Petrels I Have Known and Loved
A photographic review of examples of the iconic Slingsby Type 13 Petrel that have appeared since the publication of the 1:3.5 scale plan, back in the last century.
When Fred Slingsby produced the Type 13 Petrel in the late 1930’s, three examples were built. Of those three, two remain to this day; one in the US, and one in the UK, both in flying condition. The most noticeable difference between the two is that the US version sports the original all-moving-tailplane, whilst the one in the UK has a modified, conventional tailplane.
I seem to have established some sort of connection with this glider, producing a plan at 1/3.5-scale back in the last century, that has produced many a variant since. Perhaps the one produced by veteran aeromodeller Dave Stokes stands out the most, as he chose to finish her in the original varnished wood finish, which necessitates the painstaking replication of all the original plywood panels; truly a poem in the art of woodwork!
My own current 1/3.5-scale example is the second from the original plan, although the wing design benefitted from some digital updating.
In recent times I have produced a 1/5-scale version which was featured as a free plan in RCM&E magazine, followed by a scaled-up 1/4-scale version, which is available from Sarik Hobbies as a plan or plan/laser kit.
Below, here is the aforementioned Dave Stokes with his all-varnished wood Slingsby Petrel along with some photos of this magnificent aircraft in action, and on the tarmac at Middle Wallop aerodrome. The attention to detail is extraordinary.
Below, top left, is my current 1/3.5-scale version of the Petrel. Top right is Darren Maple’s Petrel at Middle Wallop. Below that, three 1/3.5-scale versions also at Middle Wallop aerodrome.
Against that beautiful blue sky backdrop, Steve Fraquet launches his much-flown version at a White Sheet Club Scale Fly-In. On the right is the same aircraft in an atypical attitude which shows the versatility of the HQ wing section.
Here I am launching my 1/5-scale version at White Sheet Hill along with a shot of the it in the air on the same day.
The following video brings together all of my love and enthusiasm for this classic glider both on the bench and in the field.
I hope you enjoy watching the video and listening to the original soundtrack, which I also composed and performed.
©2021 Chris Williams
Aircraft Specifications
- 1/3.5-scale Petrel: Span: 4.9m, weight: 22lbs (10kgs), wing section: HQ35/17 at root, transitioning to 35/12 at the tip
- 1/4-scale Petrel: Span: 4.3m, weight: 14lbs (6.3kgs), wing section: HQ35/14 at root, transitioning to 35/12 at the tip
- 1/5-scale Petrel: Span: 3.4m, weight: 8.5lbs (3.9kgs)
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