Tom Thumb Ii: Vic'S Plan For FF or RC!

ISSUE FREE PLAN: SMEED MINI TOMBOY
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Contents
AEROMODELLER 1021 June 2022 – Next issue published on 16 June 2022.
04 HEARD AT THE 28 FREE PLAN –

HANGAR DOORS TOM THUMB II
EDITORIAL, NEWS AND VIEWS. VIC SMEED’S SMALL TOMBOY IS ADAPTED BY
ANDREW BODDINGTON FOR THE SAM 25.
09 UP & COMING
CALENDAR OF EVENTS. 38 TOMBOY IN THE
FAMILY
10 POWER TRIP – ANDREW BODDINGTON SHARES HIS FAMILY’S
SAM 25 LOVE OF THE TOMBOY DESIGN. Issue 1021 June 2022
THE 0.25 CC BABY OF THE SAM DIESEL RANGE IS (Issue 103 since relaunch)
TESTED BY MARIS DISLERS. 42 JOHN MADDAFORD How to contact us:
ENGINES Tel: 01525 222573
Email: enquiries@doolittlemedia.com
16 NORTHERN GALA JOHN GOODALL’S APPRECIATION OF THE
CHRIS EDGE REPORTS FROM THE FF DURATION ENGINEERING OF JOHN MADDAFORD. Editorial:
Editor: Andrew Boddington
CONTEST AT BARKSTON HEATH. Email: editor@aeromodeller.com
48 CHAS TAYLOR Publisher: Alan Harman
Administration: Gordon Angus
20 KEEP IT LIGHT REMEMBERS Editorial Design: Peter Hutchinson
WHY DO LIGHT MODELS FLY BETTER? LURK CHAS COMPLETES HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY WITH
Advertisement and circulation:
EXPLAINS. HIS EARLY AEROMODELLING YEARS. WITH Aeromodeller, Doolittle Media, The Granary
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YEAR HISTORY OF THE SOUTH BRISTOL CLUB. Select Publisher Services, 3 East Avenue,
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YOUR CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED IN SMALL FIELD 66 TAIL END CHARLIE
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Vic Smeed’s Tom

Thumb II for SAM 25.
AeroModeller 1021 - 3
News, Views and Editorial
HEARD AT THE
HANGAR DOORS
A Summer of Flying
issue or go to freeflight.bmfa.org; in summary the FF Mini Nats
A
fter two years of cancelled events due to the Covid
Pandemic it has been sad to again lose access to is at N Luffenham on 29th May, the Substitute FF Nats is at
Barkston Heath for both the FF and Power Nats. Salisbury Area 8 on 4-5th June, and the Bowden Trophy is to
However, the urge to fly and compete with the best be run on Monday 6th June at Buckminster.
means that most events have been rescheduled So, despite all the trials and tribulations that seem to intrude
to new sites, and other events at main stay CL and FF venues from outside on our hobby/sport I look forward to an active and
such as Barton MFC, Salisbury Plain, North Luffenham and fun filled summer. See you on the flying field!
Buckminster look to be set on the calendar. Regards, Andrew Boddington
You can find details of the FF Nationals changes in the last editor@aeromodeller.com
BMFA 100
BMFA members will have seen plenty of outdoor and subject to local restrictions in the past to take up our fascinating
updates on the Centenary celebrations and safe flying. Models can be jets, sport again.
in BMFA News. Paul Hoey has shared a multi rotor, sport RC or FF, control line or Late July will see the launch of the
summary of what is coming up this year. glider. Details can be found at 100.bmfa. Centenary Exhibition in the Goldsmith
A dedicated website for the Centenary org/record Hangar at the Buckminster National
can be found at 100.bmfa.org May is also Flightfest month when Centre, featuring models and artefacts
First up is the World Record attempt clubs are encouraged to hold celebratory generously loaned or donated going
in conjunction with Guinness World events and raise the profile of model back over a 100 years or more. This
Records for the most models in the air at flying across their community. Events will be a unique and once only event,
one time on Sunday 15 May. We already could, for example, involve engaging with bringing together the history of model
have approaching 200 clubs registered local media, inviting visitors for a trial flying and pointing to the future. More
to take part which is great news. The flight, a barbecue or a fly in. Our aim is information will be appearing at the
idea is that each club aims to have as that local Flightfest events will encourage website 100.bmfa.org/exhibition.
many models as possible in the air at those who have yet to discover model
12 noon. The venue can be indoor or flying to give it a try and those who flew
The BMFA National Centre at Buck-
minster will be the focus of many
BMFA Centenary activities including
an Exhibition running from late July
in to August.
COCKLEBARROW RC
VINTAGE EVENTS
Last year due to Covid there was only
one Cocklebarrow Vintage event held in
September – it was a great success with 58
flyers signed on with around 150 models.
Tony Tomlin informs us that this year they
have been given the go ahead by the farmer
to run three events as before; this will be the
32nd year.
Cocklebarrow RC Vintage events will be
Sunday 17th July, Sunday 21st August,
Sunday 25th September. The normal format
of relaxed flying [no competitions] for all
types of RC up to 1975 and as always a lot
of chat going on!
Signposted from Aldsworth Glos. on the
B4425 between Cirencester/Burford and off
the A40 between Northleach and Burford
(follow the SAM 35 signs.) BMFA insurance
essential.
Contact Tony Tomlin 07767 394578

pjt2.alt2@btinternet.com
Last year Stevie Hall assisted his grandfather Ray Hall flying the Eddie J Riding designed Missel
Thrush at Lodge Farm. The AM and MA designs competition will be held at this excellent flying
site on one weather dependent day of the 21st or 22nd May. Ray Hall is currently downsizing his
collection of models and engines including selling his Missel Thrush – contact Ray by email on
rayhall1939@gmail.com
FF SCALE COMPETITIONS
The cancelling of the FF Nationals Welland Rd, Oakham LE15 8JE.
and Power Nationals at Barkston £10.00 entry fee at the gate for all.
Heath in 2022 has necessitated Fly as many competitions as you
much rescheduling of competitions like: duration, scale and sport fly.
for different classes of models. The The Eddie J Riding (EJR) FF Scale
FF Scale calendar looks to have contests are: Open IC, Rubber and
been agreed, but the best way of CO2/Electric. Also there is the EJR
making sure you have the latest designs contest. Please be early
information is to be on Mike Smith’s and give the judges enough time
emailing list by contacting him on to static mark your model. Also as
michaeldocsmith@gmail.com part of the BMFA Centenary there
The first Lodge Farm Gala of the will be a Scale Free Flight 100
year will be held on May 21st or Challenge - bring as many Scale
22nd depending on the weather – Free Flight models as you can for
Mike will email out confirmation of photographing even if you are not
There will be three opportunities to fly vintage RC in the
what day the forecast is best on competing. Cotswolds this year at Cocklebarrow.
the previous Thursday. Flying Only Free Flight Scale Nationals will
FF Scale contest with additional be held on July 2nd and 3rd BMFA
AeroModeller & Model Aircraft Scale Nationals at the BMFA
Designs award. There will also be a National Centre, Buckminster NG33 PHIL SMITH
Rubber Precision contest. The venue 5RW. This is for Open IC, Rubber,
is at Church Lane, Sleaford NG34 CO2/electric and Intermediate, pre- CORRECTION
8QU. What3words app location entry. is required. In the May issue biography of the early
marathons.piston.steaming A Scale Flying Only contest for life of Veron’s Phil Smith I misinterpreted
Note that the Oxford MFC Free the Credgington Trophy will be held something… I’m pleased to say that Phil’s
Flight Gala is now ONLY for FF Scale on Sunday July 31st as part of the son Colin has put me right.
(no documentation needed, 1.5cc Anglia Gala at RAF Sculthorpe, One point to correct is, when Dad was in
max) from 1.30pm – the duration Norfolk NR21 7RF. You must have his perambulator you wrote he recognised
classes have been cancelled due to proof of BMFA membership before that’s a green engine, it should have read
proximity to the Mini Nats. Venue is entry, absolutely no dogs and no that’s a Green Engine (not to be confused
Port Meadow, Godstow Car Park, retrieval by motor car. Runways are with today’s modern green motors to comply
Godstow Rd, Wolvercote, Oxford available and there will also be a with motor emissions.) Green Aero Engines
OX2 8PE. Contact Charlie Newman Rubber Precision Cup contest. were manufactured at Bexhill by Gustav
charlie.newman737@yahoo.co.uk Unless stated otherwise the FF Green for the aero industry, and even at that
The Eddie Riding Contests will Scale CD for the above is Mike tender age Phil could tell the sound of a
be at the FFTC Mini Nationals on Smith michaeldocsmith@gmail.com particular engine.
May 29th at RAF North Luffenham, 07516 410905.
PANDAS 10TH PONTEFRACT RETRO EVENT

Thanks to Phil Green for information on which are ideally suited to modern SC
the 10th “Single Channel & Retro RC Fly- gear. Of course, the theme is just one
in” to be held on Saturday & Sunday, May slot of many and throughout the day any
28th & 29th 2022 at Pontefract Park, with single channel, retro or vintage models
Saturday as an open electric fly-in, whilst are welcome to fly.
Sunday sees the main Single Channel Flyers on the day will decide who
and Retro RC event with IC engines. The should take home a ‘Spirit of Single
event is hosted by the PANDAS Club Channel’ prize and we’ll offer a light-
(Pontefract and District Aeromodellers). hearted spot-landing comp - though the
Unfortunately, it is not possible to fly FF outcome usually depends as much on
on this public park, but there will be a luck as it does on skill.
grass CL circle. Dave Cowburn will host the Control-
Visitors will experience a nostalgic Line circle, demonstrating his stunting
time-warp to the very origins of popular skills, encouraging others to fly their CL
RC, including single-channel, reeds, and models, and at Dave’s discretion there
galloping ghost equipment installed in may be the odd have-a-go session.
models of the period, pure joy in flight! Pontefract Park is located in the
One of many slots is the ‘theme’ – southwest corner of junction 32 of the
previously we’ve had the ‘Sharkfest’, M62. Access is via a large white gate 1/4
a full squadron of Mercury Galahads, mile south towards Pontefract. Please
formation Veron Impalas, the ‘Boddo’ refer to the map provided on pandas.
theme, Blunderbird Racing, Biplanes bmfa.org and for satnav the nearest post-
- and the last-minute-build Vic Smeed code is WF8 4QD.
Pulstar was great fun. For this year’s From humble origins, interest in
theme we are going back to our roots - Retro RC continues to grow apace, and
simply Single-Channel, on the button. It new faces are always very welcome
would be fitting to see a few of the late at the meeting and on our dedicated
Eric Clutton’s single-channel designs forum: Mode-Zero.uk
The Pandas Retro event on the last weekend in May welcomes all sorts of Retro RC designs and control
systems, but this year’s theme focuses on the classic button control single channel. Dave Cowburn will be
running a CL circle so do bring a model along!
6 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

Plenty of CL activity in Vintage Stunt and on the Carrier Deck at Buckminster.
The new timing hut has improved the facilities for tethered car racers.
SAM 35 SPRING GALA

Thanks to Alex Phin for this report on the in the Voetsak Tribute event; three of in fine condition considering that it
SAM 35 Retro Event at Buckminster on the four entrants managed to get a had been left to over winter and with
9-10th April. time in. The carrier event had some the addition of the new timing hut and
Weather cold and windy on the hardy souls competing in some very timing board, showing that progress and
Saturday and a little less windy on the tricky conditions, and finally a few FF improvements are still being made. This
Sunday, however this did not dissuade enthusiasts who were more akin to all bodes well for the future.
some hardly souls from flying. The ‘Nanook from the North’ in their flying Sunday saw better flying conditions
National Centre was in fantastic trim clobber but none the less determined to and of course there was the first of the
and all credit to Manny Williamson and get some flying in. swap meetings for those who were
his band of volunteers; I say chaps, well The tethered car fraternity did a looking for a bargain and was well
done. little better as the track was generally attended. All in all, not a bad first out for
Vintage Stunt had seven contestants protected from the cold wind and some the year and a fair indication of things to
who braved the wind and squalls and good racing was achieved after some come. www.sam35.org
ventured to fly as did the four who flew judicious grass cutting. The track looked
Lots of bargains to be found at the Sunday morning Swap Meet.
FF FORUM AEROMODELLER PLAN BUILDS

REPORTS - When putting the free plans in AM it is
always based on a bit of a ‘gut feel’ as
December 2021’s plan. It is powered by
one of his own handmade engines which is
OVERSTOCK to what will be popular. Thus, it is always in the style of Clan 0.24cc diesel. Once he
worked out the best prop, it flew nicely.
SALE gratifying to see built examples at events
and receive your photos. For those readers in North America who
Martin Dilly is looking to make Paul Draddy of Woking, Surrey sent in are considering building a Piccalilli, we
space in his spare bedroom by this picture of his delicately finished Mini have given permission for Mark Winstanley
a sale of excess stock of the Gypsy built from February 2021’s plan of Kanata Aircraft Models to produce a
following Free Flight Forum for the grand total of £5 as most of the laser cut short kit of pieces to go with
Reports at a discounted price - materials came from his scrap box. He the plan in December’s magazine – this
1997, 1998 and 2016. There’s an reports that with a little extra downthrust it is available for US $39.99. Mark has also
enormous amount of information flew beautifully, a perfect small field model. produced other short kits for popular plans.
there on a wide range of free Dave Jones of Queensland, Australia sent To receive a list and details email Mark on
flight topics as these highlights in photos of his Piccalilli glider built from kanataaircraftmodels@gmail.com
show:
1997- Slow Open Power - One
Man’s View by Dave Clarkson;
Vintage Lightweights by Andrew
Longhurst; Testing Balsa Quality
by Bernard Hunt/John Taylor;
Selecting Slippery Stuff by John
Barker…
1998 - Computer-Aided
F1A Fuselage Layout by Mike
Paul Draddy made an excellent job building the Mini Dave Owen has flown his Piccalilli from December 2021
Fantham; Fast Track to F1C Gypsy from February 2021. on a 0.24cc diesel, so if built light the SAM 25 should
Flying by John Cuthbert; Micro- be suitable. A short kit for the Piccalilli is available for N
Meteorology and Thermals by American readers from Kanata Aircraft Models.
Mark Gibbs; The Latest Thinking
in F1B Trimming by Peter King;
F1A Tailplane Structures by Mike
Fantham; Builder of the Model -
AVIATION AUCTIONS
Where Next? by Mike Fantham… Gildings of Market Harborough at the end road at Dreweatt’s based on the edge of
2016 - Carbon Fibre for of the year is the premier model engine Newbury but was out bid by this serious
Aeromodellers by Mick Lester; and kit auction in the UK, but occasionally collector for the lots shown here. The buyer
The Making and Testing of F1B model aircraft accessories do appear at tells me that the engines appeared to
Rubber Motors by Peter Brown; other aviation themed auctions around have been on display, with some in good
Computations at Low Reynolds the country. Your editor spotted a sale of condition but others cosmetically OK on the
Number and a New Aerofoil for groups of model engines just down the outside needing work to run smoothly.
F1G (Coupe d’Hiver) Models
by Alan Brocklehurst; Carbon
Fibre Covered Prop Blades
from Simple Tooling by Phil
Ball; Capitalising on Low Drag
Aerofoils and All That by Alan
Brocklehurst…
To clear the excess, Martin
is offering all three Reports
together at a special discount
price of £15.00, a saving of
£21 on the single copy prices.
To Europe the cost is £18 and
anywhere else it’s £21. Cheques
should be payable to ‘BMFA F/F
Team Support Fund’ in pounds
sterling, drawn on a bank with
a UK branch; you may also
order by credit card. Copies are
available from Martin Dilly, 20
Links Road, West Wickham, Kent
BR4 OQW, phone: (44) + (0)20-
8777-5533, e-mail martindilly20@ When buying groups of engines from a non-specialist auction house be prepared for some variation in quality and
gmail.com fettling work.

Events
UP & COMING
Please note that the events listed are compiled weeks in advance of publication, so please check in case of change - specifically MOD venues
such as Barkston Heath can be cancelled at short notice. For inclusion of your event, please send an email with date and details in a format similar
to those shown below to editor@aeromodeller.com
MAY 2-5 June 12 June

**CANCELLED FF & Space Nationals @ Vintage Combat, Notts.
21 or 22 May Barkston Heath. Tony Cookson 07801 947531
FF Scale Lodge Farm Gala, Church Lane, streamerchaser@gmail.com
Sleaford NG34 8QU. (Whatthreewords 4-5 June
marathons.piston.steaming) Weather Substitute FF Nationals, Salisbury Area 8. 12 June
dependent day. Flying only comps: AM-MA 09:00 to 17:00. No pre-entry. Sat: BMFA - Vintage Stunt, Ted Hewitt Memorial Trophy,
Designs Award, Rubber Precision. Glider, Rubber, Power, Electric. Clas Rubber/ Gotham, Notts.
Mike Smith michaeldocsmith@gmail.com Power, Women’s Cup, Cat Glider, HLG, Frog Ian Hewitt 07976 732781
scale.bmfa.org Junior (J), Tailless, Vint glider. Sun: F1A Glider, ian.hewitt@phonecoop.coop
F1B Rubber, F1C Power, F1Q Electric, HLG,
22 May Vint Rubber/Power, SLOP, Cat Glider, Clas 12 June
Vintage Combat, Notts. Vintage League Glider. F2C & F2CN Team Race, Buckminster.
Round 3. Mike Woodhouse 01603 457754 Chris Barker 01938 820706
Tony Cookson 07801947531 Michael.woodhouse1942@gmail.com chris.barker239@btinternet.com
streamerchaser@gmail.com freeflight.bmfa.org
www.combatflyers.co.uk 17 June
4-5 June CL Aerobatics Home International,
22 May Substitute Space Nationals, Salisbury Area 8. Buckminster. (Ireland host)
Vintage CL Aerobatics for Hewitt Shield, Trevor Seabrook 07899 030875 Barry Robinson barry1@talktalk.net
Campbell Field, Fen Lanes, Sutton Cheney trevorseabrook@gmail.com
Leics. South Birmingham MFC. 18-19 June
Trevor Tennant 01676 541641 5 June CLAPA Champs, Buckminster. F2B, Class 2
trevortennant2@gmail.com OFMAC Indoor Flying, Abbey Centre, Furlong Classic, Vintage Stunt.
Green, Berinsfield OX10 7NR. 09:00 to 16:00. Alan Watson maquinas2000uk@yahoo.co.uk
26 May Indoor FF, FunFly & Scale. clapa.org
Oxford MFC FF Scale Gala (No Duration), Port Ian Melville OFMAC@redkite.aero
Meadow, Godstow Rd, Wolvercote, Oxford 19 June
OX2 8PU. FF Scale (13:30) 1.5 cc engine 5 June 4th Area FF - Team Power Day, Area
max, no docs. (N.B. Duration cancelled due to Ray Malmstrom Cup, CL F2B & Class 2, Venues. CG, CP(Team, Keil, Plugge), CE,
proximity to FF Mini Nats) Girton Playing fields, Cambridge. F1B(Gutteridge), Vint RP(Plugge), Mini Vint,
Charlie Newman 01865 426129 Steve Mynott 01954 201338 or 07757 407309 H/CLG, E30(Plugge), P30, F1J. BMFA Area
charlie.newman737@yahoo.co.uk stephenmynott@ntlworld.com Comp Secs, freeflight.bmfa.org
28-29 May 6 June 19 June

Pontefract Retro RC, Pontefract Race Course. Bowden Trophy (Substituted from FF Nats), F2C & F2CN Team Race, Barton M30 7RL.
Single Channel, Retro RC & CL (no FF). Buckminster, Sewstern, NG33 5RW. Bowden Chris Barker 01938 820706
Electric RC only on Sat. pandas.bmfa.org rules but hand launch. Registration chris.barker239@btinternet.com
9:30 to 10:30.
29 May David Leeding dleeding@tiscali.co.uk 19 June
Mini Nats FF Events (Substituted from FF freeflight.bmfa.org Vintage Combat, Glos.
Nats), N Luffenham, Welland Rd, Oakham Mick Lewis 07899 755909
LE15 8JE. 09:00 to 17:00. F1H (A1), F1G 6-7 June combatflyers@talktalk.net
(Cd’H), F1J Power, BMFA ½A, E36, P30, E30, Bucky Power Strugglers, Buckminster,
Mini Vint, CO2 Duration, CLG, HLG. Sewstern, NG33 5RW. SAM35 flying group for 25-26 June
Ken Faux 01279 721008 quieter Radio Assist/RC Vintage. Wings & Wheels RC Model Spectacular, North
ken.faux@btinternet.com freeflight.bmfa.org Andy Brough acbrough@hotmail.com Weald Airfield, ESSEX, CM16 6HR
Also unofficial E20 comp by PMFC www. 07472 079777 www.wingsnwheels.net
peterboroughmfc.org
9-12 June 25-26 June
29 May 2nd F1E, venue TBD. SMC Trophy. FF Team Selection, Barkston Heath. F1A, F1B,
Eddie Riding Scale Contest at Mini Nats, N Ian Kaynes, 01252 512538 F1C.
Luffenham. 09:00 to 17:00. EJR Open IC, kaynes@btinteret.com freeflight.bmfa.org Phil Ball 07470177947
Rubber & CO2/Electric. EJR Designs Contest. Phil.ball@ntlworld.com freeflight.bmfa.org
Allow time for static scoring. Scale Free Flight 11 June
100 Challenge. Tonbridge Gassers & Rubber Fanciers 25-27 June
Mike Smith michaeldocsmith@gmail.com Indoor, Kings Sport Hall, 601 Maidstone Rd, SAM 35 Retrofest, Buckminster, Sewstern,
07516410905 scale.bmfa.org Rochester ME1 3QJ. 18.30 to 22.00. FF, LW NG33 5RW. Incl: Voetsak Tribute. Sat: Power
RC, & 3D RC timed sessions. Precision (to 1.3cc 2 classes: High Wing, Low
29 May Steve 0208 942 5000 or Eric 07763 398416 Wing/Biplane. Also electric trial). Vintage Stunt
CL Aerobatics 3rd BMFA Centralised, League. www.sam35.org Also Carrier Deck
Leicester MAC, Bunker Hill,Theddingworth, 11 June carrier-deck.com
LE17 6QG. Indoor Flying Fun, Stalham High School,
M Jones mervynf2b@outlook.com Norfolk, NR12 9DG. 12:00 to 15:00. FF only. 26 June
Flyers £8, watchers £3. Classic Glider NYMRSC, Hole of Horcum,
JUNE Richard Crossley, 01692 407936 North York Moors. What3Words snowmen.
richardcrossley1967@gmail.com ordinary.caps. Walk to slope by 10:00.
1 June Relaxed day for traditionally built RC gliders.
Start of 1960’s Coupe d’Hiver Postal in 11 June Michael Kitchen 01347 810685
Southern Hemisphere. Hip Pocket Aeronautics F2D FAI Combat, Notts.
www.hippocketaeronautics.com David Wiseman 07740 025725
dgwiseman@btinternet.com
Full details of BMFA events can be found at: www.bmfa.org

Power Trip
SAM 25 Diesel
Maris Dislers reviews the all-new baby of the SAM diesel range
burst, reduce compression ratio to allow
T
he recent rescheduled burst of running to get things going. With
2021 Oily Hand Weekend at tiny compression ignition engines, the for that volume of incompressible liquid,
Cowra, New South Wales required compression ratio leaves very then restore compression setting once
really boosted my interest little space for cylinder priming. that has just about all been consumed. If
after enforced inactivity for crankcase priming and needle setting are
way too long. Two days of fun with free The Small Engine Knack OK, simple enough. Alex recommends
flight and RC assisted models powered The practical workaround is to inject a light prime against a closed exhaust
by small diesels or glows under 1cc, and just enough cylinder prime for the initial port and a finger-choke to charge the
some rat bag control line flying. Clothes
steeped in the delicate aroma of burned
kerosene. After the scheduled program,
other model types were allowed, and a SAM 25 is the smallest of the SAM
retro-style model diesel engines.
couple of youngsters were seen flying One quarter cubic centimetre
a small RTF RC electric WW2 fighter swept volume.
model in the gusty conditions. Piece of

cake with on-board gyro doing all the
hard work. To be fair, they’d earlier done
a fine job fetching dad’s model in the FF
Scramble contest. It suggests to me that
the learning involved, before eventual
success with small diesel engines and
build-your-own models, is something we
oldsters only took on when there were
no easier options. Yet once mastered, a
source of ongoing joy and satisfaction.
This month we review the SAM 25
diesel. At .25cc (.015 cu in) nominal
swept volume, cute as a pin. At this
size, would it be tricky to start and
operate? Leaving technical description
for later, let’s get right into answering
this important question after pointing out
the difficulty. Two stroke engines rely on
effective pumping of fuel/air mixture from
the lower crankcase to upper cylinder
for combustion. Needing gas-tight
joints and adequate priming with
fuel to seal the piston/cylinder
fit against leakage through the
bottom part of its stroke. Not
so critical with tiny glowplug
engines, where the relatively low
compression ratio allows plenty
of space for a cylinder prime and initial

crankcase. A good method for initial cold
starts if settings are somewhat backed
off. If set for maximum power, we found
the compression setting needed to be a
quarter-turn back from peak position and
mixture needle up to half a turn open for
a quick start. Warm starts even easier, a
part-turn choke or three drops of fuel into
the venturi, using the supplied mini filler
bottle, and a few flicks. Quite tolerant
of over-generous crankcase prime. This
happy characteristic is a combination of
good design and excellent workmanship.
As you’d expect from the Alex Phin and
Alexandr Matusha partnership, with their
very extensive experience in the small
retro model diesel field.
Some micro diesels have a rather
narrow operating speed range, defining
usable propellers. The much smaller
0.1cc NANO, for example, will only
run satisfactorily with the Cox 3-inch
propeller intended for their 010 glowplug
engine. It’s tiny flywheel effect making
a spring starter almost essential for innards when stored for a longer time. crackling-lean might give optimum RPM,
starting. SAM 25’s ballrace-mounted At this size, unwanted friction has a but risks sudden cutting out, or stopping
crankshaft overcomes most of the drag marked effect and while SAM 25 could partway through the tank. Best set a
inherent in plain bearings when cranked, have been put to work after only a few touch richer. Needle range is around one
making hand starting much easier. Also, easy runs to establish settings, measured half turn from peak to the richer setting
suitable propellers in the five to six inch speeds went up almost 1000 RPM for backed-off running. Compression can
sizes provide adequate mass. We used after around 30 minutes’ intermittent be backed off around one quarter turn
our preferred mix of equal parts ether, running. Starting and adjustment ease from peak for slowest running at around
kerosene and SAE 50 mineral oil (with also improved as a result. Our test 5500 RPM. OK on the bench, but with
.8% added ignition improver) throughout, engine continues to have a tight contra effective choke area equivalent to the
but any sport model diesel fuel mix will piston fit, which will not back off when larger SAM 35 or Redfin 020, somewhat
be fine. Just take the usual precautions running, but does reset when started higher speeds would be needed for
to prevent castor oil gumming the with an exhaust prime. Setting mixture to consistent performance in typical sport
Although smaller than SAM 35/50, SAM 25 has the same compression screw All the SAM features are retained. Aside from shorter stroke, crankshaft
and needle valve. Handy when using full-size fingers for adjustments. dimensions remain the same – robust for real-world use. Design has no
assembly screws, gaskets. Ball races make hand cranking with smaller and
lighter propellers a pleasure.
Power Trip
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION
PROPELLER RPM Bore: 6.39 mm (.251 in)

Super 5 x 2 12300 Stroke: 8.0 mm (.315 in)
APC 4.6 x 3 11900 Swept Volume: .257 cc (.0156 cu in)
APC 5 x 3 10900 Weight: 34.3 g (1.21 oz)
APC 5.5 x 2 11100 Intake duration: 110 degrees
APC 5.5 x 2.5 9800 Transfer duration: 115 degrees
APC 5.7 x 3 8900 Exhaust duration: 155 degrees
APC 6 x 3 8300 Effective choke area: 1 sq mm
Cox 6 x 3 7800
FF applications. Tolerance to up/down with Cox 5x3 propeller and peak

inclination at RPM near the BHP peak settings. Fine for RC-assisted flying but
is very good, boding well for some that time might seem longer than playing
aerobatics fun. a game of chess by letter post, in certain
free flight conditions.
Performance Torque at a little over 1.5 oz-in is
The generously sized 1.25cc fuel tank sustained through to around 10,000
easily gives over two minutes’ running RPM, then gradually drops. Power trends
Fuel tank/carburettor assembly is same

as SAM 35/50. Same effective choke area
as SAM 35 is fine at near-peak speeds,
but suction becomes marginal at lowest
backed-off RPM
Traditional cylinder porting, excellent

piston fit and 1.25:1 stroke to bore ratio
are key elements for easy starting
At 17mm the
crankcase width
is 2mm slimmer
than the SAM 35/50
engine.
12 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022 Micro diesels can be pernickety. SAM 25

is a pleasant exception, with starting and
handling much the same as engines with
two or three times its swept volume.
Compare and contrast. Popular Cox Pee Wee 020 (.3cc) of yore is lighter, more compact and powerful. Prefers to run flat out with 4.5-inch propeller and likes
plenty of “strengthening tonic” in the fuel mix. Sturdier SAM 25 offers versatility with dependable operation over a range of speeds, propeller options. Clear
fuel tank a plus for gauging engine run time.
steadily upwards as load decreases, with level. APC 5.7 x 3 also a good option. hole spacing - versus the 24 x 8 mm
a nicely rounded peak around .0155 BHP Going a little smaller in size delivers pattern for SAM 35/50. Its retro design
just short of 11,000 RPM and relatively more power and faster running improves is unavoidably bulkier than equivalent
mild drop-off at higher speeds. Specific consistency. APC 5.5 x 2.5 or Cox black American glowplug engines that have
power output is on par with SAM 125, nylon 5x3 about as small as we’d go. integrally finned steel cylinders, lower
but a little less than SAMs 35, 50 and 75. bore/stroke ratio, and everything sized
Alex recommends 5x3 or 5x4 Technical Description to the minimum. Or some other point-
propellers. Sensible. While SAM 25 will While the SAM 35 and Redfin 020 two-fives that faithfully represent shrunk
turn a 7x3 size as a bench-running stunt, engines were “small bore” versions of versions of larger engines. Instead, SAM
a fast 6x3, such as the soft nylon Cox larger .5cc engines, the new SAM 25 has 25 seems one level above petite and
6x3 would be the largest we’d use. Nice, its own crankcase. Shrinking dimensions rugged enough to take some knocks.
low RPM and pleasant exhaust decibel a little, such as 22 x 7 mm mounting The established SAM design formula,
Historically the closest comparison diesels to the SAM 25 are the 0.32cc Kalper (on left, a reproduction) and the 0.25cc Kemp Hawk.
Power Trip
INFO:
Fortunately, the entire batch of SAM 25s

eventually made it through to the UK, but
damage to the manufacturing facility and the
fraught situation in Ukraine makes further
production impossible for the foreseeable
future. For current price and availability of all
SAM engines, contact Kevin Richards, phone
+44 1609 7772818 or treasurersam35@gmail.
com
For Redfin engines, contact Alex Phin, phone
+44 07859 275942 or www.redfinengines.com
reminiscent of Mills and similar types, is

retained. Cylinder fins (in our example)
are anodized red, not blue. Certain
parts or dimensions carry over from the
larger SAMs. Compression screw and
mixture needle remain well suited to
full-size fingers and thumbs. Crankshaft,
bearings, conrod etc essentially the same
as SAM 50, so should equally withstand
a flooded crankcase and provide a long
and useful life. In this instance, the short
M4 crankshaft thread mated to propeller
nut with extended 6mm diameter sleeve
is not so well suited to some older 1/2A
propellers with small hubs intended for
through-holes around 3-4 mm diameter.
However, usable options are available.
Overall, a very pleasant micro diesel
that starts and handles like a regular
mini diesel and with enough gumption

to fly models around 30-inch wingspan.
Such as Vic Smeed’s “Poppet”, or the
California Models’ “Bambino”. On the
other hand, SAM 25 offers controllable,
lower thrust for significantly smaller
models usually powered by other
The Kalper and Kemp Hawk were energy sources. Perhaps not the current
reviewed in AM and MA in the early
1950’s. Although separated by 70 years fashion with youngsters, but highly
the SAM 25 and Kalper share the same recommended for discriminating grown-
design philosophy of no assembly
screws. ups. ■

TED
I K
L OC
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FF Duration Event
ADVENTURES AT THE
NORTHERN GALA CHRIS EDGE COMPETED IN AND REPORTS FROM THE NORTHERN GALA ON THE 15TH APRIL, ONE
OF THE FEW EVENTS TO HAVE ACCESS TO BARKSTON HEATH THIS YEAR
F
or SEE and me it was like an Great Friday; a breeze less than 10mph Mini classes to keep us busy. But the
old school reunion. It's been with associated sun and thermals down benign weather made it 'easy' to fly in
three years since we were at the old runway from the south meant multiple events and still have time for an
Barkston Heath and (gulp) 10 most models were on the field, out of the agreeable Italian meal with wine before
years since we were at Church compound, and away from obstacles. we had to leave for the night.
Fenton when it really was geographically Barkston was really looking well With the BMFA now flying combined
a northern event. Still, airfields are in maintained with new concrete runway classes we had Vintage Gliders on 100m
short supply and needs must, besides surfaces and they were even cutting the lines up against Slinky Black Things (i.e.
I recall a 70’s popular beat combo who grass for us! modern A2s) on 50m lines, and 1950s
were named after a road sign on the The Northern Gala goes back donkey's power models (18s run) against the
A1, namely 'Hatfield and the North' years with many prized BMFA trophies Official Barkston Heath Synchronized
(Obscure! Editor), so they must all count. on offer, and now with the addition of Pipe Band (Messers Jack, Dixon* and
It wasn't just a Good Friday, it was a two electric classes and a smattering of Faux, also the Current Team GB Power
Phil Ball and Peter Woodhouse, the top two in Combined Rubber at the Northern Gala, wait for the off.

The pipe mounting on Alan’s model.
Multi functional mechanical timer on this

power model.
Alan Jack's Combined Power models. The piped model used in the flyoff is to the left.
piped model but let's not allow facts get Electric retrieve I found a kite checking
in the way of a good story; moving on...) out my model as a potential meal, but
Having not seen the top-class boys as I approached it took off, did a lazy
and girls for some time there was ample turn before thermalling away in a flock of
chance to catch up. Pete Watson's seven more over my model as if to say
Combined Electric model was over “This is how you do it Chris”. And they
200m in a flash and with a truly perfect were right of course as I dropped my last
Pete Watson tells Steve Philpott how to
win E30 – seemed to work. Pusher prop on
transition; my neck almost went into flight due to ineptitude...
separate pylon is also typical of Steve’s CO2 spasm as I tried to track it. Where his
models.
1:43 competition flight came from I have Flyoffs
no idea. At 6pm the contest ended and the flyoffs
Team for 2022) running 7s. This gives Since I last was at BH the majestic red (just a 5min period each remember)
everyone, whatever their interests, an kites have taken up residence and, along started slickly at 6:15 with Combined
opportunity to beat the best; after all the with buzzards, skylarks and maybe even Glider. Gary Peck flew early and almost
thermal doesn't care how old the design the odd silver egret, there was always snatched it, but the better air was
is. (*It turns out that Simon didn't use a lots of air activity. On my 2nd Combined picked by the rest a few minutes later,
Not all models stayed on the field. Spencer Willis on the right discusses a Plenty of time to catch up with old friends…
search strategy.
FF Duration Event
albeit Stuart Darmon launched and had the sight of two long-winged carbon
over-bunted to the right; perhaps he models up against a well-flown balsa
was over-fueled with a large, circular, one with the classic height versus glide
pastry-covered meat-based product? performance trade-off. Alan's model
John Cooper did his classic 'wiffle', was in similar air and holding well, whilst Peter Gibbons had the best windbreaks on
using a very reliable 14 year old M&K Simon's model stalled too long, all display; was 3rd in E30. Seen here with his
the time the Jimp just cruising around
latest E20.
short model, gaining height steadily
down the cross runway with the now to a well-deserved victory; Dave was
steady easterly breeze to take the win; understandably ecstatic!
it landed three fields out at almost 2kms Rubber had five good models in the
downwind. flyoff with Phil Ball getting a good couple
A1 was flown in the same period with of minutes to spare over second with
Richard Jack getting his second first in a close to 7 minutes: I was surprised to
couple of weeks flying the 'Little Hinney see that half the entry had dropped in
Mk3' from the AeroModeller plans the conditions. Phil used his 'Waif 3'
archives no less. design which has surfaces built back in
At 15min intervals the flyoffs continued 2010 and which has won the Nats “about
with Combined Power then Combined seven times”. The wing is around 250 sq
Rubber allied with some of the smaller inches wing made with narrow tailplane
classes; very sensible. Dave Cox, an D boxes, and a with a Carbon tube Gary Madelin got 2nd in F1H (A1) with a
Victor Stamov model. Also won the pole
old mucker from my Beaulieu days had fuselage (the 2nd one after a previous balancing event…
a ridiculously fast 'Jimp' design from rubber break). The prop utilises a balsa
the 1950's but powered by an ASP 15 core covered with carbon Textream
RC engine converted for FF. It held a cloth. Total weight is around 80 grams,
fast spiral for the full 18s in the rounds, the motor 50 grams 27 ins long giving
but finger trouble led to 'just' a 13s run around a 2 min prop run.
in the flyoff. However, the air was good Phil also explained that he's used the
enough to tempt the other two, so we wing and tail as a Coupe, albeit with a
Phil Ball won the five model Rubber flyoff.
Steve Barnes flew the same model in

Combined Power and SLOP.
Model of the meeting was Dave Cox’s 1950’s

design Jimp which climbed faster than a fast
thing! (Photo by Phil Ball)

Peter Woodhouse waits to launch in the
Combined Rubber flyoff.
RESULTS:
Combined Power – 7 entries

1 D. Cox 7.30 +6.55
2 A. Jack 7.30 +6.33
3 S. Dixon 7.30 +4.44
Combined Glider – 14 entries

1 J. Cooper 7.30 +5.33
2 G. Peck 7.30 +5.00
3 J. Williams 7.30 +3.57
Combined Rubber – 11 entries

1 P. Ball 7.30 +6.41
2 P. Woodhouse 7.30 +4.04
3 G. Manion 7.30 +3.25
'Big Brit' converted to a potent Combined Beast of a DLG from Mark Benn’s came 1st
Electric model by Dave Ginns. Combined Electric – 7 entries
1 C. Redrup 7.30 +5.04
different fuselage and prop, and once English sunburn, with a well-run contest 2 G. Williamson 7.30 +2.35
won both CR and Coupe at the same (thank you so much, ladies) thrown 3 D. Ginns 7.30 +DNF
Nats with this configuration! in. THE highlight for me was not Dave
Combined Electric was last the flyoff Cox's Jimp, not the kites showing me F1H (A1) – 7 entries
1 R. Jack 10.00 +4.52
at 7pm with Chris Redrup's true Open how limp my flying was (no change
2 G. Madelin 10.00 +4.34
model (i.e. not an E36 flown on a longer there, then), but in fact the reaction to a 3 J. Cooper 9.51
run) producing a run of Watson-like (relatively) short flight by Sue Johnson's
quality. Dave Ginns, from the Market red 'Senator'. Sue hasn't been flying Mini Vintage – 14 entries
Harborough club where I cut my teeth as long but on this occasion the model flew 1 G. Foster 6.00 +4.05
2 J. Foster 6.00 +3.55
a mere child, didn't get the chance to fly the best it ever had with Sue whooping,
3 S. Willis 6.00 +2.58
his quick 'Big Brit' ex-Slow Diesel design hollering and gyrating, in the manner
(also an old-AeroModeller plan; look it of Kylie at her peak, as it slow climbed BMFA 1/2A - Only one entry
up, it's nice) due to other commitments. away. It was a pleasure to watch the joy 1 D. Ginns 5.37
And so ended a superb day, a day that Free Flight can bring in these days of
SLOP – 6 entries
to meet up with old friends, compare difficulties and I loved every moment of
1 P. Woodhouse 7.30 +4.46
notes, do some flying and get a slight her enthusiasm; thank you Sue! n 2 S. Barnes 7.30 +4.24
3 D. Cox 7.30 +2.27
P30 – 5 entries
1 P. Page 5.43
2 S. Fielding 4.37
3 D. Norwood 4.20
E30 – 4 entries
1 S Philpott 5.49
2 G. Warburton 5.20
3 P. Gibbons 5.16
HLG/DLG – 5 entries
1 M. Benns 6.07
2 G. Smith 3.39
3 S. Dixon 3.15
The contest also counted towards the Club

Championships with the top placer in each of
the four Combined events counting towards a
combined points total.
1st Place Club – Birmingham

(Williams, Jack, Manion, Watson) 311 points
2nd Place Club – Crookham
(Cox, Redrup) 200 points
3rd Place Club – Grantham
(Ball, Carter, Chapman) 179 points
Aeromodelling Science
ADDING
LIGHTNESS
Lurk considers why model weight is so important
enough lift to support its weight. Not For small rubber powered model aircraft
G
ather together any group
of aeromodellers, but enough lift and it will sink to earth, a little S & CL are (usually) fixed, no flaps or swing
most especially those that more than is required and it will climb. wings for us and although air density does
fly small rubber powered The amount of lift generated by a wing vary it doesn’t change an appreciable
models, and you will soon is given by the equation of lift which, as amount during the course of a typical
realise they are obsessed by weight; “any fule kno”, is... flying session at model aircraft altitudes.
not their own, most are not the least bit So, for everyday use all the terms in the
concerned about that, but that of their equation apart from V are constant. Which
models. If you ask them why they will means that we can say...
generally reply, “Because lighter models
fly ‘better’.”, but they won’t explain why
this should be so. What follows is a Where ρ is the density of air In level flight L will equal weight...
brief, very approximate and not at all V is the velocity (speed)
rigorous explanation of, “why”. S is wing area
We can say, without deviating too far CL is the coefficient of lift for ...and rearranging for V...
from reality, that to maintain level flight an the aerofoil.
aeroplane’s wing must generate exactly
Lurk’s 12” span rubber-powered Mini Courtesan was prompted by the Free Plan from the late David Deadman for the CO2/electric version in the November
2021 issue – this was of course a reduced size version of the Vic Smeed original diesel-powered Courtesan. To get the indoor performance he required
(greater than 40s) he felt he needed to get the weight down to about 12g, so he set to work scribbling up a “rubberised” version of the plan. This meant…
losing the band-on wing & tailplane, throwing away all the sheet tips in favour of laminated parts, slimming down the LEs, TEs and main spar, discarding
large areas of nose sheeting in favour of stringers, eliminating all of the wing & tail sheeting, substituting tissue covered layout paper for the fairings and
being utterly reckless about reducing the thickness of non-load bearing sheet and strip aft of the CG.

Which tells is that there is some
airspeed Vmin below which the wing won’t
generate enough lift to hold level flight.
Which if, you think about it backwards Where m is mass
for a moment, means that the lighter the V is velocity (speed)
aeroplane the lower the V required to
generate enough L to match W. And the force (F) the model is subject
to on deceleration is
Balance
There’s another important little wrinkle to
consider, weight distribution. Where s is displacement (distance).
To generate lift the wing needs to be In crashes “s” is a very short distance.
held at the right angle (within a degree Very often it’s only the length of the most
or two of level) in the airflow. For this to fragile bit of the fuselage.
happen the model must balance about Incidentally, this is why “Keil Kraft
its centre of gravity. The problem is that Grass” is so very highly recommended.
most models as built don’t balance like The gentler braking it provides increases
this. There’s only one cure for this, add “s” considerably, reducing F to a value
weight. And we don’t want to do that. the structure can withstand.
If we make the back half of a tail-heavy Plugging in our masses and speeds
model out of lighter (less dense) wood we get
or use construction techniques such as
laminated outlines which give light but
robust components then we won’t need
to add great lumps of nose weight to
make it balance and the less weight we Lurk prepares to commit aviation at the
add, the less we increase Vmin. Trinity indoor flying venue Newbury with
his light-weight Mini Courtesan.
How, why, does this make a lighter
airframe better? Because it confers two
very important benefits.
The first is that a lighter airframe
requires a less powerful, usually lighter, In this, contrived, example a 33%
motor which (like adding as little ballast reduction in weight (OK, mass – but
as possible) holds Vmin down. This also at standard Earth acceleration due
hints at why throwing a bigger, more to gravity weight = mass) results in a
powerful motor at a model may not get 57% reduction in the energy required
it to fly. The more weight you add the to maintain level flight which means
higher Vmin becomes, and you may reach a correspondingly large reduction in
the point where the motor does not have the force the airframe is subject to in
enough grunt to get the airframe to Vmin. the event of a hard landing. Of course
The second is improved crash lighter models are not crash proof, but
survivability. How so? Well, the slower they are less likely to end up as a pile of
a model flies, the lower its kinetic energy matchwood on CFIT (Controlled Flight
which means there’s less energy to be Into Terrain - aviation accident in which
dissipated when it hits an obstruction at an aircraft is unintentionally flown into the
cruising speed. Put crudely, there’s less ground) than their heavier counterparts.
to shock the airframe when it crashes. To sum up; lighter models are “better”
from an engineering point of view
Energy Dissipation because they can stay aloft at slower
Lurk’s article on keeping it light is aimed
Consider two models built to the same speeds which means less powerful at small one-piece indoor models, but the
plan. One, (A), built from the dregs of the motors (i.e. rubber) can be used theory holds for all sizes of aircraft. As ever
there are mavericks who break the rules,
scrap-box flies at 15g the other (B) built successfully and they are more likely and in the 50’s the likes of P E Norman
from the best contest grade balsa flies at to survive a crash landing intact which built outdoor scale models that were on
the heavier/stronger and faster flying side
10g and, solely for the sake of example, means you get to spend more time flying – exciting to see in action particularly when
we’ll say that (A) requires an airspeed of and less time repairing. accompanied by pendulum control which
appeared to be more of a flight upsetter
10m/s to stay aloft and (B) being much There is also an important aesthetic than stabiliser! Some mitigation of the
lighter only 8m/s. The kinetic energy of a benefit, slower flying models just look kinetic energy on arrival was possible by
having components that slot together and
body in motion is given by better in the air and perhaps that’s the then part on impact.
most important thing of all. n
Indoor Event
IMPINGTON
VILLAGE COLLEGE MAC
CELEBRATE WITH THE BMFA 100 YEARS OF MODEL
BUILDING AND FLYING
STUART MARSDEN REPORTS FROM THIS POPULAR INDOOR EVENT JUST NORTH OF CAMBRIDGE
spectating, taking part in competitions or welcome and, in some ways, seen as an
O
n the 3rd April IVCMAC
members had a great day practising for the upcoming Indoor Scale extended membership. Ray would be
along with guests who National Championships. very happy with this.
came from all over the As a member of this historic club
country to fly their models founded by Ray Malmstrӧm, I find myself FLYING FOR FUN
in the Large Sports Hall. As part of surrounded by fantastic aeromodellers; We witnessed plenty of fun flying with
the BMFA Centenary all who took part we all share our knowledge and many new creation lockdown builds
were entertained; whether flying for fun, experience freely and visitors are always taking to the air as well as a few old

Ray Malmstrӧm was well known for his small unorthodox FF designs. Roger Turner carefully counting the turns on his Hangar Rat.
Michael Williams had built this canard design by Ray which once trimmed
flew very well.
favourites, Hangar Rats a plenty to The diversity of models was a wonder;

name just one type. You will see in the we had rubber powered car racing,
images one model which may not be models flown by condenser power,
so familiar, but we hope it will trigger a models constructed from tissue, balsa
memory for someone. Chris Strachan and all kinds of foam. This really was a
was flying a very pretty model, flying celebration of model flight and more.
in very neat circles, but he couldn't I had one personal surprise which I
remember exactly what it was as he wasn't expecting. Back in the day, and
built it years ago! Even Peter Smart and I am referring to the very first of these
Richard Crossley, both master FF scale indoor events at Impington in 2002 or
modellers, couldn't put their fingers on maybe 2003, I covered the first event
it either. Everyone thought it originated for the modelling press, and as you
from a kit manufactured in the North East might expect I took a good few of my
of England, so if you recognise it, please tribe along for the day. The main focus
either get in touch with me or our Editor. of the early events was to celebrate the
The original plan has been lost and with life and contribution of our club founder
the model flying so well and being quite Ray Malmstrӧm and a free plan of one
unique in looks, it would be a shame for of Ray's designs was available in AM for
it to be lost forever. visitors to build and fly at the event. As
Chris thinks this design was kitted by an old

manufacturer from Newcastle way but can’t
remember and has lost the plan! Do you
know what it is?
Keith Prescott had travelled from Coddenham

in Suffolk to fly his Rat. John Court flew this neat own design foam delta powered by electric motor and condenser.
Indoor Event
I had some of my youngsters with me, I and flew all day. Although the National
took along a few of my own foam models venue has a wider hall it was still useful
for them to fly so they could get involved. to do basic trimming for all the models
Halfway through the day a gentleman which will compete. Some of the models
tapped me on the shoulder and asked which flew on the day are amongst
about the particular model I was flying, the photographs - I hope I have all the
my “Lady Luck” prototype. To cut a long model names correct, it is quite a mine
story short, I gave the model to his little field, particularly with rare scale subject
girl, she was probably about 7 years old, matter.
and they continued to fly it all day long. The competitions were varied, and
As I wandered round this year, looking the results are shown below. I took
out likely inclusions for this years article, particular note of a flight by Bruce
what should come in front of me? Not Lindsay with his own very capable
a copy but the original model, and the Bostonian design. The model flew in
much older Dad Graham Potter. The perfect circles missing the outer walls
model although showing its age still flies by no more than 100cms (4 inches in old
very well and Graham's little girl is now money). He recorded his best time of
Graham Potter holding Lady Luck, my original 27 and a schoolteacher. We couldn't 171 seconds, which by any standards is
prototype given to his daughter at the resist the temptation, Graham took a great flight, however he was pipped to
second place by Richard Crossley by 1
inaugural event of IVCMAC at the beginning
of the century. an image of me and sent it to his wife
and daughter who instantly recognised second with Roy Silverwood making a
me and the occasion - well I am not winning flight of over 3 minutes. Bruce
surprised, I haven't lost any weight in the is one of our long-standing members
last twenty years! and always produces great flight times
whatever he has designed, built and
NATIONALS PREPARATION flown, and most importantly is a Great
This was a timely event to practise for Sport.
those taking part in the Indoor Scale
Nationals. Peter Smart, John Valiant, BOSTONIAN
Richard Crossley and Gary Flack (there 5 returned cards but about 8 were
may have been others) all attended issued. Total of best 3 flights; any
John Whatmore was giving an outing for the

original Ghost Ship, January’s Free Plan.
John Valiant was making the most of the hall to prepare for the Nats with some well known and rarer
scale types: Kawasaki Ki-61-Hein, Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik, VL Pyörremyrsky (Hurricane) Finnish fighter
Joe Harper was having fun flying his Currie and LaGG-3 (Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov).
Wot.

The sun shines on the righteous! Peter Smart with John Valiant with his Schoenfeldt Rider R4 Gary Flack with his Westland Wyvern. This
his Peanut BE which may be a future AM plan. Firecracker. Pistachio scale model has won the Nationals
twice and as you may imagine flies a treat.
number of flights could be flown. ‘laid back’ and to give a complex model a possible 50 points. So a possible
a chance against 'standard' Lacey types. maximum is 120, with entries scoring
1. Roy Silverwood 211 secs Richard Crossley and myself went round between 38 and 110. In hindsight we
2. Richard Crossley 172 the entries to establish a 'norm'. The were a bit too generous at the lower end.
3. Bruce Lindsay 171 choice of model is marked out of 70 - With the best 2 flights to count it meant
4. Paul Hoey 94 marked according to its likelihood of a good model could readily get a flight
getting high flight scores. Scale fidelity score of about 90.
Peanut was marked without documentation,
The rules were 'Impington' whereby a basically on extent of detail, colour and Result
bonus was judged to be added to the such things as correct(ish) dihedral, 1. Paul Hoey
flight scores. This is an attempt to be tailplane size etc. All pretty relaxed with 172 (117 flight + 55 bonus)
Saltafossi PR2
2. Peter Smart
162 (64 flight + 98 bonus)
FW 190 Dora
3. Dave Banks
132 (22 flight + 110 bonus)
Bristol Scout
4. Andy Blackburn
131 (93 flight = 38 bonus)
Wittman Tailwind
5. Joe Harper
Richard Crossley (right) prepares his clipped wing Bruce Lindsay had his own design Bostonian 103 (33 flight + 70 bonus)
Piper Cub with the help of Andre Bird. perfectly trimmed to make the most of the hall width.
Pietenpol
Car Race
1. John Court 4 laps
2. Dave Banks 1/2 lap
3. Chris Strachan (retired)
Mass launch
1. Richard Crossley
2. Garry Flack
3. John Whatmore
All in all I think most enjoyed the day,

and a particular mention to the incredible
people who travelled from as far afield as
Canterbury and Brighton and back in the
same day!
Impington Village College MAC
website ivcmac.bmfa.uk n
Small Field Duration
E20 EVENTS FOR 2022 CHRIS EDGE SHARES DETAILS OF CONTESTS FOR 20” WINGSPAN ELECTRIC DURATION MODELS
irst off for the E20 class are class’s full capability. This event is
F the 'Electric Monday's' at

the BMFA's Buckminster
venue. Two have already
been successfully flown with
additional dates scheduled on 16th May,
27th June, and 18th July. Monday is
usually the designated Free Flight Day at
supported by BMFA Buckminster who
will be providing certificates for the top
three in each class. Trophies and medals
are also up for grabs!
Mini Nats Addition

Heard rumours of an E20 contest at
BMFA Buckminster and members of the the Centenary BMFA FF Mini Nationals
Peterborough Model Flying Club (PMFC) at North Luffenham on May 29th? Well
have successfully used the BMFA site it's on! It will be an unofficial (i.e. non-
for smaller, lower performance models BMFA trophy) event to gauge UK interest
over the last few years; E20s fit perfectly in the class to see how it might be
within this aim. included as an official BMFA class in the
future. Prizes have been kindly secured
Postal/Online Contest from AeroModeller and BMK timers to
Running through July is a, nay, THE encourage you to build and fly in this
International Postal Event for E20, contest.
flown in two categories using different All events are being organized by
motor runs (20s and 10s) to aid those PMFC members Luke Goymour, Mark As part of the BMFA Centenary the good folks
at Buckminster have provided these trophies
with smaller fields to take part, as well Benns and Peter Gibbons. for the International Postal Event for E20.
of those with bigger sites to show the
Great news for E20 fliers is that the class will be really buzzing and charging ahead in 2022 with many contests now being confirmed. (Photo by Jonathan Whitmore)

Chris Edge reviewed the GTS E20 kit in the February 2021 issue.
E20 Specifications (Open Category also incorporates

The general rules for all the events are: Peterborough Open E20 Rules; see
peterboroughmfc.org)
● Projected wingspan not to exceed
20” Centenary Mini Nationals:
● No auto-surfaces except 20 secs motor run with a 90 secs
dethermalisers maximum; 3 flights to count. Unlimited
● Total weigh at least 28.35 grams flyoff.
● Models must use an 8.5 mm x 20
mm coreless electric motor No gear For further details of all events
drives are allowed. including entry to the International
● The propeller is not to exceed 2.7 Postal, please go the new dedicated
inches in diameter. E20 website at www.e20world.
● The battery is a single cell 3.7 com or else contact one of the
volt LiPo battery. (Specifically, not following: revgoymour@googlemail.
HV LiPos) There is no limit on mAh com, mark.benns@btinternet.com, or
capacity. petergibbons43@gmail.com
A FaceBook group for 'E20 Free
Flying details are - Flight Model Flying' is also a source for
contest details, technical tips and erudite
BMFA Buckminster events: conversation www.facebook.com/
20 secs motor run with a 90 secs groups/252734703568141
maximum; 3 flights to count. E20s are easy to build out of just balsa,
are light, easy to trim and bounce if you
International Postal: have a mishap, so perfect for juniors,
Fixed Category - 20 secs motor run or seniors just starting with powered
with a 90 secs maximum; 3 flights to models. They're perfect for flying in
count. Unlimited flyoff. parks and small fields but with the thrill
Open Category - 10 secs motor run of watching something you've built climb
with a 60 secs maximum; 3 flights to away and glide slowly back to earth. ■
A good introduction to E20 is the Ferry 500
free plan published in June 2019. Just make
count. Unlimited flyoff.
sure your power train meets the E20 rules.
FREE Plan
TOM THUMB II
VIC SMEED DESIGNED SMALLER VERSION OF THE TOMBOY
Andrew Boddington enlarges the Bambi powered Tom Thumb for the new SAM 25 diesel
The enlarged Tom Thumb II was

built for the Ukrainian manufactured
SAM 25 diesel reviewed this issue.
The model is held by Polly Hewett
who is wearing the colours of the
Ukrainian flag in solidarity with its
people at this difficult time.

1 2
3 4
1: Andy Brough enlarged the Tom Thumb for a Giles 0.3cc Mini Mills replica and mounted a rudder servo in the back decking. 2: Construct the main wing
panels first, carefully cutting the lower spars to length. Set squares are useful for ensuring the ribs are vertical while applying Super ‘Phatic glue to the
joints. The Outer ribs alternate 1/32 and 1/16” balsa. 3: The centre section before the front gussets are added. 4: Joining the wing panel to the centre section
is a little fiddly. Prop up the required dihedral for your chosen FF or RC version and do use set squares to ensures alignment with leading and trailing edge
lines on your building board.
W
hen Alex Phin sent Vic Smeed’s original Tom Thumb was Tom Thumb it is interesting to compare
me measurements published in June 1954 AeroModeller the changes he made from a straight
and CAD images when the new small engine was the shrinkage of the Tomboy. Specifically,
of the SAM 25, the D-C/Allbon Bambi at 0.15cc. In those the single thick main spar of the Tomboy
smallest member of days AeroModeller was published in wing has been replaced by three smaller
the SAM diesel range, I knew I had to the smaller format of 7.2 by 9.6 inch spars, which saves weight and avoids
build something for it as I love a small pages which had started due to paper the classic Tomboy banana curve
diesel! Various shrunken classics or rationing during the war. This gave me along the span. Having folded the wing
small models for the early transistorised the idea of enlarging the Tom Thumb to on an RC Tomboy during high wind
mini single-channel sets of the 1960’s the largest size I could get on a modern manoeuvres I’m hoping the Tom Thumb
suggested themselves, but in the end it A4 page magazine, and thus the 116% II will be more robust!
was talking to Andy Brough as he was Tom Thumb II was born. This gave a We’ve taken a light touch approach to
preparing the celebration piece on the wingspan of 26” and an increase in wing adapting the design and plan at this new
Tomboy in the March issue that the idea area of 35%, about right for the power I larger size, so as to retain most of Vic
of building the Tom Thumb arose. Andy thought the SAM 25 would produce and Smeed’s draughting and vision. A few
told me he had successfully enlarged the also great for anyone wanting a small components have had their wood size
22” wingspan Tom Thumb to just over electric powered version of this classic increased to cope with the larger size
30” for a Giles 0.3cc Mini Mills replica design in miniature. and for me the addition of single-channel
and single channel. When looking at Vic’s design of the radio. One of my adaptions is to use a
FREE Plan
5 6
7 8
5: When the glued panels have set, add the top spars to the panels and centre section. When these are set add in the ply dihedral brace holding with pegs.
6: Another addition by me was to use some 1/32” sheet vertical webbing between the spars on the middle 5 wing bays – again this helps to prevent wing
folding! 7 & 8: For my single-channel RC version I added a couple of extra tailplane ribs and made the fin full length to slot in to the gap between the ribs.
thin ply dihedral brace and this is shown grade I wanted. Once both panels are attached, the
at the original FF dihedral angle and also I started building with the wings. upper spars can be added, and once
a reduced RC version. The outer wing panels are built first these are set the dihedral brace is glued
taking care to cut the projecting spars in place. I also added some 1/32” sheet
Construction to accurate length, remembering the vertical webbing in front of the top and
I don’t think there are any constructional leading edge is a little shorter because bottom spars for the centre section and
surprises as most of you will have built of the dihedral, but not adding the top the first two bays of the outer panels.
one of Vic’s designs before. I’ll just spars at this stage. Then construct The tailplane shown on the plan is
highlight some key parts of the sequence the centre section over the plan, again suitable for the FF version, but for the
and any tips. Being a small model means leaving off the top spar. I opted to fit the RC version the full-length rudder meant a
that accurate cutting and good fits are front 1/8” wing fairing to the top of the different approach was needed to attach
important to the final airworthiness. fuselage instead of attaching it to the the fin. I decided to put a couple of extra
Also, sensible selection of wood and centre section leading edge. The wings 1/32” ribs in the centre separated by a
no excessive glue will keep the weight are retained by a cross dowel at the top gap to take the 1/16” fin with tissues
down. I’m in the lucky position of of F2. covering. I made the RC rudder 1” wide
inheriting a stack of balsa from my father, Draw reference lines along your at the bottom.
but although there are many sheets of building board for the not shown left
1/16” balsa, after perhaps 70 years of panel leading and trailing edges, then Fuselage
being picked over for different projects carefully offer up the panel to the centre The original Tom Thumb had 1/32” sheet
the weight and stiffness available for a section propped to the correct dihedral. sides which ended at F1. I’ve adapted
small model was not what I wanted. So, If all fits correctly then glue the end of the plan for the larger Tom Thumb II to
thanks to Steve Webb Models (Servo the panel to the centre section ensuring have 1/16” sides which run all the way
Shop) for supplying balsa wood to the alignment to avoid any twists. to the nose, with 3/32” nose doublers

to attach the ¼” square beech bearers –
this should give a bearer spacing of just
over 17mm which is suitable for the SAM
25 and allows you to add a ‘smidgen’ of
right thrust when mounting the engine.
F1 is shown as 1/8 balsa which is
what I used. The numerous holes for
the undercarriage binding did lead to
the wood splitting which I epoxied back
together, so you may want to change
the material to something like 3/32” ply.
If you are building the RC version plan
where all your RC components are going
from the off; there is little room to retro
fit RC in a model this small. A hole in F2
allows the battery to be placed further
forward. I built a small ledge to mount a
mini servo just in front of F3 which later
I opted to attach the leading edge centre fairing to the fuselage and use a cross dowel to retain the
had closed loop wires to the rudder. I wing – glued in place after glazing.
also added a piece of 1/16” sheet in fill
at the bottom between F1 and F2 as this Construct the parallel side (F1 to F4) small dowel at F7 to retain the tailplane
is where the battery would sit. Instead part of the fuselage first ensuring all is as the closed loop wires preclude the
of thin card coaming on the top of F1 I square, before adding the rear formers use of a rubber band looped over the
carefully shaped and glued some 1/32” ensuring an equal taper on both fuselage fuselage into the nick of the sub fin.
sheet. sides when joining at the rear. I added a
FREE Plan
9 10
9: Covering open structures with thin Mylar before tissue gives a very durable finish. 10: I’ve been itching to use the Deluxe Materials chequer pattern tissue
on a model. It didn’t disappoint!
Finishing a rigid and air/fuel proofed finish. The on a WWI model but are light and look
Keep it light! I decided to first cover the fuselage sides and bottom were covered right on the Tom Thumb II if one matts
open structures of wings and tailplane in natural Eze Tissue and the upper the ‘rubber’ part with sandpaper.
with the lightest clear Mylar from Free surfaces in red Eze Tissue to match the If you are fitting RC, do this before
Flight Supplies attached with Cover chequer. glazing the cabin area as the side access
Grip. Then I used the snazzy new Deluxe My wheels are about 30mm diameter is helpful when initially placing the servo.
Materials chequer Eze Tissue applied and are actually left over from one of the My Tom Thumb II ready to fly with the
with diluted Eze Dope. A couple of light many Keil Kraft small flying scale rubber SAM 25 fitted well back on the bearers
coats is all that is needed to produce models I’ve built. They never look right balanced as Vic suggests on the main

11
13 14
12
11: Fit the radio before the glazing is applied as it gives better access to the fuselage. I couldn’t resist
using that lovely photo of Vic Smeed from the March issue as the pilot on F2. 12: A loop of thin metal
line is attached to the rudder servo and temporarily held in place waiting for the tailplane and rudder to
be attached. 13 & 14: Use a piece of thick paper wrapped around the cabin to help mark up a template
for the glazing. 15 & 16: Glue ‘n’ Glaze is designed for this type of job and sets clear. Use plenty of tape
and a gentle clamp to hold everything in place.
spar. The weight was 170g. Test glides engine in future. As an RC model it is
looked promising so flying commenced more of a guided FF than an aerobatic
with the engine set at below full power missile, perfect for pottering around on
and only half a tank of fuel. I may add those calm summer evenings. ■
some additional downthrust to the
15 16
The Tom Thumb II looks a picture finished in Deluxe

Materials chequer red and natural Eze Tissue and
matches the anodised head of the SAM 25.
FREE PLAN – TOM THUMB II BY VIC SMEED
PLAN 708 IN AEROMODELLER 1021 JUNE 2022
II
FREE Plan
ORIGINAL 22” SPAN TOM THUMB

TEXT FROM JUNE 1954 AEROMODELLER.
A miniature ' TOMBOY' for the smallest of diesel engines. Designed by Vic Smeed.
given some very definite ideas on problems; fingers, unfortunately, cannot
A
s mentioned in last
month’s Trade Notes, the operation and use. Power output is, be scaled down!
“AEROMODELLER” offices not unexpectedly, small —we should
literally buzzed after a pair be amused to see the results of an TOM THUMB
of prototype “Bambis” attempted analysis without special gear During our experiments with models, the
arrived towards the end of last year, being constructed—and although the Editor suggested that a scaled-down
and the buzzing rose to quite a high- motor will rev. at over 11,000 r.p.m. Tomboy (now in its fifth year and still
pitched little scream on the arrival of with a 4 x 1 metal prop, we found that the most popular A.P.S. design) might
two production engines, modified and the highest usable thrust output was prove an ideal model for the Bambi.
incorporating several of our suggestions. at slightly lower revs, using a 4 X 2 Tom Thumb was the result; we selected
There’s no doubt about it, these little jobs propeller. Ron Moulton’s exhaustive fuel 5/8 full-size as being likely to fit best in
really wind up, and they are surprisingly tests proved that at present, Mercury 6R respect of wing area etc., and redesigned
easy to start . . . once you have the is definitely the best mixture, both for the structure for a target weight of 2 oz.
knack! starting and power output. The finished model in flying trim is an
Many beginners, particularly young Starting is simple enough if the eyelash lighter than six pennies, and the
ones, probably see in this engine an propeller is whopped over instead of result is a nice steady climb and glide.
ideal means of painless power flying. flicked; our technique is to fill the tank, Construction is very simple; use light,
To these enthusiasts we can only say choke until the fuel line is full, flood the firm balsa throughout and don’t slosh
“Forget it”—the Bambi is a splendid little engine, back off compression anything cement too freely. The fuselage sides
motor, but some experience of handling up to one turn until no danger of a are cut and assembled to the formers,
engines is necessary to get the best lock exists, then really sock the prop binding the undercart to Fl beforehand.
out of it, and beginners are far better off over. There is adequate time to adjust If the sht. is tangent cut (i.e., easy to
with something around the 1 c.c. mark, compression to the running setting roll) have the grain running across the
especially since there are many more and the motor is certainly not critical. formers. The thin capping strips stiffen
designs available for motors of this size. Whenever starting difficulty has occurred, the sheet edges and allow a neat
The Bambi is a wonderful investment it has invariably been due to a blocked covering job, lifting the tissue clear of
for a fairly experienced sport flier or fuel line, so if we can’t start within a the former tops and bottoms. Cover
modeller with an experimental turn of couple of attempts we pull the neoprene the cabin with thin celluloid and the
mind—suitable models can be built in an out of the tank and blow hard to clear the whole fuselage with lightweight tissue.
evening apiece and the small size makes jet. We sprayed on thin water-colour for
them practically indestructible. The most With regard to the type of model it shrinking, which gave a nice opaque
important point about the motor is that it will fly, we are faced with rather a new body for practically no weight increase.
is practical. It will stand a fair amount of approach. For sport flying, the normal One coat of clear dope completed
mishandling, it is tough enough to take model-to-engine weight ratio is seldom the covering. The nose must be really
knocks in its stride, and it will not wear less than 4 to 1 (i.e., a 3 oz. motor in a thoroughly fuel-proofed, inside and
out after a few minutes’ running (ours 12 oz. model) but with the Bambi we around the cowling.
are piling up the hours and getting better have to think of a 3 to 1 ratio as near to Wing and tail are ultra-simple and are
all the time). Davies Charlton engineers maximum. Two ounces all up is about as also covered with hard tissue, shrunk,
are to be complimented on a fine much as the motor wants to handle for and given one thin coat of dope. Use
achievement, particularly since so much comfortable performance, and a wing coloured tissue if required, but do not
of the manufacturing is hand-work— area of 70-90 sq. in. appears best for use any colour dope. The model should
hence the price. this weight. One result of the high weight balance on the mainspar and, if free from
Our experiments with the engines ratio is that the wing automatically moves warps, may be given slight right rudder
covered a wide field and have nearer to the motor, bringing accessibility and power flown from scratch.

1/16” PLY DIHEDRAL BRACE
RC
FF
PLAN 708 IN AEROMODELLER 1021 JUNE 2022

FREE PLAN – TOM THUMB II BY VIC SMEED
Everything about this 22 in. span power model

can be aptly described as "miniature," especially
where the engine is concerned, as reference to F1 - 1/8” SHEET
the photos show. The Bambi has now taken the
thimble size engine right out of the experimental F3, F5 - F7 - 1/32” SHEET
class and makes it a practical proposition for F2, F4 - 1/16” SHEET
such tiny sport models to be flown in restricted
fields where hitherto only rubber power was
considered possible. Simple and easy to make,
Tom Thumb is destined to be the first in a new
era of power model designs.
Family Photos
TOMBOY IN THE FAMILY

Your Editor shares some family photos showing how this Vic Smeed classic design has
infiltrated the Boddington bloodstream…
W
hen putting together the plan
and feature for this month’s
Tom Thumb II Free Plan I kept
remembering past links with
Vic Smeed’s iconic Tomboy
design. This simple design seems to have
inveigled itself into the hearts of many modellers,
and the Boddington family and friends are no
different! What follows are some extracts from
my family album…
Readers who took Model Flyer or AMI when they were edited by David Boddington will be familiar with the smiling face of Ken ‘Smash-em’ Swailes who built
many test and review models for Dad. I found these photos on a disk showing Ken’s 3 channel RC Tomboy with throttled PAW power happily flying off water.

The Editor’s late father David Boddington with his Tomboy Senior that he enlarged with Vic Smeed’s blessing from the original for the Mills 1.3. (Photo by
Tony van Geffen)
I was first aware of the Tomboy when Dad built this standard version but with engine inverted in the mid 70’s. Strangely I cannot remember him finishing it
or find any covered photos.
Family Photos
Around 2006 Dad was one of the instigators of the Tomboy 3 competition for 2 channel RC controlled standard 36” span Tomboys powered by a Mills 75 or
replica, the 3 in the competition name denoting the standard 3cc Mills tank capacity. After qualifying round flights, the final was an all up and last down
duration contest. These photos by Alex Whittaker show Dad assisted by John Ashby competing in one of Tony Tomlin’s organised competitions at Old
Warden in 2008.
The first Tomboy your editor built was about 15 years ago for the Tomboy 3 competitions, finished with Mackintosh stained glass patterns!
I am a second generation aeromodeller,

but my son Doug has not got the bug and
is more interested in computer games.
However, he did build one powered flying
model as a youth, and it was of course a When sorting through Dad’s models after he died, I lined up all the sizes of Tomboy he had built. On
Tomboy! the right is the standard Tomboy, up to the unpublished Tomfool on the left which was powered by
an OS four stroke – this model is now being refurbished by another Boddington the son of my cousin
Matthew.

Vic Smeed (centre) together with David A photograph from the summer of 2010 of
Boddington (right) and John Kay in animated my late mother Jill Boddington together with
conversation over a Tomboy Senior at the SAM 35 grand-daughter Jess with the various sizes of
AGM in November 2008. (Photo by Ian Lever) Tomboy.
The heights reached by models in the

Tomboy 3 competition combined with Dad’s
macular degeneration meant that he was
finding it hard to see the model when at its
apogee. Dad’s solution was to enlarge the
Tomboy by 30% to the 48” Tomboy Senior
for a Mills 1.3 which was more easily visible
in the sky, and thus a new competition
class was born. The Tomboy Senior was
published in May 2008 Model Flyer and the
plan is still available (MF213) from Doolittle
Media.
In the autumn of 2009 one of the last models built by my father was this 60” Tomboy Major for a In Dad’s last season of flying, 2009, he
Mills 2.4cc engine. You’ll see by the date on the wing that he partly built it as an April Fool to appear placed first in the Tomboy Senior league
in Model Flyer magazine April 2010 where he was going to ‘announce’ a new larger Tomboy spoof and received this handsome laser engraved
duration competition. Sadly, Dad was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of 2010 so this feature glass trophy.
never appeared and ironically Dad died on the 9th April 2010.
Model Engineering
The Engines of
John Maddaford
John Goodall remembers master engine maker John Maddaford. Additional material from Ken Croft
first met the late John Maddaford and I arranged to purchase it at a then fitment. He made his own version of the
I when needing some engineering

machine work carrying out on behalf
of the National Grid Company when
I was still gainfully employed. We
immediately struck up a mutual rapport,
as I had noticed a framed photograph
of a Keil Kraft Falcon in his office and
very reasonable price for the standard of
manufacture evident. I still have this engine
complete with a spare backplate/rotor
assembly to facilitate an OS RC carburettor
contact beaker from solid alloy much
stronger than the standard cast version
and more reliable. This is typical of John’s
attention to detail; function over fragility.
asked him about it. I then discovered he

was making his own model engines and
the Falcon was powered by his very first
home made and designed engine. He
was obviously a skilled aeromodeller, as
well as a highly skilled model engineer.
I duly arranged a visit to Appletree
Cottage in Rutland to view his engines
and models; the friendship blossomed
from then on.
John was making a small batch of Atom
Minor 6cc engines a design by Edgar
T. Westbury at the time of my visit. His
attention to detail and skilled pattern making
for the castings which he was casting
himself at home, all contributed to the
respect I now felt for his work. I discovered
one might be spare from this batch of six
The first engine designed and made by John Maddaford was to

power his KK Falcon, and despite what looks like a compression
vernier it is a spark ignition not a diesel.

the first Gildings Auction’s for model reduced the volume of sand needed
engines, now famous for these sales. It around the pattern when making the
was taking place at Gildings old base in mould up (compared with industrial
the centre of Market Harborough and at sizes that is) and John kindly offered
the preview I met John and mentioned to lend me the boxes to make my own
to him an interesting engine described castings. The first of those I made was
as an ‘unknown diesel’ with a massive for the Stentor 6 originally a product of
compression screw - he laughed and Rogers and Geary of Leicester, and again
The late and great John Maddaford,
outstanding engine builder, holds his
said it was that very first engine he had I featured a series of construction articles
“Cumulus” back in 2008 at Middle Wallop. designed and made. It featured a twin in MEW with Tony Grantham, another
(Photo by Don Howie)
ball race main shaft, disc valve induction reader, making the engine and writing the
and in reality was spark ignition. It had construction articles. I must have sold at
been employed powering the KK Falcon least fifty casting sets to all parts of the
Own Castings with RC - strangely I now also have world. John made one for himself, which
In 1993 after being made redundant the model it powered in my workshop, is now in the hands of some lucky owner
and taking compulsory early retirement but it does need a cosmetic recover, I guess? If that is you, let me know if you
I commenced publication of Model although it is still in very sound structural wish to sell it via the Editor please, or
Engine World (MEW) magazine, this was condition. The compression screw was a contact me at BMP (bamopro.co.uk).
to keep myself occupied while working tool John made for removing the cooling
in a subject I enjoyed greatly, a double jacket and aiding dismantling of the Larger Engines
bonus. I started to co-operate with John engine. The tool was a very good tight fit Another earlier product of Rogers and
by offering his castings for the Atom and without a hefty tug seemed part of Geary was the Comet 18cc spark ignition
Minor as a construction project in MEW the engine. I won the lot at Gildings as engine. Originally produced in 1935
and other engines of his manufacture basically the motor did not look like an and distributed by The Model Aircraft
were featured over time. We assisted appealing diesel, which must have put Stores Bournemouth the forerunner of
each other with casting procurement at a other bidders off. Fitted with a spark plug Veron. John made the patterns for the
foundry I had used when at NGC called it is a lovely looking and unique piece engine and the cast radial mount which
Accrite Aluminium (now at Ellistown near of John’s handiwork and an excellent housed the fuel tank attached to the
Leicester,) a company I can recommend. example of his main interest in spark rear of the engine. He made the mount
This saved him a lot of arduous and ignition model engines. from the solid for his own engine and for
hazardous work, not to mention accurate When John started to make his own my version I was going to do the same,
temperature control and heating in small castings at home, he also made his but unfortunately I never completed
quantities. own moulding boxes from square steel this - one of those “roundtoits” you
Shortly after this I went to one of section about 9 inches square. This do not get round to? It is a very heavy
The rather heavy Rogers and Geary 18cc Comet with an Atom 09 for size comparison.
Model Engineering
John’s neat and purposeful version of the Felgeibel 14.3cc engine has an RC throttle fitted and an optional fixed carburettor.
beast of an engine and I wonder how engine for the Brazilian market VW cars. Peer Respect
modellers managed to fly them with the There was also a smaller 7.6cc Felgeibel Because of his exemplary building ability
rudimentary models of the time… it must which we did not make. Holger was his fame travelled abroad, and I believe
have been challenging to say the least. a good supporter of MEW, penning a he was asked to join the “Motor Boys”
I had started making Felgeibel 14.3cc regular “European Viewpoint” column. (see the frozen Model Engine News
castings after visiting a swapmeet in I supplied John with castings for the website modelenginenews.org) a small
Germany at Swabisch Hall and obtaining engines he made, which differed from band of multinational engine builders
all the drawings. This was organised by the standard German kit engine having who co-operated to build engines by
the late Holger Menrad from Wolfsberg, an RC carburettor and integral fuel each building part of an engine for each
who designed the Volkswagen Methanol tank below the intake bolted to the other member of the group and then
rear engine backplate (it was supplied passing the excess parts around, so
with standard carburettor and intake each ended up with a complete engine.
assembly.) A very neat rendition and Good in theory, but susceptible to
beautifully made as usual. John always different standards of precision. I think
tested each engine he produced, usually John often built the engine complete
putting three tanks of fuel through each to ensure his standards were met. One
before despatching them. So, they were such was the M&M an unusual American
always set up properly and ran straight engine which I seem to recall never
away with reliability; they came with fuel actually went into production? This had
mix and needle setting he recommended. rear induction through a clack valve and
John did carry out one or two engine transfer was by a piston valve as in the
builds exclusively for me: a 1066 Hawk Atom Minor and the WW1 Clerget Rotary
5cc rear rotary valve induction spark engines, rather than transfer passages.
ignition engine after I had found an The finish and attention to detail is
original casting set, and a JM rendition of second to none like all of his engines.
the late David Owen of Australia’s 2.5cc One of the last engines we co-
alloy “Mate” using an extrusion for the operated on was the Dutch Excelsior
John’s spark ignition version of the Mate
2.5cc engine which was designed as a diesel. crankcase - this was a JM spark ignition after I purchased three castings sets off
version and I believe nicer than the usual Jan Bakker another MEW reader who
diesel. John also made me a Westbury was visiting Old Warden for the Scale
Zephyr 2.5cc spark ignition engine, a Weekend. This engine is very reminiscent
Junior Brown Junior (about 2cc), an of the Junior Brown Junior being similar
Atom 09 Mk3 to which the late Keith in capacity, especially the crank case.
Harris was providing what was thought The cylinder was rotated 90 degrees and
to be original castings, and a Westbury the outline is different, as is the sideport
Craftsman 10cc flat twin after Ivan induction tube having a flared end, but
Prior found some original Craftmanship that is where the inspiration came from I
Models casting sets. would wager. John did not like the spark
contact breaker points cam found on
John Goodall featured the Maddaford built
Zephyr on the cover of April 1999 Model
Engine World.
the prop driver rear face as it is affected

by possible end wise shaft movement,
and he mentioned this in his impeccable
handwritten letter that came with the
engine. He would have preferred the
later Hurleman type as fitted to later
versions of the Brown Junior, not the first
type as was used and another pointer to Atom 09 Mk3 and on the right an engine of John Maddaford’s design.
The Junior Brown Junior and Excelsior engines both showcase John Maddaford’s crisp engineering finishes.
The M&M believed to be for a Motor Boys project.
Model Engineering
USA Visit
Thanks to Ken Croft for these photos and captions of John Maddaford from when they visited the SAM
Championships in Las Vegas in October 2005.
John and Sal Taibi (right). The late Sal Taibi was
the designer of many competition free flight
power models (Powerhouse, Brooklyn Dodger)
in the early days, a winner of many competitions
and the hero of many true modellers. He practice-
flew free flight every day, all weathers and usually
before breakfast.
John flying his model in the desert at the SAM

Champs.
John (left) visited

Larry Jenno's
house and
workshop in Las
Vegas. Larry was
a modeller all his
life and in the
early days he was
an active free
flight competitor
using the
ignition engines
of the time. He
became a master
engineering
craftsman
and engine
builder, making
commercially
available replica
old time ignition
engines which
are legal for SAM
competitions. In
all Larry made
around 1200
engines for sale.
Being a master
craftsman skilled
in tool and die
work, Larry made
several of the
dies for casting
the crankcases
and other parts
of well-known
replica vintage
engines marketed
by other brands,
notably the Super
Cyclones and the
Attwood motors.

Dick Roberts’ obituary for John Maddaford in July 2012 SAM Speaks included these photos of the MORTON M5.
its origin. valve guides and seats. My last visit to a good friend to many model engine
I believe the last engine John made Appletree Cottage was to witness this and model enthusiasts and was always
was his rendition of the Morton M5 engine run on glow ignition as it was still helpful giving advice freely on any
radial engine. It had proper CI cylinder very new and tight. I often wish I had subject modelling, engineering or life
sleeves unlike the “Slag” original, taken photographs as it was one of those in general and I miss him greatly. I also
who’s pistons ran directly in the cast significant moments and I missed the miss his friendly banter and I remember
alloy cylinder which is where the above sale of this engine after his unexpected him for all these reasons and also his
term comes from. John altered his by and sad loss. I would love to know who love of Blue Stilton cheese, another
adding hardened steel liners and alloy the owner is? shared interest. RIP John Maddaford,
pistons with rings and phosphor bronze In summary John Maddaford was 1935 to 2012. n
Modeller History
Chas Taylor
The Early Days
We ran the story of Taylor Glowpugs in the May and June 2021 issues. Here Chas Taylor completes his
autobiography with an account of his early aeromodelling days with his brother Bill.
Additional photos from Ken Marsh.
S
ince our very early days Mum and Dad, on about my 5th Birthday, 1938 – a rubber powered, balsa-wood
my brother Bill and I had a magnificent metal toy biplane airliner, framework covered in Japanese tissue,
been keenly interested in with flashing lights and twin spinning which was tightened and strengthened
aeroplanes. In my case I can propellers. Bill, being two years older using cellulose ‘dope’, made from
remember receiving from my than me, built his first flying model in celluloid dissolved in acetone. This
Chas Taylor, Team Racer and the man behind

the Taylor glowplug brand, shares his early days
of aeromodelling.
AeroModeller Publisher D A Russell also
produced the Aircraft of the Fighting
Powers series of books as Harborough
Publishing. These were the basis for many
solid wood identification models. The
Stirling appeared in Volume II released in
December 1941.
model flew quite successfully after a on top of this framework, with the the fuselage about level with the leading-
few trim adjustments had been made to tailplane and rudder in their usual place edge of the wing, enabling us to tow the
the flying surfaces and encouraged us at the back end. Our model was thus the model into the air with a strong thread
both to pursue what was to become a very simplest of designs, of about 36” tow-line (about 100 feet) having a metal
lifetime hobby. Dad supplemented our wingspan with an open-ended wire hook ring at the end.
weekly pocket-money to enable us to bound and glued to the under-side of One Sunday Dad accompanied us and
buy materials, most of which came from
Bateman’s Model Shop in Walthamstow
High Street, a round-trip on our bikes of
about 12 miles.
Balsa Shortages
After the war broke out in September
1939, balsa wood, which only seemed
to grow in South America, became
scarce and almost impossible to come
by. Beech-wood became a sought-after
substitute, which, although much heavier
than balsa, was very strong and could
thus be used in thinner strips to make
our precious airframes. The construction
of our models was, as a consequence,
built to the lightest airframe possible,
with one of the most successful designs
being the Primary Glider. This was a
copy of a full-sized aircraft which had
a fuselage that might be compared in
its design to the trellis-work of a garden
fence, being completely flat on the bench
AeroModeller’s cartoonist Freddie presented his own view of the V1 Doodle-Bug menace in the
when it was built. The wing was perched September 1944 issue.
Modeller History
there was no sign of him! Suddenly

however, this weird-looking apparition
rose up as if from the bowels of the
Earth itself… it was Dad who, walking
smartly backwards with his eyes on the
glider, had gone straight into one of the
holes that had been dug to stop German
gliders landing. It was half-full of water,
with a green weed-slime on the surface,
and Dad was covered from head to foot!
He could see the funny side of it, and
we all had a good laugh at his expense,
although Mum wasn’t too delighted to be
faced with washing all of Dad’s clothes
(by hand - there weren’t any washing
machines then).
Bill Taylor developed this 2oz single channel receiver with the help of Fred Judd. At the time this Bill pursued his passion for rubber-
was very light weight equipment.
powered models and ever-larger gliders
during the War. Engine-powered models
was very impressed with the model’s to use his field. Dad said he would like were not allowed by law; anyway there
performance, but reckoned we needed to do the towing, so with the 300-foot weren’t petrol engines available and
to be able to tow it up higher, so he gave line attached, off he went. The model even if you got one, you couldn’t get
us the money to buy a longer towline - 3 behaved itself perfectly, going straight- petrol for it! I became more engrossed in
times longer, in fact! This we did, and the as-a-die into the Heavens - until, at the building 1/72nd and 1/48th- scale solid
following Sunday morning off we went top of its climb, it surprisingly stalled and models of warplanes, British, American
once more to ‘our’ flying-field, which came off the line, but having plenty of and German aircraft, enjoying working
was part of the local Draper’s Farm, height, sorted itself out, to glide smoothly on the smallest detail I could manage
whose owner, being a fellow Air-Raid around. Bill and I were delighted, and to produce the most accurate miniature
Warden of Dad’s, was quite happy for us looked to Dad to give him a clap - but reproduction possible. In 1941 Germany
Bill’s Whiplash design was published in August 1951 Model Aircraft.

From August 1950 Model Aircraft Nationals
report.
Ken Marsh supplied this photo of single-channel designs at Fairlop in 1951 built by Dennis Allen, Bill
Tickner, Bill Taylor and Sid Sutherland. All appear to be Whiplash variations.
Ron Moulton assists fellow West Essex Club

member Joe Deniz (a famous jazz guitarist)
to attach the lines to his Barndoor stunt
model powered by an Andersson Spitfire in
1949.
West Essex club CL stunt flyers in 1948 at Fairlop. Back row: Bill Robinson, ??, Ken Muscutt, Len
Steward, Dennis Allen (AM engines), Gordon Oates, Bill Morley (Merco), Ivor Fairbanks.
invaded Russia, and Mrs. Clementine wings of the ‘Mozzie’ were being built
Ron Moulton and Ken Marsh appeared in
Churchill, wife of our famous Prime not too far away from us, we were most April 1950 Model Aircraft magazine with this
Minister, started what became known interested to find out more. It transpired early speed model.
as the Red-Cross Aid to Russia Fund. that the Harris Lebus furniture factory
With this in mind, I built a l/72nd Scale at Tottenham Hale was indeed involved
model of the Short “Stirling”, an R.A.F. in making ‘Mosquito’ wings, and the
4-engined Bomber, and raffled it, calling foreman there was most amused one
at every house in our street with my little morning to find a group of us outside the
book of tickets. I thus raised the sum back door of his factory, all on our bikes
of 30 shillings (£1.50 in today’s money), pulling the wheeled box-trailers in which
which I sent to Mrs. Churchill’s Red- we transported our models. The wings
Cross Fund and was delighted to receive being made at Lebus’s were covered
a letter of thanks in reply - signed by that in a skin of 3/8” thick balsa, glued and
great and gracious Lady herself! sandwiched between 0.8mm plywood,
As the War progressed, so too did and that lovely foreman was quite happy
the designs of warplanes, and 1943 for us to gather up off-cuts that were
saw the introduction of the de Havilland outside in his yard, which we joyfully
‘Mosquito’, a twin-engined ‘plane that carried home. There we painstakingly
could fly faster than anything so far stripped down the precious balsa and
produced by either of the warring sides, were able once more to build models
due largely to its light construction, (almost) as we once did.
which was largely ply and balsa wood!
We aeromodellers looked upon this The Doodle-Bug
as being almost an extension of our One afternoon in June, 1944, I was one Joe Deniz and Bill Tickner with their CL
models. (June 1950 Model Aircraft)
hobby, and when we learned that the of a group of young lads engaged in a
Modeller History
lively game of cricket in a field at the end was collecting 'souvenirs' of anti-aircraft
of our road - proudly, for us, in Woodford, shrapnel, etc. on the morning after the
Winston Churchill's constituency. non-stop night-time air raids. So, we
Our game was interrupted by the took the obvious course of action (to
approach of a V1 "Doodlebug", so when us) - the whole team scampered across
its engine stopped, we dived into one our field, through the ditch, into the next
of the anti-glider holes dotted around field… and there it was - our very own
our field, waiting for the expected and Doodlebug!
frequently seen dive and explosion We were rather disappointed to see
of the missile. To our surprise and how rusty it all was, but having landed
delight, however, it performed no such safely as it had, we were not the least
manoeuvre, but instead glided down in a worried it would blow up - our main
Bill Taylor flew CL as well as RC and placed gentle, flat approach, and landed without problem was figuring out the best way to
third with his Elfin 2.49 powered model exploding in the next field! get it home!
in the 1950 Nationals Gold Trophy stunt
competition, to the winner Brian Hewitt As was the case with so many We were therefore rather miffed when
with his Stunt Queen, and second place Gig youngsters of that time, one major hobby soldiers in an Army lorry roared up and
Eifflaender.
The West Essex Aeromodellers was a leading club in the immediate post-war years. This
photo from their first ever formal dinner at London Wall, EC3 in November 1950 includes many
famous names from AeroModeller, Model Aircraft and the trade.
Top Table from the left: Harry Hundleby, Bill Taylor, Fred Judd, Henry J Nicholls, Max Coote
(RipMax), Eddie Cosh, Doug Gordon, Cyril Rushbrooke, ??, Eddie Keil, Sid Taylor.
Nearest Table from left: ??, Len Ransome, Mr. Marsh (Ken’s Dad), Ken Marsh.
Next: George Martin, Chas Taylor.
Next: Gordon Oates, Ken Smith, Ron Morley, Dennis Allen, Bill Tickner (at end)
Next: Len King, Sid Sutherland, Teddy ?, Ron Moulton.
Next: Bill Morley, Len Steward, Ken Muscutt, John McNess, Pete Quickenden.
Next: ??, ??, ??, ??.
Next: Ivor Fairbanks(?), Sid Clark, Billy (Smith?), ??, Mick Kelly.
Next (last): ??, ??, Cyril Mayes, ??, ??, ??, ??.

this very loud Officer-man chased us off airfield at Fairlop (which our Dad helped Fairlop!
- no doubt to keep it for themselves, we build in the early days of the War) closed, It was the ambition of many modellers
thought. we were allowed to use that vast space to build and fly a Radio-Controlled plane,
Ah! Happy days - kids these days miss for our flying, which was wonderful. Even but back in those days radio receivers
all the fun. so, there were many occasions when a were bulky, heavy and expensive for
model would catch a thermal and stay the average modeller. With this in mind,
Post-war Power Models airborne for longer than usual. One, after brother Bill decided the only way was to
The War ended, and with it the ban just a 10 second motor run, caught a make his own. This he did, with the help
on engine-powered models. A limited thermal, finally disappearing upwards of his Radio ‘Ham’ friend Fred Judd, the
number of engines became available, and out of sight in a cloud. On all our result being a Radio-Control receiver
which, although being initially of quite free-flight models, however, we stuck weighing only two ounces, which he
small capacity, could be fitted into a labels with our name and address on it, installed in a model he designed and
model, which thus became a bit more and about a week later we got a letter built. This was followed by a transmitter,
like a powered glider. Having somewhere from a man in Pitsea, Essex, saying that also of his own design and making,
spacious enough to fly them was a bit of he had found the model - 18 miles away with which to send controlling signals
a problem though, but when the R.A.F. in a straight line from its launching site at to the receiver. With this combination
Modeller History
In the early 1950’s the West Essex Club was one of the leaders in the
development of Team Racing in the UK.
Chas Taylor’s Nats winning Cardinal Puff

design was published in March 1951 Model
Aircraft magazine. Now we know how it got
its name…!
Eddie Cosh’s Nationals 1950 photo of Chas Taylor with his Cardinal Puff, flanked by brother Bill on left and Billy Kelly.
he entered the S.M.A.E. International the ground. However, from our collective which became known as Team-Racing.
Radio Control Competition, followed experience there evolved simple designs This involved three models, built to a
by the “AeroModeller” (Aerobatic) which enabled most of us to carry out laid-down specification of wing-area
Trophy competition – and won them aerobatic manoeuvres such as loops, and engine capacity, with a fuel-tank
both. Following these successes, outside-loops, horizontal, vertical and of no more than 30ccs, being flown in
constructional details of his Radio overhead eights and inverted flight. the same circle at the same time, all
Control equipment were published in With the model then being inverted, on the same length of lines, with the
‘Model Aircraft’ magazine in March, control thus became reversed, with ‘up’ faster models overtaking their slower
1950, followed by the plan of his winning elevator becoming ‘down’, and ‘down’ adversaries and the three ‘pilots’ jostling
model, the “Whiplash” in August 1951. became ‘up’, which was tricky at first, for position within a chalked circle whilst
but dogged practice made it seem controlling their model. A race would be
Control Line natural. Every Sunday was spent at what over a distance of 5 miles (75 laps) for
In the meanwhile, for my own part I became our beloved Fairlop, with many the heats, culminating in the 3 eventual
became more interested and active in other London Clubs joining us in mutual fastest heat-winners going on to a Final
the less scientifically-technical branch of enjoyment of our hobby, with every kind of 10 miles. The 30cc tank of fuel would
our hobby, namely Control-Line flying. of model being flown, from free-flight not be sufficient for a model to fly the 5
This was introduced into Britain by fellow gliders, rubber-powered models, engine- miles non-stop, so pit-stops would have
West Essex Aeromodellers clubmate powered free flight, radio-controlled to be made when the engine ran out of
Ron Moulton, who later became and control-line models - all going on at fuel and stopped, with the ‘pilot’ bringing
editor of AeroModeller magazine. A the same time, spread across the large his model into land at – or as close as
number of members of our Club built expanse of ‘Our’ Flying-field. possible to – his two-man pit crew, who
would-be aerobatic models of various would refill the tank, restart the engine,
designs, many of which finished up Team Racing and take off again as swiftly as possible.
as matchwood after meeting Mother From control-line Aerobatic flying All this whilst the other two models
Earth at around 60mph when the ‘pilot’ (‘Stunt’) there developed a new and continued flying 6 feet or so over the pit-
misjudged the proximity of his model to highly-competitive branch of our hobby, crews head!

Interest in Team-Racing grew
rapidly, (in both the U.K. and U.S.A.
and in October, 1950 the first British
National contest was held, (at Fairlop,
of course!). Teams came from all over
the U.K., and competition was fierce,
watched by a large crowd, made up
of both aeromodellers and members
of the public, who came to Fairlop in
large numbers every Sunday to watch
the flying. I had built a new model for
this competition, and got out of bed to
finish it at 5am that morning. This early
rise came a little hard, as the previous
evening had been spent by a dozen
of us at our local pub, where I rather
foolishly volunteered to take part in a
drinking game, ending with me being
crowned as “Cardinal Puff” - but rather
the worse for wear after consuming just Ken Marsh had his Super Saint Class B Team Racer published in February 1952 AeroModeller.
a little more than was good for me! Our
team consisted of me as the ‘Pilot’, in been finished that morning, it didn’t have
the centre of the circle, with Bill, who a name, but after a bit of swift thinking, Bill Taylor RIP
was very good at re-starting engines, and recalling the proceedings at the pub Obituaries for Bill Taylor appeared in
as my Pit-crew, assisted by Billy Kelly, the previous evening, I said O.K. – we’ll September 1951 editions of both AM and
a Junior Club member. We won our call it “Cardinal Puff”, and following MA. What follows is from AeroModeller.
Heat, got to the Semi-final and reached its appearance in the next month’s A Great Loss
the Final, where our main competitors magazine, we were rather pleased and A TRAGIC head-on collision, at a
were West Essex clubmates Ken Marsh surprised to receive a cheque in the post speed approaching 60 m.p.h., has
and Ken Muscutt, with the third team for £20! robbed the aeromodelling movement of
coming from the Bushey Park Club. The Our flying continued, both socially one of its most advanced radio-control
Kens’ model was named “The Saint” at Fairlop as well as competitively, and exponents: Bill "Funf" Taylor was only 23
and was powered by a 5cc Eta 29 we travelled to both Radio Control and years old. He had been a motor cyclist
glowplug motor, giving them a speed of Team-Racing competitions up and down for over 2 years, and an aeromodeller
around 85mph, as against ours, which the country on motorbikes, with each for as long as we can remember. His
had an ED 3.5cc diesel engine doing pillion passenger frequently having a untimely death is, therefore, a sudden, if
only about 70, so the 10-mile final was Team-Racer strapped to his back and awful surprise and lends authenticity to
a bit like a tortoise-and-hare race. The carrying wings and fuselage of a Radio that little appreciated adage, "Here to-
‘Saint’, being that much faster, passed model under each arm. Highly dodgy, day and gone to-morrow".
us at intervals, and was doing around one might think, but we were young, Bill Taylor was one of those rare
30 laps per tankful, whereas our smaller and there were rather less vehicles aeromodellers with advanced ideas,
diesel, although slower, enabled us to on our roads in the 1950’s (4 million, a chat with him would always provide
complete almost twice that number. I compared with over 38 million in 2019). a good viewpoint on the trend of
managed to land each time very close In July, 1951, we Club members were events, and indeed, only a few hours
to my pit-crew, and with Bill re-starting gathered, as was often the case, near before the accident, he was discussing
swiftly, we plodded on, and when the the tea-wagon, chatting and exchanging radio-controlled slope-soaring with us,
Ken’s had an elevator problem, we ideas, whilst a small group, including Bill, predicting great durations. Time will
crept by - and won! There was great had gone off on their (motor) bikes for prove him to be right.
applause from the crowd when we were a ride. I stayed at Fairlop, practicing my From short-trousered pre-war days,
handed the winners’ Trophy, which stunt-flying with the help of Len Steward when a junior member of the old
was presented to us by the Editor of and Dennis Allen, who were both very Woodford club, Bill was a popular, if at
‘Model Aircraft’ magazine, Mr. Eddie accomplished pilots, and during a break times argumentative flier, and one with a
Cosh. He was very complimentary, in our flying, Ken Smith, one of the lads flair for organisation. A founder of West
and after taking our picture he asked if who had gone with the group for a ride, Essex Aeromodellers, which evolved
we would allow him publish the plans came back, looking very serious. He had from an amalgamation of the Waltham-
of our model in the next edition of his some bad news. stow, Woodford, and subsequently other
magazine. We agreed, of course, and Ken had to tell me that whilst on their local clubs, he was P.R.O. for the first
when he asked what name the model ride, there had been an accident - and few years, and was the prime mover
had, we had tell him that, having only Bill had been killed. behind the first W.E.A. Gala. It was all
Modeller History
control-line then, and "Funf" (a nickname accompanied the W.E.A. tour of France
bestowed upon him for his mimicry and Switzerland in 1949. Many are the
of the Tommy Handley character) was tales that only he could recount of that
responsible for the donation of the large hectic holiday.
number of, then precious, American At that time, "Funf " became absorbed
motors which were given as prizes. Later in radio-control. He joined Park Radio
that year he introduced a now universally Limited, and was manager of Flight
adopted idea for stunt design by being Control, being responsible for their
the first person to use wing-tip ballast well-known Mk. III home-built outfits
weight. Beneath a large white heart on which have been the equipment of many
the outboard tip of his purple stunter a radio contest winner. Identified by
were fitted the ignition batteries for the the Vee aerials, his transmitter designs
Super-Cyclone engine, and so heavy was were continually being improved, and
this ballast, that "Funf" was able to tow his latest, with only 1 watt output,
the model, kite-fashion, until it landed enabled him to win the AEROMODELLER
softly, but sideways. International Radio-Control Trophy this
His prowess as a stunt flier extended year. It is with particular regret, therefore,
to the Continent, when as interpreter that we will not be able to see this trophy
of the party, and the only teetotaler, he presented to him personally.
Aeromodelling was robbed of a nascent talent when Bill Taylor died at the age of 23 years.
Later Years
Readers should look back at May and June 2021 issues of AeroModeller for the story of Chas Taylor’s
later modelling career and Taylor glowplugs. Thanks to Chas, Ken Marsh and others it has been pos-
sible to compile extra photos of activities through the following years.
John Cunningham was the VIP judge at the

1952 All-Herts Rally.
Only two years had passed since the West Essex Team Race in October, 1950 and Ron Checksfield,
came up with a superb and radical design of model, which Len and I flew in the 1952 Team-Race at the
All-Herts Rally at Handley-Page’s airfield, Radlett.
With the model flying superbly at 103mph, powered by an Eta.29, we did well and later that day were
presented with our prizes by the famous wartime and de Havilland ‘Comet’ Pilot, Group Captain John
“Cat’s Eyes” Cunningham, I had also won the Combat event, and Group Capt. Cunningham remarked
he would love to be able to fly like that - Len, cheeky Cockney as ever, offered to teach him – “as long
as he was allowed to have a go at his (Cunningham)’s - “Old Banger” (the ‘Comet’!)

Martin Radcliffe supplied this photo taken by
Tony Goodger of Chas flying 40 Rat Race at
Cranfield in 1969. On the left is John Dixon and
on the right is Dave Rudd. Martin commented,
‘These 40 Rats were a bit fast and hairy; they
could pull a bit. Chas used to grab hold of our
sweatshirts like in the photo (he did it to myself
and others!) and repeat: "Steady on lads! Steady
on lads!". Happy times.’
Chas had his

Razzamachas Class
B model published
in October 1961
AeroModeller.
Chas Taylor at the South Midland Championships,

held at RAF Cranfield in September, 1967,
when along with the team of Gordon Yeldham
and Gordon Oates he had won the final of the
Rat Race with a modified Class B Team Racer
donated to by Terry Whitebread of our (West
Essex) Club. (From the Fred Carter Collection)
Ron Prentice, Joe Deniz, Ron Moulton, Sid

Sutherland, and Ken Marsh gathered together
to give Ron a cartoon of the time he came off his
motorbike when carrying a model.
This photo from Ken Marsh was instantly recognised by Chas Taylor as it was taken on his 47th
birthday in November 1976 when he had just bought a round of beers! From the left: Ron Moulton, Sid Taken at Old Warden around the year 2000,
Sutherland, Ken Marsh, ‘Stoo’ Len Steward, Chas Taylor, Gordon Oates, Don Reece, Joe Deniz and Ron Moulton, Sid Sutherland, Dennis Allen with
Dennis Allen. Boxcar, Ron Prentice, and Ken Marsh.
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Club History
South Bristol MAC

Chris Coote elebrates three-quarters of a Century for this thriving West Country club
“Olympian” design, Over the ensuing
I
am proud to say that I have been following is my tribute to a truly great
a member of South Bristol Model Club celebrating 75 years of continuous years SBMAC made a large impact
Aircraft Club (SBMAC) for over activity. on aeromodelling both in the West
60 years and it has provided an Country and nationally, with one world
incredible amount of entertainment, In the Beginning FF champion (Elton Drew 1969) and one
interest, elation and friendship over November 2022 will be the 75th International and European CL champion
that whole period. The Club has always anniversary of the founding of SBMAC (Richard Evans 1974,1975) among our
been a multi discipline organisation and in 1947 by a group of young ex-service members, plus numerous National and
right from the start biased towards the men and aircraft apprentices who were Area competition winners to our credit.
power side of aeromodelling using IC customers of the “Red Cow” pub in Initially the club met in the vestry of
engines of all types and latterly electric East St Bedminster, South Bristol. Early St Aldhelm’s church in Bedminster but
power. The Club has been a success in competition success' included Brian moved in 1951 to the basement of a
both competition and social activities Hopkins 5th place at the Gold Trophy shop owned by a club member. Founder
in many aeromodelling disciplines and CL Stunt Nationals and Terry Smith with members included John Down, Ken
continues to attract support now from his brother in Class “A” team racing Jones, Brian Hopkins and Dave Ramsey,
a much wider area than just Bristol. The with one of the first early Oliver’s in their who owned a model shop. Flying of
Line up of SBMAC CL models at Merryfield in 1963.

SBMAC member Elton Drew was on the
front cover of AeroModeller following his
World Championships A/2 glider win.
From about the same time at Radlett this shows the Petranek stunter and a jet speed model. From the
left, Mick Olds, Brian Hopkins, Frank Garland, Unknown, Colin Smith, ? Yates and Phil Darke.
both CL and FF took place courtesy of the meetings were re-located to the
Colonel Pearce (in return for one bottle of wonderful Beloe rooms in Guinea St,
whisky at Christmas) on his 40 acre field off Redcliffe Way in the shadow of the
at Ashton Vale, distinguished by a single famous cathedral like church of St
oak tree right in the centre of the field, Mary Redcliffe. The Beloe rooms were
which was climbed many times! Better a classic Victorian building used as the
flying facilities were available at the church hall for St Mary’s. A large upstairs
Richard Evans having just won the 1975 disused RAF Lulsgate just 2 miles down room was used for meetings where often
European Combat Championship, flanked
by Mick Lewis (left) and Bob Horwood
the road off the main A38. This became 50 or more members would gather every
(right), all SBMAC members. a magnet for all the local clubs from 3rd Friday of the month to discuss club
Bristol, Bath, and Weston Super Mare. activities in the coming months. The
This site became unavailable in 1957 room was large enough to allow indoor
due to it being converted into Bristol RTP flying to take place including rubber
(now International) airport, however powered team racers and frightening
the original pre-war Bristol airport at Jetex speed models. For the latter
Whitchurch became available as a public a junior member had to be recruited
park complete with a single tarmac to lie around the base of the pole to
runway. Flying permission was achieved stop it moving under the considerable
at some considerable effort by founder centrifugal force generated by a
member John Down and his support by speeding model. Our leading CL speed
then local city councillor Bob Wall (later flyer, “Hoppy” Barry Hopkins, turned up
Alderman Sir Robert Wall). Local clubs with a large size Jetex PAA load motor
including SBMAC soon started using it in a bit of hollowed out broomstick and
and the well-established SBMAC shared plywood wings. We could not see it in
with the newly formed Bristol Radio club flight, just hear the alternating hiss as
and latterly AMARC (Avon Model Aircraft it filled the room with blue smoke. We
Radio Club). Thus, all types of models timed it at 143mph!
were seen here including CL combat and In a calmer fashion we were able to
Thought to be taken around 1955 at Fairlop team racers, FF power, rubber and glider, use the adjacent main hall complete
by Bill Dean, this shows the South Bristol plus initially single-channel and then full- with stage and hammer beam roof,
house multi radio models. for conventional rubber duration and
Team Racers and features from the left:
Back Row - Colin Smith, Brian Hopkins,
Andy Wilson. Front Row – Mike Chittenden, Chuck Glider competitions. This became
Spike Jones, Terry Smith, John Philips, John
Pring. (Photo via Phil Darke) Beloe Rooms quite serious when one of the founder
As the club grew rapidly in the 1950's members (Dave Martin) donated a
Club History
Wilf Manning and the SBMAC junior section

prepare for some indoor flying at the Beloe
Rooms in the early 1960’s.
In the 60’s and 70’s CL display flying at fetes and carnivals was a great way to promote the hobby.
Harvey’s Display Group of SBMAC members.
The late John Mayes with John Bond and

the SBMAC Free Flight Shield dedicated to
him.
The 44” span, 60” long Crusader weighed 11 pounds and flew on 58’ lines powered by the Dynajet.
From the left, R A D Heaton (cockpit detail), Brian Hopkins (model constructor), John Down (scale
finish), K Hickman (designer of undercarriage system).
silver trophy for indoor tissue covered One of the founder members and local
Wilf Manning was at the centre of many rubber duration models. Meetings were butcher, Fred Newman, was approached
aeromodelling activities.
often terminated with a visit to the local in 1962 to assist in drawing a crowd
Waggon and Horses at the junction of together by providing a public CL
Guinea St and Redcliffe Way until the display, whilst he and his family were
pub was demolished to make way for filmed strutting about in sparkling white
a road widening scheme! We therefore shirts to promote a new ITV advert for
de-camped to another pub in Old Market “Surf” washing powder. The subsequent
central Bristol, which had a back room. £100 cheque to the club, at a time when
Unfortunately this was not big enough a good 2.5cc engine could be had for
for RTP and all indoor flying stopped for £5 and even an Oliver Tiger was only
a while. £6.50, became the foundation of a
good club reserve that allowed us to
Displays & Coach Trips underwrite coach trips to both local Area
The club was now well established and far distant National venues. Trips to
with both a thriving FF and CL section. Blakehill, Hullavington, Wroughton, and
Displays of CL flying in particular were Merryfield, plus longer ones to Cranfield
From the left. Chris Ottewell, Chris Coote
and Yendell(?) at Pearce’s Field in 1961. popular and in demand from local (South Midland Area Rally), were all
schools, fete organisers and similar. undertaken from Bristol with early

starts picking up from several locations for the FF and CL club championships was born the “Vintage” movement in the
within the city, before heading off to the including smaller shields for the junior UK and SBMAC held its first of many
venue. We could not always afford the championships. We still have these Vintage rally at Blakehill Farm in 1963.
best coaches and on one memorable trophies, now much re-plated and still Subsequent vintage rallies at Wroughton
occasion in Tetbury, we had to unload keenly competed for. and Little Rissington were equally
from the coach and all join in pushing it successful. Organisations such as SAM
up one of the steeper streets much to the Junior Members Influx 35 and SAM 1066 were enthusiastically
amusement of the local population! (See At this time a whole new group of embraced by SBMAC members and
Tail End Charlie at the back.) junior members joined, both FF and were invited to our numerous vintage
As the 1960's began some of the CL enthusiasts, part of the post WWII rallies.
original members tended to fade “Baby Boom”. These new members
away from activities, distracted by re-rejuvenated the club and allowed well National Competitions
expanding families and increasing supported club competitions to be held A memorable event with multiple FF
job responsibilities. However, those in most disciplines except RC which and CL members involved occurred at
that remained became the foundation was beyond the pocket of most at this the 1964 Nats CL scale competition.
both of the club and the newly formed time. The 1960's was good time for Several of our senior FF section together
Western Area of the SMAE and formed aeromodelling and we had several good with our CL expert, Brian (Hoppy)
the core of the organising committees model shops in Bristol including Model Hopkins, had teamed up to build and
of both organisations. John Down and Airport, Hobbies of Dereham, Model develop a Dynajet powered scale CL
John Mayes were particularly active Highways, Bevs, Terry Gains and latterly model of the US Chance-Vought Corsair
in these duties and became treasurer Modellers Den and Antics. In addition, carrier born fighter. This 11lb model
and secretary for long periods in both there were local suburban cycle shops, over 5ft long was equipped with 3 line
organisations in addition to mentoring newsagents, hardware shops etc. all of control to a pneumatic fully retracting
numerous junior members, including whom stocked some kits, balsa and glue! undercarriage plus a 4th “panic” line to
myself. Wilf Manning was the chairman cut the roaring and extremely hot jet in
at this time and in his job as manager Vintage Beginnings case of emergencies. A four man crew
of the local branch of “Hobbies” gave The two Johns, Down and Mayes, was required to operate this complex
massive support to the Club. He became nostalgic for the simpler model, which was fully detailed in the
arranged for the whole top floor of their models of their youth and reacted to November 1963 edition of AeroModeller.
new two storey shop in Fairfax St to the increased complication and cost of A small 4 wheel trolley was equipped
be given over to aeromodelling stock. current competition FF power models. with air bottles pumped up by hand
Junior members were allowed to serve They proposed simpler competition FF using lorry tyre pumps to well over
on Saturdays, and this was the quickest duration classes by reverting to older 100psi. The Dynajet was started using an
way to learn about all the wonderful model designs of the pre 1948 era and air probe inserted up the scale air intake
items available for our hobby. In addition latterly the pre 1951 era, after reading of and take off had to be rapid as soon as
Wilf donated substantial trophy shields similar developments in the USA. Thus the engine started to prevent the jet tail
Crusader retractable undercarriage.
The pneumatic
retracting
undercarriage system
was described in
November 1963 AM.
Club History
CL activity and began to run its own

Galas including some “Vintage” classes.
Team racing and Combat became the
main CL competition interests, and
many national competitions were both
organised and entered by keen SBMAC
members. Bob Horwood in particular
with his boundless energy and drive,
became chairman of the SMAE CL
Technical Committee and assisted by
SBMAC members and Richard King
from Feltham DMAC, was instrumental
in getting CL racing placed on a properly
The Crusader appeared at the 1964 British Nationals but failed to make a successful flight. organised footing in the UK.
Portable safety cages and elevated
pipe becoming red hot and incinerating panic line worked well and the “crash” jury towers with adequate PA, flag and
the whole model. Once airborne the crew got there in time to save the model timing systems were all designed and
100mph airspeed gave sufficient airflow with blasts of cold compressed air up the procured at this time for both speed
over the tailpipe to prevent overheating. main intake. The model was retired and and team racing use. SBMAC members
On landing the junior pit crew had to for many years hung as a display piece in were some of the first to embrace the
rush over with the trolley and inject various locations. new CL Goodyear racing class and in
cooling air back into the main intake to the first year (1970) of its introduction,
ensure the model survived. The model 70’s Control Line Success Coote/Small with their “Estralita” model
was test flown satisfactorily but burst As we moved into the 70's the CL appeared in every final of every event
its main tyres on landing. Tough solid section of the club dominated and the entered. Subsequent Goodyear and
Tufnol replacements were made for the RC section moved to its own dedicated vintage “A” and “B” team race national
Nationals attempt, but unfortunately small flying site at Tytherington north competitions often saw the SBMAC
one of these seized on take-off and the of Bristol, or moved to other local teams of Andrews/Horwood, Andrews/
model veered off course luckily into a specialised RC clubs. SBMAC became Taylor/Darke in contention and Coote/
deep runway crack at Barkston. The known as a home for traditional FF and Harvey dominated Mouse racing and
made it to several 1/2A nationals team
Article author race finals. For many years at this time,
Chris Coote SBMAC took on the task of running Mini
(left) at the
1970 Nationals Goodyear racing at the Nats. The late
with his pitman Gordon May and his team took time off
Steve Harvey
when they won from their own Goodyear flying to run
the Mouse this junior and senior event which had
Race class for
049 powered proved so popular at our club level. A
models. tradition of the whole club FF and CL
members at the power Nationals was to
gather at the CL racing finals circle at the
end of the Nats to watch the last event
of all the competitions. Thus there was
no lack of support or cheering for any
SBMAC successful teams flying in one of
the finals!
In next month’s concluding part we
will look at the success of the SBMAC
Combat flyers and tell the the club’s story
up to the present. A couple of dates for
your diary, on the 19th June SBMAC will
be hosting a CFA Vintage Combat contest
at their Berkeley site, and on the 17th July
the club’s 75th Anniversary Gala will also
be held at the Berkeley site - Hamfields
Leisure Centre is a few miles from M5
junctions 13 or 14 and the postcode is
GL13 9TN. More details from
www.southbristolmac.co.uk ■

EST.
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To Finish
Tail End Charlie

Another pot pourri of aeromodelling miscellany…
My Aeromodelling Shop in Malvern where my Naturally, I wanted an avuncular Wilf Manning and
Journey - Part One indulgent Granny bought me engine and decided that a “The Model Airport” under
I grew up with aircraft and a Keil Kraft Auster from their FROG 80 was the best buy. more aloof management
flight as normal everyday “Flying Scale” series along After selling some model became mandatory with
things. Model aircraft were with the balsa cement, dope railway stuff and saving I regular afternoon control line
around the house, and in the etc. needed to build and fly finally bought one from a little flying on Purdown. This was
early 1950s, Dad worked for it. Chosen because I had model shop on Mina Road technically illegal, but we
Bristol Aeroplane Company flown in one, it was one of in Bristol. Do any readers were rarely challenged and
as a navigator so him the few in that series which a remember it as my friends of as far as I can recall never
disappearing for a week or beginner could have made fly! that era don’t! actually thrown off! Many
two to deliver a new Bristol Somehow, with assistance, Not wanting to lose this, years later, we staged the
Freighter to Iraq or Burma I built and flew it on the after all it cost 37 shillings and first “Horfield Boys” reunion
was normal for me. Add common opposite her flat. sixpence (£1-78 in decimal), I flying session there and were
in Mike Garnett next door Other models followed. bought a KK Champ to learn horrified when the local park
contributing to AeroModeller Dad brought back a Top Flite to fly control line. A poor keeper appeared – amazingly
and refurbishing full size “scale” rubber model from choice! It was heavy and like he just wanted to take a look
glider parts in his front room, the USA - a P47 Thunderbolt many KK designs structurally and find out about what we
and I had no chance! made in pre-printed sheet suspect. But it did fly. A much were doing!
On 29th April 1952, aged 4 balsa with a vacuum better bet was the Veron Anyway, back to the 1960s
½ years, Dad flew me around formed cowl. An American Provost which followed it. and SBMAC organised
the local area in Auster V “quick build” kit which flew Now in secondary school Sunday coach trips to flying
G-AHVM – my first flight! Any reasonably well. For some I spotted a lad in the school sites like Blake’s Farm and
pocket money went on FROG reason a local barbers yard with a “Model Aircraft Merryfield. Using decrepit
Scout “sixpenny” chuck shop also sold Skyleada Wings Club” badge on his and unreliable coaches even
gliders. kits, I bought a Tiger Moth. blazer. We got talking and the journey was an adventure
Friendships forged at A challenging build for a so Richard Evans and his kids’ couldn’t have today.
the age of 5 years with youngster. neighbour Chris Coote were To be continued …. But in
likeminded boys Ken Then aged about 9 or 10 added to the list of flying the meantime if you would
Sheppard and Steve Harvey came the first good flying friends. Almost “en masse” like to comment or share
have lasted a lifetime simply model, a Mercury Swan we joined South Bristol Model your story, write to me at
because of aeromodelling. glider. I had this for at least Aircraft Club bringing our chrisottewell@anworld.com or
Later on, John Phillips joined 5 years, not least because mixture of enthusiasm and via the editorial office. ■
our school and our little band opportunities to fly it (and mayhem to proceedings.
of putative flyers. Aged about thus loose it or smash it) were Saturday morning visits to
By Chris Ottewell
8, I went to Boulters Model limited! “Hobbies” managed by the
1 3 4 5
2
1: Me launching my Swan Glider at Pearce’s Field (early 1960’s.) 2 & 3: The legendary Wilf Manning, avuncular manager of Hobbies Bristol Store for many years
as well as sometime SBMAC Chairman. 4: The Veron Provost CL trainer. This one is a Chris Coote creation. 5: Pushing the ancient coach to the top of the hill!

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Tom Thumb Ii: Vic'S Plan For FF or RC!

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ISSUE FREE PLAN: SMEED MINI TOMBOY

TOM THUMB II VIC’S PLAN FOR FF OR RC!

ALL CURRENTLY IN STOCK!!!

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR 100s MORE!!!

04 HEARD AT THE 28 FREE PLAN –

AeroModeller is published monthly by Doolittle

Vic Smeed’s Tom

Contact Tony Tomlin 07767 394578

PANDAS 10TH PONTEFRACT RETRO EVENT

6 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

SAM 35 SPRING GALA

Lots of bargains to be found at the Sunday morning Swap Meet.

FF FORUM AEROMODELLER PLAN BUILDS

8 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

MAY 2-5 June 12 June

28-29 May 6 June 19 June

Full details of BMFA events can be found at: www.bmfa.org

burst, reduce compression ratio to allow

model in the gusty conditions. Piece of

10 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

PROPELLER RPM Bore: 6.39 mm (.251 in)

FF applications. Tolerance to up/down with Cox 5x3 propeller and peak

Fuel tank/carburettor assembly is same

Traditional cylinder porting, excellent

12 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022 Micro diesels can be pernickety. SAM 25

Fortunately, the entire batch of SAM 25s

reminiscent of Mills and similar types, is

mini diesel and with enough gumption

14 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

Limited Stock - order now at www.doolittlemedia.com

16 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

Multi functional mechanical timer on this

Phil Ball won the ﬁve model Rubber ﬂyoff.

Steve Barnes ﬂew the same model in

Model of the meeting was Dave Cox’s 1950’s

18 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

Combined Power – 7 entries

Combined Glider – 14 entries

Combined Rubber – 11 entries

The contest also counted towards the Club

1st Place Club – Birmingham

20 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

22 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

favourites, Hangar Rats a plenty to The diversity of models was a wonder;

Chris thinks this design was kitted by an old

Keith Prescott had travelled from Coddenham

John Whatmore was giving an outing for the

24 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

All in all I think most enjoyed the day,

F the 'Electric Monday's' at

Mini Nats Addition

26 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

E20 Speciﬁcations (Open Category also incorporates

The enlarged Tom Thumb II was

28 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

30 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

32 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

The Tom Thumb II looks a picture ﬁnished in Deluxe

ORIGINAL 22” SPAN TOM THUMB

given some very deﬁnite ideas on problems; ﬁngers, unfortunately, cannot

36 AeroModeller 1021 - June 2022

PLAN 708 IN AEROMODELLER 1021 JUNE 2022

Everything about this 22 in. span power model