My older brother came across these two old photos and thought I might like to have them. They were both built from an Aussie kit called the Mustang Trainer. My much crashed one has the tank mounted on top of the fuselage, while my brother built a cabin version. Thats his tank inside the cabin. Both are good examples of were not to put the fuel tank, but we never had any problems.We flew them on a disused tennis court behind our parents holiday house near Gosford. I guess the pictures were taken very early sixties or late fifties. Any Aussie readers still got a copy of the plan? I'd love to build another one, just for fun...........John

I'll ask around our SAM members for the plan. You never know.

Is that a Tyro with collector ring on the front of your model?

Hi johnvb, that was one of the early "new" Taipan 1.5's. Just been released, it had 1.5 cast on the crankcase, and a locking device on the comp. screw. The cylinder was red anod and screwed into the c/case. The cylinder barrel had flats on the top section, which I recall butchering with a shifter. Most of these I've seen on e*b*y have the same problem. My Dad took pity on me and bought it at Hobbyco in the city, think it cost him about 5 quid. I used it on my next c/l plane which was a Hearns Wirraway scale job. I built it from a plan someone gave me, flew great too. Sadly, the engine has long since vanished. If you could find a copy of the Mustang Trainer plan, that would be great. Peter White in WA has the Taipan Trainer plan, along with many old AeroFlyte and other C/L plans available for sale. You can find him on the Vic Stunt site, which is well worth a look if you're into C/L. Lots of history there.[link]http://www.vicstunt.com/[/link] Not sure of protocol here, hope its OK to post links. Two pics of the Wirraway. That spun alum. cowl cost me a few weeks pocket money!

Great pictures to bring back memories of the early years we did not know any better. How did I know an OK Cub 049A would make a Scientific American Boy nose heavy. It flew and flew until I wore it out. Second one was built adding flaps to the design and performed first loops, same engine. Was balanced a little better. Hope you find your plans. I discovered I still have a complete American Boy in the dungeun. Later, DOC Holliday

Vauxhall (or is it VX90?),

Thanks for the vicstunt site, looks really good. I PM'ed you with a contact in Victoria who may be able to help with the Mustang plan

regards,
JohnVB

PS: Just looking at the Vicstunt site, Peter White lists a plan for an Aeroflyte Mustang. Is that the trainer, or a semi-scale type?

Hi johnvb, I got that PM, I'll get a letter away soon. The Peter White plan is for a small semi scale P-51 stunter. I've already bought a copy from Peter. VX-490, and a Viva, both great 60's Vauxhalls. Hey Doc, get that thing out and fly it, might be suffering from "glue fatigue" though. Getting back into C/L after so long is becoming addictive, I ordered a plan for a Bob Palmer Thunderbird yesterday. ...........John

Don't have to worry about the glue. It is still a complete kit, never started. DOC Holliday