moonraker

HOWARD METCALFE MODELS

MOONRAKER

(please scroll down to see the rest of this page)

mr200;2jpeg.JPG (64682 bytes)

THE BEST OF ALL THE TRAINERS!

quick to build

.25 - .45 engines

60" (1.52M) span, 4 channels

for all seasons and all training levels

The construction of the model is designed to get you into the air in the fastest possible time with the minimum of building. The fuselage is moulded in tough ABS plastic and the wings are supplied as veneered foam. So all you have to do is fit and glue the hardpoints like bulkhead and wing bolt plates etc, glue together and sand/plane the wings and tail surfaces (no messy glass fibre), fit the ailerons etc, cover the wings and tail with film and then fit the radio. I've had customers who have put it in the air in 10 hours, personally it takes me longer than that to fit the radio, so beginners should consider 20 to 30 hours to be more realistic.

For beginners I advise a good sport .40, this will give you ample power for most training sessions and basic aerobatics. If you can only stretch to the smaller engine sizes Moonraker will still perform exceptionally well but you may need to handlaunch it on the average club grass patch and allow speed to build up a little before trying any particular aerobatic manoeuvre. The larger and hotter engines will endow Moonraker with a fabulous repertoire and speed range. Four stroke engines were not specifically catered for with Moonraker but can be fitted upright without the cowl.

Moonraker is about the right size for a trainer, big enough to be visible and to cope with rough weather, small enough to be handy to transport (the wings are bolted on with plastic bolts). It comes as standard for 4 channels (ailerons, rudder, elevator and engine) - after many years of teaching learners to fly I found this to be the best method rather than initially learning on a 3 channel (rudder/elevator) model and then re-learning on 4 channels.

The design of Moonraker will allow you to fly it in flat calm or windy and turbulent weather. It will fly very slowly or very rapidly it is your choice, although it is not wise to fly it too slowly near the ground on a windy day! And because I wanted the beginner to have the nicest flying model possible Moonraker has also turned out to be an incredible flying machine that few will be able to take to its true limits, this makes it ideal for progressing on to advanced aerobatics and fun fly type manoeuvres

Here are some extracts from reviews in the UK model mags.

RADIO CONTROL MODEL WORLD Oct 88: - "it does exactly what Mr Metcalfe designed it to do - I was so at ease flying this plane I tried almost everything I can do on the first flight, all very easily performed - amazed at the stability and performance - it will fly extremely slowly without stalling - the expert will really have a ball"

RADIO CONTROL MODELS AND ELECTRONICS May 89: - "the speed range is enormous - inverted is an absolute joy - very predictable - floats like a glider - the designer has got it all right - that's one tough aeroplane - as good as the finest trainer I have ever come across at half the price - I've had more fun with it than any other plane I've had - if I were you I'd buy one - if you don't you'll never know what you are missing"

AVIATION MODELLER INTERNATIONAL Dec 98: - "Howard Metcalfe's original design objective to produce a superior 'trainer/sports model' must have been realised effectively. - Who needs mega bucks to demonstrate the attractive qualities of an effective hover?! - Dramatic half loops and pull-ups took one's breath away AND proved the apparent structural integrity of the bandage less wing centre section joint! 'Cracking' stuff. - The sight of the model doing (various aerobatics described) amidst the 'gale force' spoke volumes about the models ability to cope with adverse weather conditions - and its considerable aerobatic potential! - The Moonraker is a very sleek slippery ship… I felt my Moonraker would serve all its intended functions. - Moonraker looks set to occupy the skies for the foreseeable future. - And long may it continue."

The kit contains: moulded ABS fuselage and cowl, veneered foam wings fitted with leading and trailing edges, pre-cut balsa tail parts, all other balsa and ply mostly pre- shaped, undercarriage legs, torque links, hinge strip material, wing bolts, fully illustrated and detailed instructions and coloured self adhesive graphics. The optional accessory pack contains: 6oz fuel tank, engine mount, wheels, collets, snakes, trapped nuts and bolts, all links and clevises. The only other items needed to complete the kit are bolts or screws to mount your engine, glues, covering film, radio, engine, fuel tubing and propeller. All parts of the kit are available as spares.

Production status

As I am no longer making and selling Moonraker you will have to contact Phil Dorren either telephone at 01288 341117 or email phild(the usaul symbol for at here)waitrose.com Phil works primarily as a consultant in computing support will and sell the models via mail order as well as at future shows. He may also have something ready very soon for those of you who prefer to concentrate on electric flight, the recent advances in electric power have enabled him to finish off what I had made a start on with the Electric Moonraker and develop electric versions of Chandelle and Vendetta as well.