In 2000 Andy Wheeler built this beautiful scale model bi-plane from the David Boddington plan and it just evokes pure nostalgia. With a 60-inch wingspan and power from an OS70 Surpass 4 stroke, both in the air and on the ground it looks and sounds so realistic.

Andy is a prolific builder of superb models including bi-planes of all sizes from his "balsa dust factory" and he used Flair wheels, decals and pilot as finishing detail on the Mannock.

The model was test flown at the Avonvale club site and having made the usual pre-flight checks it was pointed into wind. The OS70FS was slowly advanced to 1/2 throttle and she just rolled gently forward and with the merest tad of elevator input she was airborne and climbing straight and level into the breeze. The massive downthrust on the grossly over powered OS70FS was a wise decision.

An aileron right turn was input with no discernible effect so rudder was added and she responded by turning with far more confidence than the test pilot!

A circuit was flown and an immediate landing called to adjust the aileron throws from those on the plan to double!

The next flight was pure textbook with nothing to report other than the gorgeous sound of the 4 stroke and the sight of a superb bi-plane cruising around as on evening patrol over the western front.

In these days of "almost ready to fly" models it's a delight to see a model crafted from sheets of balsa and an old fashioned plan in the time honoured way. No "ARF" could ever approach such realism or detail.

By the look of those daisies though, Andy must have a very patient and understanding wife!

Andy Wheeler 160501