Eric Clutton is perhaps better known in the USA not as the designer/builder of the Clutton FRED, but as Dr. Diesel, a master model aircraft builder and advocate and distributor of diesel model aircraft engines for many years.  As you can see from the pic below and a birthday post from a couple of years ago, Eric himself has built lovely models of his favorite subject…FRED!

There are a number of scale model FRED plans and kits out there, so here are two:

FRED is particularly popular in the Peanut and Pistachio rubber-powered, free-flight model classes, which are limited by wingspans and length and not a particular scale.  FRED’s low aspect ratio wing provides generous area within those limits and makes for a great flyer.  Here is a free Peanut FRED plan from the Outerzone plans site, which could be easily scaled up for electric free flight or a light RC setup.

Fully in keeping with FRED’s cheeky looks and Eric’s mischievous humor, if you don’t mind spending the money on a kit, here is a “ToonSCALE” electric park flyer version of FRED.  That cartoon pilot even looks a bit like a young Eric Clutton.  ;-)

If you know of a source for model FRED plans or kits, please post the link here.  If we find enough, I’ll add a new page to the site just about model FREDs.  I am sure Dr. Diesel will be thrilled!

Cheers,

Matthew

Happy birthday, Eric, 84 years young today!  In honor of Eric and his remarkable accomplishments over almost seven decades in aviation, click on the title above to take another look at his poignant and often hilarious interview for the EAA Timeless Voices collection.

Evan Belworthy’s modified Clutton FRED ZK-FRD is no stranger to this site, previously featured in A New Zealand FRED turns 30! and The Beating Heart of ZK-FRD, not to mention several photos in the FRED Worldwide Photo Gallery.  Despite some shaking from Mother Nature, here is a brand new video of ZK-FRD shot just yesterday.  I’ll let Evan tell the story.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, pulled FRED out last night and took some video on the camera and then have posted it on YouTube.  Hopefully you can use, just had a look at the FRED website, do like the NZ FREDs.

Christchurch where we are based has had another round of “after shocks,“ we seem to be settling down again.

Enjoyed the FRED flying last night, had the son on the camera and I just did some circuits to get the clip.  FRED was keen to go and with the summer temps very pleasant.  The flying is off the home strip.

Thanks very much, Evan, and Happy New Year to you and all the FRED fans everywhere!