Prototypes worth modelling-The De Havilland Tiger Moth.

**wonwinglo** · 29-09-2004

One of the most delightful little aeroplanes that I have flown and maintained was the Tiger Moth,these little biplane trainers that gave such sterling service in training pilots throughout the world,and many indeed still operating today are really like overgrown models,as a model subject you just cannot go wrong and if you dont mind building those extra set of wings then why not have a go and build one for your fleet ?
The general proportions even down to the tail areas scale down pretty well to a variety of model sizes,over the years there have been a variety of kits and plans published a few of which are mentioned here,whether you build a small electric example for the local park or a quarter scale Duncan Hutson kit the choice is all yours.
Veron did an excellent small flying rubber model and a few kits are still around in the shops,the model flies as presented with little if no modification.
Practical scale did a first class kit of parts including the awkward to make items but at a price,although the kit is no longer available in the UK as I understand the company moved to Germany,perhaps worth a look on the net ?
Complete-A-Pak did a very good plan for the Tiger Moth and this one flies very well,not sure if they are still in existance but there must be scores of drawings still around untouched.
Aeromodeller plans service did C.Rupert Moores rubber driven version and later the Aeromodeller staff got together and produced their own version for free flight power,this can be easily modified to take lightweight radio gear.
Duncan Hutson as mentioned above does either a complete kit of parts or plans to make up a superb quarter scale model,it even has scale rib taping and a first class corrugated fuel tank.
Whatever your choice or inclinations the good old Tiger Moth makes a good subject for your first true scale model.

29-09-2004

Tiger Moth,
If you are looking for a different look try the Canadian Version with closed hood

duncan · 29-09-2004

Wasnt there an Aussie version too ?

**wonwinglo** · 29-09-2004

Yes to both questions,the Canadian Tigers had the luxury of a cabin heater in that enclosed cockpit,the Australian Tigers were mostly made by De Havilland Australia and had tail wheels in place of the normal tail spoon,most UK Tiger Moths were built by Morris Motors at Birmingham,those wartime shadow factories must have worked flat out,it has always intrigued me how a single aircraft type can be made in so many different places throughout the world under licence production,they must have made up several sets of tooling and jigs to achieve this ? anyone know any more on this aspect ?

30-09-2004

I think that there also a version with floats. The RN had the queen bee target aircraft which was based I think on the Tiger Moth

**wonwinglo** · 30-09-2004

The floatplane is G-AIVW operated by the Tiger club George,just remembered the Complete-a-pak plan has float plans attached to make this very machine.
If you want a good read then try-The Tiger Moth story,by Alan Bramson & Neville Birch,SBN 902853 00 7.

duncan · 30-09-2004

I think the float equiped Moth met a watery end a few years ago, dont know if it was rebuilt. An earlier Moth on floats was used on the RRS Discovery in the Antarctic,brave pilot. Strange to think of a steam and sail ship with an aircraft. Other `30s biplane trainers worth modelling...how about the contempory Stampe V5(?) and Bucker Jungmeister and Jungmann ? They did same job for French and German air forces and their allies. Some would argue better than the British Tiggie.

Malcolm Fisher · 25-11-2004

Don't forget the Veron version.

Kits no longer around but the plan is available from Phil Smith.

I'm currently building one from that plan.

Good plan and should make a good model.

Original used some vac moulded parts - again no longer available - I'm having fun trying to replace these with other materials.

Malcolm