SLEC POST MAY 2026
WELCOME AND THANK YOU
We are all delighted with your generous response to our new project SLEC POST. Several of you have sent in images and text off your model projects, I have also had emails of general support from you. Last month’s discount offer on BELAIR kits has also seen your orders coming in.
Summer is getting closer, the longer daylight evenings as seen me in my workshop and also flying my models after work. With the rain and wind abating, I have dusted off my collection of catapult gliders, trimming some of these once more, has given me so much pleasure.
FROM THE CAPTAIN’S WORKSHOP
This time last year, I was inspired to design my own catapult glider. I made more than 100 of these, in varying designs and sizes, before I was happy with a design which could be sold to inspire both young and old together. “Captain Thermal” was born, my Grandson Max was as pleased as much as me with the flying of such a simple model. As we have launched into the dusk, enjoying the flights, Max has lost the appetite for chasing after them, “sorry Grandad, you better go and retrieve yours!”.
To kick off May SLECPOST we are making a one off offer of 20% discount to the regular price of a “Captain Thermal Glider”. Just for the month of May 2026, instead of £9, you will be charged just £7.20 including vat. Use code: CAPTAIN20%
GO FETCH THEM GRANDAD!
READERS MODELS AND TIPS
All the way from Norway, Morten Bergene has sent several images of his Spitfire. The model is electric powered, I wonder how he keeps his cells warm in such a climate, not forgetting his fingers. This looks like a very complete build and superb finish, really looking the part.
Nearer to home, Gerald Priddle has sent me a couple of videos which I won’t share here but you can find at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g43bmF2qO&t=1s
More from Gerald: “I have visited many shows and Vintage events over the years and have never seen your transfer linkages used on Vintage models.
In praise of the SLEC fuselage Transfer Linkages:
Being an aero modeller for over 50 years what still interests me is the way individual modellers vary in the way they complete their models. I am mostly thinking of vintage designs here and the task of converting an original free flight model to radio control.
An area that has always concerned me, is the choice of linkage from servo to control surface, particularly in larger models such as the Falcon and Record Breaker. I have always followed the good practice of placing the servos as close to the C of G as possible leaving significant distance from the servo arm to control surface horn. Having rejected plastic snakes from the very beginning, I settled on closed loop for ruder linkage and push rod for elevator. This set up worked fine on models like the Scorpion and Super Sixty I still have reservations about the longer distances involved with larger airframes.
I don’t know how it happened, just browsing the SLEC catalogue maybe, I came across the “Push Rod Fuselage Transfer Linkage with 2 x 3/8ths self taps. Why had I not seen these before? What were they most commonly used for, and on what type of model? They struck me as an immediate solution to the imprecise and wobbly push rod design.
So here are some photos of a recently refurbished Sper 60 and Falcon from my collection. In praise of the SLEC Fuselage Transfer linkage.
DID YOU KNOW
I expect many of you have old kits which you are never likely to make. You know you want to, but all those tight curved formers which all need to be notched out to take 1/16 stringers, and the wood is so hard.
Well did you know, SLEC offer a service to help you out. I have just come across an old kit of a Bonanza, so I have scanned the parts and SLEC are cutting a short kit for me and not to expensive either. Just contact them by email or phone and ask for Chris.
SHOWTIME
One of my favourite days out is to visit a Model Show. I can enjoy the events and often fly my own models. Visit the trade stands and enjoy some show offers as well as saving a bunch of cash on posting and packing.
Please find a list of the Modelling Shows we will be attending in 2026.
Popham Air Show 9th – 10th May Popham Model Show 2026 | BMFA Contests & Events
Model Mayhem 23th – 24th May Wicksteed Model Boat Club Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ
Please note we are only there on the 23th May
Model Air Mayfly 30th – 31st May ModelAir Mayfly Fly-In | BMFA Contests & Events
Weston Park Model Air Show 19th – 21st June Weston Park Model Airshow – Home
LMA Sleap Model Air Show 4th – 5th July Sleap Airshow – 4th-5th July 2026 – Large Model Association
BMFA World Championship 10th – 18th July 2026 FAI F4 World Championships for Scale Model Aircraft
LMA Elvington Model Air Show 8th – 9th August LMA Elvington – Large Model Airshow & Family Fun Weekend
Headcorn Southern Model Show 5th – 6th September About The Show – SOUTHERN MODEL SHOW
LMA Gaydon Indoor 11th October Gaydon Indoor Static Model Show – 11th October 2026 – Large Model Association
Blackpool Model Boat Show TBC
BEST OF BRITISH AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY BUCMINSTER TBC
More details in Junes SLECPOST
GETTING IN TOUCH
Please do keep in touch, send me images and notes of your projects, it can be any type of model, not just aircraft. I for instance have quite a collection of model boats, and I am sure we all have our favourites.
To contact the captain: [email protected]
To place an order or contact SLEC [email protected]
SLEC UK
Unit 8-10 Norwich Road Ind.Est, Watton, GB