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TOPIC: Jetex Kits from VMC

Jetex Kits from VMC 4 years 8 months ago #826

  • rogersimmonds
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Many years ago, I helped set up 'Replikits', providing plans for many of the Keil Kraft and Skyleada kits from the 1950s. The kits sold very well and such luminaries as Steve Bage designed some very nice modern Rapier powered models like the Thunderchief.
As is the way of the World, Replikits lasted only about five years, but I'm pleased that the models are still available, now as very nicely 'laser-cut' kits, from the Vintage model company:
www.vintagemodelcompany.com/jetex-powered-models.html

Regular visitors to our forum will remember John Holman's Skyleada Cutlass:



which he said went together very well. The kit contained the original canopy, which really wasn't very scale at all, so John fitted one I'd moulded for him. I have now sent VMC my plug, so that future Cutlass kits will look the part. I hope they modify the original plan accordingly!;)

John has now finished his VMC Keil Kraft Panther, built to replace his first one which didn't last very long.





Above: John has made a very good job of the VMC (originally KK) Panther which he has finished in the bright livery of a target tug

Mindful of the weak points in the original kit (the tail/fuselage junction in particular) John has beefed up the structure a bit. John writes:

"It has come out at 38 grams with an unloaded 50c. This is 6 grams more than my original one because I added sheet reinforcement to the nose area, extra stringers and diagonal stringers to the wings plus a slightly heavier covering and decoration job. But a 50c, working well, should provide the urge I think".

So: VMC Jetex kits can be bought with confidence. Given the problems of Rapier supply at the moment, those modern designs,like the Thunderchief or Hawker P. 1121 may need to be (and the irony will not escape you) converted to Jetex power! :unsure:
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Last Edit: by rogersimmonds.

Jetex Kits from VMC 4 years 8 months ago #827

  • ahmetcalfe
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These models are a treat, they look great and are very colourful, John obviously has a very good eye for colour. Thanks for posting, nice to know these old designs can still be made to look very attractive.

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