Prototypes worth modelling-The Tipsy monoplane series.

**wonwinglo** · 07-12-2005

TIPSY TRAINER.
Avions Tipsy in Belgium,and Tipsy company Ltd in the UK were companies that were established in the 1930's to build unique light aircraft which were designed by the brilliant designer E.O.Tips,these were formerly manufactured by Avions Fairey.
The aircraft were only built in very small numbers,designated the Tipsy S.2 single seater monoplane,the B & B2 monoplanes seating two in a side by side open cockpit,and the Tipsy M,a monoplane trainer with tandem cockpits beneath a continuous transparent canopy,this was powered by a Gipsy Major powerplant.

Tipsy Trainer 1 G-AFSC operated by the Armstrong Siddeley flying club at Baginton during the fifties and mid sixties.

After World War 2 Avions Fairey attempted to manufacture and re-establish themselves as aircraft constructors,the Tipsy Belfair was a cantiler low wing monoplane of wooden plywood and spruce construction,undercarriage was enclosed in a spatted pant called a speed fairing and the structure was covered in lightweight fabric.The enclosed cabin provided accomodation for two people with a central pass-over type of control column,duplicated rudder pedals made it possible to fly the aircraft from either seat.

Powerplant: one 62 hp Walter Mikron inverted inline piston engine.
Performance:Maximum level speed-110 mph.
Cruising speed-99 mph.
Service ceiling-19,685 feet.
Range-466 miles.
Weights:Empty-540 lbs.
Maximum take off weight-1,102 lbs.
Dimensions:Wingspan-31 feet 2 inches.
Length-21 feet 8 inches.
Height-5 feet,7 inches.
Wing area-129.17 square feet.

As a model subject the little Tipsy monoplanes would make excellent subjects,the boxy fuselage with stringered upper decking coupled with a delightful wing platform would ensure a steady flying model,be careful not to ower power her as the original was fitted with a small economical powerplant that was adequate for the tasks of training and cross country flying.The wing slots are best left sealed as they can present aerodynamic problems to such a small scale,the cantilever undercarriage would be best sprung aft where it fits the wingspar with a small slot underneath the wing to avoid damage to the structure.
An inverted four-stroke neatly cowled would fit the bill nicely.

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