Tiger's Blood Junior

Meet Tiger Junior, the fantastic scale model of the Thunder Mustang, built by aero modeller extraordinnaire John Clarke of Napier.

John has been building serious model aircraft for many years and when he met Simon and the boys one afternoon in 2010 at Ardmore and saw the Thunder Mustang close up for himself, he got very excited about building a model of the plane.

The idea was that he could lend it to the team for a period of 2 years, with the option to purchase it during or at the end of that period. This would enable them to use it at airshows, functions and for promotion at other events.

Tiger Junior would be designed to look just like 'dad', with retracting undercarriage, sliding canopy to show the instrument panel and upholstered seat and other features.

Furthermore, it would have a purpose built storage and display case that would make it easy to handle and display the model, which has a 1.6 metre wingspan.

The model was handed over by John to Jeff Evans, the Kiwi Thunder team manager on Sunday, February 26, 2011 and can be seen at the Thunder Mustang hangar at Ardmore.

Here are a few words from John on how it all came about and some basic technical details about the model.

"Ever since I was a young boy, I have been addicted to model aviation, and even now, I have not lost the enthusiasm to explore all the skills needed to improve on every project. The field is so varied and large."

"While on my quarterly visit north last year to visit family and dear old friends, I called on Phil, Barbara, and Jeff Evans. Strangely enough the conversation centered around aviation, and with Jeff’s involvement with 'Thunder Mustang' team, he mentioned the possibility of having a scale model to help promote the aircraft and some of the projects the team have in the pipeline."

"My mind boggled at the thought, of the possibilities. The thought of a model with a say, 2.5 metre wingspan powered by a 60cc motor would be an impressive machine to do the job."

"However when reasoning prevailed, thoughts of how to transport, protect and store the model were quite a problem. Jeff suggested that a smaller scale of 1.5 metres wingspan would be satisfactory and when all the requirements where considered, this became manageable."

"So that’s it... 1.5 metres it would be! Time factor was a consideration, so to shorten the delivery date; I searched the model world for a suitable ARF (Almost Ready To Fly) kit that had some of the features needed. One was selected, and a complete strip down and rebuild followed, with many alterations to get the required effects and finish to an acceptable standard."

"A custom made, lightweight packing crate was designed and built for transport, storage and display stand purposes. Keeping in mind to make the model very easy to assemble, and disassemble with the least amount of effort."

"So the Mini 'Thunder Mustang' was born!"

"The project, now delivered, is on loan to the Kiwi Thunder Team for two years, from February 2011 and a buy now option is available."

"I have enjoyed very much the challenge of doing this project and now visions of a flying model appeal!
How about one at 2.1 metres wingspan, with a 30cc motor, sporting an electric powered canopy, working navigation lights... now where did I put those'Stang Plans', they must be here somewhere!?"

"Oops, here comes Mum with coffee and bickies, better go!"

"Cheers for now, best regards John T Clarke, HB Radio Flyers Club."

Thanks a lot John, it is a fantastic model and with the case and other tools, willl allow us to easily take it around the country and display it.

Regards,

Kiwi Thunder Team
Ardmore Airfield.

You can see Tiger's Blood, Tiger Junior and the Kiwi Thunder Team at Ardmore Airfield on most Sundays.