models in the making

Let us watch your model in the making, from when you open the kit to air-borne! Don't feel you have to chronicle every step, unless you want to. Just send an occasional picture or two and an explanatory note and we can catch up with your progress from time to time on this page. I reserve the right to select and crop pictures, though, otherwise the page might take too long to download.

NORM KIRTON'S STORM
	Norm Kirton from Western Australia, has been busy building John Rutter's "Storm" from his plans published in the UK magazine RCM&E, and has sent this great portfolio of pics of the build. Norm considers that John Rutter can be pleased with the design. Mr Rutter did say in his text that he thought he'd like to build an inverted engine one, so Norm did just that! The engine is an OS25FSR which is a little more than the 2.5cc motors that the designer tried in his, and this accounts for the model being a little heavier. Norm also used mini Futaba coreless servos instead of micro ones (5 in all); he didn't fit flaps which were optional. The receiver used is a JR R600 RX and Norm had a specially shaped battery made to fit the front bay - he was worried about the CG, but in the event he need not have bothered, he says. Norm has already flown the model and reports that it flies like a dream. No trimming at all, rolls like a corkscrew on full rates (he has to fly mostly on 50% aileron). The plane does beautiful square loops (a hangover from Norm's control line stunt days) and goes vertical with no problems. Notice the Novocastrian Club sticker (Norm's Newcastle, UK club) and the RCM&E sticker on 'tother wing. You will see that Norm also decided to give it a typical control line stunter cowl. The model is painted with 2 part Acrylic Coach paint which comes from the company that Norm works for.

DERICK VELIZ'S CSD RADAR

This is Derick's first kit and we have been watching its progress since the end of October last year. Now it's all finished and Derick reports that it flies very nicely, with take off from grass presenting no problems. Rolls, loops, or just flying around, it's a very nice plane to fly, he says.

As kitted, the landing gear is attached by two little screws which Derick felt were not really strong enough, so he reinforced the landing gear and fitted bigger wheels - looks real tough now, he reckons!

Tec Stuff:
8 cells 1000 Nicad
Super Slim Hitec Receiver
HS-55 servos
Speed 400 6v motor
Olympus gear drive 2.33:1
8-6 slowflyer prop.
about 7 minutes flying!

Congratulations, Derick - we're ready and waiting for your next project now!