Large Model Association Forum

Now that all my summer show models are checked over and flight tested---I have started to look at my next project---this is a real unusual one and only one full size surviving in the museum at Southampton----the model came from the late Doug Rigbys collection---its a Saunders Roe "Squirt"---it will be powered by a Merlin 160 and it will be test flown initially with a dolly to enable it to fly off a runway before water testing

Looks great in the photos Dave, ahem, Now you and Doc Mitchell have something in common, he is into the full size Bluebird of the late Sir Donald Campbell, which used one of the engines from the saunders rowe,

Doug consulted me about wing sections, incidences, etc., when he first started this project and I suggested that he stick to the fullsize as 'Winkle' Brown - who incidentally was nearly drowned when it capsized on landing after hitting a log - said it was a remarkably good flyer and fully aerobatic.

Possibly a candidate for the most ugly jet aircraft ever constructed but, nonetheless, will be an intriguing new shape in the skies this season and no doubt in Dave's hands fitting testimony to Doug, rest his soul ........

PS yes, indeed, Maestro Cantwell, powered by the Metropolitan-Vickers 'MetroVic' Beryl, the first British axial- compressor jet engine of some 3,800lb thrust and selected by Campbell/Norris Bro's for the original Bluebird 1955-66.

Well I agree on one thing it is "UGLY"!!!

Looks as if you might need a bilge pump
Phil Clark and his Sea Dart project know all about pumping water out of seaplanes

Hi Dave
looked at this aircraft sometime ago , wondered if anyone would model it !! here is a video link of the full size, this is being flown by that well known "Winkle Brown " chappie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmSaWXHuPbw

Thanks for the link Dave----it may be ugly but that's spurred me on to getting it flying----not much more to do so was hoping to have it ready for Catton garden party

Don't forget that CYPARIS is water resistant

Well I have decided its new name is the UGLY DUCK, Quack, Quack!!! what a monstrosity it’s make the Beardmore Inflexible look pretty.

With the awfull weather over this last weekend---and with all my summer show models now checked over and tidied away for the winter---the Squirt is back in the workshop---and yesterday saw the brackets made and the Turbine fitted----I just need to finish the wiring and plumbing this week ,and that just leaves the C/G checking and a final overall weight-----it was registered on the over 20kg scheme but it looks like it may be just under----

It Flies!!

The strange craft took to the skies today at Cadishead. Fearless Leader says it's a pussycat and is looking forward to unleashing it on to the unsuspecting public at next years shows.
Here is a link to the video of the maiden take off and first part of the flight which was remarkably uneventful. Well done Doug and Dave.

https://youtu.be/SlhL7Akf-64

Well it finally flew today---weight checked with a 1kg chunk of lead at 19.6 kg for first flights,but after trimming and confidence gained---all lead was removed so it came out at 18.6 total flying weight----flew really good,something completely different and a completely different jet noise from the Bifurb pipe---will spend some time tidying up now and a fresh coat of paint and roundels etc---Videos to follow when they have been downloaded

Brilliant , Doug Rugby's brother will be made up to see it finally fly

Here you go a short vid of the test fight.

https://youtu.be/uFkMTJl4h6c

Congrats Dave, when we both went looking at this unique airframe, we both could see dougys genius ideas, and that is very much work in progress, brilliant you have cracked it! But i would like to have been there

That looks and sounds great, let me know next time you are going to fly it... I would love to have seen it
The next big test will be flying it off water then???
Just have to find a suitable lake close by!
David

Fantastic! I love that aircraft, well done Boss!
Cary

Its great to see that not everyone think its Ugly----I think it has Character and I was most impressed with the flying--not that I had any doubt---all Dougs creations flew well----so much so that its been in the workshop all day having a makeover---its all matted down and a few dings filled---hopefully it will get a new coat of paint and some decals in next week or so----

I even liked the Supermarine Dumbo, i am easily pleased

The makeover is well underway---the complete model has been matted down and several dings etc filled ----the paint arrived yesterday so today I have sprayed all underneath sections----