Aircraft General Discussion

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

One of the RNZAF Freighters was used in aeral topdressing trials in the 1950s, DC 3s and Lockheed Lodestars were eventually found to be better suited for the job. Ian S C

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Just got ME no 4434, on page 99, photo 51, the aircraft appears to be a SE 5. Ian S C

[Geoff TheasbyParticipant @geofftheasby]

I would have said that, Ian. Haven't researched it, though.

[jason udallParticipant @jasonudall57142]

Knew a block once.. claimed to have been test pilot for many years( "every thing up to jet power" )..he told a tale from a reunion..

Harrier pilot banging on about how great VTOL is…Mmm says this little guy have you got your flights?

takes him in the back of a Ligthning trainer… takes off .. rotates and kicks in reheat…NOW THATS VERTICLE TAKEOFF!

Harrrier pilot apperntly went white…then green

[John CoatesParticipant @johncoates48577]

Forgot to mention that on Sat 30th June, Armed Forces Day, a Spitfire paid a visit to Messingham showground where we live. Did a couple of passes before buggering off, probably due to the low cloud. Absolutely lovely hearing the Merlin power on for the climbs and swoops. Brought quite a few of my neighbours out to look up at the skies. Magical !

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Lightning, side by side. Had a friend (deceased 20 or so years ago) who flew SE5 s'during WW1, and later re enlisted, and flew Valleta transport (old biplanes, open cockpit) aircraft across the Med during WW2, unescourted (nothing could fly slow enough to shoot them down). Ian S C

[Geoff SheppardParticipant @geoffsheppard46476]

And how many who came out to look when they heard the Merlin said "It's alright, it's One of Ours"?

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Probably an Se5 r – I think the later version (Se5a) had taller grilles at the front. There's a nice (flying) replica at Old Warden. One of my favourite planes, I've made several models including one from a 1952 Aeromodeller designed for a 0.5cc Kapler(?) 'diesel', claimed to be the smallest IC powered free flight model at the time. My update was powered by a KP01 and flew surprisingly well. I intended to write it up for Aeromodeller as a '50 years on', but never got round to submitting it and then Aeromoddeler went pfft

I also made a Guillows(?) kit version which I had flying under single channel r/c (unboxed standard 27mHz 2-ch receiver, button nicads and a micro servo) powered by a gasparin CO2 motor. Sadly it got crushed by accident, but the still, warm evening flying it over legendary long grass in the meadow north of Portkerry Viaduct was magical. The silent flight in big, lazy circles around the field was fantastic. A classic triumph of optimism over the physics of flight.

Final one was a proper R/C version about 27" span, that never quite got finished.

I still have the KP01 version (awaiting a lithium power pack), top wing of the Guillows one and the fuel tank from the big one.

There's a Revell plastic one on my bench, but dammit I feel like making a big, slow version now!

Anyone know a source of Model Technics D1000?

Neil

[Sam StonesParticipant @samstones42903]

Hi Neil,

Not to mention the Galloping Ghost or reed relays. And what about those glass bottles with fire inside them gobbling up the amps?

My first (and only) Tx and Rx had the latter (valves), and my intention was to include a ten-reed reed-relay. The 27MHz Tx had two whopping big valves for the output, while the Rx had (I think) a seven pin something or other valve. Probably a bit better than a simple triode. All the valves needed two voltages – a low voltage for the heaters, and a higher voltage for the anodes.

For years these gadgets remained on the bench untried, until I was obliged to accept that pulsed proportional had arrived. All too late because, by the early 60's, I’d had my fill of being a wireless mechanic in the RAF and had entered into various issues, like producing a family.

Boy, what a wonderful thing, this memory business. If only I didn't have to edit so often.

Sam

Edited By Sam Stones on 10/07/2012 23:04:57

Edited By Sam Stones on 10/07/2012 23:06:57

Edited By Sam Stones on 10/07/2012 23:07:07

[AESParticipant @aes]

@ Neil (Stub Mandrel):

Model Technics have a website: **LINK**

You can order direct through them though I think the order cannot be posted – i.e. you have to pick it up from them either at their base or at a model show.

Also I understand that they will supply any local model shop who places an order. I don't know what the terms and conditions are.

Or you can make your own diesel fuel – quite easy. Ask if you need the "recipe".

Good luck

AES

 

 

Edited By AES on 11/07/2012 09:02:01

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

For some imteresting reading, look at http://www.thevintageaviator.co.nz These blokes don't do thing by halves, they have built just about a whole air force, well two really, British, and German. They don't just build the aircraft to exact specs, but in many cases they build the complete engine too. I think Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings etc) has a good bit to do with the enterprise. Ian S C

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Neil (Stub Mandrel) – re your post…..

Probably an Se5 r – I think the later version (Se5a) had taller grilles at the front. There's a nice (flying) replica at Old Warden. One of my favourite planes, I've made several models including one from a 1952 Aeromodeller designed for a 0.5cc Kapler(?) 'diesel', claimed to be the smallest IC powered free flight model at the time. My update was powered by a KP01 and flew surprisingly well. I intended to write it up for Aeromodeller as a '50 years on', but never got round to submitting it and then Aeromoddeler went pfft

You are close – your diesel was a Kalper and if memory serves correct would have been .3cc. I expect the KP10 started much better

'Aeromodeller' asI expect many may know has been an 'inclusion' in AMI magazine which has now ceased publication however there is the possibility that a new 'Aeromodeller' will be resurrected as a stand alone magazine later this year

Re the diesel fuel – I don't know how far you are away from Grantham but the National Model Aircraft Nationals take place over the August bank holiday weekend at Barkston Heath. You will certainly be able to pick up all the diesel you need if you go. If you've never been this is a model aircraft event that covers virtually everything from free fight scale if the weathers kind through all control line classes up to the most impressive of R/C models including jets. With a huge trade presence and a big swapmeet on the Sunday it's well worth a day out – no connection just the usual very satisfied customer

Re the plastic SE5, if you are that way inclined google – 'wingnut wings' and take a look at their version. Expensive but uncomparable. Same people as Ian's vintage aviation link

Regards – Ramon

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

I understand that the last flying Vulcan is at the Farnborough Air Show this week.

**LINK**

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Phew, it seems rumours of the 'death'; of diesel fuel are greatly exaggerated.

I'm trying to tidy my workshop and finding it by turns depressing and exhilarating. Sticking to aircraft I realise how close I came to getting sucked in to r/C modelling just before model engineering bit me i about '99! As well as the small collection of diesel and glow motors, the 'unfinished projects' list includes a Keil Kraft Gypsy and my late father in Law's Ladybird – built in 1952 I had the latter flying around Sutton Park with a DC Merlin when it was nearly 50 years old. It needs a new tailplane, and it's really tempting to add micro r/c for the rudder.

If anyone here has Ladybird plans – could they copy the bit for the cowling for me?

Neil

[TerrydParticipant @terryd72465]

Posted by AES on 11/07/2012 09:01:13:

…………………….

Or you can make your own diesel fuel – quite easy. Ask if you need the "recipe".

Good luck

AES

Edited By AES on 11/07/2012 09:02:01

Have you tried buying ether in the UK recently. A private prescription is required. If anyone knows of a source I would be grateful!

Best regards

Terry

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

Have you tried buying ether in the UK recently. A private prescription is required. If anyone knows of a source I would be grateful!

Best regards

Terry

—-

If I do build an engine it will now be a glow engine

Diesels are too much hassle

[Pat Wright 1Participant @patwright1]

Posted by Stub Mandrel on 12/07/2012 21:08:39:

If anyone here has Ladybird plans – could they copy the bit for the cowling for me?

Neil,- Try this **LINK**

They list 3 Ladybird plans although one is rubber powered.

Pat

New Zealand

[TerrydParticipant @terryd72465]

Hi Ady,

Some of us have engines from a misspent youth and would like to run them occasionally. I am building a glow plug engine at the moment but would still like to run my 'heritage' engines.

Hassle is part of the fun/challenge.

Best regards

Terry

[Clive HartlandParticipant @clivehartland94829]

Ether is available commercially, we buy it in 5ltr. bottles for optical cleaning.

Its sold as a reagent and comes in boxes of 4 bottles though I am sure it is available singly.

I can check Mon. where we get it from and I am sure you do not need a licence or a scrip.

I think all that is needed is a, 'A reason for use' and they will supply.

Clive

[TerrydParticipant @terryd72465]

Thanks Clive,

I'd be grateful for any information. The only places I have seen that sell it ask for a private prescription if it is to be sold to an individual customer,

best regards

Terry

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Hi Terry – as with Clive I'm certain there is no requirement to have a licence, permit or other wise to purchase ether. Quite recently after a persistent search on ebay I did find a seller that will 'deliver to your door' Unfortunately it was so very expensive relative to a half gallon of pre mixed diesel fuel that it simply wasn't viable. 'Diesel' is very definitely – despite what you may read at times – not 'dead' . The humble (and not so humble PAW) engines are still in production to a perhaps dwindling but none the less ready market – hardly a business proposition if there's no fuel.

Up until last years Nats both major fuel suppliers were selling diesel fuel there and one of them was definitely selling neat ether by the half gallon

I would be interested to hear of your supplier too Clive though twenty litres will make an awful lot of fuel, not forgetting the requirement for some ignition improver for DIY.

Regards – Ramon

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Thanks Pat,

The first o of the three is the Keil Kraft Ladybird

You've earned my gratitude on this forum with your first post!

Neil

[Bill PudneyParticipant @billpudney37759]

Ramon talked about ignition improver. We have been using Amsoil Cetane Booster, apparently big diesels (trucks & buses) use it. Its sold in tins of about 470ml for less than A$20. Google Amsoil Cetane Booster…………

In my 2.5cc ball race diesels (PAWs, Olivers, Rothwell etc) I use 14ml in 1 litre of fuel. It's a lot cheaper than IPN at A$110 for 500ml.

cheers

Bill Pudney

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Would the aerosol starter fluid, used for starting stubborn diesel engines be any use, it comes in cans up to about 400 ml, and would (if the price it comparable), be about 10 to 15 UK pounds. Ian S C

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Bradex Easy Start?

You could get a motor with a milking stool in a bucket as piston and cylinder to run with that. I always used to keep a can in the car in the days before universal electronic ignition.

Neil

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