Getting Started

👋 Welcome to Sender!

SLEC POST

SLEC MEMEBERS CLUB NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO SLEC POST, a newsletter for all modellers, to share and learn about new products and techniques relating to building, finishing and trimming your models. The idea of SLEC POST is inform all its readers of what is going on, not only at SLEC HQ but with each readers varied projects. If you like, you can think of it as a free sharing platform, a modern magazine if you like.

As a company, SLEC is unique, as it caters for many and varied model activities. You will be able to access SLEC POST for free, by simply signing up to become A SLEC CLUB MEMBER, and receive, SLEC POST each month, you can cancel anytime and it really won’t cost you a penny.

SLEC, A BRIEF HISTORY

SLEC stands for Sun Lane Engineering Company and was the brainchild of John & Kath Roper.

It was first formed in the mid 70’s and initially run from their model shop in Sun Lane Gravesend Kent. Over the next few years, the company built up a large range of popular plastic modelling accessories that could be found in model shops throughout Europe and different parts of the world.

In 1986 the Roper’s decided to retire and SLEC was offered to Balsacraft Ltd who was one of the biggest model kit manufacturers in Europe, this made perfect sense to John Rudd managing director of Balsacraft as he put most of the SLEC range in his kits. In 1987 SLEC became part of Balsacraft Ltd. In 1996 John Rudd retired and Balsacraft became the manufacturing department of Ripmax Plc the company ran successfully for a few years but with the big influx of ready-made models from the far east, kits stopped selling and Balsacraft closed in 1999.

2000 SLEC Ltd was resurrected. The company still produces an extensive range of aircraft and boat kits along with a good selection of accessories for both. We also still produce a large range of quality balsa wood, hardwood sheet & strip, a range of Plywood and MDF all machined in our mill at Watton. We have continued to grow and have gone on to extend our services to include laser and CNC cutting services.

· We hope you will all engage by sending in your images and notes of your projects for all members to view.

· SLEC has a long history and has been based in Watton, Norfolk for all of this Century, have a look at our website https://slecuk.com/ to find out more.

This month of April 2026, as a gift to signing up we are offering you 10% off any Belair kit ordered. This offer is only for any kit from the Belair range. SLEC acquired Belair some time ago and offer these kits as part sets, however you can request extra wood packs and accessories. When you look at the website and find BELAIR kits, you will see some plan packs come with an option for extra wood packs, some will not, as it is taking ages to get through the whole range. Should you want extras just email [email protected] or call 01953 885279 initially and we will price up anything you require.

Within this first post I have included just a few shots of Stuart Marsden’s Mercury Matador, made from a SLEC BELAIR kit with wood pack. There will be a full instructional section in a coming SLEC POST describing the build, the conversion to original to produce a radio controlled, electric powered aircraft and more.

This particular aircraft is 48 inches in span as per original, with enlarged tail surfaces to allow accurate slow flying control. This particular model has flown legally on an average sized school playing field.

If any subscribers would like me to answer any questions or would like me to cover a certain topic, please email me at [email protected].

WHATS ON

You can always order via the website and always email or call for assistance, however many of you enjoy visiting and taking part in model air shows. Make a date and come and visit us at one of the following shows.

Please find a list of the Modelling Shows we will be attending in 2026.

Show Dates for 2026

Popham Air Show

9^th -10^th May

Popham Model Show 2026 | BMFA Contests & Events

Model Boat Mayhem

24^th-25^th May

We are only there on the 24^th May

Modelair Mayfly

30^th – 31^st May

https://events.bmfa.uk/event/modelair-mayfly-fly-in

Weston Park Model Air Show