TOPIC: New Models for 2020

Speaking of F4s, I was at our neighbouring AirForce base who are now Typhoon operators. Previously they flew F4s and before that Starfighters and before that the Sabre D. All nice subjects for Jetex/Rapier/Tendera.

Here's a inspirational pic of their gate guardian.

Thanks, what a magnificent beast!

And she's in that rarely seen 'clean' configuration. Perfect for reaction power.

A friend of mine has been working on one during lock down.... not sure you can get a Rapier this big though!


Roger comments:

Stupid boy!

If anyone fancies a Rapier L-2 powered version, there is this plan from the estimable John Bell:



Like Howard's hemi-demi-semi-profile version, it looks like it will need quite a bit poke up its jet pipe(s).

Hi chaps, my latest build is the very beautiful DH108, managed to buy some Esaki tissue aswell today so pretty chuffed. Looking for an FD1 plan if anyone knows of one? Thanks all.

Daniel has asked about the Fairy Delta 1. Hmmm .... A good few years ago, Pete Smart made a Fairy Delta FD 1. I (briefly) wrote about it in an article (here's the link) :

Jet(X) File

Pete only drew up his designs roughly, scribbling over published 3-views so there is no 'plan'.



Above: two of Pete Smart's unique models. The SR 53 (left) and F D. 1 (right) date from 2003.

Also, I seem to remember it was very twitchy if overpowered and I only saw Pete fly it on a couple of occasions. He did find the perfect motor for it - an L-2 LT and we saw at least one wonderful flight:







Above: Pete Smart's F.D. 1 captured at Old Warden in 2003.


Pete was (and is) a prolific maker of unique models but no longer flies jets (sensible chap)!

The F.D. 1 is a prototype definitely worth revisiting (we have stocks of Rapier L-2 LT motors). I can supply a good 3-view of the F.D. 1, but Daniel will have to design a model himself - which might slow him down a bit!