post-box

ModelFlight #45 takes Tore down Memory Lane . . .

Dear Reg!

Thank you for the new nice edition of ModelFlight. Thank you for publishing the article and pictures from the Old-timers meeting in Påldalen´!

The opening screen pictures are amazing. I was especially glad to see my old friend Hercules C130 (last issue). Many years ago I visited Lockheed´s maintenance base in Europe, Marahall of Cambridge in England, and negotiated a maintenance contract for our six Swedish C130´s.

My finest memory was visiting the church of St Ann's College, where the pupils' choir was singing medieval choruses.

Tore Loodin
(Stockholm, Sweden)

Tony Whiteley flies by the seat of his pants . . .

Hi Reg,

Just thought you may be interested to see what I was doing last night . . .

I e-mailed my pictures to a friend in America and he was "shocked" to see the way I fly my Piccolo. I have a degenerative heart disease and find 'reclining' my most comfortable position.

I'd never thought there was anything 'unusual' about the way I fly - but maybe there is.

I also fly normal fixed wing (weather and health permitting) and 'recline' in a collapsible chair complete with foot-rest when doing so. Maybe this is worth a picture too. I'll arrange one if you're interested.

I enjoyed the latest edition, by the way - keep up the good work.

First of all, nice to hear from you Tony - glad you enjoy ModelFlight. (Tony was welcomed as a new name on the mailing list on the last issue). Yes, please, let's see your flying field position!

Despite the reasons for it, I think Tony's flying position does look unusual, deceptively relaxed and rather comfy! The little dog is Gini, by the way!

Nice to hear from Keith Kingsbury after his profile appeared on #45:

Hi'ya Reg,

Hello from sunny Wales (makes a change although it's a bit gloomy here this morning, what with the rain and the rugby score yesterday!).

Just to let you know that my repairs to the Twin Star using the foam was a complete success and she took to the skies again yesterday. If anyone wants to know how to use the foam for bonding, I will welcome any E-mails. It can also be used for bonding balsa.

Derek (Morgan) and myself were wondering if you had the Welsh flag to add to the page as we hadn't seen it since we joined, or do you use the Union Jack for all UK lists? This is not a criticism, honest, it's just we're very patriotic and like to see the old dragon fluttering away. If any of the other members far afield want to E-mail me just for a chinwag, they're very welcome.

I also have a question about the Twin Star, if anyone can help. I recently fitted a Graupner prop to my Alpha 180 as recommended by a member and it made a big difference and I was wondering if there was an alternative I could fit to the Twinstar, as on very calm days I find it difficult to maintain height without using full power which means shorter flights, or is it just my inexperience? Any help would be gratefully received.

Anyway, time to go to work, I am really enjoying your web-site and look forward to future issues.

Bye for now, Take care, Keith.

Well done on your Twin Star, Keith! If anyone wants to make contact with Keith, his e-mail address is kkings@thurston75.fsnet.co.uk

On the question of your flag, I decided to keep to the Union Flag at the top of this page to reflect all UK contacts to avoid causing any offence in any politically sensitive areas - unlikely, and silly of me, perhaps, but that's the reason. However, on this very issue of ModelFlight, and before receiving your e-mail, I had already put two copies of the Welsh flag on the SWSA banner on club scene as it is clearly so appropriate for a Welsh club!

Here's what our Twin Star 'consultant', Derick Veliz, says on Keith's prop question:

"I'm a little confused with the question. Twin Star from Multiplex flies more than better with two (2) Speed 400 direct drive motors and 4.9-4.3 plastic props (the ones used by Wingo, standard version, and Zaggis). Some guys have 480 or even 450 Turbo with the same props; performance is better but lowers flying time!
Using a geared motor is a good choice too (2.33:1 and 7x6, 8x4 plastic props) but TwinStar is not a slow flyer, so the twin Speed 400 direct drive is very good. Even using heavy batteries like mine (8cellx1600) and the extra 7oz of a 35mm camera it will fly perfectly well for 8-12 minutes with a 3.5 pound airplane. My Twin Star can fly in 20 mph winds with no problem and from what I know, any prop in the rage of 5x4, 5x5, 6x3, 6x4 will work fine!"

Thank you, Derick. Coincidentally, there's some more of Derick's photography - both aerial and terrestrial! - on photo gallery and hotchpotch and news of his latest project on work in progress.

I can't fully answer Derek Morgan's question

. . . but I know a man (or two) who CAN . . .

Hi again Reg,

Keith and myself have just been given a FOX 19 two stroke petrol engine ( full working order ).

It's our intention to build a plane to put it on. Have you ever heard of Fox and is there any way we can find out what the power rating is and what size prop we should run on it? Having established that, could we then find out what the approximate weight of the plane overall should be for it to be efficient?

Hope to hear from you

All the best

Derek.

From what little I've heard, Fox engines are regarded as unique and pretty special by Fox devotees! They are still being made by Fox Manufacturing, a USA company, although I don't see the '19' amongst their current models.

The answers to your questions, though, are far beyond my technical knowledge and capabilities, but I think I've found a couple of real experts who should certainly be able to answer your queries.

The two guys in question are to be found at Fliteline Solutions - http://www3.telus.net/fliteline/index.html Here they have a site dedicated to Fox engines and containing heaps of information, manuals, and accumulated knowledge available for like-minded enthusiasts! Their site refers to two ranges of Fox engines with a '19' in the model type, although they sound like glow-engines rather than petrol, so you will need to establish exactly what you've got, I guess. They do have a page on the site to help you identify what sort of carburettor you've got, I notice. These guys are also happy to take questions on Fox engines, so I suggest you give them a go!

I will be very interested to know how you get on!

Another diesel engine query - this time from Cameron Blair from Newton Abbot in Devon, UK

Hi Reg,

I was wondering if you or any of my fellow enthusiasts could help me with a little problem I have?

I have an old ELFIN 149 which I acquired from my uncle many years ago, and I was wondering if anyone might know if there is anywhere that can supply spares or, alternatively, technical information on this particular model of diesel. I would like to refurbish it to its former glory because it is a lovely little engine.

I would be most grateful if anybody could help.

Our diesel guru, Denis Wolff, says:

"That's one engine I never had. I have Mills (3 off), Amco .87 and later E.D. diesels. In my 1947 book Model Diesels it is not mentioned - nor is the editor's name tho' he thanks Lt.-Col. Bowden and the Earl of Craven (who was he?).

In Peter Fisher's book Collectors Model Aero Engines (1977), he says Elfin engines were made by Aerol Engineering Co., Henry Street, Liverpool. Up to 3 years ago I took a magazine called Collectors Model Engines or some such. It contained ads. from small engineers who repaired old engines. If you find it, let me know. Sorry, none of this is much help - Denis." Thanks, Denis; very interesting even if you didn't feel it helps!

I did find this picture of an Elfin powered 'plane. The picture shows Larry Davidson from E. Northport, N.Y., as he readies his winning Donald Broggini 1940 designed 'Stardust Special' powered by an Elfin 2.5cc (·19) diesel for a free flight launch in the 1998 championships. The picture comes from the Society of Antique Modelers International Web Site (SAMS) from which it might be possible to pick up a lead.

Anybody else able to help, perhaps?