Home

   Members
   Models

Caudron Racing Monoplane, 1911 varient.

The model was built by Bernie for rubber power and then modified, with Ians help for electric power.

It would be an excellent reminder of both Bernie and Ian if the model could be tidied up and flown again. Not the easiest of tasks but worth the try and the model would then become the property of the person who refurbished it.

It would be good if during refurbishment and initial flying trials photographs could be taken and progress reported or at least information passed on as to how things were going.

Information received after the above was written:-
From Brian Waterland
I do remember Bernie's Caudron. He built it from a kit which proudly proclaimed that it was "The winner of the 1937 ( ?) US Nationals" . Too late Bernie discovered that the standard of scale models in the US at that time must have been pretty poor. Having built the fuselage he belatedly found some documentation on, I think, the "Flight" or "The Aeroplane" magazine archive. This clearly showed the kit's fuselage shape was a travesty of the full size (as you will see from the photos). Bernie stuck with it, as by this time there was no option, and flew it at the Nats . I am sorry to say I cannot remember how it did.

From Brian Lever
I also remember the Bernie Caudron. It was a difficult beast to trim even though the layout was conventional. However, as you say Bernie persevered and with more battery power he managed to trim the model out. At the Nats ( I forget which one but remember it was windy) he made a long flight when others were crashing and although his static score was low he managed 3rd place. He was well pleased and had a grin on his face all day.

Then Jon spotted the following in PMFC Newsletters

September 2008

My Caudron, proving it was flyable. Built for the Nats, came 4th, much to my surprise!
Bernie

October 2009

Bernie Nichols and Caudron. Despite breaking all the rules as laid down by PMFC, and test flying the model twice previously, I was unsure of what was going to happen on the day. With Boffin Ian Middlemiss alongside me giving help and support and ensuring I didn’t do anything stupid I gave the model to the Gods of Barkston. To my utter surprise and total delight it flew! Not great, but it was 20 seconds. 2nd flight and even Ian couldn’t stop me making a lousy launch so with Harry Perkins sage advice ringing in my ears and a go-for-broke motor sequence dialled in by Maestro Ian, my final flight was at least vindication. For the motor system, for the model, for Ian’s perseverance and (with) me. The trek back was worth it. The Caudron has since been retired.

Nats 2008

Nats 2008

The model currently neatly packed in a strengthened carboard box.

This is a "phone photo" of the documention, which is good quality.

Ian and Bernie

Jon and Tony
December 2017