In 2013 Robin was gifted a well-used model through a local Air Training Corps squadron.
After some research Robin discovered that it was a ¼ scale Flair DR1 built from a kit. The wingspan is 73 inches. [Larger versions of the photos can be found in the gallery]
Robin takes up the narritive:
"It was very tatty and so I started by stripping the airframe back to the bare structure to see what I had.
Over the following few months I rebuilt the model and re-designed a lot of it to make it more scale and user friendly.
Changes I made:
- The top 2 wings were one piece on the original, I made the top wing 2 piece and the middle wing 3 piece (with the centre section staying attached to the fuselage) for ease of transport and storage.
- Added suspension to the main undercarriage.
- Added a sprung tailskid.
- Created a cockpit for a full body ¼ scale pilot to sit in.
- Added a moving control column so the pilots arm moves as the controls are moved.
- Multiple repairs to the majority of the airframe.
Controls:
- I used Hitec servos throughout and scale closed loop cable on all control surfaces.
Engine:
- The engine is a glow v-twin 25cc 1.5 cubic inch 4 stroke, home built by my father. It has been a work in progress for some years, with many iterations to get it running smoothly. This is the main reason the aircraft hasn’t flown for many years.
- I have fitted an onboard glow, made by south herts models (no longer in business), that monitors resistance across the glow plug and heats it when required.
Covering:
- The model is covered entirely in solartex.
- I added mock rib stitching to all the wings.
- A new cowl was sourced, which was cut and then embossed using wire wool to create a textured finish.
- Mock leather was used for the cockpit surround to mimic the original.
Design:
- The model finish was designed around the full-size aircraft PH-EBF which is a replica DR1 based in the Netherlands. [Some photos of PH-EBF on JetPhotos.com, Details of the PH-EBF on AirHistory.net]
Finish:
- The aircraft was spray painted using thinned household emulsion paint. This is cheap and easy to acquire in a multitude of colours.
- The graphics and writing were applied using vinyl masks which were specially ordered for the model and allow accurate spraying of these details.
- The model is then finished in Rustins Satin Plastic Floor Coating, a 2 part resin to provide a fuel proof coating."
