Vampire
08-22-2005 | 10:20 AM
#26
RE: Vampire
re WD40: My friends booms are fixed to the centre section however, the outward part of the wings are detachable though. Mind you he has a large Landrover were he could haul the plane. No problem with that. Come to think of it, I doubt it if the twin booms could be come apart. I think I would rather stick to a one-piece design. Furthermore, a good book which I recommend you to get is the WARPAINT Series no. 27 entitled de Havilland Vampire by W.A. Harrison. The book has a wealth of color scheme for both single and twin versions.
re David Gladwin: Yes you are correct Dave! Vampires flew from both Hal-Far airfield (S.E. side of the island) and from Ta Qali airfield (center of the island) too. Unfortunately, Hal-Far airfield has been lost to manufacturing industries and Ta Qali is almost lost too. We are fortunate that we occupy the lateral part of the runway and lucky for us we also have the Malta Aviation Museum five minutes away from our field. We do have a twin seat Vampire at the museum. Any connection with Malta, Dave?
BTW, Nony has been kind enough to try and place the video online. I emailed it to him and hopefully it will be available.
Nice flying characteristics and a credit to its model designer, the builder without excluding Mr. De Havilland himself!
re David Gladwin: Yes you are correct Dave! Vampires flew from both Hal-Far airfield (S.E. side of the island) and from Ta Qali airfield (center of the island) too. Unfortunately, Hal-Far airfield has been lost to manufacturing industries and Ta Qali is almost lost too. We are fortunate that we occupy the lateral part of the runway and lucky for us we also have the Malta Aviation Museum five minutes away from our field. We do have a twin seat Vampire at the museum. Any connection with Malta, Dave?
BTW, Nony has been kind enough to try and place the video online. I emailed it to him and hopefully it will be available.
Nice flying characteristics and a credit to its model designer, the builder without excluding Mr. De Havilland himself!
08-22-2005 | 10:36 AM
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From: DundasOntario, CANADA
RE: Vampire
Would it be possible to directly contact your friend ? Seeing how nice the model looks is a real inspiration . This thread has now gotten me excited to get back to work !!
Marc
Marc
08-22-2005 | 10:43 AM
#30
RE: Vampire
Marc,
Just contacted my friend on his cell phone and informed him of this thread. I hope he would be able to butt in later on this evening to answer any querries you might have.
BTW, he has machines the landing gear himself and saved a few bucks in the process.
Reuben
Just contacted my friend on his cell phone and informed him of this thread. I hope he would be able to butt in later on this evening to answer any querries you might have.
BTW, he has machines the landing gear himself and saved a few bucks in the process.
Reuben
08-22-2005 | 10:47 AM
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From: DundasOntario, CANADA
RE: Vampire
Reuben,
That's great ! I'm considering machining at least the struts if I can't get satisfaction from Sierra Precision. I'd be interested in learning more about your friend's nose gear.
Marc
That's great ! I'm considering machining at least the struts if I can't get satisfaction from Sierra Precision. I'd be interested in learning more about your friend's nose gear.
Marc
08-22-2005 | 12:45 PM
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From: Attard, , MALTA
RE: Vampire
Hello guys
This is the builder of the Vampire mentioned by Sabre F86 - he was telling me about this thread and I thought I might introduce myself.
I am a long established modeler who likes building more than flying. The Vampire is my latest creation and is from a Kerry Sterner plan, which is very good, by the way. It took two years to complete. Model wing and fuselage are .6 oz cloth epoxied - the booms and tailplane were not with a view to saving some weight. Finsih is automotive primer and normal oilbased Testors paint with a polyurethane fuel proofer on top. Nose weight to bring the CG where it should came up to 1.25lbs
The model weighs in at 26lbs, and has nearly all the frills which should go for a good scale model. Working split flaps, speedbrakes, mainwheel brakes, retracts, sliding canopy (cockpit detail still on the job list...). Retracts are from Peter Mayer of Austria, oleos are home made, including the nose gear. Wheel doors are pneumatic operated using sequential valve from Ultra precision. Jetcat 120 power, plenty of puff, you need only half power to cruise around.
The model's flight envelope is very realistic and scale flight speed is very easily performed. Landing is relatively easy if you use the flaps and handle the model as you should.
I will be pleased to answer any questions about the model.
I am not including any more photos because my friend Reuben has already handed them out!!
Cheers
Franz
This is the builder of the Vampire mentioned by Sabre F86 - he was telling me about this thread and I thought I might introduce myself.
I am a long established modeler who likes building more than flying. The Vampire is my latest creation and is from a Kerry Sterner plan, which is very good, by the way. It took two years to complete. Model wing and fuselage are .6 oz cloth epoxied - the booms and tailplane were not with a view to saving some weight. Finsih is automotive primer and normal oilbased Testors paint with a polyurethane fuel proofer on top. Nose weight to bring the CG where it should came up to 1.25lbs
The model weighs in at 26lbs, and has nearly all the frills which should go for a good scale model. Working split flaps, speedbrakes, mainwheel brakes, retracts, sliding canopy (cockpit detail still on the job list...). Retracts are from Peter Mayer of Austria, oleos are home made, including the nose gear. Wheel doors are pneumatic operated using sequential valve from Ultra precision. Jetcat 120 power, plenty of puff, you need only half power to cruise around.
The model's flight envelope is very realistic and scale flight speed is very easily performed. Landing is relatively easy if you use the flaps and handle the model as you should.
I will be pleased to answer any questions about the model.
I am not including any more photos because my friend Reuben has already handed them out!!
Cheers
Franz
08-22-2005 | 01:03 PM
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From: Clifton,
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RE: Vampire
Hi Franz,
How did you set up your sliding canopy? With the canopy rails on the outside of the fuse I couldn't figure out how to do it. Do you use a servo or air cylinder to make it slide?
Also, did you use standard or digital servo's for the control services.
Thanks,
jon
How did you set up your sliding canopy? With the canopy rails on the outside of the fuse I couldn't figure out how to do it. Do you use a servo or air cylinder to make it slide?
Also, did you use standard or digital servo's for the control services.
Thanks,
jon
08-22-2005 | 02:05 PM
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From: Attard, , MALTA
RE: Vampire
Hello Jon
Ok...I may have misled you about the sliding canopy - it can be opened and closed but it is not operated remotely - you do it by hand!
The way I made it was a bit complicated - a couple of rails made from 1/32 ply are inserted in the proper place on the hatch and the canopy has another 1/32 plywood rail on which it slides - difficult to describe - I will try to get a few shots of it and post them.....
I used a digital servo for the elevator control, but the rest are standard JR 591's....the model flies relatively slowly and there is no need for high power servos.....
Ok...I may have misled you about the sliding canopy - it can be opened and closed but it is not operated remotely - you do it by hand!
The way I made it was a bit complicated - a couple of rails made from 1/32 ply are inserted in the proper place on the hatch and the canopy has another 1/32 plywood rail on which it slides - difficult to describe - I will try to get a few shots of it and post them.....
I used a digital servo for the elevator control, but the rest are standard JR 591's....the model flies relatively slowly and there is no need for high power servos.....
08-22-2005 | 02:29 PM
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From: DundasOntario, CANADA
RE: Vampire
Hi Franz,
Congratulations on the beautiful Vamp ! I was under the impression that you built it in 2 months !!!! Thanks for the offer to help us builders still early in the process. I hope you don't mind a few questions once I get back to work on mine.
Marc
Congratulations on the beautiful Vamp ! I was under the impression that you built it in 2 months !!!! Thanks for the offer to help us builders still early in the process. I hope you don't mind a few questions once I get back to work on mine.
Marc
08-22-2005 | 03:36 PM
#40
RE: Vampire
Hi Marc,
Guy whats going on with Vamp in Hamilton Museum?, is it still there or its gone, i am sure if its still there you can go that take as many reference pics as you want, i dont imagine museum would have any problem with that!....I remember seeing it there whenever i went there, so check it out....As for this kit, its geourious kit, i dont have it but ican see how nice it is, i am thinking of getting in DF jets myself, props are ok but not as same as jets are, plus now i am thinking of powering my Concorde with Df instead of props....
Cheers,
Sammy
Guy whats going on with Vamp in Hamilton Museum?, is it still there or its gone, i am sure if its still there you can go that take as many reference pics as you want, i dont imagine museum would have any problem with that!....I remember seeing it there whenever i went there, so check it out....As for this kit, its geourious kit, i dont have it but ican see how nice it is, i am thinking of getting in DF jets myself, props are ok but not as same as jets are, plus now i am thinking of powering my Concorde with Df instead of props....
Cheers,
Sammy
08-22-2005 | 04:22 PM
#41
RE: Vampire
Just adding a few Vampire pictures. I know it is the T11 and not the real fighter, but it has served me well for 6 years now. One of the best models for turbine in my opinion. Easy turbine installation, roomy fuselage, simple landing gear (well maybe the nose gear could be a bit tricky) on the technical side and very good handling on the ground and in the air on the pilot side.
It is powered now by its third turbine, a JetCat P-80 after beeing flown earlier with both Turbomin and SimJet. The P-80 gives more than enough power for a scale presentation. Own made tank of 4 liter capasity, BVM retracts, wheels and brakes. Empty weight 9.5 kilos.
Functional bang-bang air operated speed-brakes coupled with 4 ea 80 degree flap panels gives nice flat power on approaches and slow landing speeds.
A dual channel gyro on the ailerons really helps to dampen the dutch roll tendency in gusty conditions. At present, the rudders are fixed, this is not optimum in crosswind conditions but only required (in my country anyway) for narrow runways.
It is powered now by its third turbine, a JetCat P-80 after beeing flown earlier with both Turbomin and SimJet. The P-80 gives more than enough power for a scale presentation. Own made tank of 4 liter capasity, BVM retracts, wheels and brakes. Empty weight 9.5 kilos.
Functional bang-bang air operated speed-brakes coupled with 4 ea 80 degree flap panels gives nice flat power on approaches and slow landing speeds.
A dual channel gyro on the ailerons really helps to dampen the dutch roll tendency in gusty conditions. At present, the rudders are fixed, this is not optimum in crosswind conditions but only required (in my country anyway) for narrow runways.
08-22-2005 | 05:32 PM
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From: DundasOntario, CANADA
RE: Vampire
ORIGINAL: CONCORDEFAN
Hi Marc,
Guy whats going on with Vamp in Hamilton Museum?, is it still there or its gone, i am sure if its still there you can go that take as many reference pics as you want, i dont imagine museum would have any problem with that!....I remember seeing it there whenever i went there, so check it out....As for this kit, its geourious kit, i dont have it but ican see how nice it is, i am thinking of getting in DF jets myself, props are ok but not as same as jets are, plus now i am thinking of powering my Concorde with Df instead of props....
Cheers,
Sammy
Hi Marc,
Guy whats going on with Vamp in Hamilton Museum?, is it still there or its gone, i am sure if its still there you can go that take as many reference pics as you want, i dont imagine museum would have any problem with that!....I remember seeing it there whenever i went there, so check it out....As for this kit, its geourious kit, i dont have it but ican see how nice it is, i am thinking of getting in DF jets myself, props are ok but not as same as jets are, plus now i am thinking of powering my Concorde with Df instead of props....
Cheers,
Sammy
Yes , it's still there . It has the Swiss nose but the rest is the same . I have friends at the CWH so I have the go ahead to crawl all over and in it .
Marc
08-22-2005 | 05:34 PM
#43
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From: DundasOntario, CANADA
RE: Vampire
Hi Per,
Great looking Vamp ! Thanks for the confirmation that the speedbrakes are not proportional and landing flap is 80 degrees . Are there intermediate flap settings . T/O , approach....
?
Marc
Great looking Vamp ! Thanks for the confirmation that the speedbrakes are not proportional and landing flap is 80 degrees . Are there intermediate flap settings . T/O , approach....
?
Marc
08-23-2005 | 06:44 AM
#45
RE: Vampire
Hi Franz,
Another excellent example of a well done 1/5th scale Vampire. I'm pleased that you are happy with the end results. Many of these Vampires are flying around the world with the most completions in Australia.
It may be of interest to some that Laser wood sets are now available for all three sizes of the Vampire in 1/6th, 1/5th and 1/4 and for the 1/4 scale, the 100 Gal. tear drop tank is available and the 120 Gal. tank that was used from the Venom.
In the attached pic, you can see this tank and also this is the color scheme of my 1/4 scale Vampire.
While the 1/4 scale Vampire is a large model, it does transport in a full size pickup having an 8'-0" bed.
As for Sierra Gear, I met with Tim Mayher, half owner of Sierra, last week in Cleveland and he has informed me that they are in a run of the Vampire gears now. These gears are by far and away the most scale gear for a Vampire available and are extremely well built. They where designed to nest in the correct location with-in the fusleage to allow for a full scale cockpit tub and proper nose gear door closure etc. Scale wheel / tires and brakes are aslo availble for the 1/5th and 1/4 scales from Sierra. (www.sierragiant.com)
Best of luck with your Vampire.
Another excellent example of a well done 1/5th scale Vampire. I'm pleased that you are happy with the end results. Many of these Vampires are flying around the world with the most completions in Australia.
It may be of interest to some that Laser wood sets are now available for all three sizes of the Vampire in 1/6th, 1/5th and 1/4 and for the 1/4 scale, the 100 Gal. tear drop tank is available and the 120 Gal. tank that was used from the Venom.
In the attached pic, you can see this tank and also this is the color scheme of my 1/4 scale Vampire.
While the 1/4 scale Vampire is a large model, it does transport in a full size pickup having an 8'-0" bed.
As for Sierra Gear, I met with Tim Mayher, half owner of Sierra, last week in Cleveland and he has informed me that they are in a run of the Vampire gears now. These gears are by far and away the most scale gear for a Vampire available and are extremely well built. They where designed to nest in the correct location with-in the fusleage to allow for a full scale cockpit tub and proper nose gear door closure etc. Scale wheel / tires and brakes are aslo availble for the 1/5th and 1/4 scales from Sierra. (www.sierragiant.com)
Best of luck with your Vampire.
08-23-2005 | 06:57 AM
#46
RE: Vampire
Hi Marc:
Just a quick note to advsie that the Full scale Vampire had a split flap setting of 80 degrees. I raerly used all of that as 60 degress on any of my Vampire models was MORE than what is needed to achieve steep, slow decents and touch down speeds.
An Excellent off-grass aircraft I might add.
There is excellent video of my 1/5th Vampire at Top Gun in '98 which shows this. (Avial. from SKS Videos)
Marc, please give Sierra a call at your convienence as they are in the middle of a Vampire gear run.
Best Regards:
Just a quick note to advsie that the Full scale Vampire had a split flap setting of 80 degrees. I raerly used all of that as 60 degress on any of my Vampire models was MORE than what is needed to achieve steep, slow decents and touch down speeds.
An Excellent off-grass aircraft I might add.
There is excellent video of my 1/5th Vampire at Top Gun in '98 which shows this. (Avial. from SKS Videos)
Marc, please give Sierra a call at your convienence as they are in the middle of a Vampire gear run.
Best Regards:
08-23-2005 | 01:41 PM
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From: Clifton,
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RE: Vampire
Marc,
I just talked to Daryl at Sierra and he confirmed they're making six sets of Vampire retracts. If you haven't contacted him, you might want to call. I've read that delivery can sometimes be a problem, but it's a great company to deal with and support is second to none. A while ago I bent my n/g strut on my FACET, called and had another one in a couple of days.
BRG,
Jon
I just talked to Daryl at Sierra and he confirmed they're making six sets of Vampire retracts. If you haven't contacted him, you might want to call. I've read that delivery can sometimes be a problem, but it's a great company to deal with and support is second to none. A while ago I bent my n/g strut on my FACET, called and had another one in a couple of days.
BRG,
Jon
08-23-2005 | 02:03 PM
#49
RE: Vampire
Hi Marc,
I have not read the manual for the Vampire, but all my pictures show no flap takeoffs and full flap and speedbrake landings.
A couple of pictures from trials on a carrier! show 15-20 degree flaps for takeoff as well as one picture of the early prototype taking off with intermediate flap setting.
So for scale rotation and climb I use no flap on takeoff on the model. Should runway be a factor, you have the option of selecting approx. 15 deg flap for a shorter takeoff distance. I use this on grass as well to get airborne at lower speed.
As for landings with full flaps and speedbrakes, this is a LOT of drag and you must of course be prepared for relatively high power settings on final. You are better off in case of a missed approach as the turbine is already spooled up, even if you should forget to retract speedbrake and flaps. We are close to 1:1 trust to weight and the model will climb nicely even in a dirty configuration.
In gusty wind I normally reduce flaps to my intermediate setting to obtain better penetration on landings.
I agree with Kerry in that 60 degr. flap is enough for landing, but 80 degr. is scale!
A couple of details of gear doors, speedbrake and flaps.
I have not read the manual for the Vampire, but all my pictures show no flap takeoffs and full flap and speedbrake landings.
A couple of pictures from trials on a carrier! show 15-20 degree flaps for takeoff as well as one picture of the early prototype taking off with intermediate flap setting.
So for scale rotation and climb I use no flap on takeoff on the model. Should runway be a factor, you have the option of selecting approx. 15 deg flap for a shorter takeoff distance. I use this on grass as well to get airborne at lower speed.
As for landings with full flaps and speedbrakes, this is a LOT of drag and you must of course be prepared for relatively high power settings on final. You are better off in case of a missed approach as the turbine is already spooled up, even if you should forget to retract speedbrake and flaps. We are close to 1:1 trust to weight and the model will climb nicely even in a dirty configuration.
In gusty wind I normally reduce flaps to my intermediate setting to obtain better penetration on landings.
I agree with Kerry in that 60 degr. flap is enough for landing, but 80 degr. is scale!
A couple of details of gear doors, speedbrake and flaps.
08-23-2005 | 02:07 PM
#50
RE: Vampire
Hi Jon:
Please refer to page 13 of the manual.
As for the 1/4 scale, use only DIGITAL servos,
Ailerons, Eleveator and Split Flaps shall be - 150 in/oz. min.
Speed Flaps, Rudders and steering shall be - 100 in/oz. min.
Please refer to page 13 of the manual.
As for the 1/4 scale, use only DIGITAL servos,
Ailerons, Eleveator and Split Flaps shall be - 150 in/oz. min.
Speed Flaps, Rudders and steering shall be - 100 in/oz. min.
