What's On This Site:

Electric Round the Pole Flying

What is ERTP flying? I'll let Pat March tell you. He's been into this for a long, long time. If the pictures and ideas interest you - and they should if you live where the weather's not always good, then here's a way to fly indoors. Pat runs the Skonk Works, and their symbol ain't no cat!

From Skonk Works 1998 Catalog - $2 (Ya gotta get this thing!)

WELCOME TO ELECTRIC ROUND THE PYLON FLIGHT!
Visit the SKONK WORKS web site at http://www.aquasite.com/skonkworks

In the late '60s, I thought I had invented ERTP. But the English had beat me to it. They had a twin engine Vikers Viking, with landing lights, running lights, retractable landing gear and working flaps flying at an RAF charity function as early as 1945. This machine used home made AC motors!

This is a photo of the plane Pat's talking about. It is a Vicker's Viking and was flown at Dorland Hall from 1945 through 1946. It had a span of 40 inches and made over 1000 flights! It was created by the staff of Aeromodeller. They also created a DeHavilland Vampire with the ducted fan unit being electrically driven. The Vampire also had a retractable undercarriage.
To the left is picture of the Skonk Work's mascot. Pat continues - You need not make your own motors. We have a variety of good low voltage dc motors for you to use. Pylons have come a long way, too. Skonk Works provides one that allows you to operate elevators on your models. Many multi engine models have been flown. Ducted fans are practical, and we have two for you to choose from.

The educational value of ERTP is incalculable. Novices learn not only practical skills in making their models, they also get a painless introduction to electrical theory and practice, as well as solid knowledge of geometry, some math, and physics. Participation in ERTP modeling has lead to solid careers in engineering and toolmaking. All this while having fun!

We invite you to get our catalog and look through it while letting your imagination run free. You will think of odd possibilities that you just have to try out!

We want to hear of your successes with ERTP. We are also concerned when something does not work to your expectations. New ideas are welcome, but don't be surprised if I suggest that you do the development work! This can be rewarding or extremely frustrating. Most developments exhibit both aspects. Phone calls are welcome. You can usually get me from 7 to 7 (Eastern), 7 days a week. I love to talk modeling.

Some of my customers communicate by E-Mail. This is quick and economical. I check my computer at least once a day, and will respond to any inquiries or thoughts that you send me. You can find me at insideman@worldnet.att.net - Happy Modeling!

SKONK WORKS
1890 Forestdale Ave.
Beavercreek, OH 45432
Phone 513-429-2411

For those of you in the U.K., you might want to get information from:

INDOORS OR OUT
Combat Flying is Great With
Electric RTP
Kits, motors and accessories.
You can start for as little as £20
For Handbook and Mail Order
Catalogue send £2 in Stamps.
Chq. or P.O. or 81.R.C. to:
D-BALLARDS
54 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells,
Kent TN1 2AS Tel: 01892 531803


Ken Welch was a very interested spectator as Richard Utkan flew the Spitfire at an EFO meeting. Ken’s was building a Voltswagon for ERTP.

The Spit can be seen on the far left of the picture. Richard Utkan and Ken Welch get ready to put Richard's plane in the air. On the far right, a little duct tape keeps the landing gear from getting tripped by the power line, but, dare I say, a typical Richard landing?