Schiffermuller





Wingspan: 70 inches

Engine: Os FS 52 Surpass

Type: Vintage



Description
In the Aeromodeller Annual 1948 the Schiffermuller was first seen by the general aeromodelling public. Described as a semi-scale power model of 29 inches span, by Schiffermuller of France, it was said to be a good flying model from both a hand-launch and ROG, and was demonstrated to the Aeromodeller staff as far back as 1946. The fuselage was carved from a single block of balsa, and the wings were permanently attached to the fuselage. I just love the way the article in the 1948 annual addresses the designer as Mr Schiffermuller, when it details the two tank system with stopcock inbetween to guarantee the engine run time.

It is from the accompanying line drawing that Ken Fisher drew up the larger Schiffermuller that I am now describing.


The model flies as you would expect from such an elegant shape - very well and with a suprising turn of speed. The OS 52 powers the model quite adequately, whilst giving it the air of a slow-flying vintage model. The very large wheels are just perfect for the aura of the Schiffermuller and are especially useful when you miss the landing strip and hit the long grass!


Such a lovely shape for 1946 Original had an own-designed sparkie engine of under 1cc



I actually had a few problems with this model as the tank is located in the top of the area directly behind the firewall, and the OS 52 is mounted upsidedown. This means that the carburetter is a long way below the tank and very susseptible to flooding

I first tried a Perry Pump and this improved things no end, but still left the slow running a bit trickey. So I invested in a Glow Switch from SM Services, and that did the trick. Running is now smooth throughout the engine rev range, just as long as I remember to charge up the Glow Switch battery now and again.


All that is left to do is find a way of mounting the Perry Pump in such a way as to allow me to refit the cowling.


Engine
The OS 52 Surpass is just perfect for this model, giving adequate power and sounding very nice indeed.


Score: 10 out of 10



Most exciting moment
None so far.

Flying pictures by Jeff (The Combat Ace) Coombes


Postscript
Have you ever bought a car, and then, having never really noticed it before, all you see for the next few weeks is models of your car! Well, it has been the same with the Schiffermuller. At the September Old Warden meeting I saw two electric powered versions about 18 inches span, both utilising KP electric systems. In addition my friend Peter also has a free flight version of about 44 inches span powered by a Russian-built Mills replica.


Delightful 18 inch span KP electric powered version Peter's 44 inch diesel powered version caught on the ground at Odiham




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