Introduction - Sopwith Pup Build Project
A little insight into my latest aero modelling venture.
Full Size Sopwith Pup
Like most members in our club I
have spent the last couple of years caught in the updraft of the ARF
invasion. We are all aware of the excellent quality of ARF models
available today and most of us now own a number of these models.
Without doubt much enjoyment can be had flying ARF models, and the time
saving as opposed to building a kit or scratch building is obviously
very attractive. For those of us that have been around modelling longer
than we care to admit, there is a realisation that we may well pass
into a time where the far reaching skills of the model builder may well
be lost. I was 17 years old when I first joined GMAC in 1979, and in
those days much of the time we spent at the field was used to gather
the necessary building tips and hints from our fellow modellers.
These days when a new ARF model takes it's maiden flight it is barely
noticed by the other modellers at the field. Thirty years ago a maiden
flight would bring the entire club to a halt. Your best buddy would
carry out your model and the only sound to be heard would be your pride
and joy idling on the runway. You would say a silent prayer, take a
deep breath, and slowly open the throttle. In the matter of a few
seconds all of your many hundreds of building hours would pass before
your eyes as your new model started it's acceleration down the runway.
Slowly pulling back the elevator stick you would trust that all the
screws were tight, all the glue would hold, all of the thousands of
different building operations you did at 2am in the morning were
correct. As the model lifted it's nose and took to the air you would
pray for altitude and prepare to trim out any building errors. Not a
voice would be heard, all hearts beating as one in support of the
pilot. Then as the model touched down for the first time on the runway
a huge sigh of relief would be released by all, and as the model rolls
to a stop the sound of applause and congratulations would sooth the
nervous trembles of the pilot. In the past, every modeller understood
the emotional investment built into each model.
The intense feeling of satisfaction that is had by building and flying
your own model cannot be achieved with an ARF. I have never seen
anybody shed a tear over a crashed ARF, but I have seen many a hardened
man disappear into the car park for a private moment after crashing a
model he has built himself.
For many years I have built and flown precision aerobatic models,
(Pattern Ships), and over the last ten years (on and off) I have
competed in F3A aerobatics. Most would agree that a Pattern Ship is not
a thing of beauty, it is a precision tool made for a precision job,
none the less there is still an emotion investment of some 250 hours
plus to build a good one.
For me, the challenge to steer a model precisely has been my major
obsession. My many hours of aerobatics practice has provided me with
much enjoyment, but also a significant side benefit, it has allowed me
the opportunity to fly many beautiful scale models built and owned by
other modellers. It is of course interesting to fly the new breed of
ARF models, but nothing surpasses the feeling of being entrusted to
handle the maiden flight, in fact any flight, of a model that was built
by it's owner.
In recent months I have felt the need to start a new project. My
current pattern ship, an Aries ( yes, I bend my head, it's ARF ) is not
in need of replacement, and I must admit I am tired of building pattern
ships anyway. So I started to look around for inspiration.
For many years I have watched in awe as Joe Mathews, a long time member
of GMAC, has flown his assortment of extremely well built models. Many
of Joe's models are of aircraft of the early 1900's era, and close
examination reveals a great depth of skill in replicating the colours
and textures of the aircraft of that time.
My Three Sources of Motivation
The building method of the
aircraft of the WW1 era are somewhat a cross between a box kite, a
tractor, and a piece of antique furniture. Modelling these aircraft
offers the opportunity to not only play with balsa wood and ply but
also many other timbers, as well as the many metal parts, cables, and
fabric and leather. The open cockpits of these aircraft also offer the
opportunity to show off the efforts of a good internal fit out.
As you can guess I have decided
to go for building a WW1 model, the remaining question was which one to
build. In recent years multicylinder engines have become more
affordable and the sound of a radial engine is sweet and unmistakable,
so round nose and lots of cylinders is the go for me.
Having spent much time on the internet hunting plans and kits I finally
decided to build a Sopwith Pup, and as I am getting older and the
eyesight is getting poorer, 30% scale is the size of choice, 2.5 metre
span. For power plant, 90cc Seidel 9 cylinder radial.
As I don't have a great deal of spare time, I don't intend to
burden myself with a build thread as many people do these days. But I
would like to post some progressive build pictures on the GMAC website
for those who are interested in how I go about bringing this aircraft
to life. If anybody has any questions with respect to the model or my
building methods please feel free to ask. I will be pleased to answer
where I can.
Please note, I am not trying to build an exact replica of the full size
aircraft, I am just setting out to build a neat WW1 model achieving as
close to original appearance as my time permits.
When I was an apprentice my master taught me a simple philosophy, in
order to succeed you need three things, a plan, motivation, and
opportunity.
In the photo below, I have tried to capture the three things that have
provided me the motivation to get this job done. I offer a challenge to
see if anybody can identify all three items and explain how they effect
my chances of success in completing this large project.
Regards Lionel
