TOPIC: New Models for 2020

Roger,

Yes, the motor on the original plan was angled down slightly so that the efflux didn't impinge (much) on the trough. After seeing how well the 'deflector trough' worked I tried a deflector vane glued into the P1121 trough and it worked well (but tended to eventually fall off). On the later version of the plan I added this deflector.

A better solution would be to mount to motor tube horizontal and have the trough also run horizontal before 'kicking down' ar the rear. The trough does get a harder time and needs re-lining with aluminium once in a while but it's worth it.

Updated plan attached

What a beautiful drawing.

Thanks Steve.

Alan Trinder has just sent me a cracking photo of his Viggen, built from a kit that I'd rejected (you will remember I was having printer problems). The model was originally destined for Piotr Tendera) but I sent to Alan instead with a (large) batch of motors :



Alan writes:
"I thought you might like to know the Viggen is complete and awaiting permission from HMG to be taken out for its first flight.
I found it difficult to believe the kit wasn't up to standard. It seemed fine to me (especially being someone who grew up with so-called model kits in the 1940's) and I really enjoyed building it.
Would you recommend fitting a thrust deflector before the first powered flight?"

I'm glad us modellers are keeping busy in these very strange times. And I' m pleased we can build models in the knowledge we have something to power them with. I sent Rodger Wright a batch of motors earlier this year for his just completed Sukhoi Su 11



Again, a very nice job. I particularly like the different shades/textures of the 'natural aluminium' finish. Rodger says 'he has plenty to learn' - it was his first foray into 'plunge moulding' a canopy - but it looks fine to me!

Onward and upwards!

Super job, silver is notorious for showing all the tiny blemishes and this looks pretty good to me. I like the way the silver has been varied with airbrushing presumably, Very nice, I did see one fly once but it badly needed a down thrust tab/deflector, as it climbed up steeply then dived down steeply, oops.

Note added by Roger: the flight pattern of this Richard Crossley design can spectacular. It climbs steeply (it was best with a Rapier L-2 HP) and then turns to kill the stall. I seem to remember Chris Strachan launched by catapult. The model comes down quickly when the power stops ('climbs like a rocket, glides like a bucket'). This was useful at Old Warden on a windy day as it kept it in the field!



Above: Chris Strachan contemplates his Sukhoi Su-11 prototype. An iconic image of our hobby, I'm sure you will agree!