Gipsy Moth
The Moth biplane was designed by Geoffrey de Havilland in 1925 as a sport aircraft. The Gipsy Moth was created in 1928 by replacing the original Airdisco engine with the Halford-designed 100 hp Gipsy engine. The Gipsy Moth was an instant success, and 1,162 were manufactured. They were even manufactured in the US by Moth Aircraft Corporation of America, thus earning a US-approved type certificate. During the late 1920s and early 1930s many amazing long distance flights were made in Gipsy Moths. These included Amy Johnson's solo flight from London, England to Australia, Lady Bailey's 18,000 mile solo flight around Africa, and Lt. Bentley's solo flight from London to Capetown, South Africa. The Gipsy Moth was recently featured in the movie Out of Africa. Unfortunately, there are no Gipsy Moths left in the US, as the British have purchased them all and returned them to their homeland. However, there is a fellow in California who is reputed to be converting Tiger Moths back into Gipsy Moths!
Vickers Wellington Mk1
The Wellington has the precepts called for by the author for a successful twin-engine RC model: good flight qualities without brute engine power, a rather long fuselage, and lots of wing beyond the nacelles. Uses two .10s, has great single engine performance. The Vickers Wellington was one of those not so glamourous aircraft that played a significant role in World War II. It was originally designed in 1933 by Barnes Wallis; however, the prototype did not fly until 1936. The unusual feature of the Wellington was the use of geodetic construction, the airplane's frame work having the appearance of a woven basket. This unique construction proved to be very rugged in combat. Large sections could be destroyed, while the multiplicity of members held the aircraft together.
