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Modelling is often used in Physical Therapy, and as a relaxing medium in hospital
convalescence; but we bet the staff of Llangwyfan Hospital, Denbigh, N. Wales, were more than surprised
when patient J. P. Childs started work on his 65 in. Mercury Aeronca for radio control (see picture
1)! Model was completed, thanks to use of a spare bed, and will soon be flying with an E.D. Racer 2.46
diesel.
Another model of contrasting design and considerable test flight experience is John
O'Donnell's "Pendleton Fault" Mk. II, using a new fuselage for old wings. This power model has also
won Concours d'Elegance awards, and Brian Bowers' group of three photos, 3, show us some of the interesting
detail. Note how two Tatone timers are used and are seen in the upper, port side view. The front one
apparently operates the fuel shut-off by tripping a wire that connects through the fuselage to the strangler
on the other side (see photo of the starboard side). Fuel comes from the rear of the transparent tank
to the P.A.W. 2.49. The auto-rudder also comes into action for the glide as the motor cuts. Rear timer
is for dethermalising.
Our bevy of young ladies in the photographs below offer an interesting contrast in
models, beginning with S. F. Newman's 76 in. span semi-scale "Weihe" sailplane, held by his wife in
picture 7. This high aspect ratio model from Bexley Heath has shown great promise as a slope soarer,
like the full-size.
Lastly, in 9, what might be thought to be a "Skiffler" is actually D. K. Pearson's
A.P.S. Thunderbolt painted in the style of the other model. Power is a Fox 35, and daughter Gillian
is a keen photo poser for dad from Melton Mowbray.
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Picture 2 shows a Bleriot Monoplane made from the A.P.S. plans by John H. Wilcox
of Croydon. It gained a Commended Diploma at the National Models Exhibition this year, and now awaits
a suitable runway for rise-off-ground test flights.
The "Falcons" of East Acton contributed to the triple engined control-line wing in
4, held by the new club sec., A. Gorsuch. This 45-ounce, four foot model of 890 sq. ins. area has a
pair of E.D. Racers and a P.A.W. 2.49 (central) - it is said to be fast and steady, yet as manoeuvreable
as some combat models - should also be fair game for a set of silencers!
In the next photo 5, is G. Franklin's "Astrofire", a camouflaged variant of the popular
A.P.S. "Astro-Hog" with Mr. Franklin's attractive Spitfire-like alterations. It has an O.S. Max. 35
Multi-speed and Octone Rx., with Bonner Duramite servos on the elevators and ailerons and a spring centreing
stalled Mighty Midget for the rudder. As Mr. Franklin says: "Take offs are a dream - all that is now
needed is for me to learn how to fly it".
Model with quite a story, is Michael Creedon's 1/8th scale Tawney Owl. This 36 in.
span control-line model in 6 is built after the same manner as the 24 ft. full-size aircraft which was
designed by Michael's father and built at Stapleford Tawney in Essex, hence the name. Unfortunately,
although the c/line model flew perfectly with an A.M. 35 driving a 7 1/2 in. pusher prop., the full-size
encountered some difficulty on its test flight with a Porsche 75 h.p. flat four, but we hope that the
two-seater will soon be airborne again.
Next, in 8 is an Avro 504K from the A.P.S. plans and fitted with a D-C Bantam. This
calls for 2 1/4 oz. ballast in the nose, making all-up weight 13 ounces, but flights are so good that
builder A. Witherup of Newton, West Kirby, would like to congratulate designer Ray Booth.
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