de Havilland "Vampire"

Although this was originally intended to be a Jetex-powered model, I wonder if it couldn't be powered by a modern black powder (or low thrust composite) motor. Might need to adjust dimensions slightly.

https://archivesite.jetex.org/models/plans/plans-air-rocket/article-plan-vampire-boys-am-4707.html

Digging around the web site, there are several other models that might be converted/updated.

Maybe an A10P along with beefier structure (firm balsa - maybe going up in thickness some from the 1/16 inch spars and 1/32 inch ribs). If the model is designed for something that puts out 3 ounces of thrust (so less than 1 Newton) even relatively mild motors will be quite a bit more than it was intended for.

That said, I'm not sure what motors that plan was intended for - the designations in the writeup don't correspond to any Jetex types and don't seem to be Rapier motors either.

Interesting find. The Vampire was a lovely early jet.

Just scratch build one from standard rocket parts. Won't be scale but you can make it look good and fly good too!

Looks like a nice model to try to build. I had a Jetex back in around 1972 I think. The BP will have a lot more kick than the Jetex

OverTheTop said:

Looks like a nice model to try to build. I had a Jetex back in around 1972 I think. The BP will have a lot more kick than the Jetex

Click to expand...

It's an interesting model as far as scale/history. Materials have come a long way since the plans were drawn up, 1947. I think I'd replace a lot of the thinner balsa with either thicker, C-grain, or with plywood. I'd probably scale it up a bit, too. This will make it heavier, but the power of modern engines should power it up without problem. Of course, being heavier, it will glide back down faster, too.

Never mind