wonwinglo

Soon to be released in line with De Agostini's new range of model builders part-works is a radio controlled flying Spitfire model,the design uses a 40 size engine and a fully built up wooden structure.The manufacturers say that they are expecting a big demand for this model after extensive market research,which will include very detailed building instructions to get her built and flown.The engine will be available as a specially priced issue when required and everything except the radio equipment is included to build the model.
Anyone who has built and flown a Spit will tell you what a joy they are to fly in the right hands and if set up properly,just like the full size the design handles both crisply and capable of some good aerobatics.The manufacturers have been criticised by the BMFA regarding the choice of aeroplane for a part works,ponting out that people must learn to fly first,whist this is very true I look at this project differently and perhaps with more of a positive outlook ! after all the part works will make the model available to many people unable to afford an expensive kit in one go,and above all encourage many to have a go at their first steps at and enjoy model building,I doubt whether a trainer done in a similar fashion would have the same appeal,and would possibly be a disaster for De Agostini,what they have done is to see the potential of this classic popular aircraft and make it available to many.I think that perhaps many will get built but unflown like all similar projects,but I think that they deserve congratulating in seeing a niche to produce this model which certainly will appeal to many.
Look out for intense advertising shortly on television,not sure whether this project is international,they have not commented on this ? keep your eyes open anyway for details of the first issue.

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'And there I was oil on my goggles from a broken pipe,then I looked at the altimeter,all I could see was the makers name !'
www.wonwinglo.scale-models.net/

duncan

I trust the instructions will advise joining a model club and the need for insurance etc etc. No wonder BMFA are worried. International ? Bf 109 for Germany , if its got a swastika on it it`ll sell in UK ! Suppose a Condor Legion one for Spain ? Wonder how many Titanic models were sailed out of the thousands that were started. I think they should stick to publishing.

Kiwi

I agree - Bad Choice!! Still,won't worry me, they're not available here.

wonwinglo

Well without going into the politics of this model the first issue is out,it appears to be no more than a reverse engineered ARTF,the Kyosho one in fact,first issue £1.99 then I think the others are £6.00,what they have done is just break the model down into manageable parts and get you to do the assembly,rather than the mass produced cheap labour imports.
I purchased the Kyosho Spitfire,MDS 40 engine and 4 channel gear for around £175 5 years ago,I flew her until she fell apart and the repairs got the better of her,she handled beautifully and would roll just like the full size machine,certainly not a beginners machine by any stroke of imagination but real fun to fly by someone with a few hundred hours under their belt.
Was intending to do a blow by blow weekly rundown on the construction but I do not think this one is frankly worth it and will give it a miss as it is not worth any energy expending on it,if anyone needs any help just yell out and the issues can be sorted.
This Spitfire training thing is nothing new,when I had the shops people would come in as raw beginneres and place the kit on the counter,as a responsible dealer I would point out the pit-falls of using the Spit as their first model,comparing it to learning to drive in a Mini rather than a Ferrari ! some understood but others still adamant went out with a Spitfire tucked under their arms,its a free country so my gain was their loss,but having said that a future customer is one that listens,and buys the bog standard slabby sided trainer that will give him/her many hours of rough and tumble epoxy consuming pleasurable hours of flying,teach how to set up and start engines,then and only then will they be ready for a low wing trainer ( not even a Spitfire at this stage !) we even gave tuition but some were too proud ( or silly ) to accept that either,there is no easy route to success in flying models,the days of learn to trim out a simple rubber job,progress to simple 2 channel gliders which teach orientation,positioning,distance of a remote object so essential for successful flying,spatial awareness is something that not all of us is second nature,this is a big part of flying a radio model successfully.
There is no short cut,every aspect of modelling and flying is a learning curve to be savoured but certainly not hurried.Just as we now learn how to get the best from our computer and learn from each other,flying is the same with different skills,my advice to anyone is not to give in,your first crash is all part of the essential process,it should not deter you but spur you on to not give the wrong signal again ! Many happy hours of building & flying pleasure will finally come your way.

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'And there I was oil on my goggles from a broken pipe,then I looked at the altimeter,all I could see was the makers name !'
www.wonwinglo.scale-models.net/

George

Remember this companies record for not completeing part works in the past. This aswell as the likely cost IF they do complete

wonwinglo

Yes that is a disgraceful practise George,if the sales drop off then they axe the completion of the magazines,apparently it has happened with a dolls house project in the past,it 'could' possibly happen with this project,who knows ? it is certainly something to take into consideration.

__________________
'And there I was oil on my goggles from a broken pipe,then I looked at the altimeter,all I could see was the makers name !'
www.wonwinglo.scale-models.net/

George

it has also happened to one of their other model boat projects. There was a letter written to Marine Models about the missing parts. Chris Jackson soon let the sender know that MMI were not involved in any way

wonwinglo

*** That will give any company a bad reputation George,although there have been some faulty parts with the Red Baron project the girls at Hachette are always helpful and supply replacements by return of post,but to cut a project dead and leave people high and dry is just not on,I am surprised that anyone will buy models from them after that ? what they should do is give assurances that no matter how sales decline they are honoured to carry on until the end.

__________________
'And there I was oil on my goggles from a broken pipe,then I looked at the altimeter,all I could see was the makers name !'
www.wonwinglo.scale-models.net/

Glider Guider

Have a look at the "Construction of the Fuselage" video on

http://www.deagostini.co.uk/spitfire/construct.php

and see if you can spot the error.

wonwinglo

*** They show the left side being started but state the right ! not a very good start Dave.

__________________
'And there I was oil on my goggles from a broken pipe,then I looked at the altimeter,all I could see was the makers name !'
www.wonwinglo.scale-models.net/