Welcome to Mike's flying scale model pages



Thanks to Andy Sephton for the header photo - me and my Robinson Redwing at the 2019 BMFA Indoor Scale Nats.

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 a few years ago of Rapier solid fuel propulsion units also lead to an entertaining detour into the wonderful world of small free-flight scale jets.



Latest updates

09.10.23
  • On the workbench updated
  • Photo Gallery 15 added

    20.06.23
  • Report on the 2023 BMFA Indoor Free Flight Scale Nationals added

    02.02.23
  • On the workbench updated
  • Photo Gallery 14 updated

    05.01.23
  • Report on the 2022 International Indoor Fly-In, Nijmegen 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
    Photo gallery 11
    Photo gallery 12
    Photo gallery 13
    Photo gallery 14
    Photo gallery 15 *New 09.10.23*
    On the workbench *Updated 09.10.23*

    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

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2012
    2012 Flying Aces Nationals part 1
    2012 Flying Aces Nationals part 2

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2013

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2014
    2014 Flying Aces Nationals part 1
    2014 Flying Aces Nationals part 2

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2015

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2016
    2016 Flying Aces Nationals part 1
    2016 Flying Aces Nationals part 2

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2017
    International Indoor Fly In 2017, Nijmegen, part 1
    International Indoor Fly In 2017, Nijmegen, part 2

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2018
    2018 Flying Aces Nationals part 1
    2018 Flying Aces Nationals part 2
    International Indoor Fly In 2018, Nijmegen

    BMFA Indoor Scale Nationals 2019
    International Indoor Fly In 2019, Nijmegen

    BMFA Indoor Scale Free Flight Nationals 2022
    International Indoor Fly In 2022, Nijmegen

    BMFA Indoor Scale Free Flight Nationals 2023*NEW 20.06.23*


    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
    Masking and spraying camouflage patterns using a cheap airbrush
    Building a Dave Rees style wing
    Indoor Foam Scale Models - how to build and fly them
    A simple jig system for making radial engine cowlings
    Decorating a model using painted decal sheet
    Glossary of Aeromodelling Terms

    Plan downloads

    Rubber powered scale models
    Rapier powered scale jets
    Veron Combi-kit plans
    Skyleada scale glider plans
    Mercury Sirocco plan


    Other stuff

    Preparing Documentation for Scale Competitions
    Kit reviews
    Nostalgia corner
    Useful addresses
    2022 Events Calender
    Links
    Who is this Mike bloke anyway?



    Feel free to E-mail me with comments or suggestions

    Site last updated 9th October 2023

    Counter reset 04.03.07