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I flew in two of these when I was 14 years old I was lucky enough to get up in cockpit flying back to the UK from Zambia in May 1970

This is the actual plane I flew back to the UK in.  Sadly she was scrapped some years ago.

As I'm a radio controlled flyer I've decided to try and build one.  Easy I thought find a plan and build it, wrong!!.  There have been very few radio controlled Vickers VC10 built  I did find one in Quiet Flight International but not much in the way of details.

I've spent hours on the internet looking and found some help in several forums on www.rcgroups.com and http://www.modelflying.co.uk/ but in the end I'll have to scratch build it myself.

This site is dedicated to the VC10 and has been some help http://www.vc10.net/

My plans are about 90% complete and I'll post them up in DXF format when ready.

My intention was to build a test plane first using a pusher prop with Lipo batteries to sort out any issues before I start with a larger model.  The build will likely be in Depron using a slotted spine and then filled with foam.  I saw this technique on www.rcpowers.com on their MIG29 build. (Which I am also building).

The test plane I expect to be about 36" in wingspan and then if  OK the bigger version will be 72" with 4 EDF brushless motors and Lipro batteries .( update - Decided to go straight for the big one)

The real plane is still used by the RAF as a transport and tanker for air to air refuelling.  Apparently its a real favourite the the American fighter pilots because the engine position create very little turbulence.

July 19th 2009

Have been in contact with Alasdair Sutherland form RCModelWorld magazine on his article regarding Scale weight.  He's very kindly sent me some information that is going to help in the build.

I'm currently working through an excellent book on AutoCad as I realised my CAD skills we hindering me in the design process. here's a link to it
http://www.sybex.com/WileyCDA/SybexTitle/AutoCAD-2007-and-AutoCAD-LT-2007-No-Experience-Required.productCd-0470008776.html

Aug 10th 2009

Found some good drawings in eps format (Encapsulated Post Script) at http://www.elodieroux.com/EditionsElodieRouxBonus_Drawings.html which have very kindly been converted to DXF format by the author Élodie Roux.  I will use these as the basis for my design.

Aug 20th 2009

I now have a scale drawing in CAD format  which I can start to plan the RC version.  I've decided  to scrap the small version and go straight for the larger version.

Dec 8th 2009

Plan is at the stage where I need to start building the main fuselage and wings.  I haven't fully worked out all the details yet, but once I have some of the build I will be able to work that out.  Engines are proving difficult to visualise in how I mount them.  I'm considering using 2 pusher props on the outer engines as this may be more efficient than 4 small EDF's.  Fuselage former template has been made which I will use to cut 8 formers out.

Jan 15th 2010

First part of plan printed going to be quite a size,  fuselage length 58"

Feb 15th 2010

Build has started see pictures below.  Finding some errors in plan and will be updating CAD drawing as I find them.

Green Air Designs are doing  a VC10 as well.  In prototype but some very impressive pics on their website have a look http://www.greenairdesigns.com/lab/index.php?option=com_agora&task=topic&id=6&Itemid=112

Check this video out on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0NlWiMFNBI VC10's and a Vulcan doesn't get much better than that

March 9th 2010

Have made a jig to hold the fuselage straight when the glue is applied.  As its so long I was worried about it turning into a banana.  I’ve also built a hot wire foam cutting table to make some of the parts.

March 16th 2010

Jig was covered in cling film and fuselage profiles glued with 5 minute epoxy.  Once set overnight top formers were hot glued on.  Then removed from jig , cling film did its job.  I’m amazed at how solid it now feels.  need to get bottom formers on now.

March 21st 2010

Fell of my racing bike on Friday coming home from work, couldn't go flying , a bit banged up so had a good day in the workshop.  Engines are well on the way now.

Also started a build log on RCGroups http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1212259&highlight=vc10

April 13th 2010

A bit more work on the tail.  Have decided to redo the engines not happy with the look.  Just looks like four tubes.  Going to make them in three sections with more shape to them.

8th May 2010

Progress a bit slow, but now have figured out how I'm doing the tailplane.  A servo in each tailplane.  I tried to figure out other ways but in the end this seemed the best and most reliable solution.

Have order 4 x 55mm EDF with 4100Kv brushless motors, need these to really figure out the engines installation

8 June 2010

One pair of engine almost complete.  Have some video on youtube showing engine test. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkhuZp5Y3yY

8th July 2010

I’ve been to visit Mike Black at GreenAirDesigns, while on holiday in Norfolk.  (this post from a wifi point in Norfolk).  His VC10 looks very impressive and given me a lift in getting mine further on.  Had a real good chat with Mike really nice bloke.  He produces some very impressive models and I think his English Electric Lightning is on my xmas wish list.  Already have the GAD Vulcan and that flies superb

Engines are ready for mounting and tail is almost finished.  Thinking about switch 1 pair of motors off when airborne but not sure how I’d do that.

15th July 2010

Engine mounted at last. Now on to the tail.

After visiting Mike at GAD I’ve been inspired by his kit and I’m going to have a go at build a CNC foam cutter. Been doing quite a bit of research on the net and its doesn’t look to difficult, but I won’t start it until the VC10 is finished.

12th August 2010

Well its been a while since I've posted any updates on the VC10 but I've been building and testing a new foam cutter which I seem to have got working OK now.  Its the feather cut type with wire pulling the bow through.  I decided to do the wings with white foam and balsa Leading Edge and a strong spar in the wing.  I've tested a small piece and then covered in brown paper with PVA.  Amazingly strong and very light.  I've chosen this method as I can build in the 2 degree washout on the tip template as against doing a built up wing.  Originally I was going to use 3mm depron and a traditional type build with spares and ribs.  I've made the wing in 3 parts with the tip being made of balsa.  Middle section has come out well but the root section didn't go as well, so I need to redo them.  I've also started a new project, a hot wire cnc foam cutter.  Which I've now purchased the motors and electronic for and have the plan for the machine.    This you tube link show one in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV79pjFDdRY.