Stories Of London

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In addition to his interest in music and the organ, and particularly in the Theatre Organ, Len also developed an interest in aviation.  This began in 1946 while he was still a young boy when his uncle took him to a Open Day at St. Athan Airport in South Wales.

Before Len was married, and whilst living in South Ruislip, he often went to the public enclosure at Northolt Airport, which was close by his home in order to watch and study the aeroplanes.  He also began making balsa wood models of the aeroplane kits that he purchased by saving his pocket money.  During one of his visits, Len was befriended by the person making public announcements regarding flight departures and arrivals from Europe.  During his tea breaks, he introduced Len to the art of using a microphone, which has proven very helped to Len in professional life!

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Some years later, Len introduced his son, Richard, to the building of model aircraft out of balsa wood.  The first model that they made was of a Mustang, which had originally been produced for combat during the Second World War.

Left: The model Mustang in flight; Right: Richard servicing the aircraft

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Since then, Richard has gone on to great heights with designing, building and demonstrating Large Model Aircraft.     Len remembers being anxious when Richard was ready to actually fly one of the models that he had made. It was a large model that was powered by a 50cc petrol engine.   

Each of Richard’s models were built from scratch after much research.  He looks at the design and specifications of the original aircraft and then draws up his own plans for a smaller model, but always to scale.  After this, he starts to build the model which sometimes runs into years since nothing is purchased ready-made other than the engine. 

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Of all of the models that he has built, it is perhaps the Spitfires that have received the most coverage and praise. 

Richard was awarded The Duxford Trophy by the Large Model Association in 2002-2003. This is given each year to the best builder and flyer at the annual large model fly-in.  The Trophy, as seen in Richard’s hands in the photograph below, has a number of small shields that are inscribed with the names of the winners over the years. 

The Grace Spitfire built by Richard thoroughly to scale with The Duxford Trophy (2002-2003)

Len is naturally proud of his son’s achievements and says that it is difficult to distinguish between the real thing and Richard’s model when it is in the air except for the sound of the engine.

Richard has spent a lot of time trying to replicate the sound of the Spitfire’s twelve cylinder Merlin Engine, but proved impossible to achieve. Eventually, Richard and Len came up with the idea of using twin cylinder petrol engines and larger diameter propellers. Len adds that although they were nothing like the design of the original twelve cylinder Merlin Engine that also used a gearbox and no silencers they have been able to create a sound that is very acceptable to the public.

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Richard has also constructed four model Stearman Biplanes, to replicate those used by a famous Wing-Walking Displays Team.   Len says that the level of detail of these model aircraft is incredible and includes model figures that are fully functional and entirely built and mechanised by Richard.  Richard’s model Wing-Walkers are able to perform most of the same tricks that live performers did, and still do, atop the upper wing of the Biplane.  Richard’s displays have proven to be true showstoppers especially when two or more of his model Stearmans are airborne.

Left and Right: Richard with one of his model Stearman Biplanes complete with a Wing-Walking model and a number of awards that he has won

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Len says that although he does not really have a favourite among the models made by Richard, since he likes them all, if he was forced to make a choice, then he would have to choose the twin engine De Havilland Mosquito, which he quickly adds would certainly take some beating.

Richard’s model of the twin engine De Havilland Mosquito aircraft in flight

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Len says that Richard has a house full of cups and plaques that his models have won and these seem to be added to whenever he takes his models to a display.