About the time that I started building model aircraft, the PFA, Britain’s home build light aircraft organisation, held its annual rally at Wrougton, and I was able to get close up to a full size Turbulent and shoot off a great deal of film. This gave me a wealth of detail, just the sort of work I enjoy.

I have always been scale orientated whether it is on boats, steam engines or aeroplanes. Despite constant nagging from Sid to watch the weight, I managed to cram a fair amount of detail into the model. John had already established that the Zenoah 38cc petrol engine was a good choice, but being unable to resist the extra coat of paint and a few little extras, it ended up about 4lbs greater than the weight of John’s model, which has made it a bit marginal on power. We found out after a while that my engine was the American conversion and used a slightly smaller bore carb. Anyway after a few close shaves I decided to replace the motor with a Zenoah 45cc which has made the model much more pleasant to fly.

Another change has seen the radio updated from a Fleet to a Multiplex, giving me a little more confidence on the controls, although it will always be a little heavy. Must listen to good advice next time. Repeat after me: All weight is evil……All weight is evil……

I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed building it.

Mike