Hawker Tomtit (oz10252)

About this Plan

Veron Hawker Tomtit. Radio control scale model, for full house radio and engines up to .40 size.

Quote: "This fascinating Biplane is a 52 inch replica of the Hawket TOMTIT, the very first in a series of immortal biplanes, introduced to the Royal Air Force in 1928 and used principally for Advanced Training and Instrument Flying, and powered with an Armstrong Siddeley Five cylinder Mongoose IIIc of 150 hp.

This model has been built to a compact size to give ample total wing area to easily support all modern four channel miniaturised Proportional Radios for Rudder, Elevator, Ailerons and Engine speed control and to give an exhiliarating scale like flight performance when powered with engines of 23 to 40 cu in (3.7 to 6.5 cc). There is a slight departure from true scale in the proportions of fin and tailplane and this only to enhance the already superb stability features of this design. Another departure from accurate scale is the omission of the exhaust pipes circumventing the nose and passing below the lower wing. Detail connoisseurs will no doubt be able to simulate these from prototype photos. The prototype model weighed 5 lb 6 oz with a 29 engine and 4-channel proportional radio, excluding fuel.

The TOMTIT was in service from 1928 up to 1935, then numbers of them were converted and relegated to Civilian flying, either for private or Club use. Several batches were specifically built for Civil and Private use for Sport Flying and Glider Towing up to the 1950s.

This choice of model was principally because it was the only Hawker Biplane with both upper and lower wings with the same planform - so simplifying building - just cut the ailerons into the lower wing; this also simplifies installation of aileron servo which now lies in an open centre-section easily accessible in the 'under-fuselage' area. It also has a good tail moment arm, ample tail areas and unlike so many 'vintage' type aircraft, a well placed undercarriage in relation to centre of gravity giving exceptional ground control on both take-off and landing so obviating ground loops. The low ground angle and good nose moment arm also enhances this stability, a feature so rare in most 'two-wheel' biplanes, particularly 1914-18 Vintage types.

The general sequence of assembly is laid out in the following instructions, and these coupled with the series of photographs on the pictorial sheets will facilitate construction. It is assumed that no novice nor newcomer to aeromodelling will he building this model.

Study the plan and these instructions carefully before commencing, and so familiarise yourself with complete sequence of assembly. Note that numbers in brackets after all 'inch' dimensions are decimal millimetres..."

Many thanks to Sundancer for additional scan, and to RFJ for supplementary files inc 2 review articles, pics.

Supplementary file notes

Instructions, complete.
Build pics. 4 pages, total 36 pics.
Kit review from RM, Sept 1971.
Kit review from RCME, April 1971.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction