Chris Peers and his collaborator 'Spartacus' are well known model builders. In 2013, on a commission from warbirder Dave Gent, they set about a quarter-scale model of the Percival Proctor. Designed to 1/4-scale their model has an impressive wingspan of 120 inches and was fitted with a ZDZ 40cc petrol engine.
Flying models of the Pfalz DIII or DIIIa are rather thin on the ground. If you look at the original you get an inkling of why that is so - the moulded plywood fuselage, the large spinner and the lozenge covering. But there are modellers who thrive on such challenges and Mário Vilaça is one such hardy soul.
Second time around as an RCM&E cover model, here's another look at Paul Rice's superb Supermarine S6B. Join Alex Whittaker for a taste of what we've been missing after the Covid crisis put a stop to many waterplane meetings.
Alex, our roving reporter, still finds himself in lockdown and without any of the usual shows and model flying events to visit he consoles us with his ringside view of all the comings and goings at an imaginary Scale Nationals competition, which is held is normal times at RAF Barkston Heath.
In this month's Model Magic, Alex Whittaker pays tribute to a much-respected German scale modeller, Gerhard Reinsch, who recently passed away. This big, yellow Tiger Moth is one of two of Gehard's models that Alex will be taking a close look at. No pilots though, as Alex's photo session took place during early flight trials.
Power Scale Soaring Association member Steve Kemp poses with his new 1:8 scale Hunting Percival Jet Provost, built from enlarged plans by Andy Blackburn. The model spans 57”, has an AUW of 6lbs and flew superbly in the conditions enjoyed at July's PSSA gathering on the Great Orme - see the full report by Simon Cocker in his regular column.
Our (usually) roving reporter, Alex Whittaker continues his lockdown virtual model event series with a look back at just a fraction of the best bits from the LMA's Cosford mega show
Danny Fenton has been asked for more information on the R/C conversion of his little Vintage Model Company SE5a. He converted this free flight model by fitting the radio and motor from a rather tired ParkZone micro indoor model. Key to moving the control surfaces is a pull-pull set-up using 1lb fishing line that is super light.
The Pitts Special should need no introduction. The prototype first flew in 1944 and went on to become an aviation classic. If you’ve ever seen one, then you’ll know how tiny it is. FMS have emulated the two-seat S2 version but even that spans just 20ft, making this 1.4m span model a respectable 1/4-scale, give or take.
Andrew Hinton built his beautiful Blackburn Monoplane from scratch, based on the David Boddington plans. She is built to 1/4-scale and spans 96”, powered by a Laser 150. Andrew’s model is a faithful version of the example based at the Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden.
Barry Sherborne’s own design 1/3rd scale Fokker D6 patrols the skies above the Woodvale Revival last summer, held at the Liverpool and District Model Aircraft Club field in West Lancashire
Tranquility in the heavens as Dirk Nething takes in a stunning Alpine view at sunset high above the Austrian village of Fiss, base of the annual Flying Circus soaring event, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in June. Read more in Simon Cocker's regular On Silent Wings column.
In this month's Model Magic, Alex focuses his lens on Brian Wood's superb hand-crafted Thunderbolt, which spans 92”, scaled up from the Brian Taylor plan. Powered by a gorgeous Saito FG 90 R3 radial engine this splendid Razorback took Brian 18 months to compete
