Drawn by the late Martyn Pressnell, a collection of model aircraft designs selected for their aesthetic qualities or unique origins. All drawings are A0 size, some as twin plans. The list below includes Vintage Models generally pre 1951 and Classic Models 1951 to 1961. Martyn as now passed on, when these plans are sold there will no more.
1942 The 40 in span Lightweight Contest rubber model with a diamond fuselage. Redrawn from an early source drawing, now as a fully developed plan showing all details. A model to the older FAI specifications, about Wakefield size.
This is the unique plan of the late Mick Farthing’s last lightweight rubber model of 1946. The very light machine had a near vertical climb and extended duration in fairly calm conditions. Produced from the designer’s working drawing. Meets SAM Small Rubber class rules. Twin plan with the RAFF V.
Designed by Norman Marcus who was National Champion in 1946. His very successful RAFF V was typical of the lightweight type of rubber model, now suiting the BMFA Rubber class rules and SAM small rubber rules. Better proportioned than many, it proved a thoroughbred with its single-bladed folding propeller. Twin plan with the PAPER BAG.
Swedish Championship glider, placed second in the first World International in 1950. Acknowledged trend setter, probably the best vintage Nordic A2 glider before the Classic era of 1951. Published in Sweden.
Designed by Albert Hatfull and kitted in 1950. Probably the most successful kitted rubber model of all time. Renowned for its stability and contest performance, with 30 in. projected span (32 in. true span) and tip dihedral. Twin plan with the ACE.
Designed by Bill Dean and kitted in 1950. Reliable and attractive beginner’s model of 30 in span and vee-dihedral wing. Drawn with traditional balsawood free-wheeling propeller. Twin plan with SENATOR.
Designed by Bill Farrance after his experience with the GB Team at the 1952 World Championships in Austria. Capable of a full 4 minutes from the 328 ft towline, an acclaimed glider of proven performance, twice winner of the SAM Radislav Rybach trophy. Published in 1953 and compliant with the SAM Vintage specification.
One of the most successful open rubber models of its time, designed by this highly respected British team member. Winner of the Model Aircraft Trophy at the 1958 British Nationals. Potentially as capable today with 75 gram rubber as a BMFA Rubber class model. Approved by the Bournemouth MAS for Club Classic Rubber events. Twin plan with Boxall’s SEAPLANE.
The remarkable small Open Rubber Model designed by Jim Baguley, a model resembling a small stretched Wakefield of 1953. Dependable and easily trimmed, climbs in a steep and rapid spiral climb. Has proven to be the most popular model approved for Bournemouth MAS Club Classic Rubber events. Twin plan with FIRST RESORT.
Design by Urlan Wannop from Scotland with many successes north of the border, a 38 in. span, V dihedral wing of geodetic construction and with a diamond box fuselage. This is a potentially high performance rubber model to suit the BMFA Rubber class, while being an approved Bournemouth MAS Club Classic rubber model. Twin plan with McGILLIVRAY’S LIGHTWEIGHT.
The 1956 glider designs of the later Peter Giggle and Mavis Pepper, remarkable for their list of competition places including two times winner of the Thurston Cup at the 1957 and 158 Nationals. In scope of SAM Classic glider events.
The ultimate Canadian lightweight rubber model of 36 in. span, V-dihedral wing, with jig-built diamond box fuselage. Two piece wing to avoid damage and for easy transport. Approved Bournemouth MAS Club Classic design. A challenge to the discerning builder, or with simplified construction for the BMFA Rubber class. Twin plan with WINDING BOY II.
The renowned lightweight glider of 51 in span, designed for kitting in 1959 by Neville Willis. The most successful competition glider ever kitted, with innumerable wins to its credit. A favourite with aeromodellers world wide. Twin plan with GAUCHO.
A first class model for 1.5 cc engines. Designed in 1959 by Neville Willis, it proved an ideal kit introduction to free flight power duration. A classic model suited to British Power events today. Twin plan with CAPRICE.
Completing this duo of contest machines, commemorating Fred Boxall The Seaplane established itself in this challemnging form of flight, constructed in his inimitable style, guaranteed to fly well. Twin plan with the 1956 OPEN RUBBER MODEL.
Designed by Martyn Pressnell for the BMFA Rubber Class, development of Jim Baguley’s design using 50g of rubber, 36" span, tip dihedral. Twin plan with LAST RESORT.
This design was conceived by Bert Judge to the 1945 rules as a direct descendent of his 1936 Wakefield Cup winner, as kitted by FROG. It was closely related to the FROG JANUS power model of 1947.The Wakefield was not built until Bert’s retirement many year’s later. A beautifully conceived and well-proportioned model with aerodynamically clean lines.
A 150% enlargemant of the 1949 HALFAX HERMES, the purposeful high wing sport model, designed by John Magson for Halfax Models of Halifax in 1949. In the true vintage style but sleek to capture the competitive thrust of that time. Very suited to Texaco type events or for stooging around. Designed for radio assist by Martyn Pressnell.
The Canadian Wakefield that placed 5th in the World Championships staged at Cranfield, England, in 1949. A distinguished model of attractive appearance, and with a double-bladed folding prop.
The Swedish Wakefield which placed 6th in the Championships staged at Cranfield, England, in 1949. A semi-streamlined, triple finned, shoulder winged model with a free-wheel prop. The most visually attractive in the top group.
John Gorham’s 1951 Wakefield, produced from photographs and in accordance with the original working drawings. One of the most successful rubber models from the early 1950’s. Suitable for 75 gram motor as defined for Classic models from 2007.
The geared geodetic model, developed by Ron Warring for twin motors, being the ultimate design in his long series of famous Wakefields. Drawn from the original model and contemporary sources.
George French’s Night Train which pioneered the use of VIT systems in the UK, to control the power-on trim of FAI models. Coming at the end of the Classic era it was to prove immensely successful in future international events. A most attractive model with elliptical surfaces, it will perform well in Classic and SLOP events today.
These are 3 well known gliders scaled to 36" span and suitable for the assisted launch technique that has now beome popular in the UK and overseas. The 30 metre launch cable normally contains 7.5 metres of 3mm flat rubber strip stretched to suit the model and the prevailing wind strength. This is intended to give an automatic launch at 30 metres or more height. Each model has been scaled and drawn with appropriate structural rationalisation.
AVENGER CLASSIC A/2This 1952 design of National Champion John Goreham and kitted in Ipswich. It is an attractive model with swept wing tips and tailplane.
CAPRICE CLASSIC 1959 This is the well-known and very succesful lightweight glider of 51" span designed by Neville Willis for kitting by Keil Jraft.
ODENMAN'S VINTAGE A/2 This was the Swedish National Championship glider of 1950 designed by Ragnar Odenman and subsequently kitted as the "Viking". It is noted for its elegance in the Swedish style with diamond fusalage and glazed pylon wing mounting.
J. Bennett's Satu vintage A/2 of 1950. The Frog Petrel beginner's kit glider of 164. Brian Dowling's Mad's Dream classic A/2 of 1959.
For further details, including pictures, take a look at MSP Plans. Here you will find further details of the models together with articles by Martyn.
See the Product Reviews for further information.