Hi All,
These are all models – believe it or not. The Lightning is one of the most realistic models I’ve ever seen. Through the viewfinder it looked real – hairs standing on the back of the neck time.
I’ll bet the Bearcat colour scheme might have one or two looking at their FAA reference books – no the FAA didn’t have any Bearcats. The guy who owns the model didn’t want the usual dark blue colour scheme.
The Vulcan – that’s just massive! Until you see it close up you can’t imagine the size of it – 20ft wingspan.
Cheers,
Neil
By: neilly - 31st December 2012 at 16:48
Thanks, Ant. I don’t have much info on the HP42. I know its 1/8th scale, so I guess the wingspan is around 12′. I should’ve given Ian (the guy who built it) an information sheet but forgot – so I’m waiting for an e-mail from him with more details. I’ll let you know more info., soon.
As for the Lightning – you’re right. Everything about the model is correct. There was an old boy watching who worked on them for nearly 20 years and he said he’d never seen such an accurate model of the Lightning.
Cheers,
Neil
ps I’ll try and dig out some Tempest V pics.:)
NH
By: Ant.H - 31st December 2012 at 14:07
Great stuff again Neilly, thanks for these. That Lightning does look the bees knees, as ofcourse does the Vulcan. The Lightning even appears to have the correct undercarriage retraction sequencing! (ie. nosewheel last)
Could you tell us a bit more about the HP.42?
By: neilly - 31st December 2012 at 12:47
No safety chutes used in this country on large models – as for the USA or any other country for that matter, I don’t know. Never seen or read anything about the use of safety chutes on large models, but that doesn’t mean they’re not being used, somewhere.
The weight of the Vulcan is right at the maximum top end of the LMA/CAA exemption scheme. However, for its size and weight it literally ‘floats’ off the ground. The wing sections are all actual scale Vulcan chords which probably accounts for this. The model flew beautifully in the strong wind conditions which were around 20mph for most of the day.
Neil
By: AlanR - 31st December 2012 at 10:50
I wonder if any of these models employ a “safety-chute”. Which I believe is
a stipulation on models flying in the US ? Or maybe just those over a certain size ?
By: neilly - 31st December 2012 at 10:36
Thanks guys. Alan, the models, apart from the Vulcan, are all weathered. The Lightning is very realistic. The silver paint used on it should have a lacquer over it – to protect it from dirt. So, any dirt stains stick to the paint. The Vulcan is very new and has taken quite a long time to build. This year its planned to fly it in the white finish then repaint it at the end of 2013 into the colour we’re used to seeing XH558 in.
Happy New Year to all,
Neil
By: Wyvernfan - 31st December 2012 at 09:02
Nice photos. The Bearcat is a resourceful and refreshing change in that scheme, regardless of authenticity. And the Vulcan, well, just stunning. Would love to see that.
Rob
By: AlanR - 30th December 2012 at 23:59
Excellent models and pictures.
Although they could do with some weathering to add to their realism.
Sign In
December 30, 2012 at 10:30 pm