Welcome to Mike's flying scale model pages



The purpose of this site is to show examples of free-flight flying scale models from the UK, together with (hopefully) useful information, hints and tips for fellow builders. If newcomers to this fine hobby find encouragement here, then so much the better!

My main interest is in traditionally constructed scale models, built using a balsa framework covered in tissue. Motive power is usually electric, CO2 or the traditional rubber strip motor. It is years since I built a model with an internal combustion motor in it - nowadays there seems to be a move towards quieter, more "enviromentally friendly" power units, so CO2 and Electric are becoming more popular, and there are even compressed air power units now available. The appearance in recent years of Rapier solid fuel propulsion units has also lead to an entertaining detour into the wonderful world of small free-flight scale jets.



Recent additions to the site:

04.05.08
  • Report on 2008 Indoor Scale Nationals added

    12.02.08
  • New plan added: "SortaSenator" Bostonian

    19.01.08
  • "On the workbench" updated
  • Events calendar for 2008 added (updated again 26.01.08)

    14.09.07
  • New stuff added to photo gallery 9 and "on the workbench"



  • Contents

    Why free-flight?

    Photos and notes on some of my models

    Photo gallery 1
    Photo gallery 2
    Photo gallery 3
    Photo gallery 4
    Photo gallery 5
    Photo gallery 6
    Photo gallery 7
    Photo gallery 8
    Photo gallery 9
    On the workbench *Updated 19.01.08*

    Guest model pages

    Chris Parent
    Rapier model gallery 1
    Rapier model gallery 2
    Rapier model gallery 3
    Rapier model gallery 4
    Rapier model gallery 5
    Rapier model gallery 6
    John Ernst
    Chris Starleaf

    Reports from flying scale model events

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2004
    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2004 - Part 2
    Eddie Riding Trophy 2004
    Interscale 2004
    Interscale 2004 - part 2
    Indoor scale at Swindon, November 2004

    Indoor scale at Birmingham, February 2005
    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2005
    Eddie Riding Trophy 2005
    Indoor scale at Birmingham, October 2005

    Indoor scale at Birmingham, February 2006
    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2006
    2006 Flying Aces Nationals part 1
    2006 Flying Aces Nationals part 2
    2006 Eddie Riding Trophy

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2007

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2008 *NEW 04.05.08*

    Click here for older reports (1999 - 2003), with lots more pictures

    Techniques

    Hints and Tips
    Step by step guide to masking and spraying markings and insignia
    Attaching wings to biplanes
    Simulating corrugated metal surfaces
    Jetex/Rapier powered models
    Printing German WW1 Lozenge Camouflage onto Tissue
    Moulding your own cockpit canopies
    Canopy forming using a sealant gun
    Build your first flying scale model
    Build your first flying scale jet

    Plan downloads

    Rubber powered scale models *SortaSenator Bostonian added 12.02.08*
    Rapier powered scale jets

    Other stuff

    Nostalgia corner
    Useful addresses
    Events calendar *updated 26.01.08*
    Links
    Who is this Mike bloke anyway?


    2006 Flying Scale Models DVD

    Sorry to say that there will be no 2007 DVD as I simply have not collected enough footage to make it worthwhile this year. This was partly down to the weather but also the fact that we only had one BMFA indoor scale competition instead of three like we used to. I promise to do better in 2008 especially as I am off to Geneseo again for the Flying Aces Club Nationals.

    I can still supply the 2005 and 2006 DVDs if anyone would like them, plus the video CDs from 2002, 2003 and 2004. Here is the description of the 2006 DVD:

    Here we go with another collection of short movies featuring free flight flying scale models in action at various UK events, plus for the first time the Flying Aces Nationals in the USA.

    The move to DVD format last year seemed to have been well received, so I have done the same this year. It should play fine on your PC or Mac, but I cannot give any guarantees how well it will work in your domestic DVD player. The DVD is in region 2 format, so outside Europe, you will most likely not be able to watch the disc on the TV unless you have a multi region player.

    All copies that I send abroad will contain, as well as the DVD, a video CD of the same footage in MPEG format (as I did prior to 2005) so all bases should be covered.

    In terms of content, this is similar to the 2005 DVD, so regulars will know what to expect. As I say every year, don't expect professional quality camerawork - amateur enthusiasm is more the style.

    Indoor scale flying is featured from the BMFA Birmingham meeting in February plus the Indoor Scale Nationals at Nottingham. Outdoor flying is from the Old Warden meetings in May, June and September, the Eddie Riding Trophy at Woodvale, plus as mentioned above, some excellent flights from the Flying Aces Nationals in Geneseo, NY. Running time this year is just under 59 minutes.

    The cost is unchanged from last year at £3.50 including postage and packing to a UK address. You can pay by Paypal to the e-mail address:

    mikeandros@thestuarts.eclipse.co.uk

    or send me a cheque (e-mail me for my postal address). The cost to an overseas address would be £4.00 for Europe and £4.50 anywhere else (including postage and packing).




    Counter reset 04.03.07


    Feel free to E-mail me with comments or suggestions



    Site last updated 4th May 2008