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:

27.08.10
  • 2010 Flying Aces Nationals report added

    02.07.10
  • New review added - Small Flying Aeroplanes Albatros D.II plan pack

    29.06.10
  • Two new chapters added to "Build your first jet"
  • Corrected windshield pattern added to EeZeBILT Piper Super Cruiser download (thanks to Paul Bradley for that).

    18.06.10
  • 2010 BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals report added



  • 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
    On the workbench

    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 *NEW 18.06.10*
    2010 Flying Aces Nationals part 1 *NEW 27.08.10*
    2010 Flying Aces Nationals part 2

    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 29.06.10*
    Masking and spraying camouflage patterns using a cheap airbrush

    Plan downloads

    Rubber powered scale models
    Rapier powered scale jets

    Other stuff

    Kit reviews*Albatros D.II plan pack review added 02.07.10*
    Nostalgia corner
    Useful addresses
    2010 Events calendar
    Links
    Who is this Mike bloke anyway?


    2008 Flying Scale Models DVD


    After some delay, and a few technical problems, I am pleased to offer another DVD featuring free flight flying scale models in action at various events in the UK, plus the 2008 Flying Aces Nationals in the USA.

    As with the last two, 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 - it should play fine on your PC or Mac though.

    All copies that I send outside Europe 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 last two DVDs, so regulars will know what to expect. As I say every year, don't expect professional quality camerawork - amateur enthusiasm is more the style. To save potential disappointment, I should point out that there is no "planes behaving badly" section this time, as I did not collect enough crashes on video.

    Indoor scale flying is featured from the BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals in 2007 and 2008 and Outdoor flying is from the Old Warden meetings in May and July, The Peterborough "Flying Aces" meeting, Oxford "Dreaming Spires" meeting and the Flying Aces Nationals in Geneseo, NY. Running time this year is 59 minutes.

    The cost to a UK address is unchanged (again) at £3.50 including postage and packing. You can pay by Paypal using the address:

    ffscale@googlemail.com

    or send me a cheque (e-mail me for my postal address). I have unfortunately had to increase the cost to overseas addresses due to higher postal prices, so the new prices are £4.50 to Europe and £5.00 anywhere else (including postage and packing).

    I can still supply copies of the 2005 and 2006 DVDs if you would like them - prices are the same as the new one. If you want all three, I should be able to save you some postage.




    Counter reset 04.03.07


    Feel free to E-mail me with comments or suggestions



    Site last updated 27th August 2010