I couldn't stay long at the Berlingo event mentioned yesterday, because I wanted to pack another in on the same day. This time the static display by the Large Model Association, just down the road at the motor museum, Gaydon.
As usual, the halls were full of massive model aircraft, and the quality, if not quantity, was a good as ever. Pride of place (just) had to go to the Jet Provost seen above. A proper scale model that would be impressive enough on it's own, but this is a flying model. You'd a be a brave pilot to take it up in the air though, as at some point, you have to aim it at the gound for a landing.
You might think this is an expensive hobby to get in to, but with a Bever high-wing monoplane ARTF kit coming in at under £300, it's not too bad. Bargain of the day though, had to be this Flying Fortress.
Offers around £6500. That's a lot of aeroplane for your money. A lot of aeroplane that flies, and has the appropriate certification from the CAA. Some paint and detailing is "all" that would be required. I wasn't tempted, don't do military stuff, but I would understand anyone else being.
2 comments:
Yes, the model JP is impressive just as a static item! I have a particular affinity for it as Jet Provosts were part of my “soundtrack” for a few years in the 1970s. I recognised the blue tail flash as depicting one of The Poachers display team that were based at RAF College Cranwell in the 1970s — I saw them at the annual RAF Finningley air display once or twice. All gone now, except for Cranwell.
These big working model aircraft are so impressive when one considers the amount of engineering calculation that has to go into their design and construction for them to work.
A bit more involved than an Airfix Spitfire I dare say, particularly as they have to be certified by the CAA before they can be played with / flown.
Here is a link to a youtube video of a large scale jet powered model Concorde doing its thing, landing safely must be both satisfying and a relief in equal measure!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zGeVSAHeuk
I am not sure if the model passengers appreciated the barrel roll though ...
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