Ian & P51B Mustang  |
Ian Peters is 35 lives in Teynham and works as a lorry driver. He's been flying radio control model aeroplanes since the age of 7, taught by his father.
Ian is no stranger to bigger models which include having built and flown a 10' wingspan B17, 102' wingspan P51B and most recently a 1/3 scale Sopwith Pup with 108" wingspan from the Balsa USA kit.
His latest project is his most ambitious todate. Building a 1/3 scale MkII Spitfire (12ft wingspan) from his own design. Early in 2006 he began drawing plans.
The biggest surprise has been how quickly it has gone together, within a year the plans and a large part of the construction have been completed. There is the possibility of the maiden flight towards the end of summer 2007 powered by a 80cc flat twin Zenoah petrol engine and Ian intends to make his own variable pitch propellor system.
The covering will be aluminium using 'metalcoat' from Mick Reeves with a home made little 'rivet' maker for scale detail. As a precaution against the ally 'blocking' the signal the Spitfire will have twin receivers and aerials.
Wings built but not covered , all control surfaces attached
Ian is 6' 2" tall so you get an idea of scale
The Spitfire Taking Shape
The maiden flight is going to be something to see. A future Wet Weekend issue will report on the outcome.
Ian Peters Email 