircraft, the Stosser gained  Landing speed was only 55 m.p.h. and 
others of the potential of this form of  none of the ‘glamour acclaim’ attached to  the range approximately 250 miles. 
attack and asked Kurt Tank to fit bomb  the front-line warbirds for which it supplied  Stressed to a breaking load factor of 14, 
racks to a Stosser for the purpose of a  competent ‘drivers’, nor did it progress  it could carry a disposable load of half its 
live demonstration. through any series of performance  empty weight (amounting to 705 Ib.)
Whether it was ever intended to  enhancing development variants – it just  As a modelling subject, it has all 
develop the Fw56 to fulfil this front-line  did what it did! Yet it was well liked by  the ideal proportions, especially for 
task is questionable since it hardy offered  those who flew it, for its fine aerobatic  free-flight, but also for radio control, 
the requisite load carrying capability and  performance and solid control ‘feel’. in which case the authentic aerobatic 
operational range necessary in a ‘live  The Fw 56 also served with the Air  performance of the full size can be 
war’, but it did lead to the development  Forces of Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria,  exploited as ‘true scale’.  n

The English language ‘No Admittance” notice makes the location of this aircraft An Fw56 Stosser in WW2 military finish. The rudder on this aircraft, seen here
a bit of a mystery. The end-fairings of the wing struts are well illustrated here. during an engine test, is not missing – a heavy boot of hard right obscures it
from view!

54 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

IN DETAIL

FOCKE WULF
Fw56 STOSSER
1 2 3

1: Wing centre section upper surface. 2: Centre section struts and pitot head.
3: Wing struts, showing the fairings at the wing-to-strut attachment points
4: View rearward along the upper nose section, showing the twin gun troughs
åand centre section wing suppoet struts.
4

55
▼

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS

 IN DETAIL
t

5 6

7 8

5: Fuselage nose adn spinner, showing the shape of

9 the chin-type air intake. 6: The internals of the fuselage
ahead of the cockpit windscreen showing one of the
machine guns and the engine installation. 7: The
tailcone showing the rudder, strut supported horizontal
tailplane and auxilliary outboard fins. 8: Extreme rear
fuselage under the horizontal tailplane showing the
inspection hatch access to the tailskid mechanism.
9: Pilot’s bucket seat and restraining straps. 10: Right
side fuselage centre section. Note the two briefcase
style amunition boxes that slot into the fuselage side.

10
 15

11

16

17

11 & 12: Two views of the ockpit instrument panel.

13: View into the cockpit from the right hand fuselage side.
14: Internal v iew if the cockpit left hand side panel.
15: Top of the main undercarriage left side leg, showing the foot stirrup set into the fairing.
16: Main undercarriage showing the shape oif the leg fairing on a production-standard aircraft
17: One of the prototype aircraft showing the original spatted style leg/wheel fairing, left hand dide.
18: Main undercarriage leg, devoid of fairing, showing the shape of the wheel.
19: Extreme rear showing the rudder shape. No fin at all.

12 18

19

13 14

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 57

SCALE DRAWING

FOCKE-WULF FW56 ‘STOSSER’

58 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 59

SCALE 1:50
TECHNIQUE

SCALE FROM
SCRATCH
PART 3: THE RIGHT BALANCE
WANT TO TAKE A STEP BEYOND KITS AND
ARTFS? KEN SHEPPARD CONTINUES HIS SERIES
TO ENCOURAGE OWN-DESIGN SCALE MODELS

l CG POSITION CALCULATION l WING SECTION SELECTION l WING & TAILPLANE INCIDENCES

L
ast month we looked at our that the CG position must be calculated determine where the all-important point
enlarged three-view and accurately and the model accordingly should be. Another way, favoured by
gave some thought to the balanced, before flying. Whilst a some, is to make a scale-outlined chuck
compromises that we might CG position that is too far forward glider (see Chris Golds’ Bv 208 free
have to make in order to ensure may render the model sluggish and plan feature elsewhere in this issue) and
that our model is a reasonably easy to unresponsive to control inputs, but be determine it that way.
handle machine that utilises standard generally safe, a CG point that is too far How? Well, the elements that are used
commercial items, without detracting reaward will almost certainly be fatal, in calculation are wing area, tail area,
too far from true scale - tail size, cowl inducing a stall, flick into a spin, tip stall wing average chord and the moment
diameter, undercarriage position, etc. All - or all of them - but all with the same arm. Providing the chuck glider surfaces
of these can be manipulated to suit our unwelcome result! accurately replicate the outline of our
requirements and, as the model is not Let me once again refer you to Gordon proposed model, at a scale distance
intended for serious scale competition, Whitehead’s book ‘Radio Control Scale apart, the position of the CG of both
I doubt if anyone will be able to identify Aircraft - Models For Everyday Flying’ - models, expressed as a percentage of
these ‘concessions’. (and the recent subsequent serialisation the root chord, will be the same.
ot this work in this magazine). Everything Whilst this latter method is perfectly
A MATTER OF BALANCE... contained this series of articles is feasible, the calculation method is
It is now useful to determine the position covered - and a lot more besides, in a probably quicker - and the math is well-
of the centre of gravity (fore/aft balance lot more detail. I have used Gordon’s proven.
point) of the model, so that during the formula for CG calculation (it’s where I
design and build phase, we can position first saw it, anyway) for many different CALCULATIONS
major units (servos, battery, receiver, types and sizes of models and never So let’s start by calculating the wing
etc.) in order to minimise the need for once has it let me down. Care has to be and tail areas. The easiest way is to
additional ‘dead’ ballast that might be taken in the calculation of the various reduce these to rectangles, so that we
needed to produce that perfect balance. elements, but using our full-size three- can multiply the width (span) by the
It cannot be too strongly emphasised view outline drawing, we can accurately depth (chord) - which is easy for parallel-

1 2

1: A semi-symmetrical section like this (15%) gives a good speed range and allows decent sports model aerobatics - and is well suited to WW2 fighter models.
2: This modified Göttingen 797 section (19%) is best for slow-flying models (Miles Magister).

60 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

Part of the original drawing of one the author’s designs - the Savoia Marchetti SM79 trimotor (MF 187) for three Speed 400 EP motors. The ribs (nine ribs per panel)
were drawn as explained in the text.

chorded wings and tails, but what about bombers). tip section to approximated rectangular
tapered and swept back surfaces? Figure 2 shows the pertinent dimensions, using close ‘guesstimation’
I don’t propose to cover every dimensions measured directly from my so that we can commence the
configuration here (get Gordon’s book three-view outline drawing. Figure 3 calculations.
- he does!), but I will go through my shows the mathematical breakdown into To calculate the wing area, take the
calculations for my Dornier Do335, which rectangles used to work out the area dimensions in Fig. 2 and substitute them
has a double tapered wing and tailplane of one of the wing panels. However, on the formula in Fig. 3; then the Do335
(similar to most WW2 fighters and Figure 1 shows how to reduce a curved wing area, 2AB + A(C+D), is:

FIG. 1 FIG. 2 ▼

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 61

 TECHNIQUE

front and back to a distance equal to the

FIG. 3
root chord. Similarly, extend the fuselage
centreline fore and aft equal to the tip
chord.
Now, join up the four ends by two
diagonals (front tip to rear root - and
vice versa). The point where the two
diagonals cross is thus the position of
the average chord. Draw a line through
this point parallel to the fuselage datum
and mark where it crosses the leading
and trailing edge. This is the average
chord - measure it, call it XY and mark
it on your three-view drawing, for future
reference.
Do the same for the tail and now we
can measure the distance between 25%
average chord on the wing and on the
tail i.e. the moment arm (Fig. 4).
Right, that’s the end of taking
measurements (almost) - now we come
to the magic formula!
Let’s reiterate what we have found out
so far - we’ve calculated the wing and
tail area, we’ve found the position and
measured the length (XY) of the wing
tailplane moment arm. This is defined as
t

(2 x 30.25 x 8.25) + ((30.25 x (1.5 + 9)) average chord and we’ve worked out the
= 499.125 + 317.625 = 816.75sq.in. the distance between the 25% average length of the wing/tail moment arm. So,
Regarding the tail, the tail area is: chord of the wing and 25% average taking these values, we put them into the
(2 x 13 x 5.5) + ((13 x (2.5 + 1.625)) = chord of the tail. So this introduces a following formula:
143 + 53.625 = 196.6sq.in. new unknown - the average chord.
To work out the length of the average CG = (XY/6) + (3 x tail area x moment
This gives a tail to wing area ratio of chord for a double tapered wing, refer arm)/(8 x wing area)
24%. to Fig. 4. Again, using the three-view
Next, we have to calculate the wing- outline drawing, extend the tip chord Note that this defines the distance of

Detail of the SM79 wing seat, showing the position of the CG, calculated as described in the text. Flies great!

62 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

 3 4

3: Nothing wrong with foam - it saves drawing all those ribs! The author’s B-24 Liberator bomber was 90% blue foam. Note the fatter section of the centre section
- more like NACA 2418 (18%). 4: Sheeted centre section of the author’s Shavrov flying boat. Uses the NACA 2415 section. Note the outer panel location tab is placed
parallel to the rib chord line.

the CG rearward from the leading edge a semi-symmetrical section of about way from root to tip - in fact most aircraft
at THE AVERAGE CHORD. To convert it 10% thickness on large models (say, 1/5 wing sections thin out towards the tip (as
into the distance from the leading edge scale and larger), but on a .40 size model a percentage of the chord); some even
at the wing root; take the calculated (probably 1/7 or 1/8 scale) we can fit a have different sections entirely at root
dimension and mark it on the average 1/4” sheet balsa tail with rounded leading and tip.
chord line that you drew on your three- edge and tapered elevator trailing edge
view drawing, then draw a line through (tapered to a minimum of 3/32” (NOT SO WHAT DO WE DO?
this marked point perpendicular to the feather edged). This sheet tail won’t There are hundreds of wing sections and
fuselage datum. Where this line crosses have very much influence on the flying for out-and-out performance, the choice
the fuselage centre line - voila, you’ve characteristics of the model (we’ll talk has to be made very carefully, e.g. for a
found the aircraft’s CG position! about incidence later on), but the wing sailplane or an aerobatic machine. For
Once you’ve done this, go and make section very much does effect the way a sports scale model, it is somewhat
a cup of tea- you deserve it - then our model will fly - so we have first to easier.
come back and go through ALL your consider just HOW we want it to fly - fast Our fighter needs to be able to fly fairly
calculations again! With any luck, you’ll or slow - or a good range between. fast, be stable at low speed (take off and
get the same answer! Also, in determining the maximum landing) and capable of full-size type
thickness of the wing, we have to aerobatics (mainly zero ‘G’ manoeuvres).
WING SECTION CHOICES consider the required structural strength Rather than go through all the relative
Having established the CG position, of the wing and what equipment is going merits of a lot of sections, I’ll mention
the next thing to consider and finally to be installed in them - the size of the just a few that I favour (they work well).
settle is the wing and tail section(s). retract units, size of servos, etc. We will For all round use, I like the NACA
Normally, on a WW2 fighter, the tail is

t
not need to have the same section all the 2412 section. This is a semi-symmetrical

FIG. 4 FIG. 5

FIG. 6

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 63

 TECHNIQUE

from the cockpit for the various cruise

FIG. 5
configurations. Fortunately these aren’t
necessary on our models as we can trim
the tail at the transmitter. However, a
real consideration regarding incidences
selected is where this somewhat lowered
incidence is significantly different from
that shown on our scale three-view. The
‘sit’ of the full-size aircraft in the air - and
on the ground - may well be affected
adversely in the model if the wing
incidence is reduced, so we can restore
this wing incidence by giving the tail a bit
of positive incidence, rather than none
at all.
For example, to achieve a desired
overall wing incidence of +2 deg., on a
scale wing/tail incidence of +4/0 deg.,
apply +2 deg. To the tailplane. This +4
deg/+2 deg. combination will look better
and equates to an overall ‘longitudinal
dihedral’ (the difference between the
incidences of wing and tailplane) of +2
deg. An added benefit of this solution is
that it automatically increases the engine
downthrust, minimising the ‘unscale’
section with the deepest part of the ordinates for plotting them. downthrust that we would normally have
▼

section 12% of the chord. This thickness Check the thickness of the wing at to incorporate with a zero-set tail.
can be increased up to 20% if needed the root and at the tip from your front A common pitfall when measuring
(lift is reduced the thicker you go) and view drawing - you already know the incidence is to measure from the lower
the section gives a good speed range, root and tip chord, so you can work out surface of the airfoil section. The datum
whilst the stall is less sudden than some. the % thickness on both the root and for any airfoil is through the centre of
I would also recommend the NACA tip at the deepest part of the section. If the trailing edge and through the centre
2415 (15% max thickness) at the root, these are in the range 12 - 15%, then the of the leading edge nose radius. Failure
tapering to 2412 at the tip, with about 4 NACA 2415 section can be used without to do this could result in a few extra
degrees of washout built in to help lower amendment. Obtain the retract/wheel degrees being built in - disaster!
the tip stall speed, as a good all-round combo that you would like to use and
combination for WW2 fighter/bomber work out how deep the wing needs to be FOAM WINGS
models. This is my choice for the Do335. to fully enclose the unit. Place the retract We could stop this article here by
For slower flying prototypes (the Miles unit on the plan view in the position advocating the use of foam wings -
Magister, for example), the Gottingen 797 that you want the leg/wheel to be - is nothing wrong with foam wings, of
section is a good choice. This is a thick the scale thickness deep enough at this course and there are any number of
section (19%) with a flat bottom, rather position? If not, you may need to thicken people who will cut you a pair of wing
like the perennial aeromodeller’s Clark Y the section to accommodate the retracts panels. Provided you supply root and tip
section. Semi symmetrical sections have - you could increase the centre section templates with half-span and specify and
better inverted flight performance than up to about 20% thickness to do this, washout requirement (and maybe ask for
flat bottomed ones, and so are better retaining the taper to the tip as before. the foam panels to be skined in balsa or
suited to fighter aerobatics. When you are happy that the retracts will obechi). Princes are resonably and time
Another handy property of the NACA fit, measure the depth and ‘fatten’ the is saved too!
24 series is that the rear section of NASA 2415 section as necessary (Fig. 6). The use of foam is a lot easier than you
the bottom surface can be ‘flattened’ may think, if you haven’t used it before!
for ease of building, without affecting CHOICE OF INCIDENCES I’m not going to deviate further along the
the efficiency of the section too much. A word now about wing/tail incidences. foam trail as it is very well documented
Having said that, I tend to build wing Again, this is a big subject and I refer you elsewhere (maybe a later article, showing
panels upside down, to get at the to the recognised aeromodelling experts the latest techniques) - this series is
retract structure and flap mechanism, already mentioned, for a full discourse on aimed purely at designing built-up
etc, during build, so to ensure that the the subject. However, as a rule of thumb, structures, in the traditional manner.
ribs sit at the correct incidence on the for the sections mentioned, about one So where was I?
building board, I design alignment tabs to two degrees incidence on the wing
on the top trailing edge of each rib, but with the tail set at zero, should give the SIZING TAPERED WING RIBS
more on that later. right amount of longitudinal stability, So now we have an outline, a chosen
For anyone wanting to investigate for a medium fast flying model - slower wing section (s) and the relative
alternative airfoil sections, I would models will need more - faster types will incidence between root and tip - so how
recommend reading Martin Simons’ fly with less. do we start to draw the wings?
‘Model Aircraft Aerodynamics’ that Regarding the tail, the trim tabs First, determine your wing rib spacing.
lists over 200 sections - and gives co- fitted to full-size aircraft are adjusted I would recommend that the spacing be

64 FLYING SCALE MODELS - MAY 2022

equal across the span (it’s a lot easier to plotting the intermediate rib sizes. I’m not teaching you HOW to draw - look
draw!) and that for a 1/16” sheet (or rib A) Mark points on the root and tip ribs it up! (It’s detailed in Gordon’s book!)
capped) covered wing of about 30” half at 25%, 50% and 75% chord, top and Now you have eight plotted points for
span, I would suggest about 3” spacing bottom. the remaining nine ribs in between the tip
between ribs, giving 11 ribs in each B) Join up the points at 25% root to tip, and the root - just join up the eight marks
panel, including root and tip ribs. top and bottom and repeat for 50% and for each rib! Seriously - investment in
Fig.5 shows the initial drawing of the 75%. a set of French Curves will make this
wing section at the root, with the tip rib Draw a line between the trailing edges a relatively simple task - draw all the
superimposed on it, correctly positioned root to tip and between the centre of ribs on one piece of paper - it’ll make
relative to the leading and trailing edge the leading edge nose, root to tip. As drawing the sections evenly, easier - see
tapers and inclined at the desired angle there are eleven ribs, divide each of Fig.7. Don’t trace each rib individually
to give the required root-to-tip (trailing the eight lines joining root to tip, into yet, as we first have to place the spar
edge higher than leading edge). From ten equal lengths. This doesn’t have positions and sizes - once we’ve
this relationship we can start plotting the to be measured and divided, there is a decided, where, how many, and how big!
other ribs. drawing technique involving a ruler and a ■
Fig. 6 shows the three stages in setsquare that makes this very easy - as

Designing your own lets you push out the envelope! This is the
author’s. Not really, follows the same rules as conventional
aircraft , but with a balancing twist!

MAY 2022 - FLYING SCALE MODELS 65

PLANS AND PARTS
BE READY TO START BUILDING AS SOON AS YOU UNFOLD THE PLANS!

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PLANS
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PARTS
A set of laser-cut airframe components
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spars, tailplane/fi n & rudder ribs, fi n
fairing, aileron & fl ap components, wing
seat - altogether approx. 150 ready-to-use
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