Page 50 - MFW June 2025

the 1930s when they fuelled them up and let them go then
chased across open country by car with spotters hanging
off the running boards. That would have been fun. I’m
sure Geoff will love the Hayseed when it’s back in the air
with RC and a reliable 4 stoke up front.

The Ian Henry built Comet Clipper in the process of refurbishment and
modification.
If you do get keen, don’t hesitate to talk to SIG members
and share your experiences in AVANZ via its editor
Bernard Scott. AVANZ can be found on the Vintage SIG
pages of the Model Flying NZ website. See
https://www.mfnz.org/members-pilots/special-interest-
groups/vintage/
Geoff Pullen with the massive Ian Henry
built Hayseed. Over 1000 square inches of Cheers
wing. Allan Knox,
Vintage SIG Chairman.
Commemorating the epic flight way back in
1986.

Finally I have another Ian Henry model in work. I’m not
sure if I will get to keep it. It’s an absolute classic. A Comet
Clipper, designed by Carl Goldberg back in the late 1930s
and kitted by Comet. It has big elliptical surfaces with
every pair of rib different sized in its 72 inch wing. There is Vintage Event Dates 2025
a surprising amount of work needed to convert and
refurbish it. I will keep it as original as I can including
replicating original decals, trim and fuselage covering but John Selby Memorial
the old silk on the wings and tail has perished so will be Saturday 23 August
replaced. The original white and red colour scheme will (Wind date Sunday 24 August)
be retained.
Tasks have included: Postponements – Any postponement decisions will be
• R/C equipment with servos in the tail. advised on the Levin Club website Levin Model Aeroplane
• Sundry repairs to structure. Club - Home (sporty.co.nz) and via the Vintage Email List
• Making the wing two piece and installing carbon which Stew Cox uses to provide reminders and updates
tubes to strengthen and receive the homemade concerning these events. If you want to be added to this
carbon wing joiners. list, send Stew your email address Flierstew@gmail.com
• Making wing and tail bolt on for ease of transport
Weather – If unsure on the day, consult the new Levin MAC
• Replacing the cracked engine cowl with a weather station on the Levin club website at Levin Model
homemade fibre glass one with a front radial Aeroplane Club - Home under ‘Weather Station and
motor mount Camera’ rather than making a call based on your local
• Fitting electric motor, controller and battery mount weather.
with hatch access.
• Recovering the wings and tail after installing Levin has a much better microclimate for model flying than
control surfaces, repairing and removing warps. anywhere else in the lower North Island west of the main
divide. Feel free to ring Stew if unsure.
As you can see there is quite a bit to do but it will
absolutely be worth it to have this lovely old piece of our For any further details please contact joint organisers
history back in the air and earning its keep in Precision,
Duration and E Texaco events not to mention just floating Stew Cox– 027 548 1894,
about in thermals. I’m sure Ian will be smiling down on us. Flierstew@gmail.com or Bryan Treloar 0204

If any of this inspirers some of you to go looking for old 147 6917, bryan_treloar@hotmail.com
models (Anything that is designed and published pre Hope to see you there
1975) I will be delighted, particularly if they turn up at a
competition or rallies somewhere. Stew and Bryan

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