Welcome to Mike's flying scale model pages



The purpose of this site is to show examples of free-flight flying scale models mainly from the UK, together with 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 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:

26.01.12
  • Photo gallery 10 updated
  • On the workbench updated

    16.10.11
  • Jetex Tailored Skyray build article added (nostalgia corner)
  • Photo gallery 10 updated
  • On the workbench updated

    29.07.11
  • Chapter 11 of "Build your first flying scale jet" added
  • On the workbench updated

    14.06.11
  • 2011 BMFA Indoor Scale Nats report added
  • Photo gallery 10 updated




  • 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
    Photo gallery 10 *UPDATED 26.01.12*
    On the workbench *UPDATED 26.01.12*

    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
    2008 Flying Aces Nationals part 1
    2008 Flying Aces Nationals part 2

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2009

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2010
    2010 Flying Aces Nationals part 1
    2010 Flying Aces Nationals part 2

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2011*NEW 14.06.11*

    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 *UPDATED 29.07.11*
    Masking and spraying camouflage patterns using a cheap airbrush

    Plan downloads

    Rubber powered scale models
    Rapier powered scale jets

    Other stuff

    Kit reviews
    Nostalgia corner*JETEX TAILORED SKYRAY BUILD ADDED 16.10.2011*
    Useful addresses
    2011 Events calendar
    Links
    Who is this Mike bloke anyway?




    Counter reset 04.03.07


    Feel free to E-mail me with comments or suggestions

    Site last updated 26th January 2012