Hawker Fury (oz767)

About this Plan

Hawker Fury. Rubber scale biplane from Veron.

Update 30/09/2020: Added kit review from Model Aircraft, April 1963, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "We Build the Veron Hawker Fury I. A rewarding exercise in accurate building for both novice and expert.

ONE of the latest additions to the Veron Tru-Flite range of flying scale kits, is the 17 in wingspan Hawker Fury. Having built this model we would tend to disagree with the manufacturers, who state in the opening paragraph of the instructions that the kits are '...the essence of simplicity and make ideal beginner's models'

There is nothing terribly complicated about the design (others in the Tru-Flite range are much simpler), but we honestly feel that the average beginner would find his lack of modelling technique a severe obstacle. This would be aggravated by the almost universal desire of this type of builder to 'get it finished in double-quick time.' The Fury cannot be rushed. If however one is prepared to work slowly and accurately, following the instructions to the letter, there is no reason why the model should not be entirely successful.

Having said this we must also say that building this model gave us a lot of fun. The design is very sound - much more so than most other kits of this sort. It is well thought out and many of the constructional methods employed are usually found only in much larger models. For instance the cabane struts are wire braced, as also is the undercarriage and extensive use is made of gussets to increase the strength of locally stressed components. Sensible choice of wood sizes has ensured greater than average crash resistance, without unduly increasing the airframe weight and the plan and instructions are very good.

Perhaps the trickiest part of the assembly, and that likely to give the novice most trouble, is the top wing centre section and cabane strut fixing. The accurate bending of the strut wire is absolutely vital to the flying performance of the model and care taken here will be well rewarded. Warp-free 'square' assembly is essential to success.

We found that we had to add a little weight to the nose of our Fury to achieve the correct centre of gravity position and this could usefully be incorporated in 'filling in' between the nose stringers with scrap 3/32 in soft balsa. Not only would the appearance of the nose be im-proved, but the tricky task of covering this section would be simplified and the strength yet further increased.

We made only two alterations to the kit as supplied. We added one in. stringer under each side of the nose (between the lower longerons and N-5) and we used a different propeller. The propeller supplied works quite well, but is lacking in blade area for a model of this size. By using a slightly broader prop. blade we increased the duration by nearly 25 per cent.

As with all flying scale models, particularly the rubber powered variety, a very strict eye must be kept on weight. An extra coat of dope here and a little too liberal use of the cement there, will have a measurable effect on the flying performance - so watch it!

Use one coat of thin clear dope and avoid colour dope if you want maximum performance. If you must use colour, then apply it very sparingly indeed, a light dusting of silver sprayed with a Humbrol Jet Pak - on no account brushed on - will give the best results with minimum weight. Our model is finished in the colours of No.1 Sqdn. Red wing and fuselage bands and red fixed tail surfaces, with a white arrow on the rudder.

Panel lining, which makes such a difference to the appearance of these little models, is best carried out with thin black dope in a draughtsman's ruling pen. It is easy to use after a little practice and, as you can see from our photograph, the time spent is worth while.

These jobs are, of course, calm weather only flyers, but under these conditions our Fury will take off from the ground in a most realistic manner and from a hand launch will easily return a flight of 30 sec. Not much, you may say, compared with a power job, but it seems much longer than a mere 1/2 minute and is guaranteed to attract a crowd.

Many model clubs organise indoor 'round the pole' contests for small scale models such as this, points are awarded for construction and finish, in addition to duration of flight. (See Club News.)

It will take most people about a week of spare time work to build this little model. It is not a waste of time, but an excellent exercise in accurate building, guaranteed to test the skill of any modeller no matter how many big radio jobs he has built! What more can you ask for 4s. 6d. ?"

Update 10/12/2020: Added kit instructions, thanks to RogerClark.

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