Build your first flying scale model - Appendix 2 - The Tru-Flite range of kits
Here is the full range of Veron Tru-Flite kits, scanned from a leaflet included in an original kit. I used to spend hours poring over this list working out which
one I would spend my pocket money on next week. They represented good value, though accuracy was variable, and budgetary constraints
meant the biggest wheels you ever got were 1" diameter (which looked particularly silly on the WW1 types) and the props were
pathetic little things which, if you used the thick rubber band provided, gave a power run of about 10 seconds
(if you were lucky!) Moulded cockpit canopies were also a no-no - you had to use flat acetate sheet.
Having said all this, if you build any of these designs today, using light wood, a decent prop with proper removable nose
block, and modern rubber, they can
be made to fly well - a tribute to the soundness of the designs. Just remember to put 1.5 inch wheels on the WW1 designs - they look so much better. Lindsey Smith can supply lightweight vac-form examples that
are just right (see useful addresses page).
The Tiger Moth, Sopwith Triplane, Luscombe Sedan and our featured Comper Swift in particular are outstanding performers. Both my Jodel Bebe's have been excellent fliers as well.
If you want to order any of the plans (complete with printwood patterns) from Phil Smith, they cost just £1.50 each. Postage to a UK address is 40p for up to 3 plans and 60p up to six.
Phil's address is: 32 Verwood Crescent, Southbourne, Bournmouth, BH6 4JE