Ivy and Martin's Web Page
Sopwith F1 Camel
1/6 scale
Engine: O.S. fs120
Wingspan: 56in.
Weight: 8lb.
The model represents Camel No. B6234, operated by No. 3 Squadron, Royal
Flying Corps in 1917. This aeroplane was
brought down intact behind German lines and its pilot taken prisoner.
Structure: The fuselage is a spruce frame covered with fabric. The wings
have spruce spars with 3/32in balsa ribs.
The tailplane and fin are built-up balsa structures. All fabric covering
is Japanese silk.
This model was built from a V.K. kit. This is a very close to scale
design and I made a few slight modifications to
outlines etc. to bring it exactly into line with a good set of scale
drawings.
Flying characteristics: The full-size camel had a nasty reputation for
instability. The model does not reflect this at all
being stable and easily controlled. All the basic aerobatic manoeuvres
are possible and it may even be steered on rudder without using the ailerons.
Landings are tricky due to the tall, narrow track undercarriage. On grass
it is easy to tip it over. The covering causes problems. I used silk to
keep it light, but found that the slightest flexing of the structure (such
as happens when the model noses over) caused the silk to split in several
places. This leads to constant repair work to fabric and paintwork.
First flown in 1982 this model won a few prizes at scale fly-ins. It was for a few months exhibited in the Manchester Air and Space Museum (now the air and space gallery of the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry).
Current status: Sold some years ago through a model shop. Present whereabouts unknown.
Sopwith Camel D1851 |
Sopwith Camel F6314 |
| Back to Martin's Models | Main Index | MartinPhotos | Email Martin |
