Overview
Peter Rake's Sopwith Tabloid is a beautifully designed 1/8 scale model of one of the most significant early British aircraft of World War I. With a 42-inch wingspan and light balsa construction, the model is designed for brushless electric power and offers the excellent flying characteristics that have made Peter Rake's designs so popular. The Tabloid has always been a great favourite with modellers, largely because it doesn't seem to matter what scale it is modelled to – they always fly well, and this particular model is no different.
This Varlocity Laser & Models laser-cut short kit provides the precision-cut components required to begin construction, allowing builders the satisfaction of completing the remaining structure using traditional techniques. The kit is ideal for modellers looking for a small, quiet model that captures the essence of early aviation.
Aircraft History
The Sopwith Tabloid was a British biplane designed by Thomas Sopwith and first flown in November 1913. It was originally a sporting aircraft, but its impressive performance led to its adoption by the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service at the outbreak of World War I. The Tabloid was one of the first aircraft used by the RFC in the war, initially serving as a reconnaissance and light bomber aircraft. Its name came from the tabloid newspaper format, reflecting the aircraft's compact size and businesslike appearance.
The Tabloid was powered by an 80 hp Gnome rotary engine, giving it a top speed of 92 mph, which was remarkable for the time. On 22 September 1914, the Royal Naval Air Service used Tabloids to bomb the Zeppelin sheds at Düsseldorf and Cologne, marking one of the first strategic bombing raids of the war. One of the Düsseldorf raiders, piloted by Flt Lt Marix, dropped a 20-lb bomb from 400 ft and scored a direct hit, destroying Zeppelin Z IX.
The aircraft also served with the Royal Flying Corps in France until June 1915, when it was replaced by more modern types. The Tabloid established Sopwith's reputation as a designer of high-performance aircraft and paved the way for later successes such as the Sopwith Pup and Camel.
About the Model
Peter Rake's Sopwith Tabloid is designed to 1/8th scale, giving a wingspan of 41.5 to 42 inches. The model is designed for brushless electric power and is intended for three or four function control. The construction follows Peter's well-proven method, featuring a simple and light structure that is both strong and easy to build. The design is typical of Rake's preferred construction methods, with a forward fuselage box mated to a stick-built rear fuselage.
The basic structures use conventional modelling tools and materials such as balsa and plywood, and the techniques are straightforward. The plan includes full-size templates for all required parts. The model is designed for a fine and mildly aerobatic performance, with flight characteristics that are typical of the type – stable, predictable, and a pleasure to fly.
Features
- Precision laser-cut balsa and plywood components
- Based on the original Peter Rake design
- Traditional built-up construction
- Accurate rib and former profiles
- Lightweight design for excellent flight performance
- Designed for brushless electric power
- Three or four function control (depending on builder choice)
- Scale-faithful WWI biplane outlines
- Proven flying characteristics
- Manufactured by Varlocity Laser & Models
Why You'll Love Building It
- Traditional stick-built aeromodelling that's enjoyable from the first rib to final covering.
- A rewarding project for builders of all skill levels.
- The light, simple construction produces an excellent flying model with a fine performance.
- Small size allows for flying from most smallish fields.
- Peter Rake's proven design is a great flyer and a worthy addition to any hangar.
What's Included
- Precision laser-cut balsa wing ribs
- Laser-cut plywood formers
- Laser-cut fuselage components
- Wing ribs
- Tailplane components
- Fin and rudder components
- Lite-ply structural parts
- Additional laser-cut structural components shown on the original plan
Only the precision laser-cut wooden parts are supplied. Strip and sheet wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, and power system are not included.
What's Required
Mandatory Items
- Original Peter Rake plans - Available separately on Outerzone
- Strip wood
- Sheet balsa
- Plywood sheeting where required
- Building board
- Adhesives
- Covering materials
- Hinges
- Control linkages and pushrods
- Hardware
- Power system
- Radio system
Recommended Equipment
- Brushless outrunner motor (appropriate size for the model)
- Appropriate speed controller
- 3 or 4 function radio system (depending on builder choice)
- Mini or micro servos
- Battery pack for electric power
- Appropriate propeller
Verified Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Designer | Peter Rake |
| Aircraft | Sopwith Tabloid |
| Scale | 1/8 |
| Wingspan | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Length | Not specified on the original plan |
| Wing Area | Not specified on the original plan |
| Flying Weight | Not specified on the original plan |
| Power Type | Brushless electric |
| Construction | Balsa and plywood |
| Radio Functions | 3 or 4 (depending on builder choice) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate builder |
Recommended Equipment
- Brushless outrunner motor (appropriate size for the model)
- Appropriate speed controller
- 3 or 4 function radio system (depending on builder choice)
- Mini or micro servos
- Battery pack for electric power
- Appropriate propeller
These recommendations are based on the original design documentation. Builders may select equivalent modern equipment to suit their preferences.
Builder Notes
- Suitable for intermediate builders with some experience in traditional balsa construction.
- As with many large-scale plans, some builders have noted that the plans leave room for builder interpretation, which is part of the traditional scratch-building experience.
- One builder has noted that the model is closer to 1/7 scale, suggesting the wingspan may be slightly larger than 1/8 scale. Check the scaling carefully before starting to build.
- Study the plans carefully before starting to build.
- Dry-fit major assemblies before gluing.
- Maintain accurate alignment throughout construction.
- Keep the tail structure as light as practical.
- Balance the completed aircraft carefully at the recommended centre of gravity.
- Lightweight covering is recommended for best performance.
- Pay particular attention to the wing rigging, which is essential for structural integrity in a model of this type.
Historical Information
Manufacturer: Sopwith Aviation Company
Country: United Kingdom
First Flight: November 1913
Primary Role: Reconnaissance / Light Bomber
The Sopwith Tabloid was one of the first aircraft to see active service with the Royal Flying Corps at the outbreak of World War I. It was a two-seat biplane designed by Thomas Sopwith, and its name reflected its compact, businesslike appearance, reminiscent of the tabloid newspaper format. The aircraft was powered by an 80 hp Gnome rotary engine, giving it a top speed of 92 mph.
The Tabloid is perhaps best known for the first strategic bombing raids of the war. On 22 September 1914, Royal Naval Air Service Tabloids bombed the Zeppelin sheds at Düsseldorf and Cologne. One of the Düsseldorf raiders, piloted by Flt Lt Marix, scored a direct hit on Zeppelin Z IX, destroying it. The Tabloid also served with the RFC in France until June 1915, and its success established Sopwith's reputation as a leading aircraft manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this kit include the plans?
No. The original Peter Rake plans are required separately and are available as a free download from Outerzone. - Is hardware included?
No. This is a laser-cut short kit only. - Is this suitable for beginners?
Some experience with traditional balsa construction is recommended. - Can it be covered with film covering?
Yes. Lightweight iron-on film is suitable. - Can modern radio equipment be used?
Yes. Modern micro receivers and servos are entirely suitable. - Does the kit include strip wood?
No. Strip wood and sheeting must be supplied by the builder. - What motor is recommended?
A brushless outrunner motor appropriate for a 42-inch span model is recommended. - What functions does it use?
The model can be built for three (rudder, elevator, throttle) or four (adding ailerons) functions, depending on builder choice.
Safety & Disclaimer
This product is a precision laser-cut short kit. Strip wood, hardware, covering materials, adhesives, electronics, power system and building supplies are not included unless specifically stated. Builder experience is recommended. Power system recommendations are suggestions only and should be selected to suit the completed aircraft and intended flying style. All specifications are based on the original Peter Rake design documentation and are subject to builder interpretation. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for the final assembly, airworthiness, or operation of the completed model. The builder assumes all responsibility for the safe construction and operation of the model aircraft.
