This is my first contribution since joining the LMA and whilst this is not a new build only a refurbishment because of the unusual model and it's history I thought it deserved it's own thread.
The aircraft is around 1/3rd scale model of the Edgley Optica designed by John Edgely and built by Brooklands Aerospace. Unfortunately, back in 1985 two Hampshire police lost their lives whilst flying G-KATY, susbsequent events saw the remaining planes change hands several times. For fuller history see WikiPedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgley_Optica.
Anyway, onto the model and a little bit of its history. This was one of 3 models built for the film Slipstream which was produced in 1989 and starred, amongst others, Kitty Aldridge and Mark Hamill - him of Star Wars fame. From talking to Nigel Nixon - the original builder - one model crashed during filming, one has been sold overseas (USA?) and I have the third. Some shots of the models construction can be seen in the video of "The Making Of Slipstream (1989)" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67WdIRsBks8.
The model in it's original state weighed in at a massive 32Kg, so if I wanted to get it flying again it needing bringing under the 'Over 20Kg' scheme. It has duly been inspected and registered under the scheme and there remains many more inspections and test flights (hopefully) to go. Other specs of the model are wingspan:160", length: 110" and the engine currently fitted is appears to be an old King 150cc 2 stroke (ex strimmer??) with Walbro carbs.
Initial tasks will be to remove the current fibre optics used for the servo signal lines (used to reduce interference from the 27Mhz radios), replace all servo's and rewire everything, install a PowerBox radio system with dual batteries and remove the engine and fuel tanks and, horror of horrors install an electric brushless motor. The latter is being done for several reasons, firstly because the motor is so embedded within the ducting it's a b@##er to start and requires a 2 foot long starting rod, adjustment of carbs is a nightmare and I like the cleanness and ease of use of electrical systems. Choosing the right brushless motor will be based upon the figures gleaned from the current engine and prop combination run on a test bed.
Whilst refurbing the model I'm trying to build up a complete history of it's past, so if anyone can add anything on this it would be most gratefully received.
