Malcolm Billing wrote to us about his superb scale 1930's German training glider based on a full size version still being flown in America.

	Full Size Specifications: Wingspan 13.6m (45ft) Length 5.9m (20ft) Height 1.5m (4 ft 11in) Weight 160 kg (353lb) empty
	Model Specifications: Wingspan 4.4 m (14ft 6in) Length 2m (6ft 6in) Height .5 m (19.6in) Weight ..................

Hi All at Bumpygreen. Firstly I'd like to say how pleased I am to see you back. My story is about my Grunau Baby 2b 1/3 rd scale glider. It is of 1935 vintage. I first started build the grunau at the beginning of October 2002. While I was cutting all the templates out and transferring them to wood, I was searching the net for a suitable full size to copy. I came across a web site with an E-mail address. I wrote a short story to this person not thinking he would reply, asking if he would kindly give me any info on his full size Grunau. To my surprise he did, and within a few days of me sending my E-mail to him. He said he would be pleased to help me as much as he could and this he did. During the months that went by I found out that, Barry; the guy who owned the full size Grunau was a pilot for an American Airline Company and he lived in Chicago. He told me that he fly's to the UK several times a year, and that he would like to meat up with me on one of these occasion's. In March 2003 this opportunity happened. I drove to Chester where Barry was staying at a Hotel overnight before he flew back to the state's. By this time I had partly built the body, so I took it with me. Barry brought with him a load of literature on his glider and kindly made copies for me. Then In August Barry flew into Manchester and we met up again at the hotel in Manchester where he was staying this time. By now I had the fuzz finished and One wing completed, plus the tail and fin. Barry was so impressed, he could hardly believe how much it looked like the full size. Over these past months of E-mailing Barry and talking to him on the IM (Instant Messenger) we have become good friends and he has often said that he would like to visit me one of these days. Also to visit the Long Mynd, where I do most of my flying. He is very interested in the history of the Mynd, and the gliding club up there. Barry owns three gliders in all, An ASW27b, a rare K6b and of coarse the Grunau. By the end of November, beginning of October I had the Grunau finished. On the 15th of October Barry E-mailed me saying he had some days leave to use up and he was flying over to visit his family in Holland for a few day's and he would be coming to the UK on the 19th and could I find him somewhere near to where I live to stay. Instead I offered to put him up at my house, and he accepted. He flew into the UK and I picked him up from the airport. He stayed over at our home for the week. On the following Wednesday morning we left for the Mynd and for the maiden flight. This was the best day of the week, the sun was shinning and the wind was coming from the west at about 15/20 mph which meant that Pole Cottage was the best slope to fly from. Two good friends of mine were waiting for us, John Watkins and Eric Burke. Eric was volunteered to launch the Grunau, all 14ft 6in wing span of her. The checks were done and she was ready, Barry was there with the Camcorder and Eric launched her into the wind. Perfect launch and she sailed off into the blue. I flew her round for a while but found I had to hold up elevator to keep her flying level. This was not comfortable flying so I made the decision to land. I made some adjustments to the elevator and she was ready again. The next flight was great; she flew off into lift and gained height very quickly. Barry's face was something I'll never forget, the look of shear delight and amazement, to see a replica of his full size glider flying and as he said, "all that scenery too, just awesome."

What make's this so special for me was the fact that barry was actually here at that time to see the Grunau fly. I had only finished her a week before Barry came over, All the way from Chicago just to see my model fly! Barry is planning to come over again this year and bring his wife with him this time. I hope you like the picture's.

Article by Malcolm Billing for Bumpy Green Model Aerodrome
February 2004

Comment by Pete Richardson on 20040209082343. Rating 5

Awesome model Malcomb. What a great place to take your American friend. It must be the most impressive site in the UK for thse not in the know. Do you think Barry will become an aeromodeller as well? Did you let him have a go on the sticks,that would convince him I bet? Who's that bald guy poking out of the cockpit of your Baby ?

Comment by mark abbotts on 20040211220924. Rating 5

Hi Malc,i have tried to reach you via email but cannot seem to get through,please ring me on 01782 3412779 cheers mark abbotts,this is a lovely model and i would be honoured for u to build me reiher

Comment by mark abbotts on 20040211221314. Rating 5

malc ,my correct home no is 01782 341779 cheers mark

Comment by mark abbotts on 20040212031347. Rating 5

Hi malc tried to mail you again but i think it failed,got yours ok ,dont understand it?

Comment by Ken R. on 20040317210347. Rating 4

Nice article, nice to have contact with overseas people, you make a good ambassador!! (however, your writing would be more pleasing to read if you learnt where not to put all those irritating apostrophes!!!!)

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