Read how to build the float including the unique pivoting mount
View/Purchase Folded Depron Float Plan
Recently, I met a few guys who fly free flight models off the water in Southern Vermont. They spoke of 2 minute flights with rubber powered models on floats. One of them, Jim Woolnough, had developed a spring loaded pivoting float that enabled his rubber models to ROW consistently at less than max winds.
I had to know more and give this a try.
Continue reading “Build A Simplified Folded Depron Foam Float”
Final assembly and details. Landing gear, noseplug & prop assemblies. We’re ready to fly!
View/Purchase Miles M.18 24in Wingspan Plan
Hi all, it’s a new year. Hope your 2021 is going well so far.
Things slowed down a bit over the holidays, but our modelers have finished their Miles M.18 models and they’re ready to fly. In this update, we’ll touch on details, final assembly, noseplug assembly and specifications. This will be our last build update.
Tissue covering & markings, Cowling and Landing Gear installation – we’re closing in on finishing this model!
Well, it’s been about a month since we’ve started building our 24inch wingspan Miles M.18 rubber powered flying scale models. Already, we’ve got a couple of ships nearly ready for that first test glide.
Our modelers continue to improvise a bit as they go, and as always it’s interesting to watch this play out.
Wing construction, Fuselage construction Part 2 and the first Trial Assembly
Another two weeks have passed (4 weeks total) and the builders are making good progress. All three are experienced modelers and are making minor modifications from the plan as they proceed. Such is the attraction of scratch building – the builder has the freedom to inject their own preferences into the build.
Join in on the build and/or share positive thoughts via the Comment Forum.
It’s been two weeks since we announced this online build and we’ve got 3 folks building the 24in wingspan Miles M.18 Mk2 free flight rubber scale model. Two modelers are on the East Coast and one in the Pacific Northwest. All have completed the tail framework, one has constructed the wing and two have made solid progress on fuselage construction. We’ll share some to-date pics along with some of the techniques employed so far.
A Vermont modeler’s experience flying free flight rubber models off the water
I have always been interested in the many aspects of model airplane aviation. Last year I was talking to some modeling friends who were recalling days of flying rubber powered, Mylar covered planes off of water. My friends called it ROW/LOW (rise off water/ land on water), or ROLO for short. I realized this was something I would like to try.
Continue reading “Free Flight Rise Off Water, Land On Water Flying”
A photo essay with commentary on the Gee Bee R-1 build, plus a test flight video. This Gee Bee flies!
The R-1 has been on my Free-Flight (FF) build list for years. It is such an icon for aviation buffs- with its winning history and dramatic color scheme. As this ship moved up my build list, I began to reacquaint myself with the airplane and its history.
A short photo essay with commentary on the Q.E.D. wing rebuild
I recall the anticipation of the first test glides of my Gee Bee Q.E.D. model more than 20yrs ago in the back yard of our first house. In the time between then and now, this model – I know, it’s not really a Gee Bee (see post) – has been flown hard in fair weather and poor, placing in its share of contests and even winning a few. And I must admit to a crash or two along the way.
