Warlord (oz12240)

About this Plan

Warlord. Control line combat model. For 2.5 cc engines.

Plan includes build instructions text.

Update 30/10/2024: Added kit review from Aeromodeller, July 1972, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "KIT REVIEW: PEGASUS MODELS' WARLORD: It has often been remarked how rarely we review kits in this magazine, but the reason why is really very simple. Lack of suitable material! How nice therefore to receive a really up-to-date control line kit from a brand new company, namely Pegasus Models of 171 Bramcote Lane, Wollaton, Nottinghamshire.

The design they have chosen is, of course, well known to combat fliers and readers of this magazine alike, who have read of the Warlord's many contest successes in the hands of Vernon Hunt and others. Indeed the box label rather undersells the product, stating that it won the 1970 and '71 Nationals - the whole pedigree would probably cover the box lid!

Removing the lid revealed a rolled plan (no creases) and superbly selected balsa for the relatively few parts involved. The leading edge (1 in square), was from nice light stock as was the trailing edge, while the centre section sheeting was also well chosen. Indeed, all the wood virtually was as we would have selected - provided, of course, that the local shop could have obliged with the necessary grades, which is all too rare these days.

Warlord's construction is indeed extremely simple, the leading edge being reinforced with a strip of 1/8 x 1/2 in spruce, and does not utilise laminations of balsa as do some other current designs. The trailing edge is from 1/4 in sheet and not reinforced with spruce. All in all a very simple design which, with the aid of the very clear plan, may be built by an absolute novice.

Instructions were brief but adequate, and the whole model went together extremely quickly. The ribs were precut to size, but were not slotted to take the trailing edge - although this was only a few seconds work with the balsa knife. A genuine 'mustard tin' tank kit is included (consisting of the tin plus brass and copper tubing) together with clear instructions to make a 'Uniflow' principled unit. Our only difference of opinion here is that we prefer to have the lid on the outboard end, not inboard as illustrated, as this means that the feed and overflow vents may be more accurately positioned and their ends soldered in position for greater rigidity. The tank must be shortened slightly to fit the model and we find the easiest way to do this is to fit the lid in position, then pressing down on the tank with the lid against the bench, use the edge of the lid as a guide as you cut around with a hacksaw. Cut along the long sides first, then the ends, and the job is easy. Any other method (short of using a Dremel tool) can be extremely frustrating with the tank distorting whilst cutting is in progress. These tank kits will also be available separately - good news for all those who have spent fruitless hours wandering around shops trying to buy the genuine article.

Perhaps the only grouse we had with the whole model concerned the six 1/8 gussets where the grain was in the wrong direction - hardly a large moan, and this was more than amply compensated for by the inclusion of all nuts and bolts required, plus heavyweight Laystrate leadouts, bellcrank, bicycle spoke pushrod, etc. Indeed, the kit was entirely complete except for the nylon covering material. Our only 'mod' concerned the engine mounting - preferring to use blind nuts to retain the engine in the interests of convenience and neatness.

As for the actual flying, the Warlord's reputation can only speak for itself. Suffice perhaps to say that with the CG in the correct position and a good engine run then the accent is on pure fun flying. It really bunts tightly and when a strong wind is blowing, the build up of speed in eights and consecutive bunts is really impressive. In short, it is (naturally enough) well up to standard of all the best combat designs in performance and strength - if you fail to succeed at combat flying blame yourself, not this model.

Pegasus Models deserve success for their brave approach in kitting a really top notch contest model, but one which is also easy to build and quite suitable for the novice to fly, provided the centre of gravity is brought forward. Priced at £2.80, the model cannot be classed as cheap, yet in regards to its flying ability, it is way in front of its rather dated competitors. We look forward to receiving further examples of products from this enterprising company."

Supplementary file notes

Review.

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