How's this for a famous face?..

Model trains and Meccano gave way to a Jetex car given as a Christmas present by a misguided aunt when I was about 11 years old. This little car was guided by a length of thread held on the ground by a brick at each end. It ran well on the pavement outside my house.

The Jetex motor was soon fitted quite unsuccessfully into a small own design hydroplane which was run at the local lagoon.

Aeroplanes have been an interest for as long as I can remember and the Jetex fitted well into the all sheet jet models of the day.

After rubber powered models came my first i.c engine. This was an Allbon Dart .5cc bought from Arthur Mullets in Brighton. I was about 14. With the help of my father we set it up on the kitchen table, one of those with an enamelled top. After about two hours of adjustments and flicking, the engine suddenly burst into life, smoke rapidly filling the kitchen resulting shortly afterwards in the setting up of a modelling shed.

The delights of ether, paraffin, glues and dope were banned from the house. Women never understand!

The Allbon Dart was well used in numerous free flight models flown on the local golf course. It was joined by a Kalper.32 which went into a very small Luton Minor. The great part about free flight is that you have to learn how to trim models and repair them!

Famous modellers both old and new (well relatively) Henry J Nicholls Presents the Ray Malmstrom Trophy to Me...

My first introduction to control line was with a Mercurian Mite. This was a circular design with an elevator on one side designed by Ray Malmstrom. Powered by the Dart I did learn to make the model circulate. ED Furies, Frog 1.49 followed by a PAW 2.5 all got me into control line combat in 1959. This was the year we got banned from flying in the local park in Brighton because of noise.

Myself and Derek Woodley out for a bit of Control line flying. Derek went on to fly Concord for a living...

Flying with the Worthing Bald Eagles we built up a good team and I reached the National finals in 1964 and 1965. I used the Rivers Silver Arrow engine in 1964 and as the rules changed, the Oliver Tiger in 1965. An element of tuning was essential to success. It is amazing to think that two of our members went on to pilot Concord!

After this I gave up modelling and spent the next 5 years on modernising a rather dilapidated house and then getting married. In 1974. The interest in models returned and I learnt to fly Radio Control.

19 size powered own designs were the order of the day, going on to 40 and then 60 size designs. Tuned pipes make all the difference to a 2-stroke, as they are rather dead without them. The tuned pipe is also very effective at reducing noise. Fuel consumption of a 61 on a pipe is quite high and so straight fuel without nitromethane was used to keep costs down.

Wow now that's what I call a jumper. Seen here enjoying our great hobby

In 1982, I met Reg Gross who owned AGC Engineering. I suppose that most modellers dream of earning a living modelling and with production facilities available I set down to designing a 4-stroke engine.

With 60 2-stroke size models in the hanger it was natural to aim for a replacement powerplant. The Laser-614-stroke was born after a great deal of research into full size engines. We got a 'Support for Industry' grant which helped us on to design the 75, 90 and 120vee twin.

John Oliver sr. and jr. of Oliver Tiger fame have always been a heroes of mine for their superb design and engineering. These engines were essential for competition and were sold direct with no frills. It is my hope that Laser engines follow this British tradition.

My flying became very important, and enjoyable in testing new engines. Laser engines are still designed to power models so hands on experience is absolutely essential. Demonstrations at model shows meant building and flying known kits, my DB Pup built in 1985 is still in flying order.

Association with Chris Foss demonstrated the power potential of the 4-stroke engine and I have a Wot-4, Acrowot, Wots-Wot and Xtrawot in the Hanger.

Of course 4-stroke engines are ideal for Vintage models and the Ben Buckle Majestic Major still emerges on calm summer days, the last time carrying a video camera.

The Regal Eagle became a very popular model in the '90's and the superb flying skills of pilots like Paul Heckles showed the models off with the race and aerobatic sequences. They were powered by Laser 150 engines and performed at numerous shows to the delight of the crowds. My own Regal Eagle is used as a test model for the Laser-180 single.

I love flying, especially at the shows. My skills cannot hope to match those of the younger pilots but our Tiger Team fly up to eight Flair Tiger Moths or similar period models mainly in circuits with the occasional roll or loop. I do hope that the spectators enjoy the models as much as we do. It is quite a contrast to the high speed models of the trade teams. We are now introducing the new Flair Stearman to the team, another trainer!

Laser engines have powered the models of 3 world champions and are used by many of the competitors. I do feel highly privileged to be in a unique position to be able to get close to these models which have taken thousands of hours to build and to get to know these remarkable modellers. It is a relief when such a model returns after a successful flight. I have been fortunate enough to go to 5 World Championships, each one has very special memories.

Three of Flair's finest ready for off...

Britain has a very strong scale following and without their help Laser engines would not dominate the International scene. Scale models are certainly my favourite type, I could not hope to compete either with my building or flying skills but this is no reason for not enjoying flying. Two of our Tiger team are in their mid 70's, you would not realise this from their flying skills. I feel it is important though to know and accept your limitations.

I will always remember the late Neil Williams performing an outstanding display in the Shuttleworth Spitfire, taxiing back to the hanger and getting straight into the Grainger Archioptrix with all of 32hp to fly it. The complete contrast demonstrated Neil's ability to fly an enjoy a variety of aeroplanes.

There is similarly a huge variety of models to be enjoyed and each is a challenge. From small free flight models to the huge radio control, they are all models. We have a wonderful and challenging hobby that can endure from childhood to retirement.

Finally I would like to thank everyone who has helped with testing and development of our Laser engines, the BMFA and LMA, model magazines who have given us publicity over the years, members of the Buzzard Flying Club and most important all our customers, without you Laser engines would not exist.

Models in flying condition:

DB Pup ¼ scale
Flair Hannibal
Flair Tiger Moth
Flair Giles 202 (ARTF)
Chris Foss Xtrawot
Chris Foss Wot 4
Chris Foss Acrowot
Chris Foss Wots Wot
Paper Aviation Regal Eagle
Ben Buckle Majestic Major
Pete Tindal Excitation
Robbe Moskito Helicopter

Article by Neil Tidey from Buzzards Flying Club
4th April 2002