1919 Grahame-White GWE6 Bantam

[Squirrelnet]

I was hoping to just update the build thread for this model that I built in 2024 but of course that was in HPA 2 

 The model, though finished last year it had only had some glides test through 2025 so I was itching to try it out at the last Lodge Farm. It behaved well and I had it flying nicely for a first time out. A bit tight and not enough downthrust but very happy with that

 The model is of a GWE6 Bantam built by the Hendon based factory in 1919 in an attempt to cash in on the potential civil aircraft market. Only three were made, all slightly different and this one ended it's days wedged in the roof of a hanger at Hendon after failing to pull out of a loop, luckily the pilot survived uninjured

 The model is scratch built using drawings and a rough enlargement of the Mooney peanut plan as a guide. It's 24" span so 1/10 th scale, this was a very small aircraft. Power is by a .5cc Redfin TBR which I used oven cleaner on to remove the red anodising from the head for a more scale look

Inspired by the fact it flew I made a little youtube video here

[OZPAF]

It looks like you have a good flying model there Chris - thanks for the video.

John

[gravitywell]

Stunning little airplane.  Love the colours.

[ramses]

Love it! Beautiful Bantam!

Cheers, Ramses

[Jmk89]

Chris

Do I interpret your video correctly-is the model covered with silvered mylar film all over and then sprayed?  Or is there tissue or silk on top?

[Squirrelnet]

Hi Jeremy.

The model is covered in silvered Mylar with Asuka tissue over the top stuck on using cellulose non shrinking dope then sprayed with acrylic car paint in rattle cans

 Wouldn't fancy trying to paint mylar it might be hard to get the paint to stick

[Pete Fardell]

Great little film of a great little model! I liked the era-appropriate ragtime soundtrack too.
Here's a pic from its Lodge Farm debut.

[g_kandylakis]

Agree with Pete on the video.

And the last flight seemed most rewarding. Exactly what one would expect  of getting during building the model.

George

[Jmk89]

Hi Jeremy.

The model is covered in silvered Mylar with Asuka tissue over the top stuck on using cellulose non shrinking dope then sprayed with acrylic car paint in rattle cans

 Wouldn't fancy trying to paint mylar it might be hard to get the paint to stick

Thanks, Chris.  That's what I thought, but I also thought that I ought to make sure

[dputt7]

 Great video, it was good to see the flights get better each time. You should be happy with the outcome.

[AndyB]

Top video. Love the music!

[Squirrelnet]

Thanks guys

So now the Bantam has flown I thought it deserved a bit more detail.

One of the main features of photos of the aircraft is the massive oil streaking down the left hand side of the fuselage. I had put off doing this as I thought it could easily look a bit of a mess in the wrong way but finally had the courage to try this afternoon

The oil is a mix of enamel paints varnish and enamel thinners. I had a few goes wiping them off until I was happy. I tried painting it on but it looked like it was er.. painted on so i tried using very think wash and actually blowing it around with straw to create the effect which I think does the job

Interesting as well that using a blue filter after converting to B&W in PS to simulate orthchromatic film and I get something very close tonally to the original photo which is a good vindication of the colour scheme of blue with yellow cowling and tail which is the reverse of the previously held thought


Huge thanks as well to Andreas Koch (Rubberfly) for the photo of the Bantam at the May Welsh

[Piecost]

The oil stain looks great, though the pilot looks unimpressed!

Tim